Wolves have had some quality players come through their doors over the last few years.
Vitinha most recently placed third in the Ballon d’Or and he was perhaps a player who had got away from the Old Gold.
The Portuguese midfielder had a tumultuous loan spell at Molineux and it ultimately did not work out for both parties.
Matheus Cunha was another who showed his quality, and his performances earned him a move to Manchester United.
However, many years ago, the Wanderers had one of the best players in the world.
Billy Wright got second in the Ballon d’Or
Billy Wright is one of the best to ever play for Wolves.
The former England captain is certainly up there with the likes of Steve Bull. His influence for the Wanderers is highlighted by having a stand named after him at Molineux – the Billy Wright Stand.
During his time as a player through the 1940s and 1950s, he won multiple trophies with Wolves – three league titles and an FA Cup.
He stayed at the club for his whole career, and Wright’s ability was recognised on the world stage.
In 1957, Wright was named as the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or after receiving 19 votes. He only missed out on the golden ball to footballing legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who got 79 votes.
Either way, it was still a remarkable achievement, and despite Vitinha’s recent placing, he is still the top ranker in the coveted awards when it comes to those who have pulled on the Old Gold.
Wolves could do with Ballon d’Or-level quality
At the moment, Wolves are far away from even hitting the same levels as the Wolves team in the 50s that Billy Wright was a part of.
Those players were chasing and winning league titles; meanwhile, Vitor Pereira’s men are trying to stave off relegation.
Having a player with Ballon d’Or-level quality would certainly be a big help in these times, but unfortunately the Old Gold are not in a position to attract such names.
Vitinha was the closest they have come to that calibre of player in recent times, but even if he had stayed at the club beyond his loan move, who knows if he would have become as good as he is now?