Hwang’s start has Wolves fans dreaming of return to Europe
As rumours surrounding Adama Traore's future at Molineux continued to circulate, the Spaniard heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham, Wolves' pursuit of Hwang Hee-Chan went somewhat under the radar. The South Korean moved to England from RB Leipzig on a season-long loan having struggled to transfer his excellent Salzburg form to the Bundesliga.
Hwang was superb alongside Takumi Minamino and Erling Haaland in Salzburg's 2019/20 Champions League group stage campaign, a short-spell that showcased the immense attacking talent on offer for the Austrian side to the watching world as the South Korean scored three and assisted three to return a WhoScored rating of 7.69. The latter duo departed for Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, at the turn of 2020 whereas Hwang saw out the season for Salzburg.
However, Hwang suffered from COVID-19 early into his RB Leipzig career and it never really gave him the chance to display his immense talent to Julian Nagelsmann. Just three of his 18 league appearances came from the outset as RB Leipzig excelled without the forward. A change in manager presented Hwang with a fresh opportunity to shine, but even Jesse Marsch was unwilling to use the 25-year-old.
RB Leipzig's loss, though, is very much Wolves' gain. Hwang has made a sprint start to life in the Premier League, scoring three of their five league goals. A brace in their 2-1 win over Newcastle, two neat finishes from tight angles, saw him make the Premier League team of the week as he linked up well with Raul Jimenez to score his second and third goals of the season. It's early days, but Hwang could prove to be the perfect foil for Jimenez.
Only Paul Pogba to Bruno Fernandes (3 goals) is a better assist-to-goalscorer combination than Jimenez to Hwang (2) in the Premier League this season and as the Mexican drops deep to link up with teammates, the South Korea international can make darting runs off the wing behind defences to put opponents to the sword. Both finishes against Newcastle showcased this approach as Hwang found the far corner well having been picked out well by Jimenez.
Crucially still is that Hwang's immediate impact eases the pressure on Jimenez to really get back among the goals following his recovery from a skull fracture. In his absence, Wolves struggled for a consistent goalscorer to ease the burden on the frontman. Indeed, only Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto (both 5) scored more league goals than Jimenez (4) last season. The latter was ruled out for the remainder of 2020/21 in November, while Neto hasn't featured since suffering a broken kneecap in April against Fulham. Hwang's three goals means he is Wolves' fifth top scorer in the Premier League since the start of last season. He's made four appearances.
The early signs for Hwang are positive that he can not only provide an additional goalscoring threat for Wolves, but combine the best qualities of his attacking teammates. 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 is the fifth best return in the squad, while 1.8 shots per 90 is also the fifth highest for Bruno Lage's side, with Hwang able to get past an opponent and go for goal where needed.
Compared to his Wolves teammates, Adama Traore is able to breeze past defenders with ease, but his final ball has been found wanting this season with 2.8 shots and 2.4 key passes per 90 both failing to yield a goal or an assist. And with Trincao still adjusting to the rigours of Premier League, coupled with Neto's ongoing spell on the sidelines, a player of Hwang's calibre that can see him provide support from out wide and go for goal himself is a blessing for Lage.
"My way of playing is quite aggressive and fearless. Especially when I watch myself playing on television, I can understand why they call me The Bull," Hwang told Sky Sports last month and his attacking style means supporters have a new Bull to idolise. There is also less pressure to sort Adama's contract as soon as possible, as Wolves have the option to make Hwang's move permanent next summer for a reported £13m, and rush Neto back into action ahead of schedule at the risk of another setback safe in the knowledge the summer arrival and Jimenez have quickly struck up a fine understanding that promises to be one of the best in the Premier League this season.
