As an avid watcher of Gomes since he was playing for Flamengo’s under-13s, Casagrande – a journalist with Brazilian broadcaster SBT – feels Gomes, who he describes as a ‘homely’ and family-oriented young man, has huge potential if he replicates his recent performances over in England, which could soon see him become a mainstay in the Brazil national team.
On the qualities Gomes possesses
“Joao is a midfielder with initial characteristics of marking, but, with time and experience, he learned to be a midfielder who builds plays as well. He improved the attack, with intelligent passes.
“Another factor that draws attention to Joao is his physical form. The youngster is rarely injured, hardly shows physical exhaustion and manages to support a strong routine of games in the season.
“Physical form and marking, tackling are his main strengths. But he also evolved the arrival to the attack. Has been doing the work 'box-to-box'.
“The football he presents is something very similar to Douglas Luiz, from Aston Villa. He also has the same style as André, from Fluminense in Brazil. They are very similar characteristics.”
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On his development in Brazil
“Can I be sincere? I’m not even a little bit surprised by his development. I've followed Joao since he was playing under-13s. He’s caught my attention ever since. It's a shame he never made a match for the junior categories of the Brazilian national team.
“Success in Flamengo's professional squad, at least for me, was no surprise. On the contrary. I think it took a while, because some coaches, like Renato Gaucho, didn't know how to use the youngster in the best way.”
On his performances for Flamengo
“They play a famous 4-4-2, but the midfield was formed by a diamond, with Joao giving priority to marking, but knowing how to attack well.
“His best season was in 2022, no doubt. Even with the team playing poorly, with coach Paulo Sousa, Joao managed to stand out in the matches.”
On fitting into the Wolves squad
“Joao has the face and style of the Premier League. I have no doubt that no matter how he is used on the field, he will succeed.
“In England, he will need to hone one fundamental – his shot on goal. When he masters this foundation, he will become an even more complete athlete.”
On adapting to English football
“Joao is a super simple person, homely, doesn't get involved in controversy, got married early and has a wonderful family. He has an unconditional love for his late grandfather, who supported him in his childhood to go to training. He even has a tattoo with his grandfather's image.
“He is a person who has already demonstrated that he can adapt to diversity. The fact that his wife travels with him will be a facilitator. He is a person who always seeks to evolve. I also bet that he will make a point of learning the English language as quickly as possible to facilitate adaptation.
“He is a player who has a bright future on and off the pitch.”
On a possible national team call-up with Brazil
“He has already been called up once for the Sub-20, but Flamengo had to call him back to play in important matches in the national championship. He was also part of coach Tite's pre-list for the 2022 World Cup. That is, he was on the list of 55 names initially sent by the coach.
“But I have no doubts that he will be called up in the future. I've been saying this since before the possibility of playing for Wolves came up.
“The chances will now be greater. If he plays as well as he did for Flamengo in the Premier League, he will certainly be remembered by the future coach of the Brazilian national team, especially because he is now going to play in the best football league in the world.”
On what the future holds for Gomes
“Joao, in the future, will make history in the Brazilian national team. He’s a strong candidate to be the starting midfielder of the Brazilian national team in the next World Cup.
“I’m sure Wolves fans will fall in love with this young Brazilian.”
See more from Vene on Twitter @Venê Casagrande, Instagram @venecasagrande or YouTube @VeneCasagrande.
