Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs has stated that Hwang Hee-chan is ‘as strong as an ox’ in terms of his mental strength.
Hwang has just signed a new contract at Molineux as a reward for his magnificent form this term.
The South Korean has been absolutely brilliant for Wanderers and has already scored nine goals across all competitions.
Wolves have now handed him a new deal, taking him up to the summer of 2028 with the club having the option of a further year.
Hobbs spoke about Hwang as the news came through from the club, and he hailed the 27-year-old’s mentality…
Matt Hobbs says Hwang Hee-chan is ‘as strong as an ox’ with his mentality
It is thought that Hwang has now been made one of the best-paid players at Molineux as a result of his new contract, meaning he will be up there with the likes of Pablo Sarabia and Nelson Semedo.
Certainly, it is no less than he has deserved. Hwang has been terrific on the pitch, but he has also been a consummate professional off it, and regularly gives up his time for fans and journalists.
It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the humble Hwang at Wolves.
He’s previously had injury problems that have meant he’s struggled, but Hobbs has spoken about the player’s mental strength and how that has helped him to come through adversity.
He said (Wolves official): “He’s strong as an ox, mentally and physically. He’s such a strong person in how he acts on and off the pitch, his attitude towards his football, but you can see how much he’s loved by the players.
“They came in and tried the South Korean foods and you can see the affection they’ve got for him, because they know on the pitch, he’s going to give everything for them. I’m sure the players are really happy he’ll be here for a long time as well.”
Hobbs also went on to praise Hwang’s English skills, with the 27-year-old now pretty comfortable doing interviews in English which wasn’t really the case when he first signed.
Hwang deserves big credit for his journey at Wolves
It is nice to hear Hobbs talking up this side to Hwang, because he definitely does have a very impressive mentality.
Hwang had an amazing start at Wolves, scoring four goals in his first six Premier League games. But then, his form dipped and he also struggled with injuries.
Wolves turned his loan from permanent in January 2022, but quite a few fans weren’t convinced about the player and some felt the club had been a little hasty.
Eventually, Hwang got through his tough periods and turned things around at Molineux, and this season he has just been absolutely fantastic under Gary O’Neil and hopefully he can continue to improve.
Given the kind of mentality he has, there is a pretty good chance of that.