Dani Angel is looking forward to an ‘exciting season’ as the under-21s prepare for their Premier League 2 opener at Nottingham Forest this evening.
The striker has moved into James Collins’ group for the 2024/25 campaign following a successful first season in Old Gold, which saw him hit double figures for the under-18s, play for Spain under-18s, sign his first professional contract and receive the Academy Player of the Season award. Ahead of the new season, Angel has spoken on what he’s looking forward to, stepping up to the under-21s and his ambitions for the campaign.
On the season ahead
“It’s going to be an exciting season, especially for me. I’m playing in the Premier League 2 and we’ve got some big tournaments as well like the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
“That’s a tournament I’m really looking forward to because playing against men’s teams is going to be a really good challenge for me and the team.”
On moving up to the under-21s
“It’s been hard, especially in pre-season. It’s been different to the under-18s and there has been more running.
“I’ve been enjoying it at the moment and scoring goals as well during pre-season, so I’m enjoying it.”
On his success last season
“It was a really exciting season for me. It came as a surprise because I wasn’t expecting the call-up from Spain, but I was scoring goals and I think the call-up was a gift for me.
“I really enjoyed my first season at Wolves. Coming from where I’m from and getting all those achievements was really good for me. It gave me confidence to go into the under-21s.”
On playing for Spain
“It gives you more confidence on the pitch being a Spanish international, but it also brings responsibility as well.
“I’m trying to do what I did last year to get back with the Spanish national team.”
On whether he’s a natural goal scorer
“I would say yes. I try to do what James (Collins) tells me to do which is run in behind and score goals – I think I’ve been really good at it.
“Under-21s is more physical so it’s harder when it comes to holding up the ball. My running in behind is something that has really helped me because I’ve been scoring goals because of that.”
On his aims for the season
“Doing well in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy is a big tournament for me. Going up against men’s football will really help me in the future.
“I’m really looking forward to that. Playing in stadiums like that is something I’m dreamt of for years. I also want to get back into the Spanish national team squad.”
