Wrexham were stifled in terms of creating chances during their 2-1 defeat to Leyton Orient.
Wrexham expert Nathan Salt highlighted the problem in midfield in that George Dobson and Matty James are very similar ‘industrious’ type players.
It leaves a lot of emphasis on Ollie Rathbone to provide quality service into Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith and after the Orient game Phil Parkinson bemoaned the lack of possession given to Rathbone.
With Elliot Lee providing no timeframe on his return, it is up to Parkinson to find a better balance in the Wrexham midfield and his recent comments could indicate a change in thinking ahead of the Mansfield clash.
READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit makes harsh Paul Mullin claim amid praise for Wrexham’s ‘Championship striker’
Phil Parkinson’s comment highlight need for Andy Cannon to play in Wrexham’s midfield
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, The Red Dragons boss highlighted the need to use his squad ahead of an important week for the club with three games on the horizon in League One and the EFL Trophy.
Parkinson stated: “Interestingly for us in the Orient game our physical data for running was our highest of the season. So it wasn’t a physical, more making the right decisions on the ball at times and working angles quicker so we could play forward and be more progressive in our play.
“You can’t be at 70-80% and three quarters of the players not quite where they’re meant to be or you don’t get results. We need to now take a deep breath and go into this week knowing we’re going to be changing the team around.”
Making the right decisions on the ball and playing progressively is a big part of Andy Cannon’s game and he should replace either Dobson or James to help bring a better balance to Wrexham’s midfield.
Cannon has scored twice in recent starts in the EFL Trophy and has also scored twice in 23 appearances in the league for Wrexham this season.
Cannon can help bring the best out of Smith and Rodriguez
The strike duo of Smith and Rodriguez were starved of service during the defeat to Orient and the introduction of Cannon can help to prevent the forward line from becoming isolated.
Both strikers like to drift wide and sometimes collect the ball from deep, leaving a huge void in the central striker position. Cannon is the sort of player that will make runs from midfield in order to occupy that space.
The 28-year-old, who signed from Hull City in 2022, also has a better range of passing than both Dobson and James and would create better opportunities for the forward duo.
Parkinson has to change something with the balance of his midfield ahead of a crucial trip to Mansfield and Cannon is the best option on display for the Wrexham manager.