Who will be the leader of the Wolverhampton Wanderers FC squad?
With Max Kilman’s departure, Wolves need a new captain for the team. These three players are qualified for the position.
Following Max Kilman’s move to West Ham in London, Wolves supporters have already started making plans for life without their former team captain.
After Conor Coady left the team in the 2022–2023 season to sign a loan with Everton, Wolves finished in 13th place under Ruben Neves’ leadership. Kilman then followed the Portuguese to place Wolves in 14th place the previous season.
The fans are a little miffed that the team has not been able to replace Coady after three different captains have led the team in the last three seasons.
With the Premier League starting in less than a month, Gary O’Neil and the Wolves board must make a difficult choice as we approach preseason in an effort to maintain stability with the armband.
Cunha Matheus
Matheus Cunha, a Brazilian international, has gained a lot of popularity at Molineux since joining the Premier League in 2023.
Cunha scored 14 goals in the previous season, which was his highest scoring total to date. However, Wolves fans are drawn to the 25-year-old’sdemeanorand devotion to the team in addition to his skillful finishing.
Recent reports have clarified that Cunha had an impressive impact on helping Brazilian teammate Pedro Lima make his decision on which Premier League club to join, amid interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City.
Wolves’ number 12 has offered something unique to this Wolves team. With high expectations due to his price tag, he has shown his brilliance through his development and bravery in England, reaping the rewards for his commitment.
He scored some memorable goals for Wolves last season, including one in the Black Country Derby and a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, giving the West Midlands club their first win at the stadium since 1979.
O’Neil might find something to consider from the striker’s inventiveness and positive attitude on the field.
The 30-year-old, who has played for Southampton and Fulham in the past, feels right at home in the Premier League.
Lemina, who contributed five goals and one assist in the previous campaign, has been a vital member of Wolves’ midfield.
Lemina is more recognized for his work ethic and defensive contributions than for his ability to score goals. The Gabon international has been dependable and versatile in a range of roles.
The player demonstrated his exceptional adaptability last season by filling in at multiple positions during Wolves’ late-season injury crisis—a quality of a leader.
Usually lining up in the middle of the midfield alongside Joao Gomes, he has modified his style of play to suit the needs of any new player that enters the game, like Tommy Doyle. O’Neil has always had nothing but praise for Lemina as a dedicated player and recognizes his value.
Mario Lemina is a strong candidate to captain Wolves, having played in the Champions League and the Premier League for 128 seasons.
Craig Dawson, a player with extensive Premier League experience, is a contender to take over as Wolves’ next captain.
Under former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, the 34-year-old joined from West Ham in January 2023. Since then, he has contributed a goal against Everton at Molineux last season and stabilized the defensive backline.
Dawson’s versatility can be used in a variety of contexts, including formation and tactical changes, as Wolves frequently use a back five.
O’Neil, an Englishman who feels at ease in both formations, is reportedly looking to move to a back four for the upcoming campaign.
With the majority of the game being played in front of the center back, Dawson’s tactical advice is crucial. With his strong communication skills and understanding of the game, he can also assist in putting players like Toti Gomes and Nelson Semedo in better positions.
In the end, this helps the team and coaches players—a quality akin to that of former Wolves captain Coady, whose leadership proved crucial in trying situations.
Players who are still learning and improving in the English game, like Santiago Bueno and Yerson Mosquera, can benefit from this experience.
Dawson appears to be the right man for the job, having played in 288 Premier League games and scoring 21 goals and providing five assists.
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