Neves ready to hunt down the biggest prey
THERE is a banner at Molineux which reads: “The strength of the wolf is in the pack.”
But every pack needs a leader and for Wolves that has been Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves.
His £15.8m move from Porto in July 2017 was a record fee for a Championship club.
However, his decision to join upwardly mobile Wolves has been thoroughly vindicated and he has played a pivotal role under Nuno Espirito Santo.
He has even added a tattoo of a wolf to his left arm.
“I did it because of the animal. I feel the wolf is a very competitive animal, very intelligent,” he said.
“He works hard to achieve his goals and protects his family.
“I didn’t do it because of the club but, of course, it is a bit more special because of that.”
The emblem has added to fans’ devotion to the ace, with supporters singing: “He’s Nuno Santo’s man, he’s better than Zidane.”
Fantastic
The visit of Liverpool in the FA Cup tonight will hold no fears for Neves and Wolves, who have taken points off Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs this season.
But level-headed Neves, 21, seems like the last person to get carried away. He had his whole family over from Portugal for New Year to mark the end of a “dream” 2018.
He has celebrated the first birthday of his daughter Magarida in the past 12 months and also got engaged to sweetheart Debora, who will give birth to a baby boy in April.
“It was a fantastic year for me and my family,” said Neves. “We won the Championship.
“It was my big dream, to win a title, and we achieved it. I’ve since made my debut in the Premier League and enjoyed the first half of the season.
“My girlfriend and I also got engaged and she is pregnant again. I have a little boy due in April and I will do my best to have another big year for me, my family and the club.” Neves signed a new lucrative five-year deal at Wolves last summer and seems genuinely content.
He has two goals and an assist in 19 top-flight appearances in midfield alongside countryman Joao Moutinho, who joined in July.
It has been a thrill for Neves to partner his compatriot after growing up a fan and ball boy at Porto, where Moutinho starred.
“It was really special when he signed here,” said Neves. “He was a reference for me as a ball boy and now to play with him, it is unbelievable.”
But the player Neves has always looked up to the most is Italian legend Andrea Pirlo, a World Cup winner, who retired aged 38 in November 2017.
Neves would love an equally glorious career and, given his ability and intellect, it can’t be ruled out.
What is certain is he will add to his nine Portugal caps after his surprising World Cup omission last year.
It means the Wolves No.8 could end up facing England in the Nations League final in June.
By which time Gareth Southgate’s squad, and the English public, will already be well aware of his talents.