Wolves’ academy players who are one day hoping to be a regular member of the Old Gold first-team only have to look at Hugo Bueno as the perfect example of how the succeed at Molineux.
It’s been just over 18 months since the Spanish youth international burst onto the Premier League scene and having progressed under each head coach he’s worked with at Wolves, but Bueno will start 2024/25 aiming to earn his first sustained spell in Gary O’Neil’s team having fallen behind Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matt Doherty in the left-back pecking order due to injury earlier last season.
But the defender knows there is plenty of time ahead of him – having signed a new long-term deal until 2028 with the club in November – and also plenty of room for improvement, as he continues to put in the hard yards on and off the pitch in the next part of his Old Gold journey.
On his second year as a senior player
“I think it’s been a good season. Of course, I had a few little setbacks during this season, like the injury in the first months, and I also maybe didn’t play as much as I would have wanted.
“I felt like I was definitely getting a few more minutes in the end part of the season, but in football, anything can happen, so I just try to be ready every day and then take every opportunity that the gaffer gives me and try to give 100 per cent on the pitch.
“But in general, I always try to stay positive, and the team did really well, which is the main thing. So, I’m really happy and I can’t wait for the next one.”
On overcoming injury
“Football is a really hard sport mentally, and of course when you have these sorts of setbacks when you go throughout the season, you need to stay strong.
“It’s not easy, but I always try to get over it, no matter the situation, and I think this season has been a little bit harder than I thought it would have been, but in general, I’ve been really happy.”
Hugo Bueno could be in action this evening.
— Wolves (@Wolves) May 31, 2024
He's been called up by Galicia, who face Panama in a friendly. pic.twitter.com/fqXyEMoEQ8
On his first senior goal
“It was a really special moment for me. At the end, the game didn’t finish like we all wanted it to, but I just took my goal as a special moment anyway.
“The reaction from everyone was really amazing, so it was one of those moments that you’ll remember the rest of your life.”
On continuing his development
“I learn every day from every teammate, so I’m one of those people who really like to learn and listen to the more experienced guys.
“I’ve learned loads of things. I came here as a kid, I was 16, and I was with loads of doubts, but every year I took a step, I learned a lot, and I can say I’m half English now because I’ve been here for a long time.”
On looking ahead to the future
“Signing a new contract with this club has always been a big moment for me. I’m really happy in that sense because I know I have loads of years left, which is good for me, and I just can’t wait for the next one.
“I can’t wait to get going again. I’m already getting ready mentally and physically so I can give my best and hopefully next season I can give loads more.”
