Wolves may potentially be facing a situation soon where they will need to choose a new captain – and the next choice is clear.
Currently, there is a lot of speculation surrounding Max Kilman.
The central defender was an ever-present in the Premier League last season. But he is now attracting attention, mainly from West Ham United.
West Ham are long-term admirers of the player. Wolves don’t want to sell, and have apparently set a £45 million asking price.
But it may well be that Fosun cannot turn down the chance to make what would be pretty much pure profit.
Kilman, of course, is the current captain of Wolves having assumed the armband last summer after Ruben Neves left.
Should he go, then a new skipper would need choosing – and the next candidate is staring Gary O’Neil in the face.
Mario Lemina must be named captain of Wolves if Max Kilman leaves
Quite simply, Wolves’ next captain can’t be anyone else other than Mario Lemina.
The Gabon international joined Wolves in January 2023, signing from Nice for around £10 million.
He was seen as a good pick-up, but most fans weren’t completely blown away. But it did not take long for Lemina to prove himself a complete and utter steal.
Lemina immediately endeared himself to the Molineux faithful with his energy and tenacity in the midfield. The Wolves engine room had long been lacking a bit of that.
Neves and Joao Moutinho had been incredible players for Wolves. But both were more technicians, and neither had a great deal of mobility or athleticism. Lemina has those things in abundance.
Wolves ended up staving off relegation in 2022/23, and Lemina – and also Craig Dawson – played an absolutely huge part in the safety mission.
Lemina just shows so much personality on the pitch. He is absolutely everywhere in most games, and it is inspiring to watch at times. One can only imagine what his own teammates must think seeing him get through the amount of work he does.
Lemina is also very vocal, which is obviously a very desirable trait in a captain. Rarely do you see the Gabon international not barking orders at someone.
Pretty much, Lemina is a captain without the armband at the moment, and it only makes sense for him to be the next skipper if Kilman moves on.
Dawson and Matheus Cunha would also be decent shouts to take the armband. But Lemina would totally deserve it.
Lemina is a class-act off the pitch too
Being a good captain these days isn’t just about what you do on the pitch – it’s about what you do off it too.
Wolves regularly release video clips from training and show things that have happened behind the scenes at Compton Park, and it is crystal clear that Lemina is one of the biggest personalities in that dressing room.
He commands the respect of his teammates, and is extremely well-liked. These things are simply vital in any captain.
Lemina also has a fantastic relationship with his manager and the fans, who of course voted him as their Player of the Season for 2023/24. He also always speaks very well, especially after defeats because he doesn’t dwell or offer excuses. And last term, he was often someone who would check in with supporters on social media even after poor results.
He’s also a brilliant human being, as he showed when he made the day of young Wolves fan Frazer last season. Little things like that are what it’s all about, and Lemina totally gets what football means to Wolves supporters.