Liam Keen comment: Wolves' centre-back conundrum

So far in pre-season Wolves have excelled in their new formation, which offers an extra attacking player from the start of games.

They have pressed high and aggressively, won the ball back in advanced areas, attacked at pace, created chances and scored goals. They even scored a good counter-attack goal against RB Leipzig.

Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera emerged as the two starters in pre-season, with Craig Dawson involved but still battling fatigue following groin surgery, and Santi Bueno a clear understudy.

Today’s final friendly against Rayo Vallecano will give an even clearer indication of who will start in defence once the season begins, with the biggest issue facing Wolves being how they will replace Max Kilman.

There is an interest in young defender Bastien Meupiyou, but an experienced professional is needed to add balance to the centre-back department.

In Kilman, Wolves lost an experienced and impressive defender in his prime, but for a fantastic £40million fee that meant it was a deal worth doing for all parties.

The former skipper was reunited with Wolves in America and admitted it felt ‘strange’ playing against his old team-mates.

Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star across the pond, the 27-year-old reflected on his move this summer.

“It was probably the right time for me and West Ham is a huge club with a lot of potential,” Kilman said.

“I just need to get my head down, work hard and do my best.

“I loved my time here and if it wasn’t for Wolves I’d have never been a Premier League player.

“I’m so grateful for Wolves, the opportunity they gave me and for helping me grow as a player and as a man to be where I am today.

“I only have love and respect for Wolves. I hope they do well this season.”

The towering defender is a shy and gentle giant in person, but was well-respected among players and staff at Wolves.

But he was not without his critics during his six years in Wolves colours.

Having now departed the club, Kilman was in a reflective mood as he looked back on his development as a Premier League footballer.

When asked for a final message to the fans, Kilman added: “I want to thank all the Wolves fans for their support through the tough times.

“I had some really tough moments when I lost my dad and playing for Wolves and putting on the shirt was the only thing that really helped me.

“I have a lot of good memories and a lot of tough moments, but overall I’ve grown as a person and I can only thank the supporters and everyone at the club.”

Replacing Kilman as club captain is Mario Lemina.

The influential midfielder is donning the armband, having already been a key leadership figure in the dressing room last season.

Kilman and Lemina enjoyed a short chat after this summer’s pre-season clash and the former skipper believes it was the right decision.

“He deserves it, he’s a great player and a great leader,” Kilman said of Lemina.

“He’s at that age where he has a lot of experience, so he’ll definitely help the boys and be a great captain.”