Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is almost into double figures in his first season in the Premier League.
The club signed him on loan from Celta Vigo last summer, and it’s though he has now made the required number of appearances to warrant a permanent transfer to Molineux.
His move will cost Wolves around £23 million.
One more goal for Strand Larsen will put him in an exclusive club, with only Hwang Hee-chan, Matheus Cunha, Steven Fletcher and Raul Jimenez scoring 10 goals in a single Premier League season previously.
One would imagine he’ll do that in the remaining nine games.
Strand Larsen can be pleased with his efforts this season – and Steve Bull certainly likes what he’s seen.
Steve Bull shares the one aspect of Strand Larsen’s game that’s impressed him
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Strand Larsen recently came in for a bit of criticism online from fans.
But Vitor Pereira then revealed he’d been struggling with a fractured hand.
He did that before the game with Everton, but still played, and then scored a brace against Southampton.
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Strand Larsen pulled out of the Norway squad so he can recover fully, and hopefully continue to score goals for Wolves.
But Steve Bull has been taken by another trait of his – and that’s his work-rate.
He said in his latest E&S column: “I was pleased to see Jorgen Strand Larsen score his brace and he took both goals well.
“I’ll continue to stand by him – he’s an out-and-out striker who has plenty to offer this team.
“But strikers need service and we haven’t been getting the balls into the box for Larsen often enough.
“His work rate off the ball has been tremendous, but he hasn’t been getting the service. When he did get the right cross or pass against Southampton, he took his chances.
“I can’t think of the last time we had consistent crosses into the box, we always try to score the perfect goal but sometimes a quick ball over the top can result in the perfect goal.”
Strand Larsen could really kick on in second season
Arguably, Wolves have not played to Strand Larsen’s strengths enough this season.
Steve Bull warned Strand Larsen that he may lack service for Wolves and there have been several games where he’s just be on the fringes.
But he’s still managed to score nine in his first season which is respectable.
Jorgen Strand Larsen for Wolves this season
Appearances – 30
Minutes played – 2297
Goals – 9
Assists – 3
Strand Larsen could really kick on in his second season.
He now has a good understanding of the league, and his teammates will better understand how to play with him.
There is also a good chance Matheus Cunha will leave, which may see Strand Larsen become more of a ‘main man’ for Wolves.