Wolves star Joao Moutinho gives his honest verdict on Leeds ahead of Friday’s clash

Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho told his club Official website that Leeds United are a “very good team” with “very good players” ahead of Friday’s Premier League clash between the two at Molineux.

Moutinho, 35, is expected to feature on Friday night against Leeds – it will be the 908th game of his professional career for club and country. The Portuguese player, who has 142 caps for the Portuguese national team, shows no signs of slowing down.

He will face a Leeds side that boasts huge energy and is motivated by victory over Norwich – the first team under Jesse Marsch. Wolves entered the match after two wins against Everton and Watford.

But there are still weaknesses, with three consecutive defeats all on the side of Bruno Lage – ending any chances of finishing in the top four as soon as hope began. Moutinho commented on Leeds ahead of Friday’s clash.

“It was a very difficult game with a very good team, very good players. A new coach, new ideas, they tried to come up with the new coach’s game ideas, and they won in the end,” Moutinho said.

“They want to go back to what it was like last season – a great job. They know they have quality, they try to show again, but we know they come to win but we play all the games to win.”

Moutinho in Leeds: Wolves star will have to step back for years on Friday

Leeds has a reputation as the club at the top of the charts when it comes to long distances, sprints and rebounds. But under Marsch, that could soften a bit – with his change from marking man, to area.

So for a player with more than 900 games under his belt and at the age of 35, Moutinho will have his job cut. That, or he will use his wits and experience to run when necessary, and rest when he can.

In other words, Arsenal are sparking interest in the £19.5m ‘exceptional’ skilled star, scoring 15 goals