George Dobson has been an ever-present for Wrexham this season, starting all 17 of their League One games since signing in the summer.
Dobson joined Wrexham in July, with Phil Parkinson citing his leadership and experience in League One as one of the key reasons for signing the Englishman.
It is clear the two have a strong relationship after Dobson praised Parkinson’s tactics in recent weeks that have seen the midfielder occupy a slightly more advanced role than usual. This change has clearly worked as the midfielder has helped his side move into the automatic promotion positions.
Dobson’s defensive stats have impressed this season as well, but the midfielder has been to heap praise on others in the Wrexham squad, including one player that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be delighted to be keeping hold of.
George Dobson praises ‘standout’ teammate Ryan Barnett
Right wing-back Ryan Barnett signed a new Wrexham contract recently, something that has clearly pleased Dobson.
Speaking to the BBC about Barnett, Dobson said: “I’m not surprised [Barnett was offered a new deal], he’s probably been the standout wing-back in the league this season.
“When we get the ball out wide, he puts in such fantastic crosses so it’s a massive coup for the club to be able to keep him for a long time, I think it shows a statement of intent from the club to be able to keep your big assets.”
Barnett has six assists to his name this season, including a cross for Ollie Palmer in Wrexham’s win over Exeter City last Saturday. Dobson clearly wanted to emphasise Barnett’s creative abilities, as he continued to heap praise on the wide man.
He said: “I don’t want to blow his trumpet too much, but he’s [Barnett] probably the best crosser of a ball that I’ve played with.”
Clearly, it was crucial that Wrexham kept Barnett at the Racecourse Ground to maintain their hopes of promotion, with Parkinson’s emphasis on his wing-backs a crucial part of what makes his side successful.
Wrexham’s wing-backs will be crucial to their promotion hopes
So far this season, Wrexham’s marauding wide players have contributed to 12 league goals for the club. Barnett has six assists and a goal, whilst James McClean has notched three assists and two goals.
In fact, McClean and Barnett have contributed more goals than Palmer, Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee combined, a statistic that potentially signals more concern about Wrexham’s strikeforce than any praise for their wing-backs.
Evidently, though, Parkinson is able to get the best out of his wide defenders and with Wrexham targeting a striker in January, their creative output should become even more profitable.
In the event that no striker is found, Dobson and his Wrexham teammates will still be able to count on Barnett and McClean to help unlock defences in their quest for League One promotion.