Express & Star

Steve Bull: Portuguese new-boys are looking the real deal at Wolves

Portugal international stars Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio have brought welcome experience to the dressing room and a bit of class as well.

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Steve Bull

I think Patricio has been absolutely superb for us so far, he has made some spectacular saves.

And Moutinho has blended well in the middle of the park with Neves. Moutinho has been playing for a long time and he and Neves look like they’ve had had a piece of string tied to another, they really complement one another in the centre of the pitch. It is what we wanted, one has experience and the other is a young one. Moutinho will definitely help bring Neves along. When you have got experience next to you, you come on bundles. And the two of them will only get better as long as they keep doing what they are doing.

To be fair, all the the new signings brought into the team have started brilliantly. They have slotted in well and it looks like they have been playing in the Premier League for a long time. Again, they will only get stronger with every game they play.

It remains to be seen whether Nuno chooses to start Adama Traore tomorrow. I think Helder Costa has been absolutely outstanding down that right flank and he looks back to his best from last season. It is hard to get him out the side. But Traore understands he will be a ‘bit part player’ to start with. He came off the bench against West Ham and played his part well by scoring.

He is really effective coming off the bench and hopefully he can accept that for now and not complain that he wants to play. There is nothing wrong with being on the sidelines and it will be harsh to throw him in straight away. Traore knows what he is capable of and he has got to be ready to absolutely step up to the mark.

The whole team are adapting well to the Premier League, it always takes a bit of time adjusting. Our performances have shown we are not there to be beaten. Teams will come to our place and be a bit frightened and be aware of what we have put together.

It will be great to get a win against Burnley but make no mistake it will be a tough game despite their tough start. They are a traditional club who will get all 11 men behind the ball.

We have started the season steadily but we shouldn’t get carried away, we have to do it every game. And these games at the start of the season are just as important as those at the end.