Wrexham impressed in their latest Wrex Coast fixture with Phil Parkinson’s side not shying away from Chelsea.
It was an entertaining performance by Wrexham with the game ending in a 2-2 draw against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
It was the Red Dragons’ second fixture of the Wrex Coast after previously securing a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
The Chelsea fixture lived up to its exciting build-up with both sides playing with intensity. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson named a strong XI to face the former European champions, with new signings Arthur Okonkwo, Lewis Brunt, and George Dobson making the starting XI.
Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be pleased to see the strong attitude and quality the team have shown in pre-season so far.
It is important on this tour that Parkinson can motivate his squad to be aggressive and build confidence for the coming League One campaign.
One Wrexham star who is always passionate and aggressive in a red shirt is the former Wigan Athletic man James McClean.
The former Republic of Ireland international impressed in pre-season training after McCLean showed incredible fitness on his return to training this summer.
The former Sunderland star showed his fiery character in the opening minutes of the Chelsea friendly.
Journalist Ben Jacobs believes James McClean should have been sent off in Wrexham vs Chelsea
The Wrexham star was keen to show his competitive nature and start the friendly on the front foot.
It didn’t take long for the 35-year-old to get involved in the action after a late tackle on a Chelsea defender within the first two minutes of the match.
McClean clashed with Chelsea defender Levi Colwill with the pair getting into an aggressive tussle with their teammates having to separate the stars.
Journalist Ben Jacobs took to X to give his opinion on the early clash in the game.
James McClean is a big character for Wrexham
McClean’s temperament has been the same throughout his long career. The former Premier League star has never been shy to put his body on the line and tread the line when it comes to aggression in the game.
He is a fiery character on the pitch but that isn’t always a negative for a manager. Sometimes he may overstep the mark and receive a card, but his desire to win is clear.
Since joining in the 2023 Summer transfer window, the wing-back has become a fan favourite for his performances on the pitch with his fiery personality.
With League One expecting to be a much tougher challenge for Wrexham, Parkinson will be looking to his more senior players to use their vital experience to show leadership on the pitch.
Leadership can be shown in a variety of forms with McClean regularly showing his desire to win and help his teammates in every game.
The Wrexham star’s approach may be questioned at times, but his passion and will to win can’t be doubted with the performances he regularly shows the Racecourse crowd.