Wolves Star Gives Vitor Pereira a Major Selection Dilemma Ahead of Fulham Clash

Wolverhampton Wanderers may have bowed out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, but one player’s outstanding performance has handed manager Vitor Pereira a real selection dilemma ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Fulham.

Despite their 4–3 defeat to Chelsea at Molineux, Wolves showed two very different faces over the course of the game. A disappointing first half left them trailing 3–0 at the break, undone by sloppy defending and Chelsea’s ruthless finishing. Yet after the interval, the home side were transformed — battling back with spirit, intensity, and cohesion. Much of that resurgence was down to one man: Ladislav Krejci.

Krejci’s Impact Turns the Tide

Krejci, who came off the bench at half-time to replace the injured Rodrigo Gomes, immediately made his presence felt. The Czech international slotted into midfield alongside Joao Gomes and brought a new sense of balance and authority to Wolves’ play. His positioning, strength in duels, and ability to progress the ball from deep helped Wolves regain control of the contest and even threaten an unlikely comeback.

Fer Lopez had struggled in the holding midfield role during the first half, looking uncomfortable and out of rhythm. But Krejci’s introduction steadied the ship, giving Wolves structure both defensively and in transition. It was no coincidence that Wolves scored three times after the break, showing far greater fluidity once Krejci was dictating play from the centre of the park.

The 25-year-old, who was named Wolves’ Player of the Month for September, has already built a reputation as one of Pereira’s most reliable and versatile performers. Journalist Johnny Phillips recently labelled him “the best player at Wolves,” and on Wednesday night, he showed exactly why.

Pereira’s Selection Headache

The problem now for Vitor Pereira is deciding where to use him. Krejci has excelled both in central defence and in midfield this season. Whether deployed as a left-sided centre-back in a back three or anchoring the midfield, his performances have consistently stood out.

If Pereira opts to keep him in midfield for the trip to Craven Cottage, it could trigger a tactical reshuffle. In that case, Toti Gomes might be one of the main beneficiaries, as he would likely retain his spot on the left side of a three-man defence.

However, Krejci’s move into midfield could spell bad news for others. Andre, for instance, has already found himself out of the starting XI a couple of times this season — once directly replaced by Krejci against Newcastle. The Czech’s display against Chelsea may once again push Andre down the pecking order.

Winners and Losers in the Midfield Battle

If Pereira decides to field a midfield trio of Krejci, Joao Gomes, and Andre, that could mean limited opportunities for players like Marshall Munetsi, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Fer Lopez, all of whom are capable of playing in more advanced central roles. The competition for midfield places is fierce, and Krejci’s adaptability makes him an invaluable — yet complicating — piece of the puzzle.

For Pereira, who is still searching for his first Premier League win as Wolves manager, this is a welcome but tricky problem. Does he prioritize Krejci’s composure and tactical intelligence in midfield, or restore him to defence, where he has been equally dependable?

Whatever the decision, one thing is clear: Ladislav Krejci has become indispensable for this Wolves side. His ability to elevate the team’s performance — regardless of position — ensures he’ll be one of the first names on the teamsheet. The real question is simply where Pereira decides to write it.