MARBELLA, SPAIN - JULY 12: Gary O'Neil, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers during a Wolverhampton Wanderers pre-season training session on July 12, 2024 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)

Wolves defeated Bristol City 3-0 in their second pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday, with one player standing out and catching Gary O’Neil’s attention.

After defeating Como in a pre-season friendly in Marbella, Wolves returned to Compton Park to face Bristol City. The match, structured as a training-style game with four 30-minute quarters, ended in a 3-0 victory for Wolves, thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan, and an own goal from Bristol City.

While Cunha and Hee-chan showcased their finishing skills, it was another player who might have especially impressed Gary O’Neil.

Pablo Sarabia of Wolverhampton Wanderers during a pre-season training session on July 10, 2024 in Marbella, Spain.

Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

Pablo Sarabia shone in Wolves’ pre-season friendly against Bristol City.

Although Hwang Hee-chan’s goal earned him praise for his superb movement and control, it was Sarabia’s skillful footwork and precise pass over the defense that set up the opportunity.

Sarabia created an inch of space in midfield before delivering a perfectly placed ball to Hwang.

Pablo Sarabia’s standout performance in the friendly against Bristol City earned him an assist, a role his teammates grew familiar with last season, where he provided seven assists in the Premier League. The 32-year-old finished the 2023/24 campaign with the second-highest average of key passes per game for Wolves, trailing only Pedro Neto, according to WhoScored.

After a shaky finish to the season, Sarabia appears to have regained his form, presenting Gary O’Neil with a compelling case for the upcoming term.

Gary O’Neil has seen firsthand why keeping Pablo Sarabia at Wolves is crucial. With Sarabia entering the final year of his contract and speculation about his future, the 32-year-old could leave Molineux as a free agent next summer if he isn’t sold or extended.

Earning £90,000 a week, Sarabia is Wolves’ highest-paid player, and his departure would represent a significant financial loss for the club. Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Sarabia has demonstrated his value and quality, showcasing his potential contribution to Wolves next season.

The passage of play that Pablo Sarabia displayed against Bristol City highlighted his unique abilities, which are rare among O’Neil’s squad. This performance underscored the value he can bring to Wolves in the upcoming season.

Last season, O’Neil faced challenges with squad depth, particularly during injury crises, despite having a strong starting XI. Losing Sarabia would weaken this depth, while retaining him would provide O’Neil with a reliable source of quality throughout the demanding domestic season.

It will be intriguing to see whether Sarabia remains at Wolves by the end of the summer, especially given how impressed O’Neil must have been by his performance against Bristol City.