‘A really talented boy’: Gary O’Neil is already so impressed by 26-year-old Wolves player

Gary O’Neil is already really impressed with Max Kilman, who has just been named the new captain of Wolves officially.

The defender has been wearing the captain’s armband throughout pre-season, following the exits of Ruben Neves and Conor Coady earlier this summer.

Kilman wore the armband in the absence of Neves in a few games last season.

But the announcement has now been made officially by Wolves.

It’s been a brilliant rise for Kilman at Wolves since he signed for the club back in 2018.

He is now one of the most important players at the club and it is a huge season for him as he succeeds Neves and Coady as captain.

 

And O’Neil believes he’s the right man for the job, as he raved over him earlier this week.

Gary O’Neil hails Max Kilman after defender becomes new Wolves captain

O’Neil has not had very long with the group.

But he has already been struck by how good Kilman is – not only as a player, but as a leader too.

He said of the 26-year-old (Wolves official): “The way he works, the way he trains, the way everyone sees him and speaks about him around the place – he’s a really important member.

“I’ve watched him train this morning and his leadership qualities are really good, as are a lot of players in the group – Mario [Lemina], Matheus Nunes, Dawson, among others, but there are more than enough leaders in this group to ensure that we keep pushing things forward and upholding the standards that we set.

“Really pleased with the leadership qualities the group has, but for Max, he is obviously a really talented boy and I’m excited to work with him and try to push him on again to see if we can try to get him to the next level.”

Kilman becoming captain surely now removes the doubt about his future at the club.

For weeks it had been suggested he could be sold to balance the books.

A huge season for Kilman at Wolves

This season is massive for Kilman.

He has now been chosen officially as the new captain, and he has big shoes to fill after Coady and Neves.

Kilman has grown a lot over the past few years.

Clearly it is now felt that he is ready to become a true leader in this team.

It is a big show of faith for him to get the armband over Craig Dawson, who is much more experienced.

Hopefully he will relish the role, because Wolves really need people to step up this season after a summer of major change.

Fans are worried about what could be to come. But there is talent in this squad, and it’s about everyone stepping up and living up to their potential.