Wolverhampton Wanderers returned to winning ways on Sunday after consecutive defeats in the Premier League, beating Everton 3-0 at Molineux. Daniel Podence was one of many players praised for his performance over the weekend, delivering a Man of the Match showing on his full league debut, so Nuno Espirito Santo now has a selection headache ahead of Wolves’ trip to Burnley on Wednesday.
Brilliant performance, much better today. Could and probably should have scored more. Podence was excellent on his full debut and good to see Jota back on the scoresheet👏🏻needed that after Sheffield United’s win yesterday #WOLEVE #wwfc🐺
— Conal Blanchette (@Conal_56) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/MattyPNFFC/status/1282312203639693312?s=20
Podence is movement is excellent. But for me that I was most impressed with is technical ability, vison, control, first time touches. Think he’s technically the best winger we’ve got imo #wwfc
— Matty (@Matt123525) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/JonnyG92/status/1282320891632857092?s=20
Also an impressive performance from Podence. Jota, Traore, Neto, Podence means I’d be favouring 3-4-3 over 3-5-2 more often than not #wwfc
— Ian Kettle (@ian_kettle) July 12, 2020
@Wolves needed that, if we play bad ill speak my mind, but we usually have little blips.
But yet again we've bounced back, Neves, Podence, Boly, Coady & Donk were great
Doc's good but we need to improve that position to push on
P.S Toffee fans, I'd be worried! #WOLEVE #wwfc
— Who Cares Tw!tter doesn't (@Stephen77974979) July 12, 2020
Podence was excellent and Neves sublime in a one sided game which we probably should have hit at least five. Pleased for Jota on his goal too especially after the early 1 on 1 was fluffed, history has suggested the end of his barren goal runs tends to see a run of goals #wwfc
— WolvesFirst (@WolvesFirst) July 12, 2020
Worries re going w/a MF 2 that inc Donk proved unfounded.
A performance brimming w/intensity, movement and creativity – all that the Arsenal/Sheff U matches weren't.
Neves dictated the game, Podence silky smooth & an interchanging front 3 helped #wwfc play between the lines.
— Paddy Day (@paddyday90) July 12, 2020
Great result and performance today… just what the doctor ordered after last weeks blip… Podence was a breath of fresh air, and what I must admit a little wake up call for Jota…#NunoHadADream #WWFC #PodenceIsFree pic.twitter.com/rpuHqggoG2
— Rich Carter (@RichCarter4) July 12, 2020
Daniel Podence today showed exactly why Wolves shelled out £17million for him in January. He had to wait a while for that league start, but he played with such vigour and quality. Just what Nuno would have hoped for. #wwfc https://t.co/jRMRCAUWVn
— Joe Edwards (@JoeEdwards43) July 12, 2020
Against Everton, Podence played for 70 minutes, had 48 touches, completed 74.2% of his 31 passes, created one chance, had three shots with 66.66% hitting the target, whipped in two crosses, made four dribbles and won two free-kicks.
The 24-year-old joined Wolves from Olympiacos for £17.64m in January and has gone on to make nine appearances in all competitions, notching two assists. Podence has struggled for playing time since his move from Greece with Nuno preferring Adama Traore, Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota, but the wide-man could become a regular after impressing against Everton.
Podence’s future was initially in doubt after his lack of opportunities in 2020, but he’s proven his worth when called upon, justifying his selection. If his fitness isn’t an issue ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Burnley, the 24-year-old shouldn’t have a problem keeping his place.