An incredible strike from Ruben Neves for Wolves
An incredible strike from Ruben Neves for Wolves

Watch: Ruben Neves scores one of the goals of the season with a stunning strike for Wolves against Derby


Ruben Neves scored one of the goals of the season with a stunning long-range strike as Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolves beat Derby 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Words can hardly do justice to the quality of the Portuguese starlet's volley from outside the box following a superb piece of trickery.

So here it is in all its glory...

The magic moment came in the 51st minute of the crunch Sky Bet Championship clash at Molineux and doubled his side's advantage against Derby after Diogo Jota had opened the scoring in the first half.

Wolves can now secure their return to the Premier League this weekend after an absence of six years.

They will be promoted on Saturday if second-placed Fulham do not beat Brentford. A Fulham win would leave Wolves needing a victory against Birmingham in front of their own fans on Sunday to reach the top-flight with three games to spare.

Wolves are odds-on favourites at 4/11 with Sky Bet to get the better of Birmingham.

The victory over Derby has given Wolves a massive 11-point lead over Fulham.

Post-match reaction

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes Ruben Neves can get even better.

Nuno said: "Ruben knows that he has a lot of work to do to improve.

Ruben Neves makes it 2-0 for Wolves against Derby with a sensational goal
Ruben Neves makes it 2-0 for Wolves against Derby with a sensational goal

"I think all the players are developing and getting better from what they were before.

"I think Neves still has a lot to improve. Not only Neves, all the squad.

"The window of a player growing never finishes. There is always something to improve upon. This is the spirit that we want. Day by day they have to work hard to improve.

"I think today was a good performance. They boys did well, they were well balanced and well organised.

"They did a very good job. We did not concede chances to a very good team. I am very pleased with the approach of the players."

Derby boss Gary Rowett felt his side were outclassed by Wolves but he still has high hopes that County can reach the play-offs.

Rowett said: "We were a little bit like a lot of teams this season in that we found Wolves were a class above us.

"I don't like saying that because we have got some very good players in our team.

"We have helped them in some ways as the first goal was a very poor one to concede.

"As soon as you concede a goal you have to open up and that is dangerous against Wolves.

"But their second goal was sensational. I have said it before but for me Neves is the best player I have seen in the Championship. He is too good for the Championship. He is a Champions League player.

"At one point I thought should I applaud that (the goal). It would have felt wrong but that is how good it was."

Related football links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Join for Free
Image of stables faded in a gold gradientGet exclusive Willie Mullins insight, plus access to premium articles, expert tips and Timeform data, plus more...
Log in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefitsWhite Chevron
Sporting Life Plus Logo

FOOTBALL TIPS