Diogo Jota’s move to Liverpool for £41m came as a surprise to many. Wolves were looking to recoup the money that they spent on Young portugese forward Fabio Silva. The move also saw Liverpool Defender Ki-Jana Hoever going the other way as part of the negotiations. While Liverpool strengthened in their forward position with this signing, Wolves will now need to replace his Goals and they will need to do it quickly.
Jota has helped contribute 16 goals and 6 assists in his 67 appearances in the Premier League. He was also instrumental in their European clashes last season. Most of these 67 appearances came off the bench which shows just why Liverpool got him, he can make an instant impact in key games when he comes on. Diogo Jota’s versatility will be something that Wolves will desperately miss. His knack for coming on as a substitute and still being able to read the speed of the game is also a key element of his game. Jota could link up play with Speedster Adoma Traore and set up counter attacks in a flash.
Wolves will be hoping that their investment in Fabio Silva pays off and he steps up to fill the Jota shaped departure. But Silva looks like an investment and not just an impact signing, Silva was signed as a prospect which Wolves will develop. So to assume that Silva will immediately have the same impact as Jota is a bit unfair. But Wolves already seem to have a player of similar profile already in their ranks, Daniel Podence.
Daniel Podence strengthened Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options following his move from Olympiacos. The 24-year-old joined Wolves in the 2020 January transfer window signing a four-year contract. Podence was part of the Olympiacos team that went unbeaten for the first half of the season, during which period he made 27 appearances meaning he was a key part of that side.
Podence has a similar profile to Jota, being versatile and playing as a winger or as a second striker. He also holds the same attributes with link up play and his low centre of gravity makes him a great dribbler, Podence also helps in creating chances with his dribbling as he demonstrated at Olympiacos in their 2-2 draw in the champions league against Tottenham in which Podence bagged one of the goals.
A quick dribbler with the ability to link up play, it is time for Wolves to give more game time to Podence with Jota out the door they will need an injection of creativity to their side. Podence has only made 11 appearances in a Wolves shirt, but that is set to increase this season. And with Fabio Silva looking to settle in his first season Podence will be critical in many games this season. Podence has a long way to go if he wants to make himself a first team regular, but this season will see a lot of rotation at Molineux. With new signings trying to settle in. This could give Podence an opportunity to make his mark on the first team.
