AliousWolves legend Dave Edwards has identified an area that Vitor Pereira must address within his squad to maximize its potential.
Since Pereira’s arrival, Wolves have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, significantly reducing their relegation fears. Before his appointment, the team lacked direction under Gary O’Neil, making a managerial change necessary to secure their Premier League status. Now, with a nine-point cushion above the drop zone following their victory over Southampton, Wolves have breathing room, allowing Pereira to focus on fine-tuning his squad.
Jorgen Strand Larsen Drawing Comparisons to Raul Jimenez**
Wolves supporters relished their latest triumph on the South Coast, which saw Jorgen Strand Larsen emerge as the match-winner. The Norwegian striker bagged his eighth and ninth league goals of the season, impressing fans and pundits alike with his clinical finishing.
Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards was among those who took note of Strand Larsen’s performance. However, he pointed out that for the striker to truly flourish, the team must adapt its approach.
“Wolves haven’t always played to his [Strand Larsen’s] strengths,” Edwards explained in an interview with *Express and Star*. “Without [Matheus] Cunha in the lineup, there was a greater emphasis on delivering early crosses against Southampton, and that’s exactly how the first goal materialized.”
Edwards further highlighted the importance of persistence when playing to the Norwegian’s style:
“He might make ten runs and only receive the ball once, but when that chance comes, the stats show he’s incredibly clinical.”
The Wolves icon also urged patience with Strand Larsen, arguing that he has the potential to offer what Raul Jimenez once did for the team.
“I really hope we stick with him. He’s still young, adjusting to a new league and country, but his potential is massive,” Edwards said. “His hold-up play needs work—he has to use his physicality more effectively—but he brings something Wolves have lacked since Raul Jimenez’s departure.”
### **Strand Larsen vs. Jimenez: A Promising Comparison**
Jimenez was the focal point of Wolves’ attack during his time at Molineux, and now Strand Larsen is beginning to show he can fill that role. While the Mexican striker remains a revered figure at the club, the Norwegian’s debut season suggests he could reach similar heights.
In Jimenez’s first Premier League campaign, he scored 13 goals. Strand Larsen, currently sitting on nine, has nine games left to match or surpass that tally. More importantly, his shot conversion rate is notably higher than Jimenez’s was in his debut season, underlining his efficiency in front of goal.
While these signs are encouraging, Edwards believes there’s still room for improvement. He stressed that Pereira has the opportunity to refine Strand Larsen’s game over the international break, helping him develop into an even more well-rounded striker.
With the Norwegian chasing double digits in his first Premier League season, Wolves now have the ideal conditions to mold him into a long-term successor to Jimenez.
Alious
