Phil Parkinson must make a key tactical switch to get the most out of a key Wrexham player this season.
Wrexham have spent this transfer window overhauling their squad as they aim to challenge for promotion this term.
Phil Parkinson has seen nine first-team players depart this summer while bringing in seven new faces, many of which have appeared in their opening three fixtures.
George Dobson was excellent in Wrexham’s 3-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers on the opening day, whereas wing-back Sebastian Revan was the Reds most impressive player in their 4-2 loss at the hands of Sheffield United.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo – who joined permanently this summer – was labelled as the best player on the pitch in Sunday’s goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers.
Some of Wrexham’s new signings appear to have made an instant impact while others, namely Ollie Rathbone, still need time to get used to Parkinson’s system.
- READ MORE: One key Phil Parkinson decision vs Bolton looks to be bad news for ‘outstanding’ Wrexham star
Ollie Rathbone’s start to life at Wrexham
Wrexham broke their transfer record to sign Rathbone from League One rivals Rotherham United for £500,000 this summer, with the 27-year-old agreeing a three-year deal at the Racecourse Ground.
It was a statement signing for Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who will hope the Englishman will help inspire them to further success in 2024/25.
Naturally, a deep-lying midfielder, who likes to pick up the ball deep and drive forward, Rathbone excelled in this role at the Millers.
Therefore, it was a surprise to many when he lined up as a second striker in last week’s defeat against Sheffield United, partnering Sam Dalby up top.
Rathbone didn’t get into the game as much as he would have liked and was often an isolated figure alongside Dalby.
That didn’t stop Parkinson from playing him an advanced role against Bolton, coming on for the last 11 minutes in place of Jack Marriott.
Previously dubbed a ‘brave’ midfielder by ex-manager Paul Warne, Rathbone is better used in a deep-lying role, although Parkinson may see things differently.
How Paul Mullin’s return will impact Rathbone
On Saturday, Parkinson dropped a positive update on the fitness of talisman Paul Mullin, who is now back on grass after undergoing minor spinal surgery.
The 29-year-old should be back very soon but the Wrexham boss doesn’t want to rush him back too quickly and risk causing another injury.
Once he does return to the starting XI, this will alter the dynamic of Wrexham’s attack.
Although Marriott has performed well partnering Ollie Palmer, scoring a stunning goal against Wycombe, the former Derby striker will likely make way for Mullin.
With the Liverpudlian potentially rekindling his partnership with Palmer, that should mean Rathbone drops into a deeper midfield role when used or perhaps shares minutes with attacking midfielder Elliot Lee.
Last season, in 42 Championship games, Rathbone showed his qualities as a defensive weapon, averaging two tackles and 1.2 interceptions while recovering 4.6 balls per game.
By contrast, he only created one big chance for his teammates and supplied two goal contributions. So, judging by those metrics, it’s a bizarre decision for Parkinson to play him as a striker and he must reconsider that stance.