In the aftermath of the Wolves’ 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, star player Matheus Cunha hinted at a potential change in his position orchestrated by manager Gary O’Neil. Cunha, who found the net in the match, revealed that O’Neil desires him to be more ‘free,’ strongly implying a shift away from playing him as a lone central striker.
This ongoing positional debate has been a recurring theme since Cunha joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the year. The initial plan was for him to operate primarily as a striker, occasionally featuring in wider positions. However, the £60,000-a-week Brazilian is not a traditional number nine, with his success often stemming from playing just behind the main striker.
Despite scoring his fifth goal of the season against Nottingham Forest, Cunha has not consistently played in his preferred position. Recent reports suggested that O’Neil is prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker in the January transfer window, aiming to deploy Cunha in a deeper role to leverage his ball-carrying abilities and link-up play more effectively.
After the draw with Forest, Cunha essentially confirmed O’Neil’s preference, stating, “I always know he has the best for me, he always talks with me, and he wants me to be free.” These remarks come on the heels of O’Neil’s disclosure that he has been engaged in ‘weekly battles’ with Cunha regarding his position on the field.
The prospect of signing a new striker in January becomes increasingly likely based on Cunha’s revelation, suggesting that O’Neil might be contemplating a tactical adjustment. The desire for a new striker stems from the intention to avoid playing Cunha as a solitary forward.
While Cunha has performed admirably in his current role, there is a sense that this arrangement is temporary. Granting Cunha a more liberated role on the pitch could unlock his full potential. Renowned for his exceptional ball-carrying skills and adept link-up play, Cunha sometimes feels underutilized when deployed as a central striker.
The suggestion is that a new striker leading the line could elevate Cunha’s performance to the next level. Despite his recent improvement in finishing, it appears that O’Neil believes the right move is to position Cunha slightly deeper, allowing him to contribute more dynamically to the team’s overall play.
As Wolves approach the second half of the season, the potential shift in Cunha’s role adds an intriguing layer to their tactical approach. The pursuit of a new striker in the upcoming transfer window might not only address O’Neil’s vision for Cunha but also enhance the team’s attacking prowess.
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