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'He'll be our best ever': Red-hot Chris Wood on course to become the NZ GOAT
Sport Nation • December 10th, 2024 2:00 pm
Photo: Photosport
Based on his current trajectory, Kiwi goal-scoring machine Chris Wood will eventually go down as the greatest New Zealander to ever lace them up.
That's the opinion of former all whites international David Chote, who believes the Aucklander will - when all is said and done - usurp Wynton Rufer from his throne.
Wood has been one of the driving forces in Nottingham Forest's Premier League resurgence, netting 10 goals in 15 games to power his side to the cusp of the top four and a place in the Champions League next year.
He's currently third on the competition's goal-scorers list behind superstars Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Mo Salah of Liverpool.
His latest effort helped secure a 3-1 win over Manchester United, in the process making him the club's all-time leading goal scorer (25) in the Premier League, celebrating his 33rd birthday in style.
"He's fantastic," Chote told Sport Nation Mornings.
"I think when we reflect on his career, he'll be our best ever."
Photo: Photosport
Rufer's list of accolades have had him firmly entrenched at the top of the NZ rankings for the last 25 years.
The Oceania player of the century led German side Werder Bremen to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Championship in 1992, before helping them secure their third Bundesliga title the following year.
At international level, Wood has been more impactful for the All Whites. The captain is the country's all-time leading goalscorer, with 41 in 80 appearances.
Rufer only played 23 times for New Zealand, netting 12 goals.
Chote admits Rufer and Wood are cast in very different moulds as players, but Wood's sheer weight of numbers when he eventually steps away from the game should lift him above Rufer in the Kiwi pecking order.
"In terms of abilities, Wynton was a freak. He had some great pace, physicality, guile, skill, technique. He had the lot.
"But I reckon when Chris Wood finishes, the numbers will talk for themselves. He'll be playing in a top league for an extended period and scoring goals pretty much everywhere he's gone.
"Even the All Whites, Chris Wood will end up with fantastic numbers. It's going to be hard to go past him."
Listen to the full interview below:
