Former Wolves captain Jody Craddock has hailed current Molineux stalwart Willy Boly as the complete defender. The Frenchman was one of the influx of foreign talent to arrive at the club in the summer of 2017, coming in from Porto and making the left side of the back three his own as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men finished top of the Championship table.
Following the success of his initial loan, Boly joined permanently in time for their first season back in the Premier League and excelled with his calm performances, shining both in the air and with the ball at his feet as Nuno’s side finished seventh last term.
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Having represented France throughout the age groups, some pundits have even mooted that he could be in Didier Deschamps’ thinking. While that seems some way away for the 28-year-old, especially after a few form issues earlier this season, having the international break off allows him to recharge his batteries and he will be raring to go come Saturday’s visit of Southampton.
It is then back into Europa League action when Nuno takes his side to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava. The 28-year-old netted the winner in his side’s last European encounter, a 1-0 win at Besiktas.
That result left his side third in Group K after losing their opening by the same scoreline at home to Boly’s former club, Braga.
Former skipper Craddock is clearly a fan, and while obviously keen not to promote him too much, believes the Melun-born defender could easily play for one of the Premier League’s top sides. “I like him. I really rate him,” he stold the Express & Star.
“He’s good in the air, calm on the floor. He’s tough to get past. I think that’s everything you want in a defender. “We definitely want him to stay at Wolves as he’s been doing so well, but he probably could walk into another team higher up the table.”
