January’s Black Country derby win at the Hawthorns provided the pinnacle moment of the 2023/24 campaign for some supporters, and, in many ways, they had to local lad Nathan Fraser to thank for making it happen.
Wolves trailed Brentford by two goals to one in the third round replay, knowing West Bromwich Albion awaited the winners, but as Matheus Cunha slipped the academy product in 18 minutes from time, he finished like a veteran, firing across goal to send the tie to extra time, where the Old Gold prevailed.
That goal proved the highlights of a positive breakthrough season for 19-year-old, who turned out ten times for Gary O’Neil’s side – six in the Premier League – and it’s left him hungry for regular football next season, at Molineux or out on loan.
On a first season as a senior
“It’s been a really good experience and really special for me to be in and around the first-team. I was obviously looking at the first-team when I was young, so it’s been good to be with them this season.
“It’s been up and down, changing throughout the season, with how much of a role I’m playing. It’s been good experience, being in all different situations within a first-team, so it’s definitely been a lot to learn from.”
On featuring in big games
“For me, that’s how football works, the way it has to be. Being thrown into the deep end with those situations has definitely been beneficial and I’ve become a better player from it.
“Everything they [Premier League defenders] do, the way they defend, it’s different, on a higher level. As you play, you’ve got to get a feel for it and learn the way they play in each game.”
On that Brentford goal
“I definitely felt like I’d contributed in that game [against Brentford]. The Blackpool game, we were winning 4-0 when I scored, so it felt like I was contributing less, but in the Brentford game, I helped the team get that victory. It felt really special to help the team in that way.
“As it was happening, I was just thinking about playing as well as I could, but when a few of my friends, a lot of them Wolves fans, messaged me after the game, it sank in how big it was. It was good to help the team get there.”
THE PASSION! 💥
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 17, 2024
A pitchside view of Nathan Fraser's goal last night 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Hy5BN3Mu8H
On being hungry for more
“I definitely want to be playing as much as I can, whether that’s here or on loan. At the age I am, I need to be playing regular football to develop, whether that’s here or anywhere else, and I’m excited to see where it is.
“When you don’t go on loan [in the January], it’s hit and miss whether you’ll get opportunities, because you never know with a squad as strong as this.”
On strong season for the academy
“With the injuries, it was unfortunate, but at the same time it was an opportunity and you’ve got to take them. For me, it’s been good because I’ve been able to experience game time. Through that, I’ve developed and become better, so it’s been a good year.
“Being around a first-team environment, you’ve got to grow up a little bit and make sure you’re doing everything right and be professional. Through that, you definitely mature.”
