Ladislav Krejci has looked like a smart bit of business for Wolves.
The Czech defender commanded the highest fee of any Wolves signing this summer, with the total package worth around £26 million.
So far, Krejci has justified the price tag, putting in solid performances in a back three, a back two, and in midfield. So much so that Krejci is our Player of the Month for September.
His composure adds stability to Wolves in possession, and he has made his case to play every week for Vitor Pereira.
But Krejci’s outstanding versatility poses the question of where he is best utilised.
Vitor Pereira has a preference for where to play Krejci
The 26-year-old has blown expectations out of the water at Wolves, seemingly unfazed by the change of league and new surroundings. And he has been a tactical asset for the Portuguese coach.
Speaking to E&S, Pereira explains: “He can play as a defender on the left or the middle, or he can play as a midfielder.
“It means when I say to you we must find solutions inside the squad, he gives us the chance to play in different positions, and he’s the kind of player that’s important for a team.”
As much as Krejci has impressed in multiple positions, Pereira would rather he settle in his strongest role. On whether he would prefer to use Krejci solely in defence. he remarks: “Yes, but we didn’t get a midfielder, and we need to find solutions.
“We need players to play in more than one position in this moment. If we need a midfielder, he can play there. If we need a centre-back, he can play there. He’s a player who gives us a lot.”
Krejci looks settled enough already, despite being used as a jack of all trades.
Krejci won’t struggle for minutes
Although he played most of his games for Girona at centre-back, Krejci has shown that the versatility tag attached to him upon arriving at Molineux is well-earned.
And that’s exactly what Pereira needs right now as he looks to find tactical solutions after a poor start to the season.
Krejci’s ability to drift between defence and midfield will allow Wolves to change formation in-game, going from three at the back to two, without needing to make a substitution.
Pereira also considers left-back in a back four as a role Krejci can fill.
All that to say, Wolves’ biggest signing of the summer should be involved in most games going forward, and hopefully, he can continue to perform at this level. So far, so good.