João Victor Gomes da Silva

João Gomes is a 25-year-old Brazilian central midfielder currently playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Signed for a reported fee of around £18.7 million back in January 2023, he has established himself as one of the more dependable presences in a Wolves midfield that has faced considerable turbulence across recent seasons. His role is primarily that of a defensive anchor, breaking up play, recycling possession, and providing a platform for the players around him to operate.

Across the 2025/26 season, Gomes has made 29 appearances, accumulating over 2,300 minutes of football, which speaks to how central he has been to the manager's plans. His attacking returns are modest, with one goal and one assist, but that is consistent with his profile. His season rating of 6.79 reflects a player who contributes steadily rather than spectacularly. The most recent five matches paint a mixed picture: a solid 7.13-rated display in the 2-2 draw at Brentford, where he registered an assist, contrasts with a difficult evening in the 4-0 loss at West Ham, where he rated just 6.01 across 85 minutes. He was also absent or used sparingly in the matches against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, suggesting some rotation or fitness management during that period.

Wolves have found consistency hard to come by this season, and Gomes has at times looked like one of the few players holding shape in the middle of the park. SportSignals' AI analysis engine has tracked several of Wolves' matches this term, and the data reflects a side that can be competitive in contained, lower-scoring games but vulnerable when exposed on the counter or facing top-half opposition over a full 90 minutes. The 0-0 at Nottingham Forest, where Gomes rated a clean 7.0, is a good example of the kind of disciplined performance he tends to elevate.

In Wolves' upcoming fixtures, the key observation will be whether Gomes can sustain his influence in midfield battles against sides with quick transitions, given that the West Ham defeat highlighted how the unit can be overrun when defensive shape breaks down. His ability to win second balls and limit space in central areas will be worth monitoring closely.