Wrexham fans heap praise on Callum Doyle after the defender’s masterclass performance in the FA Cup knockout against Chelsea.
Wrexham may not have beaten Chelsea in their recent FA Cup epic, but the tie served its purpose. The Reds passed their toughest test of the year against the current World Champions with flying colours.
That’s because Wrexham showed impressive intensity against the Premier League Big Six club. While every Reds star was at his best, special credit must go to players like Callum Doyle, who were unlucky to end up on the losing side.
So far, Callum Doyle had been impressive throughout the second half of the season. But his latest display against Chelsea had every Wrexham supporter on his feet to acknowledge his masterclass in a demanding contest.
Despite operating in a centre-back role, Doyle was all over the pitch. Be it neutralising Chelsea forward Pedro Neto on his wing, making clearances and interceptions in the middle of the pitch, or creating chances by progressing forward, the 22-year-old excelled in all roles.
Doyle had a huge say in both of Wrexham’s goals against Chelsea. Firstly, the defender played a brilliant long ball, which was received and finished perfectly by Sam Smith to give Wrexham a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Callum Doyle was involved in a goal again. His deflection changed the trajectory of a powerful Josh Windass shot and sent Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez the wrong way to put Wrexham 2-1 up.
Callum Doyle was one of the best players in the tie for his time on the pitch. Several outlets, including the BBC, awarded him Man of the Match for a superb all-around display.
Wrexham fans react to Callum Doyle’s masterclass Vs Chelsea
Needless to say, such a masterclass had fans waxing lyrical over Callum Doyle. Though he’s still only 22, his rock-solid display earned him comparisons with all-time defensive great Franz Beckenbauer.
One fan said, “That was some performamce Wrexham put in tonight.
Special mention to Callum Doyle who played like prime Beckenbauer.”
A recognition like this speaks for itself, and Doyle’s matchday stats show why he deserves this. In his 105 minutes on the field, Callum Doyle made the most recoveries by a Wrexham player while making multiple tackles, blocks and clearances in an exceptional defensive show.
Thanks to his backline mavericks, Wrexham was able to curtail the presence of the previous round FA Cup hat-trick hero, Pedro Neto.
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Another fan praised the way Doyle stepped up against a quality Premier League opposition in Chelsea. The supporter hailed Doyle’s candidature for the Top-Flight, saying: “Think we’ll be seeing Callum Doyle in the Premier League next season whether we’re there or not. Unbelievable footballer.”
Callum Doyle’s recent displays are the result of his extensive experience at such a young age. The defender has already enjoyed multiple successful loan spells in the EFL with Sunderland, Norwich, and Coventry, where he narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion in 2023.
Wrexham could face trouble in retaining Doyle beyond summer
Doyle’s current form at Wrexham is his hard work finally paying off. While it would be best for the Reds to have him continue with them for many years, Doyle is likely to make a switch to the Premier League soon.
If Wrexham slip in their promotion charge this term, it would be an uphill task for the club to retain Callum Doyle over the summer.
Regarding this, another Wrexham supporter sounded conscious of Doyle’s contractual status. The fan mentioned: “I really hope that the rumours about Man City having a buy back clause on Callum Doyle is absolute nonsense, the lad has doubled his value already”
Being aware of Callum Doyle’s talent and the fighting mindset beyond his years, Man City played it safe with him. While the Cityzens allowed Wrexham to sign him last summer, they retain a buy-back clause at just £7.5m.
If the Etihad club chooses to enforce it, Doyle could return to his former club despite his current Wrexham contract not expiring until 2029. Not only might Wrexham lose a star player of his calibre, but they would also be forfeiting a potential profit.
Callum Doyle’s value has more than doubled since joining Wrexham. While the Reds would be loath to see him leave for as little as £7.5m, Man City possess the power to leave the club helpless with their buy-back option.
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