There was a possibility that Hwang Hee-chan would not be able to take the opportunity to start in the upcoming weekend’s game.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will face Aston Villa in the fifth round of the 2024-25 Premier League (PL) at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, at 11 p.m. on the 21st (Korea time). Wolverhampton is ranked 18th in the league with one draw and three losses (one point), while Villa are ranked 5th with three wins and one loss (nine points).
“Wolverhampton lost 2-3 to Brighton in the English Football League Cup, but one of the positives was the achievement of Gonzalo Gedes,” said Molinho News, which delivers the Wolverhampton news ahead of the game. “Coach Gary O’Neill called Gedes ‘quality,’ and he led the offensive line brilliantly and scored a goal.”
Geddes was one of the key players in Valencia’s offense. Geddes emerged as a key player in the 4-4-2 formation, which was his team’s core tactic, as he played as a winger or second striker. In particular, he scored in the 2021-22 season. Geddes led his team’s offense by scoring 11 goals and six assists in 36 La Liga matches. His performance sent Wolverhampton a love call, and he entered the PL.
However, he had difficulty adapting to the PL. On top of that, Wolverhampton’s position was further reduced due to the strong performances of Hwang Hee-chan and Pedro Netu. In the end, Gedds left for Benfica on loan after half a season. Gedds extended his loan with Benfica for one more season, but failed to show any significant performance after the extension, ending the last season if he left for Villarreal again.
In other words, he joined the team in earnest after two seasons. Geddes showed good performance from the pre-season, raising expectations. In his showdown with Burnley in the second round of the EFL Cup, he scored multiple goals, leading his team to victory. Thanks to his performance, he returned to the PL stage by substituting him in the third round of the league against Nottingham Forest, and scored in the third round of the EFL Cup against Brighton.
Geddes’ performance will soon affect Hwang Hee-chan’s position. While Geddes was far away, Hwang Hee-chan fell into silence. Hwang Hee-chan suffered some ups and downs in the early part of the season and began to lose ground in the competition to become a starting member. In the end, Hwang Hee-chan prepared for the match by sitting on the bench from the second round of the English Football League Cup (EFL Cup) against Burnley, which took place on April 29.
Hwang Hee-chan did not show any significant moves even as a substitute. Hwang Hee-chan started on the bench in both league matches leading to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United and stepped on the ground as a substitute in the second half, but failed to exert influence and swallowed the disappointment.
Against Brighton, Hwang had a chance to start the game for the first time in a long time. Hwang Hee-chan played as a right wing forward on the day. However, Hwang remained silent on the day as well. He played until the 26th minute of the second half, recording 21 ball touches, 15 passes (precision 93 percent), one shot, two dribbling attempts (successful once), and one offside.
“I couldn’t believe Hwang Hee-chan was a striker who scored 12 goals in the Premier League last season,” said the British media, which reported Wolverhampton’s poor performance. “The match against Brighton was the worst night for Hwang Hee-chan. Hwang Hee-chan struggled very hard against Brighton. Hwang Hee-chan is having a tough early season and was terrible against Brighton.”
“Hwang Hee-chan was disappointed in the record as well. He only touched the ball 21 times. It was the same touch as Semedo who replaced him. He only shot once and posted 15 passes. Wolverhampton cannot be equipped with the Wolverhampton uniform with such performance. He is the worst player in Wolverhampton, and the current situation is very difficult. He did not look like he did last season.”
Of course, there is a reason why Hwang Hee-chan is having some difficulties this season. He is not playing in the right position. During his time at Salzburg, Hwang Hee-chan was a striker who created chances to score through penetration that destroyed the opponent’s defense line at the left wing-forward or two-top striker position and movement that penetrated into the back space.
Last season, manager Gary O’Neill took advantage of Hwang Hee-chan’s advantage. Notably, Wolverhampton, who did not have a front-line striker position, gave Hwang Hee-chan a one-top and deployed Pedro Netu and Matheus Cunha below them to stage attacks. With his free movement from the front and his position to smell goals at the gate, Hwang scored 12 goals. 메이저놀이터
However, Hwang Hee-chan’s position has changed this season. As Wolverhampton has hired a front-line striker named Jürgen Stran Larsen on loan, Hwang’s position has become ambiguous. However, O’Neill has deployed Hwang Hee-chan on the right side, not on the left side, killing his strength.
Hwang Hee-chan has displayed his strengths when he stepped up to the front line or as a left wing forward. When deployed to the left, he has created shots or opportunities by hitting the center. On the other hand, if deployed to the right, it is difficult for Hwang Hee-chan, who is right-footed, to show anything but digging to the end of the line and then crossing.
“Molinho News” also said, “Hwang Hee-chan is being evaluated for his declining influence in the side recently. Last season, Wolverhampton appeared frequently in the penalty box as he mainly played in the center due to the absence of a professional striker. However, this season, his role has been reduced due to the addition of Larsen. Hwang Hee-chan has to play in a wider range, but he is limited because he has Larsen and others. Hwang Hee-chan needs to find himself as soon as possible.”
Rumors of a transfer are rising in the U.K. The Athletic reported that Hwang Hee-chan had the most outstanding performance among Wolverhampton players by scoring 13 goals last season. However, he has been sitting on the bench mostly in the Premier League this season.
“There were rumors of a transfer to Marseille, but he remains at Wolverhampton and is still not showing his best performance. It is also unclear whether he will start or not, and if the current situation continues, he may be eligible for release along with Pablo Sarabia in the January transfer market,” he added.
Despite this, Hwang Hee-chan has to prepare for the upcoming match against Villa. However, “Moly New News” predicted that Hwang Hee-chan will be excluded from the starting lineup. “As Wolverhampton is struggling early in the season, O’Neill may have to consider sending Geddes to the match against Villa. He was the most impressive of the four strikers who played against Brighton.”
“Larsen showed tremendous presence as a striker for Wolverhampton, and Cunha is following suit. The two gave positive moments to Wolverhampton’s offense this season. There is a high possibility that they will play against Villa,” he said. “Gedds showed better performance than Hwang Hee-chan, Pablo Sarabia and Rodrigo Gomes.”
In conclusion, the media claimed, “For that reason, sending Geddes out will be O’Neill’s top priority. He can play brilliantly behind Larsen and help Cunha take on the winger role on the left. If the finishing skills in the box and the skills of Larsen and Cunha, who have power, are combined, they will be able to create the perfect combination in the away game at Villa Park.”
