WATCH: Joao Teixeira ready to rumble for Wolves

The 22-year-old Benfica academy graduate has moved to Molineux on a season-long loan, following fellow Portuguese signings Helder Costa and Silvio.

Texeira recently signed a bumper six-year contract with Benfica, for whom he has played in the Champions League.

And Thelwell believes his signing is a coup for Wolves.

"He's a really exciting player," Thelwell said. "He's a strong, highly technical young player.

"He's played a lot at Benfica B and he's also had loan experience with a professional team in Portugal's first division.

"If you're talking about youth development, and who are the very best, then Benfica will be right up there.

"They have a fantastic track record of developing young players and players succeeding, not only with them, but all over the world.

"We think Joao can play in a number of positions and we think he can really improve our group."

Texeira, who spent time on loan with Vitora de Guimaraes last season, has made 30 appearances for Portugal's various youth international side, including at under-21 level.

And Thelwell believes he has the potential to flourish in the Championship with Wolves.

He added: "I think it's a bit of a coup for us to get him and I think he will integrate into the group really quickly once he picks up a bit more of the language.

"He's a very bright boy, he's enthusiastic and I'm really looking forward to seeing him perform.

"I think there will be a case of some adaptation because the Championship is so different to every other league, there's a lot of pace and there's a lot of power.

"The one thing you can guarantee is, if you've got good players and they've got a high technical ability, then they should be able to cope in the league.

"I'm sure we'll have to be careful with him in the first instance and we may have to protect him in certain games but I think he's got all of the tools to be a success at this level."