Wolves wing-back ready to fight for starting berth
Rodrigo Gomes admits he has missed his Wolves team-mates this summer, as he aims to fight for a place in the starting XI this year.
The 22-year-old missed the pre-season camp in Portugal and only returned to training on Tuesday after being given an extended holiday due to his involvement with Portugal in the under-21s European Championships.
Gomes was a second half substitute as Wolves drew 1-1 with Stoke in Saturday's friendly and he was delighted to be back in action as he targets a bigger role in 2025/26.
"I was missing that, I was missing being here with the lads," Gomes told the Express & Star.
"I love this, I love practicing, I love being with the team.
"It was a very tough week, the first week is always tough and now we had this game.
"It was a very good game, very tough for us.
"Stoke is a very good team and I think we are in a good way.
"We need to practice more."
Gomes' first season at Wolves saw him play regularly but often as an impact player from the bench and he is now keen to establish himself in the upcoming campaign.
"I'm doing my work, since the first day, I was here to try to play more, to be more in the first team," he added.
"I'm trying to do that. It's Vitor's decision, but I'm doing my best.
"I'm working hard every day to be on the first team always."
Gomes was introduced as a right-wing-back against Stoke and played there under Vitor Pereira last season when the head coach was appointed and switched the playing system.
It is a position he has played for club and country previously in his career - while his versatility also allows him to play on the left.
Gomes insists he enjoys that position, despite the defensive duties, and he is ready to play wherever the head coach requires him to.
"I'm feeling very comfortable in that position," Gomes said.
"It's the position that I play most of the time, on the right or on the left. I feel comfortable on both sides.
"If Vitor needs me more in the back, I play in the back. If Vitor needs me more in the front, I play in the front.
"I just want to play, I just want to help the team.
"I try to do that, I try to create chances, I try to score goals. That's my game.
"I'm always running, always giving my best."
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