The Special One has coached some of the biggest names in the sport over the last two decades, and knows quality when he sees it.
Way back in 2018, when Wolves had just made their return to the Premier League, Jose Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford.
As he was gearing up to take on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, Mourinho singled out two Wolves players who he was excited to see in action.
Two compatriots he sees as being in a league of their own.
Mourinho praises Wolves and Portugal midfield duo
Before Wolves and Manchester United faced off, Mourinho spoke to the press about the invaluable assets Wolves had in midfield.
As reported by MARCA, he said of midfield duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho: “These two Portuguese players are the type of players I like: they bite, shoot from medium range, press, turn, play one-touch, two-touch… There aren’t many like them.”
High praise from one of the Premier League’s greatest coaches.
Wolves had only just arrived in the top flight, but they already had a top-level midfield. The technical ability of those two was absolutely brilliant, and helped propel Wolves to European football.
They would go on to hold United to a 1-1 draw.
Ruben Neves’ debut goal
On the topic of Wolves’ 2018/19 season, Neves had a Premier League debut for the ages.
In his first game of the season, Wolves played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw with Everton.
Neves announced himself to the Wolves faithful with a beauty of a free-kick for his first goal at his new club, while Raul Jimenez also got off the mark.
When you see how newly promoted sides have struggled in recent seasons, it highlights what an achievement Wolves’ seventh-place finish was that season.
A truly special promoted side.