Burton 0 Wolves 4 – player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after Burton are beaten 4-0.

John Ruddy

Only one notable save but it was a crucial one. With the score at 2-0 Ruddy stuck out a strong hand to push Jamie Allen's long-range shot wide. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

A first league start in a Wolves shirt and he enjoyed a trouble-free afternoon. Much has been made of Wolves' strength in depth going forward but to bring a player of Bennett's quality in – and Kortney Hause is still waiting for a chance – shows just how strong Wolves are at the back too. 7/10

Danny Batth

Took over the suspended Conor Coady's central centre half role and his performance ensured Coady wasn't missed. Won several headers and was wise in possession. He's embraced Nuno's ideas and is doing a fine job. A clean sheet was a great way to mark the captain's 200th Wolves appearance. 7/10

Roderick Miranda

Like the team he recovered from a poor night in Sheffield in some style. As with Batth his distribution was impressive; he has grown in composure and stature in recent weeks. Also celebrated winning a sliding tackle in the first half with a fist bump, which is to be lauded. 8/10

Matt Doherty

What an engine this guy has. The only outfield player to play every minute of Wolves' 11 league matches but his energy levels seemingly have no limit. One sensational bit of play when he showed great determination to keep the ball in by the Burton corner flag, then mugged off Lloyd Dyer and sprinted into the box before Bonatini teed up Jota for what should have been another goal. Seconds later he was back in the Burton penalty area to put the ball on a plate for Bonatini to score. 8/10

Ruben Neves

A very welcome return to form with arguably his best performance to date. There's been criticism of Neves' form in recent weeks, not least on these pages (and as pointed out there were plenty of mitigating circumstances) but this showed just how vital the 20-year-old already is to Wolves. Nuno's team haven't been at their attractive best since Neves' form dipped...and it was no coincidence that an excellent Neves display resulted in the return of the spellbinding football we saw in the opening weeks. He moved it majestically at times. Neves treats a football like you'd want any man to treat your sister – with kindness, attentiveness and the utmost respect. It should also be pointed out this was his 11th appearance in a Wolves shirt – he only played 16 times in total for Porto last season. 9/10

Romain Saiss

It was a bold call to drop Alfred N'Diaye, who was Wolves' hero last weekend and then arguably their best outfield player in midweek...but Saiss proved Nuno right. Guarded the back three like an uncompromising bouncer, demanding ID from every single Burton player and flatly refusing them entry into the Wolves penalty area. In fact it was a minor miracle he avoided picking up his traditional yellow card. Also scored his first ever Wolves goal, reacting quickest to stab home after keeper Bywater dropped Neves' free kick. 8/10

Ruben Vinagre

What a revelation this teenager has been. Joyfully bounded forward like a gazelle in mating season to play a one-two with Cavaleiro and then showed impressive composure to pause in the box and pick his spot for a very well-taken goal. Has pace to burn and looks like he's really enjoying his football. Was basically a winger in the second half. Sign him up. 8/10

Helder Costa

Eased himself back into the swing of things with a 51-minute run-out that showed glimpses of the Costa we all know and love. His performance was more about clever first-time passes and effortless link-up play with Jota and Cavaleiro than running at defenders and getting around the back of the Burton back line – but that will come as his fitness improves. Great to see him back. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Got Wolves off to a flying start with a very tidy finish in the fifth minute after sprinting through on goal. Thereafter Jota should have had a hat-trick – he fired into the side netting and somehow sent a header over the bar from about three yards (heading is about the only thing Jota needs to work on). His general game was sublime and six goals before the end of September is a fantastic return. 8/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

When Cavaleiro is at his very, very best he's arguably Wolves' most potent attacking threat, even more so than Jota and Costa. Consistency is his problem – but on days like this he's almost unplayable. Two assists – one a gorgeous improvised flick to set Jota clear, the other a gorgeous improvised flick to complete a one-two with Vinagre – and then he played a big hand in the fourth goal, sending poor Stephen Warnock (can someone check on his whereabouts today) into next week with a casual change of direction before playing to Doherty who teed up Bonatini. Magnificent. 9/10

Substitutes

Leo Bonatini (for Costa, 51)

Rested for the first time in the league this season but scored within 10 minutes of coming off the bench. That's four goals and four assists for the Brazilian, in 11 games. 7/10