Maximilian Kilman is reflecting on the days when, long before evolving into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders at Wolves, fierce derbies largely comprised playing in varsity matches for the University of Hertfordshire, from which he will formally graduate with a business and sport management degree this September. “I remember Bedfordshire away,” he says, smiling, recalling playing another university. “It was similar to how it is now; the students would be booing, supporting their university, and you felt that rivalry. It was something I really enjoyed, the whole atmosphere and vibe. I am still friends with some of the boys from the uni team. I don’t think anyone expected I would get this far.”
When Kilman was a teenager, he balanced playing non-league football for Marlow, which is in the eighth tier, and Maidenhead, which is in the fifth tier. Six years ago, Kilman joined Wolves. Kilman was a standout No. 10 at the institution, scoring goals and dishing out assists. In his debut season, he played a cameo in the Wolves Under-23s’ comeback victory against Manchester United, which paved the route for their promotion to Premier League 2. At Leigh Sports Village, Wolves, under the direction of Rob Edwards, were behind 2-0 after 79 minutes. “As a No 10, I was thrust into the offensive for the last ten minutes. His voice is usually modest as he explains, “I had a tiny say in the game.”
Wolves, whose now sporting director, Matt Hobbs, spotted Kilman playing futsal while working as an academy scout, have never spent a better £40,000. Kilman is the Wolves captain, at the forefront of the pack. To opponents, he is an imposing 6ft 4in centre-back but he is an unassuming character, a quiet leader. He knocks on the door of the room before walking in to discuss everything from education and England hopes to head tennis at training. “The Brazilian boys are very good. It is really good to work on your technique and it gets competitive.”
Kilman seems like the ideal manager. He is comfortable roaming with the ball and is strong and dependable. Also left-footed. He tells about the counsel he provided to a group of youth at their January training camp in Abu Dhabi. “As a football player, each day is an audition.” I always play as I train. I’ve thought like that my entire life. Just like today, I give it my all when I have to make a tackle. I’ll work out extra, visit the gym, or engage in some two-touch drills with the goalkeepers. I assisted the strikers today by finishing some plays. My goal is to keep becoming better.
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