Wolves got back to winning ways last night, beating Everton in the Carabao Cup – and one player continues to come in for high praise.
Marshall Munetsi and Tolu Arokodare were on target for the hosts, who secured a confidence-boosting victory just days after the horror show against Leeds United at Molineux.
Vitor Pereira boldly changed Wolves’ system and played a back four, and now it is a question of whether it stays.
Wolves are synonymous with playing three centre-backs and wing-backs, but many felt Wolves looked a lot more solid last night against Everton.
And one man who definitely played his part in that solidity was Ladislav Krejci.
Fans hailed Krejci for his efforts against Everton – and his performance was also lapped up on Matchday Live Extra.
‘Brilliant’ Ladislav Krejci compared to Romain Saiss after Everton win
Krejci arrived as Wolves’ penultimate signing of the summer, joining on loan for £6 million from Girona.
The move will be turned permanent next year for £20 million.
So Wolves are spending a lot of money on the Czech star – but the early signs are very good indeed.
Krejci made his third appearance for Wolves last night, but it was the first time he had appeared in the backline.
And simply put, he barely put a foot wrong against Everton, showcasing great ball-playing. He also gave both Thierno Barry and Beto nothing.
After the game, the team on Matchday Live Extra gave Krejci his flowers, with host Mikey Burrows even saying he reminds him of Romain Saiss.
Lee Naylor said: “I thought he was brilliant.
Andy Thompson: “He looks good on the ball doesn’t he?”
Naylor: “He set the tone.”
Thompson: “I think Krejci is a talent. He can play midfield, at the back. I thought again, he looks very comfortable on the ball doesn’t he? What he has got, he hits decent quality up to the front man.
Mikey Burrows: “This is a terrible comparison, but he’s Romain Saiss for me.”
Naylor: “He’s got that little naughty side to his game! He’s got that ‘Yeah I’m going to give you a nicking, the ball is nowhere near but I’m going to barge you, and kick you in the ankle’. I love all that business.”
- READ MORE: Six things we learned from Wolves’ Carabao Cup win over Everton as Andre dazzles at Molineux
Krejci looks a star
Few people probably anticipated Krejci being as good as he is.
Many have focused on the money being spent on him, and lots of people did also wonder how needed he really was.
But so far, he has looked a top player in a Wolves shirt.
The Saiss comparison is interesting. Krejci is a lot more cultured than the Moroccan former Molineux favourite, but does seem to have that same bite he had.
Saiss was a great servant for Wolves and was also a leader, and Krejci does seem like he could be a new version of him.