Why Wolves must go all out to sign Benfica midfielder Pizzi
As per reports from Italian outlet Calciomercato, newly-promoted Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers are monitoring Benfica’s Portuguese midfielder Pizzi.
Wolves have started the 2018/19 season on a positive note, making a strong impression on their return to the English top-flight. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are currently 9th, with eight points from five games so far (2W, 2D, 1L).
In Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, they have one of the classiest midfield pairings in the Premier League this season. Throw in Romain Saiss, Leander Dendoncker and the young Morgan Gibbs-White, there is enough depth on the bench as well. However, none of the latter three offers the same set of qualities that the Portuguese duo brings to the table.
However, Wolves face the prospect of losing Neves, who has been their best player so far. The likes of Manchester City and Manchester United are understood to be plotting a move for the talented midfielder (h/t The Sun).
And this is where making a move for Pizzi will come in handy for the Midlands outfit. The 28-year-old has been on the Portuguese giants’ books since 2013, having joined them from Atletico Madrid.
During his time with the club, Pizzi has made 184 appearances, scoring 37 goals and setting up 47 more. In the process, he has won three Portuguese league titles along with a number of other domestic honours.
In the ongoing campaign, the 11-time capped Portuguese international has been in fine form, bagging six goals and assisting three more in just nine matches across all competitions.
A player who is in the same mould as Neves, the 28-year-old is known for his technical abilities and his knack of scoring goals from the middle of the park. An excellent passer of the ball, the Pizzi can carve out defences with his vision and accuracy, while his set-piece delivery is another strong facet.
The fact that he has already equalled his goal tally from last season shows the 28-year-old is on the rise as he enters the peak years of his career.
Pizzi is a client of super agent Jorge Mendes, who has excellent relations with Wolves and has brought in a number of his clients to the club over the past couple of years, including Neves and Moutinho. Given the large contingent of Portuguese players at the club, the Benfica star shouldn’t find it hard to settle in.
Read More: Rating Wolves’ summer signings – Have Nuno Espirito Santo’s transfer dealings paid off?
Irrespective of whether Neves stays or leaves in January, signing Pizzi should be a priority for Santo’s side. His potential arrival would add more quality and equip them to successfully push for a top-ten finish.
