Wolves May Be Struggling — But a New Defensive Partnership Is Offering Hope
It’s fair to say that Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2025/26 campaign has gotten off to a troubling start. Just one point from their opening fixtures has set alarm bells ringing at Molineux, and with relegation projections starting to paint a bleak picture — including data from Opta that tips Wolves to finish bottom of the Premier League — it’s little wonder fans are growing anxious about what lies ahead.
Manager Vítor Pereira has inherited a squad that looks low on confidence, short on consistency, and still searching for an identity. But amidst all the gloom, there are signs that Wolves may have finally found a foundation to build upon — a glimmer of defensive composure in an otherwise chaotic start. And at the heart of it is a partnership that few had pencilled in as the solution when the season began: Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejci.
The State of Play: Wolves’ Rocky Start
After a summer of mixed recruitment and the departure of key figures behind the scenes, Wolves came into the 2025/26 season with more questions than answers. Vítor Pereira, a coach known for tactical adaptability and a preference for disciplined structure, was tasked with steadying a ship that had already shown signs of listing last season.
The early signs, though, were worrying.
Defensive lapses.
An unsettled starting XI.
Inconsistent performances from key players.
An inability to hold onto leads or turn games around.
In truth, Wolves looked like a side playing without chemistry, especially at the back. Pairings like Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes simply didn’t offer the security needed to build from. Mistakes were frequent, structure was lacking, and the sense of cohesion that every successful defensive unit needs just wasn’t there.
The Tactical Switch That Changed the Narrative
One of the defining moments of the past few games came not in a win — Wolves still haven’t managed that — but in how Pereira chose to set the team up against both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Rather than persist with a back five, which had been used to little success, Pereira opted for a more traditional back four. The move came with some risk — Wolves had looked fragile when stretched in a 4-2-3-1 previously — but the shift in personnel made a huge difference. Santiago Bueno returned to the side with a renewed sense of focus, and new signing Ladislav Krejci was handed another opportunity to impress.
What followed were two of Wolves’ most composed defensive performances of the season so far.
While the results weren’t seismic — a draw and a narrow loss — the performances marked a genuine turning point in terms of shape, structure, and control.
Bueno and Krejci: A Partnership with Real Potential
Santiago Bueno: A Rebirth in Form
Santiago Bueno has had a mixed career at Wolves. Last season, he looked out of place at times — too hesitant, lacking bite, and prone to lapses in concentration. But this season, there’s been a transformation.
Described as “outstanding” by teammate Hugo Bueno after the Spurs draw, the Uruguayan has looked calmer, more assured in possession, and notably more aggressive in his duels. He’s also taken more responsibility in organizing the backline — something that Wolves sorely needed.
Physically, Bueno looks sharper. Where he was once accused of lacking steel, he’s now engaging more confidently in tackles and aerial battles. Crucially, his ball progression has improved too. Pereira’s system requires defenders who can initiate attacks from deep, and Bueno has shown he’s capable of doing just that with a growing range of passing.
Ladislav Krejci: Early Candidate for Signing of the Season
Then there’s Ladislav Krejci. Signed in the summer amid relatively little fanfare, the Czech defender has been a revelation. In just four appearances, he’s looked like a player who has been part of the Premier League for years.
Strong in the air, composed under pressure, and rarely flustered, Krejci has brought a sense of calm that Wolves haven’t had since the days of prime Conor Coady. His reading of the game is exceptional for a player new to English football, and his ability to step up into midfield lines when needed has helped Wolves compress space between the lines.
There’s already a growing belief among fans that Krejci should be Wolves’ Player of the Month for August — and few would argue with that.
Complementary Skill Sets: Why This Duo Works
One of the biggest reasons this partnership is working is because Bueno and Krejci complement each other so well:
Bueno is the more mobile of the two, capable of sweeping up danger and covering space behind a high line.
Krejci is more of a commander — strong in aerial duels, calm under pressure, and effective in managing the defensive line.
Both are comfortable on the ball, which means Wolves can build from the back more efficiently. This has helped reduce the rushed clearances and possession losses that plagued them earlier in the season.
Crucially, there also appears to be genuine communication and chemistry between the two — an intangible but vital ingredient in any successful centre-back pairing. They’re reading each other’s movements, staying compact, and covering intelligently.
What This Means for Vítor Pereira’s System
Pereira has shown a willingness to adapt tactically, moving between a back four and a back five. While this kind of flexibility is often a strength, it can also hinder the development of partnerships — especially in defence.
Against Spurs, for instance, Pereira started with a back four before reverting to a back five in the second half, bringing on Agbadou. While the change was reactive, and perhaps understandable given the opposition, it risks disrupting the momentum that Bueno and Krejci are building together.
Right now, Wolves don’t just need tactical variety — they need defensive stability. And that stability is best served by giving this partnership time to flourish.
Pereira must recognise that this isn’t just about formations — it’s about trust and consistency. If Bueno and Krejci can continue to play together, understand each other’s games, and build rhythm, Wolves will have a solid base to work from. That’s something they’ve lacked for far too long.
The Role of Midfield: Shielding the Defence
It’s also worth noting that Wolves’ recent defensive improvements haven’t come from the centre-backs alone.
The Brazilian midfield duo of André and João Gomes have been absolutely crucial. Their tenacity, defensive work rate, and ability to break up play have offered much-needed protection to the back four. Without them, the central defenders would be far more exposed — particularly in transition.
These two midfielders remain among Wolves’ best players, and their energy is vital. If they can stay fit and maintain their current levels, the team will at least have a spine that can keep them competitive — even against superior opposition.
Conclusion: Hope Amid the Storm
Make no mistake — this is going to be a long, hard season for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The team still sits precariously near the bottom of the table, goals are hard to come by, and pressure is mounting on Pereira to deliver results quickly.
But if there’s one bright spot emerging from this difficult start, it’s the partnership between Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejci. In a season where Wolves need every small win they can get, the stabilising effect of this duo cannot be overstated.
Pereira must now commit to this pairing — not just tactically, but emotionally. Trust them. Build around them. Let them grow.
Because if this partnership continues to evolve, it might just be the thing that saves Wolves’ season.