Ruben Neves was one of many Wolverhampton Wanderers players to come away with praise from some supporters after Thursday’s Europa League win over Espanyol. The 22-year-old pulled all the strings in midfield and scored a trademark wonder goal from distance as Wolves put one foot in the Europa League last-16.
Neves saw a lot of the ball at Molineux, showcased his fantastic range of passing and turned over possession nine times. He scored in the 52nd minute, bringing down a clearance on his chest while holding off a player and volleying an effort from outside the area. Andres Prieto had no chance of stopping it and fans were delighted with his contribution.
https://twitter.com/JoeBligh1877/status/1230640643027996673?s=20
Jota was back to his best tonight back to back hat tricks in Europa League, however Neves stole MoTM for me superb effort in the middle of the park and oh that wonder goal again #WOLESP #UEL #wwfc 🐺
— Ally Corfield (@cork1973) February 20, 2020
Good solid performance, Jota hat trick but Neves sublime, hope to finish job off next week #wwfc
— WolvesFirst (@WolvesFirst) February 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/HDB17/status/1230633868379795463?s=20
What a bloody night! Jota and Neves, two magicians at work. Back-to-back hat-tricks in the Europa League for the former as well. Mental. #wwfc https://t.co/EuWCdTqpAP
— Joe Edwards (@JoeEdwards43) February 20, 2020
Against Espanyol, Neves played for 90 minutes, had 76 touches, created one chance, had two shots and one goal, completed 75% of his 56 passes, found a teammate with five of his 13 long balls, made three tackles, drew one foul, made six interceptions and had two successful dribbles.
The 22-year-old has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating six goals. Next up for Neves and Wolves is a meeting with Norwich City on Sunday.
How far will Wolves go in the Europa League?
Final
Semi-final
Quarter-final
No further than the round of 16
