Wolves comment: Willy Boly, a man of few words who oozes class

The 29-year-old very much keeps himself to himself.

Approaching three years at Molineux, he has very rarely said a word in public.

He will never stop for an interview after a game – or before one.

Boly has barely done any club media either. There is an air of mystique around him, for sure.

Last year, for example, he was called up for international duty by the Ivory Coast.

However, rather than joining up with the squad after his maiden call-up back in September, the centre-half opted to spend time with his family in France.

He has not played for the Ivory Coast, who he qualifies for via his parents, or France, who he represented at various youth levels, since.

And even if he was called up by the world champions, his country of birth, there is no guarantee Boly would fulfil it – such is the mystery that surrounds him.

Standing at 6ft 5in, you cannot help but notice him. His sheer presence grabs your attention.

But Boly, at least it would seem, is perfectly happy being out of the limelight as much as humanly possible. His private life is just that, private.

There is one thing, though, that is clear about Boly.

He is an exceptional footballer, an elite-level defender.

When he is in the Wolves team, they are all the more richer for it.

The clean sheets from the last three games are no coincidence. Boly’s return from a broken ankle has seen Wolves keep both Manchester United and Leicester at bay in the Premier League, as well as Espanyol in Europe.

It is not down to him alone. But the fact only one clean sheet came from Wolves’ previous 15 matches – while Boly was on the sidelines – speaks volumes, even though he is a man of few words.

There is far more to his game than just physicality, too.

He carries the ball with the grace of Joao Moutinho, passes it with the assuredness of Ruben Neves and mixes it up with the vigour of Romain Saiss. While the odd lapse in concentration or moment of frustration, naturally, has crept in during his time at Molineux, Boly has more often than not made it look like a cakewalk in defence.

Also adding to his unique aura, you do wonder how Wolves were able to get him – and for £10million, a snip in this day and age’s transfer climate.

It is not a stretch to say he would fit in at Liverpool or Manchester City.

Outside of those two teams, there are very few, if anyone, who are better at the back than Boly in the top flight.

While skipper Conor Coady is a constant voice, on and off the pitch – barking out orders before happily being interviewed after almost every match – Boly stays quiet, for both.

He truly is not one for words. But the popular expression goes that action speak louder than words.

And Boly’s efforts in gold and black thus far have been nothing short of tremendous. An intriguing character and, most importantly, a joy to watch.