A group of Wolves under-17s made it all the way to the semi-final stage and were winners over Juventus in the third-place play-off at the Borgaro Cup in Italy earlier this month.
The youngsters defeated Atalanta and Borgaro in the group stage which was enough to ensure progression to the final four. And despite defeat in their semi-final clash, the old gold were able to avenge an earlier defeat to Juventus as Brayden Clarke’s goal ensured bronze medals for the youngsters who got the better of the Old Lady.
Striker Leon Chiwome took home the golden boot, as his four goals made him the top goal scorer of the overall tournament - form the 17-year-old has taken back to Compton Park after striking a hat-trick against Leeds United in the under-18 Premier League last week.
Chiwome, in his first season at the club, has enjoyed a strong debut campaign at Wolves following his move as a first-year scholar from AFC Wimbledon. Having put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract earlier this year, Chiwome has also represented England at under-17 level and netted a hat-trick against Germany. The attacker has explained how the experience of going away with Wolves has numerous benefits for the group, while adding that his appetite to score goals has never been so high.
On the experience in Italy
“It was an amazing experience. Everything from the hotel to playing the games in a great country with beautiful weather.
“I enjoyed every moment and the team put in some great performances. I was happy to get top goal scorer with four goals in the tournament as well.”
On what he wants to take from trips away
“There are quite a few things we want to take away. There are different playing styles and different teams that we play, so it’s good.
“Coming back to England and playing league football here, we can implement some stuff that we find.
“My personal goals are definitely trying to get as many goals as possible. I knew from the tournament even before we started and if we didn’t win, that I wanted to get top scorer. There are great individual goals you can take away from these.”
On coming up against European opposition
“It’s really important. Everywhere we go, as a Premier League side, everyone wants to beat us. Once we win, it’s a great feeling and great experience that we can beat other big clubs in Europe.”
On what tournament football provides
“It definitely helps us a lot. With the under-18s league, it can become quite strenuous and every game can feel like you’re taking it in your stride.
“However, when you get to a tournament like this then you want to win the tournament, battle and beat every opponent.”
On being the top scorer
“I’m a goal scorer and love the feeling of scoring a goal, nothing beats it in football. My favourite goal was probably the ball over the top from Makenzie (Bradbury), two touch – one to set up for the volley and then I banged it with my weak foot into the top corner.
“It managed to get us the victory with a 2-1 win over Atalanta. It makes me feel really happy that I can perform and score goals against big teams in Europe, not just in the under-18s league.
“I can implement a lot of things that I learn into other games throughout the season.”
On playing for England under-17s
“Playing for England is another level and another great experience, especially when I was out playing against Germany and Spain.
I was happy to get that hat-trick and help my team win in a 6-0 victory. It just brings so many great skills and new abilities every time I’m going out and creating some great lifelong relationships with players that I won’t see every day at club level.”
On the mentality with England
“A lot of the things they look for at England is just being hungry and going out there to win.
We want to win competitions and trophies so it brings back that hunger to win and to score goals, before I take it back to the club with the great things I learn here as well.”
On his first season with Wolves
“I’m really happy with my first season. I’ve had a couple of injuries that have kept me out for quite a few weeks, but I’ve enjoyed every moment.
“I’ve got great teammates and a great experience. It’s a massive step up from Wimbledon, but I feel like I’ve coped with it quite well and I’m just hungry for the next season to score more goals.”
