Former Ipswich Town wonderkid hails three ‘brilliant’ Wolves players as ‘next season’ target set

Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Tawanda Chirewa has hailed the ‘brilliant’ impact three senior players have had on his development since signing from Ipswich Town last September.

The Zimbabwean has made the best of Wolves’ injury crisis as he’s had opportunities to break through into the side regularly off the bench. Chirewa’s debut came late on during the first FA Cup clash at Brentford and since then he’s made seven further substitute appearances. He even started and impressed against Premier League title challengers Arsenal earlier this month.

“It was a proud moment for me and my family. Everyone was there and I enjoyed it,” Chirewa told Wolves.co.uk. “It was obviously a tough challenge because it was against Arsenal, a top team in the Premier League, but I really enjoyed it. I felt like it was where I belong, it’s the level I want to be playing at and I loved every minute of it.”

Chirewa, who was 16 when handed his senior football debut at Ipswich by Paul Lambert, has had to be patient for his English top-tier breakthrough but the initial signs have been positive. Capable of playing in central midfield, on the wing, as a number 10 or even as a false nine, the now 20-year-old has proved useful.

It’s important not to let the current campaign peter out but next season is already being targeted. “Top half is the aim,” Chirewa admitted. “All of the players and the staff, we just know that we will get back to winning ways and give the fans something to look forward to for next season.”

The best is still to come for Chirewa and a handful of experienced players offering advice are keen to guide the Wolves number 62 fulfil his potential. “When I first started to come into the squad to train with them every day, a lot of the senior players at the club really helped me,” Chirewa revealed.

“Mario [Lemina] has been helping me day-to-day and giving me advice before and after games. He told me to go out there and show everyone how good I can be. Pablo [Sarabia] is also good as well because we play in the same position, and he’s been helping me with little details. The skipper [Max Kilman] is brilliant as well and he helps me a lot,” Chirewa continued.

The togetherness at the football club is clear as day and Compton Park graduates are in for a treat when they take the leap to Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground. Chirewa was of course fast-tracked when he joined from Ipswich but there are plenty of other up-and-coming players bound to experience the same support.