The fortunes of Hugo Bueno (Gondomar, 2002) completely changed when in 2019 Wolverhapton unexpectedly knocked on his door. The skills of the young winger from Areosa, a modest team from Vigo, caught the attention of the English team, who offered him to join their subsidiary. Before turning 17, the Galician left everything behind to embark on an adventure that led him to make his professional debut in the Premier League. During the break for the World Cup, Bueno called MD to comment on his feelings
How did this whole story begin?
“I started at the club in front of my house, Gondomar, and then I jumped to Areosa. I was there for four or five years and that’s where Wolves saw me as a youth. They offered me to go for a trial in England within a week, training with the Under-18 team. I played with some friends and they told me they liked it, but they asked me to do more tests so that the decision makers could see me. They were not quite sure because they didn’t come from a big club. They had to be sure and it was difficult, but in the end it was achieved”.
Do you have an offer from Wolves?
“I had an offer when Wolves came. I went to the Spanish championship with the Galician U-18 team, but this is the best I have”.
What was it like going from a small team to one in the Premier?
“At first, it was a bit of a shock. I came to take the exam and my colleagues at Areosa were amazed. When deciding to go there was a surprise. No hope. I had a huge illusion of going to Wolves. It’s hard at first, but it’s what he likes the most.
Is debuting in the Premier a dream come true?
“I’ve been looking for it for a long time and what I didn’t expect was its arrival. That’s why I always say you have to be prepared. I went to the discount of a game with 1-0, we need the victory and bang! I debuted there. After that I was lucky enough to have continuity, but without a doubt it was a dream come true.
It debuts and links several titles…
“I came with a lot of desire and once the fair debut came, someone who played in my position was injured, so they decided to give me the opportunity. After the game against Palace away from home, despite the loss, it was a good debut.”
You’ve given an assist, is the next challenge to score?
“The goal is something very important. I scored in the friendly against Empoli and let’s see if I’m lucky and I can score one in the Premier”.
What do your peers tell you?
“They gave me a lot of support from the beginning. The most experienced always try to help me. They give me advice and we have a team with very good players. In my case, reaching the first team and starting to play made me feel comfortable. I have been practicing with them for a long time and it has helped. We are a very friendly group and they always make me feel very good”.
What is your best friend in the group?
“Obviously, I have more of a connection with Spanish-speakers like Adama and Jonny Otto. Also in Portuguese. But the one I spent the most time with was Chem Campbell. We went together from the Academy to the subsidiary and we went up together ”.
How does it feel to have so many Portuguese in the team (there are 10 Portuguese at Wolves)?
“The truth is that many… laugh. But I get along with everyone. We have great players like Rúben Neves, Matheus Nunes, Moutinho, Guedes… I am very happy to have them in the team. Let’s see if we can get the results we want now.”
Who has been the player that has impressed you the most?
“It’s hard to stay in one because they all surprise you in some way. In one against the other, Adama. In technique and shooting Rúben Neves. It has a brutal touch. In association and understanding of the game, Raúl Jiménez .We have very good players and it’s fun to train with them”.
How is the arrival of Lopetegui?
“Okay. We all work together. This break has been good for us to start from scratch and work with the new coach, get his concepts and better develop our way of playing to be ready for the second period of this Premier. With his skills and his experience, and our desire, we can do great things.”
What does Lopetegui ask of you?
“That he gives his all in every training session as if it were the last. One by one, I want him to give me specific advice. I want to learn with him.”
Your brother plays for Dortmund, how is it?
“Well, very good. He has just come from a first-team tour in Asia. He has a break for Christmas and is back in Spain. A club like Dortmund is not easy, but they are very happy and we will see if they have of opportunity”.
Have you received offers since your Premier debut?
“I just finished renewing at Wolves. I didn’t think twice when they offered me. I am very happy here. They gave me the opportunity to be professional and I only think one hundred percent in every training session”.
Do you see yourself playing in Spain one day?
“You can’t say no to anything, but right now I’m focused on Wolves. I really like the Premier. LaLiga is also one of the best leagues in the world. It would be nice, but I’m focused on this.”
Short and at the foot
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Favorite music: Reggaeton
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Favorite artist: Bad Bunny
3
Book: I am more into series and movies
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Favorite team in Spain: Real Madrid
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Who do you see yourself scoring a goal against: in the next match
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Opponent you want to play: Cristiano Ronaldo
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A player you want to play: Cristiano Ronaldo
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
