Rodrigo Gomes: Rising Portuguese Winger Catching the Eye of Premier League Clubs

Introduction

Rodrigo Gomes, a talented Portuguese winger, is making waves in the football world with his breakout season at Estoril Praia. At just 20 years old, Gomes has already caught the attention of big European clubs, including Premier League teams.

Background

Born on July 7, 2003, in Póvoa De Varzim, Gomes began his football career at CB Povoa Lanhoso before joining Braga in 2014. He quickly progressed through the ranks and made his first-team debut in October 2020.

In the 2021/2022 season, Gomes made 20 appearances for Braga, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. However, he struggled to make a significant impact due to limited playing time. The following season, he decided to go on loan to Estoril Praia, where he has flourished. So far, Gomes has made 26 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists.

Playing Style

Gomes primarily plays as a right winger but has also demonstrated versatility by playing as a right wing-back and left wing-back. He excels at finding space out wide, making short passes, and keeping the play flowing in crowded attacking areas. Gomes is known for his excellent 1-2s and passing combinations, particularly in wide areas. He often makes forward passes, followed by well-timed overlapping runs to receive the ball in advanced positions.

While Gomes' general crossing can be inconsistent, he has shown the ability to deliver accurate cut-back passes into the box, resulting in several assists this season. He possesses good vision and can spot runs and passing options in attacking areas.

Gomes is a determined player who takes on opponents with confidence. His dribbling and ball-carrying skills allow him to drive forward and create scoring opportunities. He frequently drops deep to receive the ball and displays a strong work ethic.

Gomes' blistering pace and off-ball movement make him a threat in counter-attacking situations. He has proven himself as both a creator and a goal scorer, with a decent finishing ability at the Liga Portugal level. Additionally, Gomes has shown instincts for capitalizing on second chances and loose balls in the final third.

Defensively, Gomes contributes by tracking back and providing defensive support. When playing as a wing-back, he demonstrates his ability to intercept the ball, make tackles, and clear it when necessary. Although physically small and lean, Gomes compensates with his speed and agility.

Areas for Improvement

To reach the next level and compete in top leagues, Gomes needs to work on his decision-making. He should aim to be more clinical in attacking areas, making the right choices between shooting and passing. Consistency in crossing and playing killer passes will also be crucial for his development, which is expected to come with more experience.

Career Future and Evaluation

Rodrigo Gomes is undoubtedly a promising young player with the potential to excel in a top league and represent the Portuguese national team in the coming years. While there are rumors of him joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, it may be beneficial for Gomes to spend another season in Liga Portugal or a similar league to further develop his skills.

Regardless of his next move, it is clear that Gomes is destined for success. With his talent and determination, it is only a matter of time before he secures a place in a top team within the next 3-4 years.