Ruben Neves, one of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ most iconic players, has revealed that he believes Joao Moutinho was the club’s best player during his six-year tenure. Despite being regarded as Wolves’ main man and earning comparisons to Steven Gerrard, Neves credits Moutinho’s exceptional performances and intelligence on the pitch.
In 2019, Neves was asked by SoccerAm who he thought was Wolves’ best player, and he quickly responded with “João Moutinho.” Neves praised Moutinho’s cleverness, intelligence, and wealth of experience, which often left his teammates in awe. Moutinho’s understated yet impressive displays often overshadowed Neves’ own eye-catching long-range strikes.
After leaving Wolves in 2023, Moutinho surprised many by opting to join Portuguese outfit S.C. Braga instead of following Neves to Saudi Arabia. Despite being nearly 40 years old, Moutinho has continued to impress in the Liga Portugal, helping Braga in their pursuit of European football. His stats for S.C. Braga demonstrate his enduring impact on the pitch, with 2 goals and 2 assists in the 24/25 season, and 3 goals and 2 assists in the 23/24 season.
Neves’ admiration for Moutinho’s abilities serves as a testament to the Portuguese midfielder’s remarkable talent and dedication. Moutinho’s decision to leave Wolves and continue playing at a high level has proven to be a successful one, and his contributions to S.C. Braga will undoubtedly be valuable in their quest for European qualification.
Moutinho’s longevity and adaptability are traits that have earned him respect throughout his career. His ability to read the game and control the tempo of play has been invaluable to his teams. As he continues to perform at a high level, Moutinho serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike.
The relationship between Neves and Moutinho during their time at Wolves was clearly built on mutual respect. Neves’ praise for Moutinho highlights the high regard in which he holds his former teammate. Their partnership in midfield was a key factor in Wolves’ success, and their individual contributions will be remembered for years to come.
