Wrexham are yet to see the best from striker Jay Rodriguez.
Phil Parkinson splashed the cash in January to bolster his Wrexham squad ahead of their League One promotion push by bringing Sam Smith and Ryan Longman into the club.
The stand out signing for many however, was that of former England international Rodriguez and excitement grew as he linked well with Smith on his debut in a 2-1 win at Crawley.
Despite the positive start, his Wrexham career has faltered since and fans are calling for Rodriguez to be dropped. Perhaps he could take some confidence from what one of his previous managers said about him in 2016.
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Mauricio Pochettino labelled Jay Rodriguez a ‘top player’
Speaking to Sky Sports back in 2016, former Southampton and Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino labelled Rodriguez a ‘top player’ after he scored a brace against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Pochettino stated: “He’s a top player, a top man and we were happy to see him score against Bournemouth.
The Argentinian was speaking ahead of playing against Rodriguez whilst he was managing Spurs and the Wrexham man was at Southampton, they both worked together on the south coast.
Pochettino explained: “Now though we will suffer him because he will be our enemy and our opponent. But I’m happy he’s back to his level. He’s a top person.”
Jay Rodriguez’s struggles at Wrexham
Wrexham fans were furious with Rodriguez following his performance in the last match against Bristol Rovers and for a player of his quality and experience, he is going missing in games too often.
Rodriguez is partnered up top by Smith but is leaving the 27-year-old isolated as he drops deeper and deeper to try and get on the ball.
| Jay Rodriguez’s Wrexham career | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Rodriguez | 16 | 2 | 1 |
Whether it is Rodriguez’s choice to drop deep or Parkinson’s instructions is unclear but the Red Dragons would be far more potent with the strikers playing nearer to each other.
Rodriguez’s strength has always been in front of goal and by being more of a focal point at the top end of the pitch, he can rediscover the form that made his signing so exciting to Wrexham fans.