Matheus Cunha: The Brazilian Diamond Shining Brighter than Ever for Wolves

Growing up in the port city of João Pessoa, Brazil, it is unlikely that an adolescent Matheus Cunha had great familiarity with Wolverhampton Wanderers and their infamous rivalry against West Bromwich Albion. Fast forward to 2024, the Brazilian scored the dagger in a 2-0 victory in the derby, granting Wolves their first win away at West Brom for the first time since 1996. He then subsequently proclaimed himself in gladiator fashion not only as the owner of the Hawthorns but also inadvertently, the king of the Midlands. Something every Brazilian dreams of.

Since his 2021-2022 season with Hertha Berlin, Cunha has not truly looked like he belonged anywhere. His talent has never been in question, as shown by his Puskas-nominated goal for Leipzig against Leverkusen in 2019. The spirit of Zinedine Zidane possessed him when he pirouetted and chipped the Leverkusen keeper in one motion. The only thing which has been questioned is his output and where he fits in modern football.

He only has had one double-digit goal season in his career back in 2017-2018 with Sion in the Swiss Super League. He is not quick enough to be a touchline winger, nor has his finishing or physicality been good enough to be a sole number nine. So, where he fits best on the pitch in the Premier League has been a conundrum.

The Renaissance of Hwang Hee-chan at Wolverhampton Wanderers