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Chris Wood’s Journey from New Zealand to Premier League Goal Machine

Chris Wood has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League, but his journey to the top has been far from straightforward. From humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a goal-scoring machine in the English top flight, Wood’s career has been marked by perseverance, hard work, and a determination to succeed.

Wood’s love affair with football began in New Zealand, where he played at the top level of domestic football at just 15 years old. However, it was clear that he had bigger aspirations, and at 16, he made the bold decision to move to England to pursue his dreams.

Wood’s early years in England were marked by loan spells at various clubs, including Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol City, Millwall, and Leicester. While this period may have been frustrating at times, Wood acknowledges that it played a crucial role in shaping him into the player he is today.

“I just wanted to see the country!” Wood joked. “It made me the player I am today because I learned different things from different clubs and the experience that came with it.”

A turning point in Wood’s career came when he joined Leeds United in 2015. Despite being just 23 years old, Wood had already experienced a nomadic existence, but it was at Leeds that he finally found a sense of stability and consistency.

Wood’s time at Leeds was marked by a prolific goalscoring record, particularly during the 2016-2017 season when he scored 27 goals in 44 appearances. This form caught the attention of Burnley, who signed him for a club-record fee of £15 million in 2017.

Wood’s five-year spell at Burnley was incredibly successful, as he formed a deadly striking partnership with Ashley Barnes. The duo’s telepathic understanding on the pitch was a key factor in Burnley’s ability to maintain their Premier League status, and Wood’s goalscoring record was instrumental in this achievement.

“We just had that connection,” Barnes reflected on his time with Wood. “We were just doing the opposite movements all the time, and it was just killing these defenders – we could both hold the ball up and both run in behind.”

Wood’s success at Burnley eventually led to a move to Newcastle United, and later, Nottingham Forest, where he currently plies his trade. Despite the challenges that come with adapting to new teams and environments, Wood remains committed to his craft, and his dedication has earned him a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League.

As Wood continues to defy expectations and push himself to new heights, it is clear that his legacy extends far beyond his impressive goalscoring record. His journey from New Zealand to the Premier League is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and perseverance, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world.