Max Kilman is going from strength to strength and Nuno Espirito Santo was left raving about his young defender after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Leeds United on Monday, speaking to the Birmingham Mail.
Wolves aren’t renowned for exploding out of the blocks in Premier League games but, even by their sluggish standards, their first-half performance at Elland Road was something of a non-event.
The Europa League quarter-finalists had their backs pinned against the wall by Marcelo Bielsa’s free-wheeling front line in the opening period.
Fortunately, Wolves could also rely on some of the most commanding central defenders in the division to keep Patrick Bamford and co off the scoresheet.
Conor Coady and Willy Boly were as reliable as ever during a resilient defensive performance.
But it was Kilman, in just his 14th senior appearance, who stood head and shoulders above the rest, making a game-high five clearances at Elland Road before setting up the second-half winner.
“I think he played well. In the second half he started really well, reading the lines and anticipating well. It was a good pass forward for the goal too,” Nuno said of a man who has now won the man of the match award in Wolves’ last two games.
“Max, I think everybody knows, he was with the under-23s. His professional career was very premature,” Nuno said.
“I think he has something. He works very hard, he knows what he has to improve and he’s become stronger as the time has gone by.
“I’m proud of the answer he’s given today but the credit is for him. When your chance comes you have to respond and Max did that. Two seasons ago Max was a back-up – and now he is ready to compete.”
With their watertight back line providing the platform for an impressive away win, Wolves were still indebted to an almighty stroke of luck as Raul Jimenez’s winner drifted into the Leeds net after a massive deflection off Kalvin Phillips.
But, if you defend like this, three points are always a possibility.
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