Chris Wood could play a crucial role in Burnley’s European campaign
It’s going to be a massive season for Burnley, with the Clarets making a return to Europe after a 51-year wait. Sean Dyche’s men will be plying their trade in the Europa League this season after enjoying a brilliant domestic campaign last season.
The manager brought in a couple of signings to bolster the squad before the window closed. The likes of Joe Hart, Ben Gibson and Matej Vydra joined the club to strengthen the team. But one player who could hit the ground running is striker Chris Wood.
The New Zealand international made the move to Burnley last season and has since gone on to display his qualities in brilliant fashion.
The 26-year-old striker scored 11 goals and provided 1 assist in 34 league appearances for the club. Wood generally plays as a striker but he is also comfortably slotting in on either wing. He was one of the Clarets’ driving forces last season, charging forward in search of goals. Sean Dyche often played him on the left-wing with Ashley Barnes taking up the striker’s role.
But he excelled playing on the flank, posing a constant threat to the defenders with his marauding runs. A very clinical striker, Wood is excellent at finishing inside the six-yard box. He uses his brilliant positioning to time his runs well.
The striker links up well with his fellow teammates and has no concerns playing with another strike partner. Wood also thrived in a 4-4-2 formation with the Clarets that saw him partner with Ashley Barnes or Sam Vokes. Wood was the perfect strike partner for both of them.
This time around, the New Zealand international can be paired up with last season’s Championship top-scorer Matej Vydra. The Czech Republic striker is deadly in front of goal and will be aiming to hit the ground running after a prolific campaign last time out that saw him score 21 goals in 46 appearances.
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Wood can hit greater heights if partnered alongside Matej Vydra. The pair can striker up a formidable bond that will provide them with the cutting edge to flourish in Europe. Sean Dyche possesses a variety of strikers in his ranks, which should give him the required depth to have a go at the Europa League title.