By Jamie Holt
WHAT'S the link between Arsenal's ‘Invincibles' of 2004 and Huddersfield's Football League recordbreakers in 2011? The answer is Wolves' new striker, Benik Afobe.
Admittedly, Afobe was just 11 when the Gunners went an entire Premier League season unbeaten. Yet he vividly remembers the advice gleaned from hero Thierry Henry at the time.
Adventures
And the former Arsenal youngster put it to good use when he embarked on the first of his many loan adventures to Huddersfield almost five years ago.
Despite being just 17 when he made the move, Afobe more than played his part as the Terriers went on to break a 32-year-old Football League record, going a stunning 43 games without defeat.
The pacey forward made 21 League One appearances in the 2010-11 season as the Terriers began their unlikely quest under Lee Clark.
So what do Wolves need to do in order to earn promotion back to the Premier League this season?
“An unbeaten run until the end of the season would be handy,” says Afobe, part in jest but entirely serious in his belief it can be done.
“Any of the top eight teams have got a chance of winning this league and we're one of them.
“I remember watching the ‘Invincibles' and you think everyone can do it; everyone can go an entire season unbeaten.
“Thierry Henry was like a big brother to me, he's such an incredible guy. Not just on the pitch, the way he lives his life off it is an inspiration. He's one of the greatest players of all time and one of the nicest. He wasn't arrogant and there were no arrogant people in that squad.
“It just shows how incredible that team really was. I don't think you're ever likely to see that happen again in the top-flight.”
When the Huddersfield record is mentioned, the 21-year-old modestly deflects any notion he has the Midas touch.
“I've just been lucky enough so far in my short career to have achieved a lot,” added Afobe, who has also been promoted from the Championship with Reading and helped England win the U17 European Championship in 2010.
“Huddersfield was a fantastic experience, starting that winning run was amazing and there was a real belief in the squad. It was great to be part of that success but it was all down to the team mentality.”
The fact he scored 19 goals in 30 appearances on loan for MK Dons this term made him a wanted man. It is little wonder, then, that Wolves boss Kenny Jackett decided to fork out £2m for Afobe's talents little more than a week ago.
“The price tag doesn't faze me, but I do feel the need to personally repay the boss for having that faith in me,” continued Afobe.
“The decision to come here was actually very easy. It's a clean slate in many respects after spending so many years at Arsenal. I joined them when I was just six, and I enjoyed it so much, but the main reason behind this move was to have a permanent home to play my football.
Relief
“To have a three-and-a-half year contract is such a relief, rather than being here for one month or six months. It means I can really settle down now.”
Afobe and Jackett were already familiar – a brief stint at Millwall in 2013 not fulfilled to its fullest due to a serious knee injury. Indeed, his Arsenal hopes were scuppered by injuries.
“No one wants to be injured, but that's how life is,” said the former England U21 international. “If it hadn't happened I don't believe I would be working as hard as I am now. I've never done as much on the fitness side of things and I'm reaping the benefits.”
