Bruno Lage's side currently have the second best defensive record in the Premier League, only conceding one more goal than table topping Manchester City. It has taken extreme contributions from every player on the pitch to achieve this, but non more so than the back five and the goalkeeper.

Maximilian Kilman has been one of the standouts for Wolves this season, as he has continued his development as a Premier League centre half. This season has been his breakthrough season as he has picked up regular minutes alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, helping his side keep eight clean sheets. 

Manager Bruno Lage shared his praise for how Kilman has performed this season, both on and off the pitch.

"I am very happy with Max [Kilman]. Sometimes I joke with Max because he takes two breakfasts, three lunches because he is a young guy who is hungry, both on and off the pitch. I think he knows that he needs to prove his quality everyday. He knows that everyday he has to come and work hard in order to keep progressing."

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"It is very good as a club that we have these kind of players here with us that if given a chance they know they are ready and good enough to take it and play in the first team. Max is an example of this and is performing consistently for us."

As widely reported, Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur have been looking at Kilman as a possible option to boost their defensive solidarity. When asked about the transfer speculation around Kilman, Lage explained how he wasn't surprised at all.

"It is not a surprise that after six months of playing other clubs look at him but like I said before if we want to move on to the next level, we have to keep out best players with us and Max is one of our best and at this moment is very important for us."

Dion Sanderson was recently recalled from Birmingham City to help boost squad numbers at Wolves, but Lage was keen not to put too much pressure on the 22 year old to step in at the club. 

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"We cannot put pressure on Dion to do what Max and others have done because they are different players with different profiles. The best thing to try and understand is that at the end of the month is it good for him to continue with us or to move on and continue the work he is already doing."

With Saiss out of action for Wolves due to the African Cup of Nations, Lage will have to decide which player can step in alongside Coady and Kilman to face a resolute Southampton side at the Molineux. 

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