Wolves blog: Incredible Ivan Cavaleiro is in game-changing form

Four minutes after Ivan Cavaleiro came on for Helder Costa at Bristol City, Wolves had scored an equalising goal, writes Tom Tracey.

The goal came as a result of a defence-splitting pass from Cav to Matt Doherty, who was brought down by Frank Fielding outside the box – who as the last man, duly received a red card.

Once the two sides had an equal number of players, there was only going to be one winner.

Three days later, with the game poised at 0-0 after a solid first half from Brentford at Molineux, Cavaleiro came on for Costa after 53 minutes.

Five minutes later, Wolves score two goals in quick succession – the second of which was assisted by Cav, who played a part in a fantastic team move before sliding the ball across the box for Barry Douglas to smash into the roof of the net.

With ten minutes to go, Wolves scored from Cavaleiro’s corner - Jota scored from the ground after Doherty, who was on the back post, put the ball back in front of the goal.

The 24-year- old is in sensational form for Wolves, having scored seven and directly set up seven in just 18 starts and ten substitute appearances.

He started just 17 games and came off the bench 14 times last season, scoring five and assisting five.

Having already surpassed his efforts last season, it seems a banker he will hit double figures for both numbers.

At the minute for Wolves, he is the biggest game-changer they have got.

He is fast, strong, skilful, able to keep the ball and crucially able to bring goals.

He has always had this in his locker, but was inconsistent and didn’t fully stake his claim in what was an inconsistent Wolves team last season.

It is a far cry from the end of last season, when his red card for a headbutt at Derby felt as though it would be his final moment in a Wolves shirt.

But he has been rejuvenated and become a fan favourite this season – and appears as though he is loving life at Wolves.

He is playing with absolute confidence and swagger – which is unfortunate for his Portuguese counterpart Costa.

Out of the three of Jota, Cavaleiro and Costa, Costa is definitely behind the other two in terms of the impact they are having at the moment.

Obviously he suffered that major injury last season and still looks a shadow of his former self, with glimpses of his ability coming through.

Perhaps unluckily for him – but luckily for Wolves – they are not as reliant on him as they were during the last campaign.

But while Costa must build himself back to the time when Wolves made him their record signing, Cavaleiro – the previous record signing – is going from strength to strength.

He will most likely get a well-deserved weekend off for the cup game against Swansea – but if he can continue his majestic form on his return, that twelve-point gap may grow further yet.