Phil Parkinson would have learnt a lot about his players, old and new, as Wrexham wrapped up their Wrex Coast Tour in style by thrashing Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1.
Although it’s only pre-season, Wrexham held their own against Premier League opposition, securing draws against Premier League sides Bournemouth and Chelsea while beating MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1.
It was a hugely productive and impressive pre-season tour for the Reds as Phil Parkinson threw up some surprises with his team selection.
So, with that said, here are five things we learned from Wrexham’s latest tour of the US.
James Jones could play a key role
James Jones played a key role in Parkinson’s starting XI last term, featuring in 23 of their first 31 matches in the league.
That was until the Scottish midfielder suffered a hamstring injury at the end of February which kept him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite adding George Dobson to their wealth of midfield options this summer, Jones has played a key role in pre-season, with the 28-year-old starting in draws against Chelsea and Bournemouth.
It remains to be seen whether such involvement will lead to regular opportunities in 2024/25 but the former Scotland under-21 international has done his chances of starting the season no harm.
- READ MORE: Phil Parkinson now told rarely-seen Wrexham player could actually ‘surprise’ people in League One
Luke Bolton has impressed
Luke Bolton faces stiff competition in the right wing-back role as he challenges Ryan Barnett for a spot in the starting XI.
It means that impressing in pre-season was imperative for the 24-year-old, who struggled to start regularly following his January move from Salford City.
Bolton was a standout in Wrexham’s draw against Chelsea as he scored the initial equaliser while in the win over Vancouver Whitecaps, the ‘outstanding’ whiz provided the assist for Jordan Davies’ goal.
The Manchester City academy graduate may not start the season opener against Wycombe however, his form on the Wrex Coast tour should have him breathing down Barnett’s neck.
Jordan Davies takes his chance
Pre-season for Jordan Davies was always going to be pivotal to his chances of making a regular breakthrough into the starting XI.
With many talented players ahead of him such as Elliot Lee, Andy Cannon, George Dobson and George Evans, Davies had to be near flawless.
In the 5-1 win over Hanley Town, he bagged a brace while he closed out the scoring against the Whitecaps.
The Welshman is another who could find opportunities hard to come by, although his threat from midfield can’t be understated, as he’s shown in pre-season.
Sebastian Revan looks the real deal
Sebastian Revan arrived on a permanent deal from Premier League side Aston Villa.
Revan – who can operate as a centre-back or as a left-back – started as a left wing-back against Chelsea before transitioning higher up the pitch in his last outing.
As an attacking outlet, the 21-year-old has looked a real threat, opening the scoring against the Whitecaps.
The youngster’s versatility will be crucial heading into the campaign as he battles James McClean and Jacob Mendy for a spot on the left flank.
READ MORE: James McClean: Profile, Height, Transfer, Salary, Net Worth and More
George Dobson can slot into new role
Dobson was signed as a combative defensive midfielder to challenge Evans for a spot at the base of midfield.
The former Charlton Athletic man did play there against Chelsea however, in the Bournemouth draw, he was deployed as one of the three centre-backs, underlining his versatility.
It’s a position he’s rarely played throughout his senior career, although he was used there at times during his days as a youth player at Arsenal.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old’s ability to play multiple positions will no doubt come in handy for Parkinson.