AliousWolverhampton Wanderers head into their next Premier League fixture with confidence, believing they can disrupt AFC Bournemouth’s momentum on the road. Their narrow 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield was a frustrating one, as Vitor Pereira’s side put in a strong attacking performance, registering an impressive 16 shots on goal. Unfortunately, only Matheus Cunha found the net, highlighting an ongoing issue—the lack of consistent firepower beyond their Brazilian talisman. With both Jorgen Strand Larsen and Hwang Hee-Chan sidelined due to injuries, Wolves’ attacking options remain limited.
Even when Hwang is available, he has struggled to deliver consistently in front of goal. The South Korean forward’s confidence has often been an issue, in stark contrast to Cunha’s seemingly effortless ability to make an impact.
### Hwang’s Struggles in Front of Goal
It has been a frustrating, injury-ridden season for Hwang at Molineux. The 29-year-old has already missed 55 days of action due to various setbacks, making it difficult for him to find rhythm. Although Pereira has suggested that Hwang is nearing full fitness, his lack of goalscoring form could make it difficult for him to reclaim a spot in the starting XI.
Across 17 Premier League appearances this season, he has only managed to score twice—a stark contrast to his standout 2023/24 campaign, where he netted 13 times. Outside of that strong individual season, however, Hwang has struggled to be a reliable attacking threat, scoring just ten league goals across his other two seasons at Wolves. Given their over-reliance on Cunha, Pereira may soon look for an alternative solution, possibly turning to a young and hungry talent waiting for his chance.
### The Rising Star Who Could Replace Hwang
Wolves have a history of producing exciting young talents through their academy, with Morgan Gibbs-White being a prime example. While Gibbs-White had to leave Molineux to fully realize his potential, 18-year-old Dani Ángel will be hoping to make his breakthrough in Wolves’ senior squad without needing to move elsewhere.
Ángel’s journey has been remarkable. Just last year, he was playing for non-league side Clapton FC in London, but his rapid rise—described as “meteoric” by football analyst Tom Williams—has seen him develop into a promising young striker in Wolves’ youth ranks.
Since joining the club, Ángel has been in prolific form, scoring 15 goals in 36 appearances across the U18 and U21 squads. His performances even earned him a call-up to Spain’s U18 national team, further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent. If Pereira is willing to take a gamble, the teenager could soon find himself in the first-team picture.
While it would be unrealistic to expect Ángel to make an immediate impact at senior level, he is certainly one to watch. If Hwang continues to struggle with form and fitness, Pereira may decide to accelerate Ángel’s development, giving Wolves fans a glimpse of a potential long-term solution in attack.
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