Comment: New contract just reward for Wolves' Conor Coady

While Diogo Jota has deservedly grabbed the headlines, Ruben Neves has been the 'wow' signing and Ivan Cavaleiro has become a darling of the terraces, there's one man who epitomises "Wolves 2.0" more than anyone else.

In the space of just four months Conor Coady has completely reinvented himself (again) and suddenly become a key fixture in the Nuno revolution. And now he's got a new four-year contract to boot.

In May he was a midfielder filling in at right back, doing a manful job but still not winning over a sceptical fanbase, many of whom weren't convinced he should be part of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans going forward.

Now he's an accomplished centre half, a commanding leader in a young squad and playing an increasingly important role in what's fast looking like a realistic challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Coady arrived at Molineux two years ago when he was a terrier-like midfielder (yes, from Huddersfield) who got off to a flying start under Kenny Jackett but never quite rediscovered that form after a sending off against Brighton, which seemed to quell his tackling instincts.

Last season, owing to the poor form of Dominic Iorfa and the fact Wolves didn't have a senior left back so Matt Doherty had to play there, he was a jobbing right back, generally solid defensively but by his own admission not adding enough going forward (crosses regularly failed to beat the first man and he still only has one goal for the club).

In his new role (three seasons, three positions) he has been absolved of all attacking responsibilities and Coady has been able to concentrate purely on what he does best. Both he and Wolves have greatly benefitted.

An excellent reader of play, diligent Coady anticipates and sniffs out danger – perfect qualities for that 'spare' centre half role.

He's always kept mistakes to a bare minimum, whatever the position, and done the simple things very well indeed. Common sense is underrated – and Coady possesses it by the bucketload.

Coupled with his superb work ethic and, more importantly, his incessant communication and encouragement of his team mates, he's ideal for that role.

Not to mention his ability to ping a 50-yard rake out to one of Wolves' wing backs. One said rake to Matt Doherty against Millwall would almost put Neves to shame. Being raised in Liverpool's academy certainly has its advantages.

And his performances have been remarkably consistent so far this season. A bashful Coady eschewed any praise during an interview with the Express & Star today, playing down his role as a senior figure in the squad and saying all he wants to do is play well help the team out.

Ask anyone in that Wolves dressing room, though, and they'll tell you what a positive influence Coady is. In fact ask anyone at the club, not just on the playing staff.

A more positive, chirpy and generous character you'll struggle to meet. Everyone he walks past will be greeted with a cheeky grin and a 'hello pal how ya doing' in that shrill scouse accent of his.

His love for the game – and for Wolves – is there for all to see. Not least in his gloriously uninhibited goal celebrations and also not least in the quotes he gave during today's interview.

"Now it's sorted I'm the happiest man on the planet," Coady said of his new deal.

"I love working under Nuno, all his ideas I think are fantastic, he's galvanised the boys. This club means the world to me."

Nuno of course deserves huge credit for pinpointing Coady as a centre half from day one and improving him as a player, not least his distribution.

All of which means fan opinion has completely reversed on Coady's importance, to the extent where there was outrage at Sheffield United for having the sheer audacity to bid for him last month.

So well done to one of the game's good guys. He may not have the genius of Jota, but you get the feeling he'll be just as important to Wolves' hopes this season.