New Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patricio could be one of the best Premier League signings of this transfer window
The reviews are in after Rui Patricio made his long-awaited debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night – and it seems they’re rather mixed.
Wolves pulled off one of the most eye-catching signings anywhere in Europe this summer when they landed Portugal’s 73-cap number one after he terminated his contract with Primeira Liga giants Sporting Lisbon.
John Ruddy might have kept 24 clean sheets and won the Golden Glove as Wolves cruised to the Championship title last season but Patricio, who is arguably a goalkeeper of world class quality, is certainly an upgrade.
And some Wolves fans were very impressed as the 30-year-old made his bow – and kept a clean sheet – in a second half outing in the 0-0 friendly draw with Stoke City. Patricio made one or two impressive stops, including tipping a rasping drive from Moritz Bauer around the post.
But there were a few nervy moments for the experienced stopper, particularly when Stoke’s giant striker Peter Crouch was involved. That might come as a surprise to anyone to watched Patricio dominate his penalty area during Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
Adapting to the physical, direct approach many teams adopt in England is a challenge for foreign goalkeepers. And, on this evidence, Wolves fans might have to be patient with Patricio.
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