The World Cup officially starts today – and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan needs a strong tournament for South Korea.
The 26-year-old has endured a tough start to the 2022/23 season.
Hwang came into the current campaign somewhat cold, having played just one game in pre-season after picking up an injury.
He started the first two Premier League games against Leeds United and Fulham in the injury absence of Raul Jimenez.
He did quite well in those games, but was then dropped to the bench once Jimenez was fit again.
Hwang then had to bide his time for another proper chance. He did not start another game in the Premier League until the recent clash with Brighton.
It has been a frustrating time for Hwang. He has made a string of cameo appearances, and been unable to really make much of an impact.
The star would have been really hoping to score a goal, after the mistakes he made against Newcastle United (clearance across his own box for Allan Saint-Maximin) and Preston North End (saw his penalty saved).
But he’s yet to bag this season, with his last goal in Wolves colours coming all the way back in February in a league game against Arsenal. It really has not been a good 2022 for him.
Hwang is now in Qatar with South Korea, and is gearing up to face Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in the group stages.
It is a tough group, but there is a chance Korea could make it out. But the nation needs their big hitters like Hwang and Heung-min Son on top form from the get-go.
Wolves need Hwang Hee-chan to have a strong World Cup with South Korea
Hwang is perhaps the Wolves player who needs a strong World Cup the most.
It has been a tough season at Molineux for him so far.
He could really do with scoring a couple of goals just to get some confidence.
Ideally, he’ll help his country get out of the group stage and just feature as much as possible.
Wolves need Hwang to come back to Molineux in good form ahead of the second half of the season.
It would also be good in terms of Hwang raising his market value. If the player is not in the plans of new Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui, then officials may need to consider selling him in January.
The player did have interest towards the end of the last transfer window. Leeds United and Everton were said to be keen.
So, if he can put himself in the shop window then that would perhaps help the club make back the £14 million that was paid to RB Leipzig.