Wolves 2 Derby 0 – player ratings

John Ruddy

Dealt with everything that came his way, which wasn't a fat lot particularly in the second half. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

Will this guy ever make a mistake? Devastatingly consistent, very good in the air and helped earn a 21st clean sheet of the season. Wolves have only played 42 matches. 7/10

Conor Coady

The pulse and heartbeat of this Wolves team just keeps on performing. On a couple of occasions he effortlessly brought the ball out from the back with all the grace and pace of an Olympic figure skater. 7/10

Willy Boly

Big Willy style, as Will Smith might remark, led to the opening goal when Boly unleashed an inch-perfect 40-yard rake that David Beckham would have been proud of. Otherwise a very comfortable evening for one of the strongest and certainly most technically gifted centre halves Molineux has watched in many a year. 8/10

Matt Doherty

Found himself in promising positions but lacked an end product in and around the Derby box. Defensively though he was once again beyond reproach. What a season he's had. 7/10

Romain Saiss

While Neves took the acclaim Saiss put in all the dirty work in a tireless midfield performance, endangered by the likes of Nugent and Vydra who struggled to find space against a resolute Wolves team. Saiss may have his critics but he's stepped up the plate this season. 8/10

Ruben Neves

"The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple,"...Albert Einstein said that and ergo by his definition Ruben Neves is a genius. We all dream of casually flicking the ball into the air and perfectly striking it on the volley into the top corner from 35 yards...but a desperately small number of human men can actually enact this during a football match. Ruben Neves can – and he is a genius. There was a time when Jens Dowe, Jesus Sanjuan and Silas were considered good enough to grace the Wolves midfield....those days are long gone. It is not an exaggeration to say his goal was one of the finest to be witnessed in decades at Molineux...it was certainly the best this correspondent has ever seen live. And it is not an exaggeration to call Neves one of the most skilful, graceful and technically gifted players to ever don a gold and black shirt in its deeply proud 141-year history. In 2017/18 we have witnessed greatness...a star has been born and no one who watched Neves in Wolves colours will ever forget what they saw. In 50 years time starry-eyed youngsters will excitedly ask their grandparents to regale stories of Neves playing for Wolves. It can only be the first maximum of the season folks...10/10

Barry Douglas

His delivery from set pieces carries more whip than an x-rated underground dungeon. His teasing, devilish delivery almost set up a couple of goals and he was solid defensively against a team that threatened only sporadically. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

After being dropped at Cardiff he was given a chance from the off here but didn't grasp the opportunity in what was a largely forgettable performance. Just ha no end product to speak off. Worked very hard, though, which isn't his natural game. 7/10

Benik Afobe

Involved in a couple of promising moments in the first half – flicking a corner towards Jota that was cleared in the nick of time and heading over from Cavaleio's pinpoint cross. Fantastic work ethic, though, which it should always be remembered is not his natural game. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Hasn't quite looked himself for a few weeks but those goals keep on coming...just 16 for the season now. A sublimely taken opener to settle Wolves' nerves, in which he casually controlled the ball and coolly tucked it past a helpless Carson. A good night all round, both defensively and offensively. 8/10

Substitutes

Helder Costa (for Afobe, 66)

A lively cameo full of pace and menace. Must be a contender to start on Sunday. 7/10

Leo Bonatini (for Jota, 74)

Looked back to the level he was at before Christmas. Bright, breezy and intelligent when in possession, not to mention possessing vision that few others in the attacking line can genuinely attempt to envisage. 6/10

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Cavaleiro, 82)

Again a bundle of positivity who will surely earn his chance from the start if/when promotion is confirmed.

Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Miranda, N'Diaye.