Phil Parkinson’s team selection for the goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers was very telling for one Wrexham player.
Wrexham secured an impressive 0-0 draw against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon as Phil Parkinson’s men showed their strengths defensively.
After conceding six goals in their opening two matches against Wycombe Wanderers and Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup, the visitors tightened their defence at the Toughsheet Stadium.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo played a vital role in his side keeping a clean sheet, with Sky Sports pundit Sam Parkin describing Okonkwo as the best player on the pitch.
The 22-year-old, who arrived permanently on a free transfer this summer, wasn’t the only player who shined in a defensive capacity.
Sebastian Revans performance vs Bolton Wanderers
Sebastian Revan has made an excellent start to his Wrexham career after signing from Aston Villa.
The versatile defender starred as a left wing-back in the defeat against Sheffield United and scored a consolation goal late on.
Revan was arguably Wrexham’s best player on the pitch against the Blades, earning him a start as a right wing-back ahead of Ryan Barnett and Luke Bolton on Sunday.
The 21-year-old highlighted his defensive capabilities as the visitors played on the counter, winning four ground duels while looking a threat in the other direction with three successful dribbles completed.
It was a solid display from Revan against the promotion hopefuls, with the youngster earning his chance in the Wrexham squad at the expense of one player.
Luke Bolton left out of the Wrexham squad vs Bolton
Last season, it was Barnett who was first-choice in the wing-back role as Bolton battled hard for a place in the starting XI.
The 24-year-old started in the Carabao Cup defeat last week and did a decent job against Championship opposition.
Unfortunately, that didn’t earn him a start on Sunday as the former Salford City wing-back was left out of the squad completely, as Barnett and Dan Scarr were the two defenders named on the bench.
It’s put the Manchester City academy graduate in a position where he must work hard in training for a place in the squad, as it appears Revan and Barnett are battling for a place in the starting XI, while Bolton is third in command.
At this stage of the season, while Parkinson figures out his best team, that won’t be a concern to the ‘outstanding’ wing back however, if the campaign goes on and he isn’t given regular football, that is when he can begin to panic.
If anything, a player of Bolton’s quality being left out of the team sheet just proves the level of options the manager has to select from.