Wolves Under 18 striker Austin Samuels believes that despite losing to Arsenal in the U18 PL Cup last Saturday, the only difference between the sides was a fast start from the opposition.
Arsenal scored four goals in the first-half, but the Wolves youngsters fought back after the break and were the side in the ascendancy, getting two goals back through Samuels and Callum Thompson.
“They were quick from the start,” he explained.
“They scored in the first few minutes and from then they were on top of us.
“If we had taken some of our chances in the first-half it would have been a different game.
"We showed good character second-half - we need to focus on performing like we did in the second-half."
The England U16 international has had a great start to the season, scoring four goals in eight competitive games for the U18 side.
Samuels believes he’s improving as a player with every game.
“I think overall I’ve improved,” said Samuels. “Normally I like to run in behind a lot, but I’m trying to become more versatile and adapt my game to come to feet a bit more and linking the play.
“I’m just trying to improve my all-round game to progress through the academy."
The striker’s good start to the season comes after scoring on his debut for the first team in a pre-season friendly in July against Peterborough.
Samuels revealed that scoring was the best feeling he’s ever had, but was surprised to be involved in the first place.
“It was mad," recalled Samuels. “It came as a surprise to me being involved, I didn’t think I was I going to get on!
“When he told me I was coming on I was getting really nervous, but the players really helped me throughout the game.
“It was a shock to me when I scored to be honest, when I saw it go in, it was a really proud moment and the best feeling I’ve ever had."
Darren Ryan’s Under 18 side now have a two-week break until their next game, and Samuels already can’t wait to get back into competitive action.
“The break is frustrating sometimes because I want to play!
“Based on how we played last game, we want to play again and show we’ve improved."
The next competitive fixture for Wolves Under 18’s is a trip to Derby County in the U18 PL on Saturday 18th November.
