In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 360 goals for Wolves, believes Joao Moutinho could keep playing despite turning 35-years-old later this year, and he should use Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an inspiration.
Moutinho has been a mainstay in Wolves’ midfield since he joined them in 2018 from AS Monaco and despite being 34, Nuno Espirito Santo has handed him 23 starts in the Premier League this season.
Should Wolves replace Moutinho?
Yes, we need fresh faces!
No, he’s still great!
If the midfielder needed an inspiration to carry on he only has to look at AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic who, at 39-years old is the fourth top scorer in the Serie A and has just come out of international retirement to play for Sweden at this summer’s European championship.
Speaking on whether the club should bring through youngsters to learn from Moutinho and then replace him, Bull told FFC:
“I think it’s all about youth at the moment and bringing people through. I’ve heard big shouts coming out of the academy saying there are loads coming through.
“If Moutinho is going to be 35 this year and Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to be in the World Cup at 41-years-old, then anything is possible.
“As long as he keeps himself fit, because Moutinho’s not the most mobile but he’s the one that gives the ball away the fewest amount of times. He just needs the people around him to go forward.”
Moutinho was a statement signing for Wolves when they first won promotion back to the Premier League as he arrived with Champions League experience and a winner’s mentality having won 16 trophies in both Portugal and France.
Wolves have been linked with Josh Brownhill recently who has impressed through his work rate and enthusiasm at Burnley this season.