Wolves 3 Sheffield United 0 – player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after a 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

John Ruddy

Forced into making one save, which meant Ruddy had a busier 90 minutes than usual. Kept his 17th clean sheet from 30 league matches. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

Mr Consistency was his usual solid and composed self. Distribution improved as the game went on. 7/10

Conor Coady

Remember when Coady was a midfielder? Nope me neither. While Coady's sniffing out of danger, his interceptions and his clearances are so important for Wolves defensively, it's the way he gets them on the attack which is arguably even more impressive. Witness the 70-yard pass he plays to Cavaleiro in the build-up to the opener. Just brilliant. 8/10

Willy Boly

Harder to squeeze past than a sumo wrestler in a broom cupboard. Great in the air and made it all look so easy, as usual. 7/10

Matt Doherty

Such a key component of this team. Constantly offers an outlet going forward and works his wotsits off week after week. Involved in the stunning move for the second goal and almost laid one on for his chum Afobe with a perfect cross. 8/10

Ruben Neves

The year is 2068. A wide-eyed young scamp is obsessed with 10-time Champions League winners Wolves and keen to learn more about their rich history from his grandad, especially which players launched them into football folklore. "Grandad grandad," he excitedly asks, "did you actually see Ruben Neves play?!". "Sit down lad, have I got some stories for you," the proud old man begins. "I'll never forget when we beat Sheffield United 3-0 and he stuck one in the top corner from 25 yards, oh he was brilliant that day, they couldn't get anywhere near him....the things that man could do with a football, he was an artist." 9/10

Alfred N'Diaye

And the man who allowed Neves to control this most comfortable of victories was N'Diaye, who gave his second excellent performance in two weeks. Regularly broke up play and recycled possession with simple passes. Produced an astonishing 98 per cent pass accuracy. 8/10

Barry Douglas

Like so many in this team he's very consistent and knows his role inside out. Defensively superb here...he and Boly have that left side on lockdown...they must be so hard to play against. 8/10

Helder Costa

Is Costa back? For the first time since his return from injury in September he's produced two high quality performances, back to back. His confidence looks to be restored, he's trying audacious pieces of skill and linking beautifully with his fellow Portuguese forwards who are all having the time of their lives. Sent one defender to Asda with an outrageous nutmeg. 8/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

A goal, an assist and some spellbinding trickery from Cavaleiro, especially in the opening minutes when he had a defender seeing stars with a devastating shuffle and turn of pace. What a season he's having. 8/10

Diogo Jota

When are opposition teams going to work out that shamelessly kicking this guy doesn't work...he's just not bothered lads. Compared to the Terminator on social media yesterday and it's hard to think of a better comparison. Just keeps getting on with it. And with the ball at his feet he was absolutely sublime yesterday unleashing his usual pace, close control and inventiveness. Lovely finish for his 13th goal of the season, making him top scorer ahead of Bonatini. 8/10

Substitutes

Leo Bonatini (for Costa, 65)

Joined in the fun with what was a good cameo. So nearly ended his drought when firing just past the post. 7/10

Benik Afobe (for Cavaleiro, 77)

His introduction absolutely brought the house down and he was so close to capping his comeback with a goal, heading inches wide from Doherty's cross. Showed great desire when racing into his own half to win the ball back. Looked absolutely thrilled to be home. 7/10