Teenage Wolves duo Leon Chiwome and Tyler Roberts have been labelled ‘exceptional’ by youth team coach Ian Sharps following Tuesday’s 2-0 EFL Trophy defeat to Port Vale, speaking to the club’s official website.
While the overall feeling following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2-1 loss away from home at Crystal Palace was one of frustration – goals from Ebere Eze and Wilfried Zaha ensuring a rare Adama Traore strike counted for nothing – the rip-roaring performance of young left-back Hugo Bueno at least raised a few smiles.
On his full Premier League debut, Bueno was a bundle of energy, enthusiasm and no little quality. It was his pinpoint cross which set up Traore’s first-half opener, with caretaker Steve Davis – who worked with Bueno at U21 level – hailing his ‘fantastic’ adaptation to the senior stage.
Bueno is not the only Wolves youngster to catch the eye this week either.
Leon Chiwome (16) and Tyler Roberts (18) more than held their own against Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, earning plenty of praise for their efforts in difficult circumstances.
The future looks bright at Wolves
“The strikers were working a little bit off scraps. But Leon and Tyler are exceptional at winning balls that are in front of them,” says Sharps.
“I thought we were very competitive. The lads had a right go and I’m proud of how they worked at it. I’m disappointed to lose the football match as I always am, but I’m proud of the players and the way they’ve worked hard.
“It’s been a really great experience for them so far and, obviously, we’re in the next round which is brilliant. Not many U21s teams qualify from the group stages (of the EFL Trophy). So it will be a great experience to go and give it a good go in the knockout round.”
Fellow academy graduates Bueno and Joe Hodge should act as inspiration to the likes of Chiwome and Roberts, both forcing their way into the first-team picture of late. Hodge has played in each of Wolves’ last three Premier League games. Forward Chem Campbell also signed a new deal last week following a run of games under Bruno Lage.
Wolves are stuck a difficult present. But at least the future looks as bright as their golden shirts.
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