A look at the 2 winners and 2 losers if Southampton star Adam Armstrong is to join Wrexham in a January transfer deal.
Despite the surreal comeback against the odds Vs QPR, the idea of a striking reinforcement retains strong support. While this consensus favours the many centre-forwards linked to Wrexham, the biggest advantage share goes to Adam Armstrong.
With his candidature gaining momentum against Sidiki Cherif, Armstrong is becoming a fan favourite target at Wrexham. Already proven at the Championship level, he has the goal instinct needed by the Reds.
As a flipside, his signing may prompt Phil Parkinson to alter his system with a tactical change. On that note, here’s a look at the 2 winners and 2 losers if Adam Armstrong signs up for Wrexham.
2 Winners from Adam Armstrong’s transfer
Phil Parkinson
On the attacking front, Phil Parkinson has been a lucky man with barely any headaches to worry about. With multiple scorers finding the nets in recent games, he has an army of efficient men in front of the goal.
While his privileges remain well acknowledged, his struggles with the centre-forward position need to be noted. Guilty of benching Sam Smith after his impressive spell, Kieffer Moore’s gradual return to form has put Parky in an unfavourable situation.
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Here’s where Adam Armstrong fits the bill and gets Parkinson and Wrexham rolling. Having made his way to the Championship top-scorer charts in multiple seasons, Armstrong is a cheat code for the second division.
If fed with enough chances, Armstrong’s ability is second to none. Additionally, playing to the 28-year-old’s style helps Parkinson to revert to his original 3-5-2 formation.
In the past, Adam Armstrong has formed successful striking partnerships with multiple tall forwards in Che Adams, Ross Stewart and Fin Azaz. This way, Parky can pair him with his preferred choice, Big Kieff and get Wrexham scoring for fun in the second half of the season.
Lewis O’Brien
In a thriving and excelling Wrexham side, possibly the only underused regular starter has been Lewis O’Brien. Though his 6 goal contributions from the midfield are well-appreciated in an inconsistent season, O’Brien’s playmaking abilities remain underutilised.
Currently expected to feed central balls to Kieffer Moore, the latter’s subpar form has affected O’Brien’s contribution. As a result, his assist tally remains long stagnant at just 2 since October.
If Wrexham manages to finalise Armstrong’s deal, the attacker can bring visible recognition to O’Brien’s playstyle. With Armstrong benefiting from his quick transition play, the output can be enhanced in scoring metrics for Wrexham overall.
2 Losers from Armstrong joining Wrexham
Nathan Broadhead
Ever since making a switch from Ipswich to Wrexham, Nathan Broadhead has seen consistent starts become rare. While he remains important for Parkinson’s attack force, the manager’s rotation policy has never seen him make 4 consecutive starting lineups(despite no injury record).
If Adam Armstrong covers the distance from St. Mary’s to the Racecourse, Broadhead’s game time can be further compromised. With the target-man excelling in a double forward system, Parky may need to switch back to a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation.
Having previously faced the consequences of a wing-back system, Broadhead will need to make way for Windass or adapt to a different role. Again, even the second possibility remains dubious in Wrexham’s quality roster, which employs exceptional midfielders.
At best, Nathan Broadhead’s role can be safeguarded with an exit. But with the deadline day fast approaching, it remains a fantasy ask.
Sam Smith
If there’s one chronic victim of bad luck in the Wrexham side, it has to be Sam Smith. Having been reduced to the bench on the back of 3 goals in as many games, Moore’s return has been harsh on Smith.
Well, if the presence of one striker ahead of him in Parky’s pecking order was an issue, the addition of Armstrong has increased the distress. While Wrexham can return to the old 3-5-2(double forward system), it doesn’t help his situation as Moore is the favourite to start alongside Armstrong.
The result? Smith may become the next Jay Rodriguez despite being a lot younger and in-form than him. It remains to be seen how Parky manages his minutes, but Armstrong’s arrival weakens his case.
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