A lot of Wolves’ pre-season work will be learning to live without Matheus Cunha in the squad.
Cunha completed a move to Manchester United after a tedious transfer saga, with his desire to leave made known before the 2024/25 season had ended.
The Brazilian’s legacy at Wolves was tainted by his public admission of his longing for a transfer, leaving with little acknowledgement.
Vitor Pereira’s squad have proven they can cope without Cunha, something the Old Gold need to learn to do long term.
One element of Wolves managing without Cunha during the 2024/25 season was the form of Jorgen Strand Larsen, who worked far better without the 26-year-old in the side.
- READ MORE: How the national media rated Matheus Cunha on his first Man United outing since leaving Wolves
Jorgen Strand Larsen is thriving after Matheus Cunha’s exit
Strand Larsen and Cunha didn’t work well together, with the Norwegian thriving as the focal point in attack.
After what was seen last season, it will come as no surprise to learn that Strand Larsen has been looking very sharp in pre-season.
Express and Star reporter Nathan Judah was present at Wolves’ training camp in Portugal, where he shared his assessment of Strand Larsen, noting that the 2024 signing looks lively without Cunha there.
“With Matheus Cunha now departed, the forward looks happy and confident being the main focal point of the attack,” Judah wrote.
Though Strand Larsen said he loved playing with Cunha, the numbers told a different story.
During the Brazilian’s suspension, Strand Larsen netted five goals in four games when Cunha wasn’t in the starting XI.
It was the striker’s best run of form during the season, as even those outside of Wolves noticed how revitalised the Norway international looked as the main man in attack.
Alan Shearer said Strand Larsen was better without Cunha, and the forward’s scoring form reinforced such.
Therefore, it’s unsurprising to learn that Strand Larsen is playing freely now that the 26-year-old is at Man United.
Strand Larsen is becoming a leader at Wolves
The 2024/25 season was memorable for Strand Larsen, who hit 14 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
The early signs of pre-season are suggesting even bigger things from Wolves’ number nine next term, and his prominence in front of goal isn’t the only thing to keep an eye on.
Judah also noted that Strand Larsen already looks to be a ‘leader in the dressing room’, with his leadership skills something that could come of interest to Pereira, who is searching for a new captain.
It’s set to be an exciting year ahead for Wolves’ striker, whose role has changed now that Cunha is gone.