Championship legend Troy Deeney has dropped a valuable January transfer advice for Wrexham regarding the Red Dragons defence and midfield.
It’s been close to a day since Wrexham tore Sheffield apart, but the locals are still singing, “Scoring goals, makes the Wrexham sing.” Clearly, makes more than sense for the fest, but how about proposing something new?
Something like, “Our admin’s on fire! Everyone else, retire”. Especially, for how the club’s official reply to the Blades fan is spreading like fire on X. Safe to say, this modified slogan is gonna pain the Sheffield fans for a long time.
But cheeky jabs aside, what Wrexham mustn’t forget is there stood a time in the 1st half when we’re all munching up on our seats. Down 3-1 at one instant, we’re steps away from a slip that could’ve had us ending up with unforgettable shame.
Thankfully, things went our way, with Moore starting the comeback with a beautifully headed finish. What followed was the Welshman’s big show, yet it doesn’t erase his error on Sheffield’s 3rd goal through an unaimed headed backpass.
Clearly, this wasn’t Wrexham’s only defensive lapse in the game. Conceding a constant threat from the Blades’ right wing, Parky’s side stood clueless, succumbing to 3 early goals.
Definitely, the scenario changed once Wrexham’s attack force started clicking, but it’d be foolish to overwrite the defensive shortcomings that made Sheffield look like the best Championship attack.
Troy Deeney pinpoints major Wrexham flaws
That’s where CBS’s evening segment might help Wrexham, where 2-time Championship promotion winner Troy Deeney bluntly opined on the club’s defence. Deeney mentioned: “You see the goals that they’re conceding and the chances they’re conceding. In the Championship, you’ll get punished for that. In League One, they got away with it and in League Two.”
Not only this, the Watford legend had something to say on the Dragons’ midfield, which wasn’t perfect for most of the game. Though the wing-backs added to the attacking creativity, Deeney felt the energy was a bit missing in the centre.
Hinting at Matty James, Deeney said: “You need more energy if they’re to be where they want to be, which is in the play-offs.”
That’s not discrediting any individual, but Deeney’s analysis outlines the major areas Wrexham needs to improve. And what better than now? With the January transfer window right ahead.
Where exactly should Wrexham reinforce?
January windows have always been special for Wrexham. To say that it won’t come with some solid signings would be undermining what Rob&Ryan may be planning behind the scenes.
First and foremost, the Dragons need to resolve their wing-back slots. Agreed, Thomason’s recent revelation has been exceptional, but the side needs at least one more role specialist to back up Cacace and Kabore when needed.
Potentially, a way to counter Wrexham’s porous backline can be adding a member. Though Parky’s preferred system remains a back-three, the idea of a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 can be lucrative once the Cacace-Kabore duo return.
Imagine Cacace coupled up with Thomason on the left wing, and the same with Kabore and Longman on the right. Chances are it gives enhanced stability while defending alongside adding a layer of wing-attack upfront.
Building on Deeney’s criticism, the second transfer priority ought to be the midfield for Wrexham. Agreed, having a discussion with quite some ballers injured/suspended isn’t perfect, but the Dragons ought to prepare for Championship life if such conditions arise in the next decisive half of the season.
There’s hardly a doubt that when fit, Lewis O’Brien counters Deeney’s issue, but Wrexham needs a like-for-like replacement signing while he’s recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
As for Matty James, the Red Devils academy graduate’s experience still counts, and he could come in handy as a rotation player. Or even better, if Parky could couple him up with O’Brien or a similar type of midfielder in the centre.
Luckily, if Wrexham resolves these issues, they could pose as a strong promotion contender. While a direct qualification may be challenging, the Dragons can definitely give their best shot through a playoff route.
