Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Matt Murray has been praising Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal international goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
The former Wolves ‘keeper spoke to us about the current man between the sticks at Molineux, and he was full of praise for the 32-year-old.
He said: “Rui Patricio, he is Mr Consistent.
“So, so consistent. He’s come into the team, makes big saves. I can think of one goal in the whole time he has been there that maybe he’s played a part in – and that was one away at Everton, a little bit of a mix-up with Conor Coady. Apart from that, absolutely outstanding.”
Patricio was signed by Wolves in the summer of 2018 for a fee of £16.2m after the Portuguese international terminated his own contract at Sporting Lisbon.
Since he has made the move to Molineux, he has played in 83 out of a possible 84 Premier League games and has also played 15 Europa League matches for Wolves.
Murray continued to heap praise on Patricio and is clearly a big fan of the Wolves goalkeeper.
“He’s improved. So, he deals better now with aerial balls, and I think his kicking is better, so his all-round game is bang-on.
Do you think that Patricio is vital for Wolves?
Yes, he is an important player
No, we could replace him
Since Patricio moved to Molineux, he has played his part in two consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League, and Murray is of the belief that for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to continue their progress, Patricio will be crucial.
“For Wolves to try and break into that top six, top four, he’s going to be vital.
“I really do think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.”
It is clear that Murray is a big fan of the Portguese shot-stopper, and if you look at the number of games Patricio has played for the Old Gold, then we think Espirito Santo is as well.
Considering his international experience and the number of European games he has played, the price that Wolves paid for Patricio could be considered a bargain.
We agree with Murray that for Wolves to push onto that next level, the 32-year-old will be vital to those chances because of his importance to the team so far.
However, it remains to be seen if Patricio and the Old Gold can break into the top six this season.