In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo stated that Barcelona are eyeing a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. It has been claimed that the Catalan club are hoping to move in for the Portuguese talent this year.
Neves’ Decent Form At The Molineux Stadium This Season
Neves is having a solid campaign at the West Midlands club despite their struggles in the Premier League. The Portugal international has found the back of the net four times in 24 matches for Wolves this season across all fronts.
Neves has given a good account of himself by averaging 2.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.4 clearances, 2.1 shots and 0.9 key passes per game in the Premier League. The 25-year-old has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 83.7% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The Portuguese sensation is under contract at the Molineux Stadium until the summer of 2024. Thus, it makes sense for Barca to seal a move for him on the cheap this winter or at the end of this campaign.
Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Get Neves On Board?
Neves is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to make some timely interceptions at the centre of the park. The Portugal international doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can set up some inviting chances for his teammates in the opponent’s half. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a centre-back if his manager asks him to do so.
Neves can strike the ball with venom and accuracy from long range and is a specialist in dead-ball situations. At 25, he is about to enter his prime which makes him a good choice for Barcelona boss Xavi to pursue this year.
We can expect Neves to add plenty of quality to Barca‘s midfield department and could help the Catalan club challenge for some major trophies in the coming seasons. He would even serve as an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets who is edging closer to the end of his playing career at the Nou Camp.
Neves will only get better over the next few years and is well-equipped to make an instant impact at the Catalan club. Plus, Xavi could unlock the best out of him as he knows what it takes to succeed at a top club like Barcelona.
