Sky Sports pundit selects Ruben Neves as surprise Player of the Year contender

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Charlie Nicholas has backed Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as a contender to win Player of the Year, according to Sky Sports.

The Soccer Saturday pundit was asked by Sky Sports to pick a shortlist of three players to potentially claim the accolade.

Neves made the grade for Nicholas alongside Raheem Sterling and Virgil van Dijk.

The Portuguese midfielder has been an integral part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s team this season, contributing three goals and two assists to Wolves’ season.

The West Midlands-based club have been in fine form and they currently sit seventh following last night’s draw with Newcastle United.

It has been quite a remarkable maiden campaign back in the top flight for Wolves who are currently the best of the rest after the firmly established top six.

Nicholas’ selection isn’t perhaps such a surprise.

Neves is certainly one of the top defensive midfielders in the country on current form.

After taking the Championship by storm last season, the 21-year-old has carried momentum into his first season in the top flight.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Nicholas said: “I have really liked Ruben Neves in particular for Wolves. Neves merits a conversation the way Wolves have played and he has been fabulous.

“I am going to put Neves in there as a surprise package, and I have really enjoyed watching him this season, so he makes the list of three.”

If the Portugal international continues in such consistent form, it remains to be seen just how much longer Wolves can keep hold of him.

Given his tender years, he will surely have Europe’s elite casting an eye over Molineux in the near future.