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Speaking to Wolves.co.uk, footballer turned Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has revealed what he thinks has been most impressive about Wolves' return to the top flight.

The club have been outstanding this season and it appears Smith agrees with the consensus.

What's been said?

The ex-Arsenal striker was full of praise for Nuno Santo's men. In particular, he picked up on their form against some of the league's top teams. He told the official Wolves website:

"There’s been a lack of fear. I did the Tottenham game at Wembley which was an amazing occasion, in the second-half I couldn’t believe what I was watching. That’s an example of how well they’ve done against the top six sides."

Smith also picked up on other key areas, pinpointing some of the reasons behind their success this term.

"Wolves couldn’t have done any better I don’t think. They’re in that seventh position, there’s a glass ceiling above them, and for a newly-promoted team it’s been spectacular stuff. It’s the same manager and he has a way of playing, but it’s a few steps up in standard. To continue that philosophy at this level speaks volumes for him and the way the players have adapted. The recruitment has been fantastic. It’s easy to spend money, but not so easy to get it right, we’ve seen that at Fulham."

Smith is spot on

It's easy to get carried away when analysing Wolves this season but Smith's words have hit the nail on the head. You have to admire the way they've played and some of their displays against the top six sides are hugely impressive.

The club has won matches against Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United this season so that tells you all you need to know about how they've adjusted to Premier League life.

Smith's comments about recruitment and spending are also true. Raul Jimenez springs to mind when assessing their business last summer. Signing the player on loan has been significant and they could still yet make a permanent move for him in the summer.

We've found Raul Jimenez's No. 1 fan and... it's a little scary. Check out the video below to see for yourself...

Their spending wasn't massive and in fact, some deals were considerably shrewd. They signed Joao Moutinho for as little as £5m whilst they also acquired the likes of Diogo Jota and Willy Boly on permanent deals too, two players who were already proven to them after loan spells.

Fulham, on the other hand, just spent at will and didn't really seem to have a plan. Wolves looked more thorough in their process last summer and are reaping the rewards as a result.

Wolves' progression has been so considerable that it could well see the club compete in Europe over the next few seasons.