Forget the Portugese faithful. It’s the Brits who are really invading Molineux. David Evans looks at how some of Wolves home grown players are providing the foundations for success so far.

Everyone seems to be envious of this new found culture that Wolves have adopted.

Thanks to the wealth of Fosun, the connections of Uncle Mendes and the tactical nous of Nuno, Wolves are becoming the envy and annoyance of the football pyramid.

Whilst outsiders will points fingers at financial fair play and our links to Mr Mendes, few will see the other inspiring story happening at Molineux.

Behind the Portuguese and Brazilian flair lies a solid British structure.

Neves and co may take the headlines, but some of our British players are quietly laying the foundation for success.

Here’s a look at who the media aren’t talking about…

John Ruddy

Signed back in the summer, the experienced Norwich goalkeeper came in the take over the goalkeeping reigns following the unfortunate illness which fell to Carl Ikeme.

It was big boots to fill, but Ruddy has handled this awkward task brilliantly.

Commanding his area, Ruddy’s experience has shone through. He hasn’t had much to deal with in recent weeks, but when called into action, his saves have been sublime.

‘You shall not pass!’ Gandalf once screamed. You can imagine Ruddy is thinking the same thing.

Norwich must be wondering why they let him go…

Ryan Bennett

Another former Norwich City man, the central defender joined Wolves last summer before the raft of continental signings.

Some debated it as a Lambert signing, some Thelwell. Whoever it was, it was seen as an underwhelming addition.

However, Bennett may become the surprise Wolves signing of the summer.

Many would have seen him as a squad player, but since his appearance in a 4-0 away win to Burton, Bennett has become a reliable constant.

That’s what you get with Bennett. It’s not a negative, It’s Championship experience. With all the flair, you need a good pair of hands to help you grind down results.

Now let’s all re-play that montage of his last minute winner v Bristol City.

Barry Douglas

Very British name. Very continental career.

Signed from Turkish side Konyaspor last summer, the Scottish full back has enjoyed spells at Polish side Lech Poznan following his transfer from Dundee United in 2013.

Joining for a rumoured £1.5 million, it looks like Wolves have found a diamond in the rough. As solid at the back as determined going forward, his pinpoint free kicks have been a sight to behold.

Many argue about Wolves spending, but as Douglas shows, a bit of recruitment nous can go a long way.

Matt Doherty

You could say he is the last of the ‘McCarthyites’, but at 25 the Irishman is already a part of the furniture at Wolves.

Signing from Bohemians for just £25,000, the glove wearing defender seems to be getting better and better.

After a player of the season performance in 2015/16, under Nuno he has blossomed. Notably his partnership down the right wing with Cavalerio is reaping rewards.

Overlap after overlap, defenders cross their legs when attempting to match Doherty and his brother from another mother Ivan at the same time.

Makes you think why he is yet to receive a senior cap for the Republic of Ireland?

Conor Coady

The scouse who you want round your house.

It’s a term I’ve literally just coined when writing this.

If one player has been revolutionised under Mr Santo, it’s this man.

Moving back into the centre of defence, Coady looks a different player. Assured and strong, the former Liverpool academy player has taken over the captaincy reigns on the field superbly.

There’s a loud voice on that pitch amongst the echoes of Molineux and nine times out of ten, its going to be Coady.

After being moved back into defence, you wonder why he wasn’t moved from midfield in the first place?

Conor spoke eloquently on our 300th episode about his move in position, and from his bubbling personality, he’s the kind of guy who would easily be the best man at your wedding.

Bruiserweights

We’re all gushing over the future at Molineux and the football manager style continental signings we may see in the years to come.

However, we and the press need to look a bit deeper into the success story coming out at Wolverhampton so far this season.

Brit-pop is taking over Molineux.