Wrexham have had numerous superstars pass through the ranks at the Racecourse Ground over the years – with most actually playing in the present day.
The likes of Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee among man more will likely go down as Wrexham legends when they eventually depart the club.
Under the watchful eye of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, there’s no doubt that many more superstars will also pass through the ranks at some point in the small Welsh town.
But none may actually reach the heights of one particular defender – who only played three times for the Red Dragons, yet also featured for Manchester United and now plays in the finest club competition of them all.
Ritchie de Laet has done a lot since his Wrexham days
An unfamiliar name to Wrexham fans may in fact be Ritchie de Laet – who did in fact feature three times for the Red Dragons’ first-team squad.
In October 2008, while contracted to Stoke City, he joined Wrexham on a one-month loan deal. During his time with the club, he made his debut in a 2–0 victory over Lewes in the Conference Premier and went on to make a total of just three first-team competitive appearances.
His loan spell was cut short due to a hernia operation, leading to his return to Stoke City. Whilst his time in North Wales was cut short, his career hasn’t been exactly disappointing.
How has De Laet’s career panned out?
De Laet has gone to play for some fantastic sides during his career, but his finest spell has to be at his current side, Royal Antwerp.
They’re a regular in the Champions League, with the Belgian outfit facing up against the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona.
He also has featured for numerous high-profile Premier League sides, most notably Manchester United, Aston Villa and Leicester City.
| Year | Club | Games | Goals |
| 2006–2007 | Royal Antwerp | 4 | (0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2009 | Stoke City | 0 | (0) |
| 2008 | → Wrexham (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2009–2012 | Manchester United | 3 | (0) |
| 2010 | → Sheffield United (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 2010 | → Preston North End (loan) | 5 | (0) |
| 2011 | → Portsmouth (loan) | 22 | (0) |
| 2011–2012 | → Norwich City (loan) | 6 | (1) |
| 2012–2016 | Leicester City | 115 | (4) |
| 2016 | → Middlesbrough (loan) | 10 | (0) |
| 2016–2019 | Aston Villa | 8 | (0) |
| 2018 | → Royal Antwerp (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 2018–2019 | → Melbourne City (loan) | 25 | (7) |
| 2019–2024 | Royal Antwerp | 150 | (2) |
| Total | 363 | (14) |
If only that hernia operation didn’t happen, he could’ve gone on to achieve a little more with the Red Dragons.
Nevertheless, we don’t think the right-back will be too disheartened given his illustrious career.