AliousWolverhampton Wanderers have built a comfortable 12-point buffer above the Premier League relegation zone, and their captain, Nelson Semedo, has singled out a teammate he believes has grown into a vital cog in the team’s machine.
The Wanderers secured a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham United at Molineux, with Jorgen Strand Larsen proving decisive once again by scoring the lone goal of the match. His strike, a well-taken effort from just outside the penalty area in the first half, handed Wolves three massive points in their quest for survival.
The performance against West Ham wasn’t a vintage display from Wolves by any stretch. However, West Ham’s lackluster showing allowed the home side to grind out the win, a result that could prove to be a defining moment in their season.
The significance of the victory was palpable at the final whistle, as the Wolves players swarmed their manager, Vitor Pereira, in a show of unity and relief.
Should they follow this up with a win against Ipswich Town this weekend, their safety in the top flight could be all but assured.
Strand Larsen was the standout figure once more in the West Ham clash, and his captain didn’t hold back in praising his impact post-match.
Semedo emphasized the Norwegian striker’s importance to the team, not just for his goal-scoring exploits but for his all-around contribution. With his strike against West Ham, Strand Larsen brought his tally to an impressive 10 goals in his first season with Wolves.
This milestone places Wolves alongside Brentford as the only two Premier League sides this term with a pair of players—Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha for Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa for Brentford—each hitting double figures in goals.
Before the recent Southampton match, Strand Larsen had faced some flak from fans for his perceived lack of influence in certain games.
Yet, he’s silenced his doubters emphatically, netting three times across the last two matches while filling the void left by the absent Cunha. Semedo was quick to highlight this resurgence, noting after the West Ham win:
“He’s really important. You saw it—he scored twice in the 2-1 last game, and tonight he got the goal in a 1-0 win. But even when he doesn’t score, he’s still key for us. People think a striker’s life is all about goals, but it’s not just that with him.
He’s a hard worker, always putting in the effort, and that makes him so valuable. Massive respect to him—he’s doing brilliantly.”
Wolves legend Steve Bull has also chimed in, applauding Strand Larsen’s tireless work ethic. For a player adapting to the Premier League’s demands in his debut campaign, 10 goals is no small feat, but as Semedo pointed out, his value extends far beyond the scoresheet.
Strand Larsen’s willingness to drop deep, link play, chase down channels, and battle in the box marks him as a true team player.
The stats back this up—among Premier League center-forwards this season, he ranks 13th for duels contested per game across all competitions, while his heat map reveals a relentless presence all over the pitch.
With Matheus Cunha widely expected to depart in the summer transfer window, these recent performances offer a tantalizing glimpse of what Strand Larsen could become for Wolves next season.
His blend of goal-scoring instinct and selfless graft is winning over the Molineux faithful, who are growing increasingly fond of their towering Norwegian frontman.
As Wolves edge closer to securing their Premier League status, Strand Larsen’s contributions—both measurable and intangible—are proving to be a cornerstone of their success.
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