A pivotal reason for the current optimism at Molineux is a decidedly cosmopolitan squad that, though predominantly Iberian in flavour, boasts a level of quality that is as wide-ranging as it is elite.
We tried to make the strongest possible Wolves Premier League XI out of this lengthy list of talents past and present with only one stipulation: that no nationality could appear more than once. What emerged was a swashbuckling 4-4-2 with a boatload of advanced wingers and overlapping full-backs.
Take a look…
GK: Wayne Hennessey (Wales)
The tail-end of the last decade was
That being said, he was a shining light in that fateful 2011/12 season under McCarthy and Connor (which, now that the dust has settled, is as bad as anything Derby or Sunderland produced), a period in which he firmly established himself as Wales’ number one.
RB: Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland)
Though his former Ireland boss Martin O’Neill notoriously took exception to him wearing gloves in matches, Doherty has had the last laugh, outliving his old gaffer and becoming one of the key figures for the Boys in Green.
CB: Willy Boly (France)
Aside from his quiet heroics at the back, he’ll be remembered for a number of refereeing controversies, including getting sent off for trying to send Bernardo Silva’s ankle into next week and being denied a memorable goal against Manchester City for a handball that never was.
CB: Christophe Berra (Scotland)
Despite a revolving door of defensive partners amid an often dysfunctional Wolves set-up, Berra was pretty consistent throughout, though left in trying circumstances with Wolves fans booing him for seeking a move.
LB: Jonny (Spain)
With Spain boss Luis Enrique giving him his big break at Celta Vigo, he could well be a surprise pick for La Furia Roja at Euro 2021 (or is it Euro 2020?).
RW: Matt Jarvis (England)
Chances are it’s Matt Jarvis, whose excellent form in Wolves’ 2010/11 campaign saw him play 20 minutes against Ghana the first Wolves player since the great Steve Bull to stick on an England shirt. It’s a shame he never truly found that form on the flanks again after a big money move to West Ham.
CM: Romain Saïss (Morocco)
Another slot, another positionally versatile defensive player. Although Saïss is generally used to starting at centre-back, he is no stranger to a holding midfield role, and the Moroccan – who loves leaving a foot in – is another testament to the depth of Nuno’s squad.
He also gets extra marks for the fact that he refers to his club’s captain and defensive leader as ‘Mr Bean’.
LW: Diogo Jota (Portugal)
Watching this guy wriggle in and out of challenges is a different kind of joy to Adama’s unique style of play, but no less pleasurable, and when he’s fired up he really is capable of completely wiping out your favourite team, ‘Top Six’ or otherwise.
ST: Henri Camara (Senegal)
He came, he saw, he (sort of) conquered and then he left, all in a flash. Camara’s stay in the Midlands was short but sweet, seeing him voted by the fans as Wolves’ best player as they were relegated in 2004, while a last-gasp winner in a 4-3 victory against Leicester will live long in the memory.
The enigmatic Camara never truly plays for your club though, he just passes through, and Wolves were one of a staggering 18 destinations that the journeyman enjoyed his football in.
ST: Raúl Jiménez (Mexico)
Last, but certainly not least, it’s one of the most underrated players in world football right now. The Mexican throwback striker with an all-round game that’s delightful to watch, epitomised by his starring role in wins against Man City and Spurs this season.
If he finds some consistency in front of goal, Jiménez might be the man who delivers Molineux its first trophy after many years of hurt.
Let’