Opinion: Time for Kiwi Chris Wood to show what he’s got in the Premier League

OPINION: All Whites striker Chris Wood has made a statement by joining Burnley and getting himself back in the English Premier League.

His four-year contract, for a club record $NZ$26 million, is a gutsy move, and one that shows he’s back where he thinks he belongs.

Wood is no stranger to the top flight of English football. He’s had shorts stints in the Premier League before, with both West Brom and Leicester, although he spent more time on the bench than on the park.

He has found a niche in the Championship, highlighted by his spectacular season for Leeds United last year. Once booed by the fans, his 30 goals across all competitions quickly turned things around.

And that’s why this is such a big call. At Leeds, Wood was the main main; plastered across their website, all over the club’s social media, posing in the new home and away kits. He was a star, with guaranteed game time.

Burnley will be a different story.

Although his transfer largely came about due to the departure of former striker Andre Gray, by no means will Wood be able to stroll through the door and get 90 minutes every week.

Wood was a goal-scoring machine at Leeds.
Wood was a goal-scoring machine at Leeds. Photo credit: AAP

Welshman Sam Vokes has been favoured as the lone striker and is in great form for The Clarets, already netting two league goals.

While this is a transfer Wood has earned, it’s also one that could back-fire. The large price tag will add some extra pressure to his broad shoulders, and the fans at Turf Moor will be expecting him to hit the target with regularity. Another lengthy-spell on the bench is the last thing he needs, particularly with crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon for the All Whites.

However, more than anything, this is another chance for Wood to show he’s got what it takes.

A confident, creative and proficient finisher at his best, the 25-year old is more than capable of making an impact in the Premier League. He’ll receive good service from the likes of Robbie Brady, and he'll be playing under one of the most canny managers in the league in Englishman Sean Dyche.

It’s also important to note how much he has improved since those earlier stints in the Premier League.

Back then, he was still trying to make a name for himself. Now, with a few years of tough football under his belt, Wood has a steely determination about him, and he knows this is his time.

Burnley will provide him with the chance to impress, perhaps as early as their League Cup tie with Blackburn on Thursday morning. He could also feature on Monday morning against Spurs, at none other than Wembley Stadium.

On the back of a brilliant Championship campaign, Wood is primed for another crack at the big time. He’s taken a risk, but it feels like it’s one that could pay off.

Henry Rounce is a Newshub sports reporter and producer.