Wolverhampton

Wolves midfielder Fer Lopez believes a loan spell with Spanish side Celta Vigo has made him "more prepared for football".

The Spaniard has scored three goals in as many appearances this season, including a double in Saturday's 3-1 win at Preston.

Lopez struggled to adapt after arriving at Molineux last summer in a £19m deal and returned to his former club on loan for the second half of the season.

The 22-year-old said he chose playing time over financial incentives when choosing to move back home, and went on to make 23 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring twice.

"It was the best decision I could have made, especially to Celta because I knew I was going to play," he told BBC Radio WM.

"I went there, to Spain, losing money. There were some teams that (would) pay me double, but I think that at this age playing football is the most important thing, so it was the best decision I could have made.

"I think it shows now that I'm quicker, I'm stronger, I'm more prepared for football because the only thing I needed was minutes."

Emma Milton
Fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves' 3-1 win at Preston was about more than three points. It ended a 489-day wait for an away league victory and gave supporters a much-needed reason to enjoy their Saturday.

It was marvellous to see around 5,600 Wolves fans at Deepdale in full voice from the first whistle. Their support reflected the importance of the occasion, but it also raised the standards expected of this team.

The first half was not always comfortable. There were moments when Wolves looked uncertain and Preston caused problems. However, after the break, something began to change. The players appeared more relaxed, passed the ball with greater purpose and started to play their own game.

That is what made the performance encouraging. Wolves did not simply score and retreat. They continued to attack, pressed higher and showed more belief in the style Cesar Peixoto is trying to build.

"Today we didn't lose our identity, and we didn't lose our organisation, for 90 minutes at a good level," Peixoto said afterwards.

That identity is still developing, but there were clear signs of progress at Deepdale. Wolves looked more cohesive in possession, and their attacking movements had greater purpose. They are not producing that level of football consistently yet, but the pieces are beginning to fit. This team still has plenty of room to improve.

Fer Lopez was the standout player, scoring twice and showing the confidence to find space and take responsibility. Marshall Munetsi was exceptional, mopping up defensively while pressing aggressively, and Andre was typically composed. Tommy Doyle also looked solid after coming on.

We did not see much of Jordan James, but his quality on the ball and intelligent runs suggested Wolves may have found an excellent addition. Even Boubacar Traoré offered something different during his brief cameo, pointing to a midfield with plenty of promise.

There is also plenty to look forward to in attack. Adam Armstrong made an immediate impact after coming on, combining well with Raul Jimenez before scoring. The prospect of seeing more of that partnership is exciting, especially as their understanding improves.

This was a welcome step forward, but Wolves' confidence remains fragile. One poor result could bring back some of the doubts lingering from last season.

Still, supporters left Deepdale with something to build on. Wolves are beginning to relax, trust their football and show glimpses of their identity. Wolves have the potential to offer much more, so the next challenge is to make those moments the norm rather than the exception.

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Adam Cottier
BBC Radio 5 Live reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Fer Lopez was the conqueror of all who challenged him - or did not - at Deepdale.

The 22-year-old appeared to be the main protagonist in a stylish and promising 3-1 win against Preston for Wolves on Saturday.

Their first away league win for 16 months was born from sheer footballing ability.

Wolves were technically better than Preston in all areas and that was exhibited by Lopez when he spun on halfway and ran unchecked in the eighth minute, so badly unchecked that you could foresee the outcome - a goal with a finish of the highest quality from the Spaniard's left boot.

Only Daniel Iversen in the Preston goal kept Wolves from scoring more.

The visitors - backed by close to 6,000 of their fans - were vibrant when they needed to be.

Their second goal was created by the sharp, quick thinking Adam Armstrong who ran in to just the right spot, having just come on to the pitch, to convert Raul Jimenez's splendid return pass to him.

But it was Lopez who tormented Preston the most and he was too clinical for the beleaguered home side in sweeping in the third.

Lopez has had an outstanding start to the season.

Following relegation, Wolves needed players to stand up and be counted and Lopez led that particular charge on an encouraging afternoon in Lancashire for his team.

How they need such days after the deflation of last season.

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto declared himself pleased with his side's performance as they earned their first league win of the season.

Fer Lopez's double and a goal from substitute Adam Armstrong saw Wolves end their 489-day wait for a win on the road as they beat Preston 3-1 at Deepdale.

Peixoto told BBC Radio WM: "I'm happy with the performance, in the first half more difficult, a little bit more difficult, but we have the best chances.

"In the second half we managed well the pressure of the opponent and we played like I want with the ball - attract the team and expose the spaces.

"I think we can score more. I'm a little angry because we concede one goal and I don't want to concede one goal, I want a clean sheet. It's normal. But it was a good game for us.

"Congratulations for the players, thank you to our supporters because you help us to win these three points. A lot of people came to support the team. It's very important we stay together. The Championship is very tough and we need all the people around us to support and we need three points."

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Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Jose Sa is expected to be in the side for their game against Preston North End on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Portugal international, who has made 170 appearances for the club since signing in 2021, did not feature in either their opening day draw with Blackburn Rovers or their EFL Cup victory over Port Vale.

Dan Bentley had been favoured, however, the Englishman has since joined Coventry City, while fellow keeper Sam Johnstone is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Though boss Cesar Peixoto is expected to bring in a new goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window.

"Sa came later from the World Cup, Sam has a long injury and we need to find one solution more to the goalkeeper [situation]," he told BBC Radio WM.

The game against Preston could also see a debut for new signing Jordan James.

The midfielder joined on loan on Thursday and his experience with Leicester City last season could mean he has a quick introduction to the side.

"I think it's very important [with James' experience] because the adaptation to the Championship is fast," Peixoto said.

"He's a player who wants to improve and help us to a good season."