Fer Lopez, the promising striker, is ready to make a significant impact in his new role with Wolverhampton Wanderers following an impressive pre-season. Lopez’s addition is from the world’s top of the top teams. He’s been brought in to help revive Wolves’ front line as they adjust to a new-look squad. Early indications of his tenure at the club have proven success, with club staff and fellow players alike raving about how well he’s settled in.
If the latter figure holds, it would put Lopez’s total at 14 goals in his first Premier League season last term – on paper anyway. In truth, he’s been placed in a position of having to lead this charge now that another key player is missing. This challenge does not intimidate him, instead inspiring him to perform at the highest level. During pre-season, Lopez and his coaching staff focused on ensuring he was physically and tactically prepared for the demands of the upcoming season.
In Wolves’ 3-4-2-1 shape, Lopez will be fighting for the right sided No 10 position. He hopes to use his unique skillset to maximum effect in this new role. He has in a short time been welcomed into the fold and looked every bit the confident and comfortable star while conducting interviews at the club’s training ground. His very high level of English has smoothed the path for him to life in England.
Lopez’s dynamic style is a stark contrast to his Sounders teammate, Jorgen Strand Larsen. They possess a connection from their shared years at Celta Vigo, but the duo’s playing styles contrast quite drastically. Lopez has long been focused on his role in creating opportunities for his teammates, and this fits perfectly with the team’s new tactical direction.
In the beginning I was well to the rightI wouldn’t describe myself as a right winger, more attacking midfield,” Lopez said, showing just how versatile of a player he is. He is definitely interested in getting that last pass, working for the team and completely understanding how he fits into the bigger picture.
Wolves’ coaching staff have praised Lopez’s ability to gel into the team. At 14, he spent three months on a school exchange in England’s Suffolk county. This was a great experience that allowed him to make a smoother transition. It’s the first time he’s lived outside Spain. It raises the stakes and suspense of his new undertaking, making for a much more exciting story!
His friendship with Strand Larsen, a sequel coach, provides an additional layer of comfort. Perhaps more importantly, Strand is working with him to ensure he’s reintegrating into the club. “It was obviously a plus knowing that I was not going to be 100 percent alone because I knew him,” Lopez shared about his teammate.
Lopez’s time at City under world-famous manager Pep Guardiola has filled him with uncountable knowledge and experience. “What he tells me to do is to receive in those pockets,” he explained about adapting to Wolves’ system. His training at City has given him a very different skill set, one that he hopes to utilize in Wolves.
That’s one of the things I focus on trying to find him, a bunch,” Lopez said when explaining his relationship with Strand Larsen on the field. “When I get the ball facing forward, the first thing I try to do is find a pass for him.” This collaborative approach to the entire process points toward Lopez’s desire to establish positive relationships within the collaborative team.
As Lopez looks ahead to what should be a thrilling new season, he can’t wait to show what he can do to Wolves fans. “I like to see it like that. I like players that take me off my seat and I try to do that to the fans,” he remarked.
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