Ladislav Krejci has impressed Wolves fans this season despite the struggles of the team – and he may well be Rob Edwards’ key man against Crystal Palace.
Ladislav Krejci came to Wolves from Girona, with the Old Gold forking out around £6 million to sign him on loan.
Wolves will then sign Krejci permanently next year for £20 million. The buy clause will be triggered automatically if he makes a certain number of appearances.
Wolves fans, how do you see Rob Edwards getting on in his first game against Crystal Palace?
Without question, Krejci has been the standout player of the six new faces that came in. His quality was underlined again recently as Krejci scooped a second successive Player of the Month award at Wolves.
Despite that, Krejci’s level has dipped slightly in recent weeks. But he is surely set to keep playing a key role under new manager Rob Edwards.
On Saturday, Wolves face Crystal Palace – and Krejci could well be the new manager’s most important player.
Ladislav Krejci must keep Jean-Philippe Mateta in check as Wolves face Crystal Palace
Edwards has a tricky first five games as Wolves manager, and his tenure begins with Crystal Palace at Molineux on Saturday.
Wolves have won just one of their last nine meetings with Palace, so the Eagles have most definitely had Wanderers’ number in recent times.
There is no doubt that Palace have several threats capable of causing real damage. And perhaps the biggest threat of all is Jean-Philippe Mateta.
He’s scored two goals and made two assists in seven appearances against Wolves, and this term the Frenchman has been on fire again.
It’s eight goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Mateta, with six of those coming in 11 games in the Premier League. There is little doubt at this point that he’s developed into one of the best strikers in the top-flight.
It will be key for Wolves to keep him quiet if Edwards is to claim victory in his first game – and Krejci feels like the most effective counter.
The Czech international matches up to Mateta, and it’s been clear so far that Krejci plays with a real aggressiveness. That will be important against the physical Mateta.
As per fbref, Krejci has a 62% aerial duel success rate this season which is good, and a fair bit higher than Mateta’s at 42%.
Rob Edwards wants solidity and clean sheets
Marshall Munetsi said this week that Edwards wants solidity from the Wolves players, and more clean sheets.
Palace will be a tough test. They are 10th in the Premier League right now, but just two points off the top four.
Rob Edwards got the better of Crystal Palace in his last time managing in the Premier League
Krejci is almost certain to start, and one would imagine he will be in the backline to help keep Mateta as quiet as possible, with Andre and Joao Gomes to play in midfield, either as a pairing or with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in there for some creativity and drive.
Krejci has also shown that he can be a threat in the other box as well this season, scoring one goal and providing an assist.
Since Palace have the third-best defensive record this season with only nine goals conceded so far, there is even more importance around Krejci for this game.