‘DAWS IS MASTER AT BACK’
MAX KILMAN says Wolves defend much better now – after being schooled by Craig Dawson.
The centre-half, who has played in every minute of every game so far for the Molineux men, is humble enough to admit that the veteran is teaching him and his colleagues a thing or two.
Dawson was a January recruit amid much gnashing of teeth from West Ham manager David Moyes, who was upset to lose the reliable defender.
But Dawson, 32, has added some much-needed steel to Wolves’ rearguard – and everyone is benefiting, according to Kilman.
He said: “Daws has been really good, you can see his quality. He’s a leader, a very experienced player who has turned out many times in the Premier League.
“Myself, Nathan Collins and Toti are learning a lot from him. I think we have good centre-halves, there’s great competition in each position – I think that’s what the manager wanted.
“To have more experience and top-level players, it’s good for everyone. It means everyone is pushing hard to do better, so when we come to games, we’re at it.”
Julen Lopetegui’s side have conceded just five times in six matches since the former West Brom stopper arrived in a £3million deal and have picked up 10 points.
Kilman (above) added: “This part of the season, we’ve played much better as a team. We’ve been more together.
“The way we’re playing is working really well. We’re all quite confident going into each game right now.
“The manager’s really big on keeping clean sheets – so that’s our aim.
“It’s about staying in the game and trying not to concede any goals.
“We’re defending better now as a team and creating a lot more chances going forward.”
Lopetegui confirmed what Kilman said, adding: “Competition in the squad is always a good thing.
“All of them have to be 100 per cent – but Craig is an experienced player who can help his team-mates.
“Max can compete with Craig, but we also have Nathan Collins and Tote Gomes.
“They have to be ready, they are going to get a lot of chances.
“We would ask for a big performance, but we’re happy with the commitment of Nathan, Craig, Max and Toti.”