Max Kilman had a pretty torrid time last weekend going up against Manchester City Erling Haaland – but the Wolves captain has the chance to silence some critics this weekend against Crystal Palace.
Wanderers were comfortably beaten at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday, with Haaland running riot by scoring four goals in a 5-1 win.
Gary O’Neil‘s side just had no answer for the 23-year-old, who had completed his hat-trick by half-time.
Any team can go to the Etihad and get turned over, and Wolves certainly feel victim to a finishing masterclass from City’s number nine.
It was Max Kilman who was tasked with trying to keep Haaland quiet, as Craig Dawson had managed so successfully in the reverse fixture at Molineux back in September.
But the 26-year-old was run ragged by Haaland. He is not the first that has happened to, and he will not be the last.
Kilman came in for some criticism after his display last weekend, but he now has a golden chance to bounce back and silence some of his critics…
Wolves star Max Kilman now faces stern test against Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta
Kilman will be determined to have a better outing against Crystal Palace at Molineux on Saturday, but he’ll be coming up against one of the Premier League’s most in-form players at the moment.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a man reborn under new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.
The French striker has scored 15 goals across all competitions this season, with nine of those coming under the Austrian tactician.
Mateta was recently named among the nominees for the April Premier League Player of the Month award, and he has also just scooped Palace’s Player of the Season gong.
Palace destroyed Manchester United on Monday and it’s clear there are several big threats in their side, but Mateta will be the focal point and it’s important for Kilman to keep him in check.
He should be the man matched up against him, with the pair the same height.
It is a chance for Kilman to come out on top in a physical battle, after losing one pretty convincingly last weekend against Haaland.
It’s a chance for him to bounce back. Keeping the red-hot Mateta quiet will certainly do his confidence the world of good, and silence a few people who have been doubting the Molineux captain on social media.
Kilman has had a good season overall for Wolves
He will want to forget that game against City pretty quickly, but Kilman can hold his head high this season.
The £50,000-a-week star has played well at the back, having shown some good form at the start of this calendar year. He hasn’t looked as strong since Craig Dawson got injured, but Kilman is clearly appreciated by O’Neil, who has played him every single minute in the Premier League this term.
He’s had to transition into the role of club captain following the departure of Ruben Neves last summer, and that armband looked like it weighed heavy at times earlier in the season.
He looks more comfortable with it now though, and hopefully he can continue to improve while wearing it.