Wolves have undergone a notable transformation in their playing style, characterized by increased fluidity and sophistication. Within this context, two standout players within the team have been making a significant impact in aerial duels.
When Gary O’Neil assumed the managerial role shortly before the new season, there were concerns about the team’s prospects. Julen Lopetegui had departed, and several key players had also left the club. Despite these challenges, Wolves have exceeded expectations under O’Neil’s guidance, and their style of play has arguably improved compared to the tenures of Lopetegui and Bruno Lage.
In addition to their attractive football, Wolves have displayed a physical and competitive edge, as evidenced by a noteworthy statistic involving two Molineux stars: Craig Dawson and Max Kilman.
Craig Dawson, signed for just over £3 million, has been exceptional in aerial battles this season. He has won 23 duels and lost only five, resulting in an impressive success rate of 82.1%. Dawson holds a substantial lead at the top of the heading duel success rate among non-Big Six clubs in the Premier League.
Notably, Max Kilman, the captain of Molineux, has also demonstrated his prowess in aerial battles. He boasts 24 duels won and nine lost, with a success rate of 72.7%. These statistics reflect their dominance in the air, with Dawson’s performance particularly standing out.
Aerially dominant center-backs are a valuable asset, particularly given the prevalence of tall and physical strikers in the Premier League. Kilman’s remarkable success rate suggests he is evolving into a more dominant defender, which was an area of improvement identified by the interim manager, Steve Davis, in the previous season. Playing alongside someone of Dawson’s caliber appears to be setting a compelling example for Kilman’s development.
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