Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil said he is “really pleased with the progression” made by versatile defender Toti Gomes, who was Wolves’ only fit recognised centre-back for last weekend’s impressive 4-1 win at Fulham.
Toti mainly played rugby during his childhood and only seriously got into football during his teenage years, but now the 25-year-old is a regular starter for the Premier League club and made his senior debut for Portugal last season.
“He had the physical attributes to allow him to play at Premier League level, no doubt. He was quick enough and strong enough,” said O’Neil.
“We had to work on some of his understanding of defending, how to defend some spaces – and we’re still working hard on that stuff. And the big thing was trying to get him to a better level with the ball – not technically, because technically he’s capable – but just trying to give him better pictures that were clearer for him and give him a better understanding.
“The real trump card Toti has is that everything you give him, he will literally keep trying until you blow the whistle and tell him to go. He’ll keep doing it for as long as he can and he’ll keep trying to get better.
“He’s a great lad to have in the group, the lads and the coaching staff love him. He’s one of those guys you root for.
“When you see him doing well, because of the journey he’s been on, you are really pleased for him. If he has a bad game, everyone is really disappointed for him because we know how hard he’s worked and how well he wants to do.
“He gets a lot of support, as do all of the players. I support all of them with everything I have to try to get them into a place where they feel comfortable to be able to perform, but they still feel enough of that pressure that they know they need to [perform well]. Hopefully we’re in that sweet spot at the moment.”