The Wolves player who won just 20% of his duels vs Nottingham Forest – he may have blown a golden chance

The Wolves player who won just 20% of his duels vs Nottingham Forest – he may have blown a golden chance

Despite losing to the surprise Champions League challengers, there were some positives from the game, especially Rodrigo Gomes’ performance.

Dave Edwards lauded Gomes, a 21-year-old left wing-back, as Wolves’ most ‘exciting’ player due to his defending and attacking abilities.

Pedro Lima, who made his Premier League debut, also performed admirably despite challenging conditions.

While one of his Wolves colleagues was injured, the 18-year-old shown fearlessness and exceptional skill down the right flank.

Lima and Gomes, two of Pereira’s younger players, had an impact against Forest, whereas Tommy Doyle failed to do so.

Doyle made his debut for the Portuguese in the absence of Andre, who returned to South America for his son’s birth.

Replacing the Brazilian was always going to be difficult because he has worked so well alongside Joao Gomes, but everyone is aware of Doyle’s technical ability.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old was unable to show it against Forest, winning only 20% of his duels (1/5), and making no tackles, important passes, or successful dribbles.

Pereira stated Doyle went’missing’ on Monday night, and statistics support his assertion. Journalist Nathan Judah also criticized the midfielder.

“Up steps Tommy Doyle, and we both thought it was great chance to show what he’s made of and impress,” Judah told Shots TV.

“I felt he got off to a good start, but there were a few errant passes, which is not what Tommy Doyle is known for.

“We attribute him to distribution, which is fantastic in a Wolves shirt, but it was lacking last night. I thought he was a touch whiny, throwing his hands up in the air when things didn’t go as planned.

“I’m not sure that’s a good look when you’re being positive, like we’ve seen with Pereira. So, certainly, I believe he’ll be disappointed with his performance.

Doyle’s performance was out of character, and he would almost certainly be dropped in normal circumstances, but his next FA Cup match comes against Bristol City.

The Englishman will most likely remain in the starting lineup as Pereira is short on options, particularly if Andre is unavailable.

This means Doyle has an immediate opportunity to redeem himself following a bad Premier League performance by leading his team to victory at Ashton Gate.

Doyle has fond memories of playing in this competition, scoring in a third-round match against Brentford last season, and Pereira is hoping for another rare goal on Saturday.

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