‘Anxious’: Wolves U21s manager, James Collins, has expressed that Enso Gonzalez is currently facing a ‘challenging’ situation at the club, and he disclosed that the talented young player felt nervous during the match against PSV Eindhoven on Monday night.
Wolves secured Gonzalez’s signature just before the summer transfer window deadline. He was acquired from the Paraguayan team Libertad, with a reported transfer fee of approximately £5 million. This signing follows Wolves’ previous success with the acquisition of Joao Gomes from Flamengo, reinforcing their interest in the South American market.
The intention behind bringing Gonzalez to Wolves was to have him as a first-team player, although it is expected to be some time before he gets an opportunity to prove himself. This perspective was also shared by Gary O’Neil in a recent statement. Now, U21s manager James Collins has provided insights into Gonzalez’s current situation.
James Collins emphasized that Enso Gonzalez is facing a ‘very difficult’ period in the early stages of his Wolves career. Gonzalez recently made his second appearance for the Wolves U21s in a match against PSV at Molineux. He was part of the starting lineup and exhibited some promising moments during the game. Notably, he delivered an excellent corner, leading to Kam Kandola’s goal.
Gonzalez played approximately 73 minutes before being substituted, and Collins expressed that the young player is currently navigating challenging circumstances. Collins mentioned that it’s tough for Gonzalez, being in a new country where communication can be a barrier. He highlighted the importance of personal interactions and understanding how the player feels. Collins commended James McPike for his role in helping Gonzalez adapt to this new environment, recognizing the significant value of such support.
Despite the difficulties, Wolves are enthusiastic about Gonzalez’s potential but acknowledge that he is not an immediate first-team option. It’s a substantial challenge for an 18-year-old to move from Paraguay to England, particularly without a strong grasp of the language. Wolves are committed to supporting Gonzalez as he navigates these initial months at the club, aiming for his successful adaptation before potentially having a breakthrough in 2024.
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