Analyzing Rúben Neves: What Makes The Portuguese So Good, And Is He The Answer To Man United's Midfield Problem
Wolves' Midfield Maestro
The arrival of Bruno Lage at Wolves has given the fans an uplift once again, as the team seemed to have reached its ceiling under Nuno Espírito Santo. The former Benfica coach has considerably improved them, and has set-up an excellent system while using the 3-4-3 formation. José Sá has instantly not only replaced the outgoing Rui Patricio, but as also proved to be an upgrade on him. The development of Max Kilman into one of the best young centrebacks in the league is also something to be optimistic about from a Wolves point-of-view.
Neves, under Lage, has often been playing as the deepest midfielder. Having 3 centrebacks in a system that doesn't look to dominate possession has allowed Wolves to operate without a 'destroyer' profile, and has allowed Neves and Moutinho to sit in midfield and dictate play.
A look at Neves' progressive actions will give a clearer idea as to how he operates in this team -
Neves isn't much of a ball carrier, but his passing ability is really good. He can receive the ball under pressure and keep it simple, circulating possession using his centrebacks and midfield partner. Alternatively, and what he's become known for, he can switch the play quickly by hitting long cross-field balls into the feet of running wingbacks or wingers. This is what makes Neves so dangerous especially in a team that relies on quick counters - his ability to release the ball with speed and accuracy to set up the forwards. These qualities mean that the Wolves players can trust Neves on the ball - and this can be validated by the fact that Neves leads the squad in terms of touches, passes, progressive passes, and passes into the final third. He truly keeps the team ticking.
Neves is also a good defensive player, and has made the third-most tackles + interceptions in the Wolves squad this season. Because of the security provided by the back-three, Neves also has the freedom to sometimes step up and apply pressure in the final third, trying to win back possession for the team closer to the opposition goal. However Neves does this when there's enough cover behind him and in the process makes sure the team isn't left exposed because of this action. This is something where Fred and McTominay really seem to struggle - they try to apply pressure higher up the pitch and commit to challenges leaving space behind them which the opposition can exploit just by one line-breaking pass.
Here are the zones where Neves makes his defensive actions -
While he may not look to be the metronomic passer the likes of Rodri or Jorginho are, we must keep in mind that this Wolves side keeps under 50% possession on an average per game. If Neves were to play for someone like United, who keep around 54% of the ball on average, Neves' passing numbers will shoot up - not only will he get more time on the ball, but he also solves one of the biggest problems holding back Manchester United currently, which is that neither Fred nor McTominay are good enough on the ball to dictate possession from deep. McTominay often hides behind opposition players while United are building up, which means the centrebacks are forced to funnel possession down the wings making it easier for the opposition to trigger their press (since the fullbacks are already handicapped on one side by the outside line). Fred, on the other hand, does show for the ball more often but is prone to some erratic passes and loose touches which again allows the opposition to turn possession in United's half. This is a problem Neves would instantly solve and would make United's build-up more effective.
If given time on the ball to look up and pick a pass, Neves can be a nuisance for the opposition. He can easily play line-breaking passes behind opposition defences with good accuracy. Here is an example in a match against Tottenham -
1. Neves pinches the ball off Eric Dier
Even in the final third, Neves can pick out some lovely passes and find space even the narrowest of defences. Look at his assist against Brighton for example -
While I wouldn't call Neves a great 'playmaker', but he certainly is a great 'passer'.
We've discussed his defending, and we've discussed his passing. Let's take a look at his shooting -
Neves loves his long shots, and has scored some absolutely beautiful goals since arriving at the Molineux. His technique while shooting is excellent, and even when shooting from such far distances, he usually has good control over his body posture and ball-striking. He is always an option from set-pieces, either when he is taking freekicks, or when someone else rolls the ball into his path for him to shoot. Even from corners, Neves is always on the lookout for any loose headers or clearances falling into his path so he can quickly shoot before anyone has had the time to react.
While Neves is a capable ball progressor especially through his passing, he falls behind a lot of other midfielders when it comes to his defensive capability. It's known to fans that neither Bruno or Pogba are great defensively, and hence if we want to play Neves in a single-pivot behind those two, or even Donny, it'll massively expose Neves when possession changes hands and opposition teams counter United. If United want a player to sit behind the other offensive-minded midfielders, Neves doesn't fit that profile. Even if it just about works (still doubtful) against teams like Burnley who completely surrender possession and look to play long into the channels, United will get caught out against most teams in the league. If we look at the likes of Chelsea, and the way they protect Jorginho by having Kanté or Kovacic (also factoring that they play a back three), it shows a blueprint of how United would have to supplement Neves with someone like Fred or McTominay who can contribute well defensively.
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