Profile of Hwang Hee-chan, the South Korean Player Who Makes Wolverhampton More Aggressive in Attack

Kapanlagi.com - Hwang Hee-Chan, the versatile forward from South Korea, has once again captured public attention after scoring a goal against Manchester United in an exciting English Premier League match on Friday (27/12) early morning.

Born in Chuncheon, he has become an indispensable figure for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. With a combination of speed, physical strength, and impressive goal-scoring ability, he is often regarded as one of the best Asian players today.

Hwang's career journey began at Pohang Steelers, before he shone at Red Bull Salzburg. From there, he not only showcased his abilities at the club level but also became a mainstay for the South Korean national team. One of the most memorable moments in his career was when he scored a dramatic goal against Portugal in the 2022 World Cup, which made him even more recognized worldwide.

Known by the nickname "Hwangso," which means bull in Korean, Hwang Hee-Chan has an aggressive and tireless playing style. In this article, we will thoroughly explore Hwang Hee-Chan's career journey, from humble beginnings in Korea to becoming a star in European football.

1. Career Beginnings and Journey to Europe

Hwang Hee-Chan, who was born in Chuncheon, South Korea, on January 26, 1996, has shown exceptional football talent since childhood. Training at the Pohang Steelers academy, he achieved remarkable success by scoring 12 goals in 12 matches as a teenager.

His adventure in Europe began in 2015 when he joined FC Liefering, where he managed to score 13 goals in 31 appearances over two seasons.

His success led him to the first team of Red Bull Salzburg in 2016, where he not only appeared on the Champions League stage but also teamed up with stars like Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino, making him one of the most promising talents in world football.

2. Career with Red Bull Salzburg and Move to Leipzig

At Red Bull Salzburg, Hwang Hee-Chan shone as a key star, leading the club to four Austrian League titles and three Austrian Cups. The most impressive moment of his career in Salzburg came when he scored a spectacular goal against Lazio in the quarter-finals of the 2017-2018 Europa League, which propelled his team to the semifinals.

In 2020, Hwang continued his adventure in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Although he initially faced challenges in getting consistent playing time, he was still able to make a significant impact, including contributing to Leipzig's journey to the DFB-Pokal final in 2021.

However, with limited playing time, Hwang was forced to seek new opportunities to further develop his career.

3. Journey at Wolverhampton Wanderers

Hwang, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) at the start of the 2021-2022 season on loan, quickly captured attention with his outstanding performances, leading the club to decide to make his contract permanent in January 2022.

Known as a versatile player, Hwang is capable of operating on the wing as well as a central striker, and in the 2023-2024 season, he made history by becoming the first Wolves player in five decades to score six goals in the first ten Premier League matches.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was when he scored a crucial goal against Manchester City, leading Wolves to a remarkable victory.

4. Contributions to the South Korean National Team

Hwang, who first donned the South Korean national team jersey in 2016, has left a remarkable mark on various international stages, including the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup.

The pinnacle of his career journey occurred at the 2022 World Cup, when he scored a dramatic goal that helped South Korea defeat Portugal and advance to the Round of 16.

Not only that, Hwang also contributed to winning the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, an achievement that not only made the nation proud but also granted him exemption from military service—a special honor for outstanding athletes in the land of ginseng.

5. Playing Style and Its Influence in the World of Football

Hwang Hee-Chan, affectionately known as "Hwangso", is a captivating field star with aggressive play, exceptional speed, and toughness in physical duels. He often becomes a nightmare for opposing defenses due to his agile dribbling and lethal finishing.

Moreover, his pressing ability is also a powerful weapon highly valued in modern football. The Wolves manager does not hesitate to praise Hwang as a figure who can change the course of a match with significant contributions in crucial moments.

"He is a player who always gives 100% in every match," said the Wolves coach in an interview, emphasizing how valuable Hwang is to his team.

6. What Makes Hwang Hee-Chan Nicknamed "Hwangso"?

This nickname is given to him due to his aggressive and spirited playing style, reflecting the strong and brave bull character in Korean culture.

7. What is Hwang's best moment in the South Korean national team?

One of the most impressive moments in South Korea's journey at the 2022 World Cup was when they scored the winning goal against Portugal, a moment that not only shook the stadium but also secured their place in the Round of 16. This dramatic victory became a highlight, showcasing the fighting spirit and unwavering determination of the Taeguk Warriors team.

8. How did Hwang perform at Wolverhampton in the 2023--2024 season?

This season, he made history as the first Wolves player in the last five decades to score six goals in the opening ten Premier League matches.

(kpl/rmt)