Wolves will be looking to build on their 2-0 win over Southampton after the international break, and one player can play a ‘key’ role despite his ‘disastrous’ start.
Gary O’Neil’s men entered the latest international break in a better position than the last time as all three points against the Saints saw them climb off the bottom.
Wolves reached the dizzy heights of 19th – two points adrift of safety – and the Old Gold will be aiming to build on the positives from that victory.
Toti Gomes was excellent in defence while Matheus Cunha blew Dave Edwards away with his performance.
Meanwhile, there is another player who will want to catch O’Neil’s eye after the international break, and that is Hwang Hee-chan.
Hwang Hee-chan can be ‘key’ for Wolves after ‘disastrous’ start
While the likes of Cunha and Craig Dawson have flourished through the difficult times this term, Hwang has struggled to reach the heights of 2023/24.
This time last year, the South Korean forward had six Premier League goals to his name, whereas now he’s been involved in zero goals in all competitions.
Hwang injured a ligament in his ankle while on national duty in October and has been sidelined ever since. However, he looks set to return this weekend and journalist Nathan Judah believes he has a ‘key’ part to play.
Speaking on the Keen & Judah Show, Judah said: “Out of form, out of the side, injured as well, it’s been a disastrous first half of the campaign for him.
“However, he is coming back, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be on or available from the bench at least against Fulham.
“Gary O’Neil insinuated a week ago that we probably will be earmarking this game, I don’t believe he’s gone away with international duty, so he could be one Liam who has really benefitted from this break at Compton Park.
“He’ll have been in everyday, obviously when they haven’t had an off day and maybe work with Gary O’Neil, and maybe have a little one on one time as well because he is still key for me and key to this team if Wolves are going to have a successful finish to the season.”
- READ MORE: Three Wolves players who’ve disappointed this season after shining in 2023/24, including Hwang
Hwang’s 2023/24 Premier League stats
Last season, Hwang enjoyed an excellent campaign for Wolves after netting 12 Premier League goals.
Although his form tailed off after the New Year, the 28-year-old still matched what Cunha produced in England’s top flight, and that speaks volumes of how good he was.
Wolves could now command interest for Hwang in January, despite his poor start in 2024/25, with the statistics highlighting his downward spiral.
| Premier League statistics | Hwang Hee-chan 2023/24 stats | Hwang Hee-chan 2024/25 stats |
| Appearances | 29 | 6 |
| Goals | 12 | 0 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 |
| Shots per game | 1.6 | 0 |
| Key passes | 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Accurate passes per game | 14.2 (78%) | 7.5 (82%) |
| Big chances created | 4 | 1 |
The alarming drop off from the £14 million Wolves forward can be attributed to being overworked last season and subsequent injuries that have followed.
Though, Hwang will accept he hasn’t been good enough and if he can start reaching the levels he’s capable of – as shown on the left – he will be an important player in the fight for survival.