Simon Jordan has his doubts regarding Ruben Neves but believes the Wolverhampton Wanderers ace “could be a revelation” at Premier League rivals Arsenal, speaking to talkSPORT (10 June, 10.40am).
Questioning Wolves’ Portuguese playmaker can often feel like calling God a fool in front of the Pope himself.
Neves, the Messiah of Molineux, is already a living legend in the eyes of some Wolves supporters. He was the first marquee signing of the Fosun International era and driving force behind the club’s rise from Championship also-rans to Europa League quarter-finalists.
But, at the risk of inciting an old gold-clad, pitchfork-grabbing mob, Simon Jordan may have a point.
Will Ruben Neves replace Granit Xhaka at Arsenal?
The Telegraph reports Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have identified £40 million-rated Neves as a replacement for Roma-bound Granit Xhaka.
However, after four years in the Black Country the question must be asked – has the former Porto captain really kicked on at Wolves?
“A lot was made of Ruben Neves. There was a lot of furore in the Championship when he was at Wolves and they were flying and he scored a wondergoal in a particular game,” said the former Crystal Palace owner, reflecting on that stunning volley against Derby County more than three years ago.
“Everyone was looking at (Neves) as a revelation who had been brought into the Championship.
“But when you look at him, I don’t know what (Neves) is. Is he an attacking midfield player. Is he a defensive midfield player? Because, if he’s an attacking-midfielder, he doesn’t score goals.
“Look at his goalscoring record in the Premier League and look at his goalscoring record for Wolves.”
Neves, like Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Rui Patricio and others, fell short of his usual standards during a difficult 2020/21 campaign at Wolves.
But could a change of scenery help the 24-year-old take his game to an all-new level?
“(His lack of productivity) may be because of the way Wolves set up. Arsenal set up differently,” Jordan adds.
“He may be a revelation! Eric Cantona was a marvel at Leeds but no-one saw him being as phenomenal at Manchester United as he was.”
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