Ladislav Krejci has been a revelation for Wolves since joining the club in the summer from Girona, but the Czech wears a rather unusual number on his back.
In the world of football, the number 37 is not a number you often associate with players, and there are few who are remembered with it on their back.
At Wolves, it is a little different. Adama Traore is famed at the club, and he wore the number during his time at Molineux.
Krejci has now followed in his footsteps, and the Czech has revealed the reason why he chose the number after arriving at the club.
Why Ladislav Krejci wears number 37 for Wolves
Despite losing to Chelsea, Ladislav Krejci was amazed with Wolves’ second-half performance.
The Czech international was rested, but with the Old Gold down 3-0 against the Blues, he was introduced for the final 45 minutes.
He spoke after the game about the match, but he was also questioned on his choice of shirt number, and his answer reveals a lot.
Krejci said via Wolves, “I wear 37 because when I went to Sparta, they had 36 titles. Sparta is one of the biggest clubs in the Czech Republic, with the most trophies throughout the whole of history, and I came into the team at a time when the team and the club didn’t have too many good times; I think they went five years without a trophy.
“When I was choosing my number, I said, ‘Ok, I will be the one who will bring the 37th title,’ and it’s stuck with me. It’s also a way I can take the club with me and the Sparta fans with me.”
“I enjoy this number a lot, especially with what happened after with the 37th title, as well as the 38th, both as captain, so that was amazing.”
Already, Krejci is on his way to doing the number 37 justice, just as Adama Traore had done so for years. The Old Gold have found themselves an incredible player in the transfer market.
His versatility to play in both defence and midfield has meant Krejci has given Vitor Pereira a selection headache ahead of Fulham.
Ladislav Krejci’s mentality is incredible
The reasoning behind Krejci choosing number 37 is a clear example of the mentality he has. He sets his sights on achieving a goal, and he works hard to complete it.
It is the kind of thinking that makes for a good captain; he held the honour for Sparta Prague and could very well do the same for Wolves in the future.
The Wanderers are desperately missing that clear voice in the dressing room, with Liam Keen suggesting they need a Conor Coady-like figure. Over time, the former Girona man could be that.
However, the Czech is a quality player, and the Old Gold must do all they can to keep him at Molineux for as long as possible.
A player of his talent is much better than the level of the Championship, and right now, Wolves seem to be heading there.
There is still a long way to go, and despite the current situation, they can still survive. That must start with a win against Fulham.