Wrexham have been four games unbeaten in the Championship after their win over Norwich City, after the first international break of the season.
The Red Dragons are currently waiting for the second international break to end with the hopes they can continue this unbeaten form when they face Stoke City.
Wrexham will hope to bring a worrying Championship record to an end, as they are the team to have dropped the most points in the division from winning positions.
However, the positives of the most recent results will be what Phil Parkinson may focus on ahead of the match with the Potters, and in doing so he will focus on several players who have been standouts for the team in this run.
One star’s recent performances are likely to keep a summer signing out of the side, which would be considered fair by fans until this changes.
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Arthur Okonkwo deserves to keep the starting keeper position upon Danny Ward’s return
The former Arsenal goalkeeper has been in fine form across the unbeaten run for Wrexham, as he has made some crucial saves.
Danny Ward had also been in fine form and would have deserved to keep his position as the first-choice goalkeeper; however, he did suffer a long-term injury that has allowed Arthur Okonkwo to deputise.
Phil Parkinson has spoken positively about Okonkwo’s performances, and he is the type of manager to reward those who are performing, as seen in his squad selection not changing much in this unbeaten run.
There is not much to separate the two keepers in terms of quality, with Ward having the better CV; however, Okonkwo has demonstrated he is willing to battle to wear the starting keeper jersey.
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Wrexham’s defensive performance has improved
Danny Ward was in goal when the club were struggling defensively before Phil Parkinson changed their tactical shape, which has seemingly made them a tougher proposition for Championship rivals.
This has seen the average saves by a Wrexham keeper decrease since the tactical switch, which may make it look like Okonkwo has been performing better than the summer signing.
Parkinson may believe that should he put Ward back into the team, their ability to keep the ball out of their goal will increase due to the profile of the former Leicester City keeper, being able to make saves despite the defence’s limited chances throughout games.
While at the Foxes there will have been games where he will only have had to make one save due to their dominance in the Championship, and as Wrexham’s defence improves, hoping to limit sides, he may be the best for this role, as Okonkwo has not been able to capitalise on this during the unbeaten run.