Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards believes Maximilian Kilman had his best game of the season against Liverpool and praised Craig Dawson’s calming influence.
The centre-back started once again for Wanderers, but this time he had a new partner.
Julen Lopetegui opted to start new signing Craig Dawson alongside side him. Nathan Collins dropped to the bench.
This season, Kilman has been a little shaky at times.
Certainly, his level has not quite been the same as it was last season under Bruno Lage, when he absolutely thrived playing on the right of a back three.
Recently he has been improving though.
And on Saturday against Liverpool he looked like his old self.
Kilman appeared to be really confident with the experienced Dawson next to him, and Edwards reckons his new partner really helped him to shine.
He wrote in the Express & Star: “All of the new signings did excellently.
“Craig Dawson was so assured at the back bar one moment in the second half, that aside it was perfect. It seemed to help Max Kilman, who had one of his best games this season as well.”
If Wolves are to push up the table, then having a solid defence will be absolutely key.
There is always a chance to take points if things are tight at the back.
Since Lopetegui came in, it’s been more organised and now Dawson is an option for Wanderers. He really did appear to settle everyone around him on Saturday.
Dawson had a very good effect on Kilman in Wolves’ 3-0 win over Liverpool
Kilman hasn’t quite been at the level we know he can reach this season. But his showing against Liverpool was much more like it.
The 25-year-old just looked like the player of last season – totally comfortable in everything he did.
And one wonders how much of that was down to having a commanding presence like Dawson next to him.
The January signing from West Ham United was also very good against the Reds, and it’s probably going to be difficult for Collins to get back into the starting XI.