Chris Wood, New Zealand's towering striker, is on fire this season, and his sensational goal-scoring spree is rewriting the history books. At 32, Wood has emerged as one of the English Premier League’s most prolific marksmen, netting an impressive eight goals in just 11 matches for Nottingham Forest. His blistering form has been a key factor in Forest's strong start to the season, with the club sitting in an impressive fifth place.
New Zealand's national football coach, Darren Bazeley, couldn't be prouder of his star forward. Speaking ahead of an important World Cup qualifier against Vanuatu, Bazeley described Wood’s recent exploits as unprecedented for New Zealand football, suggesting it’s a feat that may never be repeated.
"Everyone wants to talk about Woodsy right now," Bazeley said. "What he's doing is nothing short of amazing. We’re witnessing something special here, and it's likely we won't see another New Zealand player perform at this level again."
Wood, whose international goal tally stands at 34 in 75 appearances, has been a consistent performer for New Zealand, but it’s his recent form in England that’s caught the world's attention. He’s played for top-tier clubs like Newcastle, Leeds, Leicester, and Burnley, but his current run with Forest is turning heads like never before. Last week, Wood became the first New Zealand player to be named Premier League Player of the Month – a testament to his exceptional form.
Bazeley, a former Premier League defender, says that while New Zealand is a rugby-mad nation, Wood’s achievements are often overlooked. "It’s hard to comprehend the magnitude of what he’s doing," said Bazeley. "We don't always appreciate how extraordinary this is, but it's incredible to see a Kiwi player so passionate and committed to representing his country."
With the road to the 2026 World Cup in North America heating up, Wood’s leadership could be the key to New Zealand’s qualification. The team faces a crucial final round of Oceania qualifiers in March, where their fate will be decided. For now, all eyes are on Chris Wood, and if he keeps up this red-hot form, New Zealand’s dreams of World Cup glory could soon become a reality once again.
