A striker only needs one goal to boost confidence levels, and on Saturday, Jorgen Strand Larsen cashed in against the division’s worst side, Southampton.
Strand Larsen went seven games without scoring in the Premier League and then bagged a brace at the weekend as Wolves clinched a 2-1 win over Southampton.
Since joining on loan from Celta Vigo in the summer, the Norwegian has netted nine goals in all competitions and should surpass double figures before the season ends.
It’s been a mixed campaign for the Wolves striker, who has often struggled physically but has made up for it with a ruthless edge.
Strand Larsen is outperforming Erling Haaland with the highest shot percentage in the Premier League, and one of his former managers always knew he’d flourish in England’s top flight.
Rafael Benitez predicted Jorgen Strand Larsen to shine in the Premier League
Wolves will sign Strand Larsen for £23 million in the summer after he surpassed the threshold of appearances needed to make his move permanent.
Before he joined the Old Gold, the Norwegian international netted 13 goals in 37 appearances for Celta Vigo in 2023/24, with his former manager Rafael Benitez predicting Strand Larsen to shine in the Premier League.
Speaking in March 2024, Benitez said: “He is a player who is quite consistent and that he is increasingly embellishing it with quality details and that of an important footballer.
“He has aspects of the game that need improvement, and he knows it. He is a very hard worker. He has improved in finishing and in understanding what he has to do depending on his teammates and his rivals.
“He is in a growth phase, but he is young and has a lot of desire. When he adjusts a few things, he has all the potential to go to the Premier League.”
Interestingly, Strand Larsen has been compared to Raul Jimenez, arguably their greatest-ever striker in the Premier League, and the 25-year-old will hope to surpass his legacy.
What Vitor Pereira thinks of Strand Larsen
In the win at St Mary’s, Strand Larsen was a killer in front of goal, scoring twice from his only attempts. But he was also influential with other parts of his game, including his hold up play and passing.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s stats vs Southampton
- 90 minutes played
- 2 goals
- 1 successful dribble
- 17/21 accurate passes (81%)
- 2 ground duels won
- 4 aerial duels won
It was an impressive performance from the towering striker, who received plaudits from Vitor Pereira after the game.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Portuguese tactician said: “[Jorgen] Strand Larsen was fantastic, not only with his two goals but with the way he helped the team. Today he felt more confident. I think he was fantastic, and he deserves it.”
Following a difficult few weeks, with Strand Larsen suffering a hand injury, he was back to his best on the South Coast, and there’s hope he can build on that performance against West Ham after the break.