A key player in Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham squad has been told he’d thrive in League One, but it’s not who you’d think.
Wrexham are blessed with a squad of talent who have played at a higher level than League Two.
During the prime years, Steven Fletcher and James McClean were seen ripping it up in the Premier League at various clubs.
Elliot Lee, meanwhile, was playing a pivotal role in Luton Town’s rise up the football pyramid, with the attacking midfielder playing more matches at League One level (113) than any other division.
Paul Mullin‘s goalscoring exploits suggest he can also thrive in the third tier with Lee Trundle once saying he could easily play in the Championship.
As Wrexham’s talisman closes in on 100 goals for the club, there is no doubt he could strike fear into League One defences, despite registering three in 20 during his last time at that level with Tranmere.
There is, however, one name who has flown under the radar as someone who would be comfortable making the step up.
Eoghan O’Connell can thrive at League One level
Eoghan O’Connell is having a tremendous season at Wrexham and has starred in the heart of Phil Parkinson‘s defence.
O’Connell has played 23 times in League Two and would have probably made more appearances if he hadn’t suffered an injury during the festive period.
Nonetheless, the Irishman has demonstrated he’s excellent at playing out from the back, winning aerial duels and commanding his other defensive titans, Max Cleworth and Will Boyle.
An assured and confident defender, O’Connell has averaged a pass completion of 79%, recovered an impressive 6.4 balls per game and won 68% of his totals.
It is no wonder journalist Nathan Salt believes he can make the seamless transition to League One level having lauded his impact as “superb”.
Speaking on the Rob Ryan Red podcast, he said: “I really think Eoghan O’Connell has been super in the middle of the back three and while he’s not in maybe in the conversation for the Player of the Season, I think you’ve found now a player that can anchor that back three in League One.
“You’ve got a player who is comfortable on the ball, he just looks assured”.
Eoghan O’Connell is experienced at League One level
During spells at Oldham Athletic, Walsall, Bury and Rochdale, O’Connell racked up 120 appearances in League One.
Much like his Wrexham teammate Lee, the towering defender has played more matches in the third tier than any other division.
It demonstrates that – if promotion is achieved this season – Parkinson must build his defence around the Irishman.
With Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Ben Tozer all out of contract this summer, there will be movement in that back three and reinforcements made.
O’Connell has shown with his displays this season, he should remain he constant in the Wrexham defence.