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Wolves Closing in on Safety as Toti Gomes Shines – But He Has Every Right to Feel Frustrated**
Wolverhampton Wanderers are edging closer to securing their Premier League status for another season, and Toti Gomes has been instrumental in their recent upturn in form.
Wolves took a significant step toward survival with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. The result extended their cushion over the relegation zone to nine points, offering a much-needed sense of relief to fans. Even footballing legend Alan Shearer confidently declared that Wolves are safe, suggesting the relegation battle is all but over for them.
However, head coach Vitor Pereira is refusing to let complacency creep in. Following the victory, he stressed the importance of maintaining focus, urging his squad to see the job through and finish the season strongly. While the signs are overwhelmingly positive, Pereira wants to ensure that his players don’t let up in their efforts.
Since his arrival at Molineux, Pereira has overseen an impressive transformation in the team’s performances. Several Wolves players have stepped up under his guidance, showing clear signs of improvement in recent months. Among those to have flourished is Toti Gomes—yet despite his outstanding displays, the defender might be feeling a sense of disappointment following a recent announcement.
Toti Gomes Overlooked for Portugal Call-Up Despite Stellar Form
Toti Gomes has emerged as a key figure for Wolves, playing a vital role in their defensive resurgence. However, despite his excellent form, the 25-year-old was overlooked for a Portugal national team call-up—a decision that will surely leave him feeling hard done by.
Earlier in the season, Toti endured a difficult start. Initially deployed in a back-four partnership with Yerson Mosquera, he struggled to find his rhythm. His discomfort in that system was evident, and his performances came under heavy scrutiny. Even former striker Troy Deeney was brutally critical, labeling Toti a “car crash” after Wolves’ season-opening defeat to Arsenal.
But things took a turn for the better once Wolves shifted to a back-three setup, with Toti slotting into his more natural position on the left side of the defense. The change suited him perfectly, allowing him to showcase his composure, defensive awareness, and ball-playing ability.
Since Pereira’s arrival, Toti’s influence has grown even further. The Portuguese coach has managed 13 Premier League games so far, and Toti has featured in eight of them. In those appearances, Wolves have picked up 16 points, including four clean sheets—proof of his growing importance to the side.
In stark contrast, Wolves have struggled whenever Toti has been absent. He was left on the bench for the Arsenal clash and didn’t feature at all in four other games. In those five matches without him, Wolves managed to secure just a single point, highlighting how vital he has become to their defensive stability.
Despite his significant contributions, the Portugal national team has yet to recognize Toti’s efforts with an international call-up. Given his recent performances, he could certainly feel disappointed—but if he continues on this trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before Portugal takes notice.
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