Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson tends to use players in several positions, and it’s a strategy he could utilise on one of his latest signings.
Phil Parkinson’s main strength as a manager is squeezing every inch out of his squad, having done so during his time at Wrexham.
The former Bradford City manager has used several of his players in a variety of positions. James McClean was signed last summer as someone who had been utilised as a winger for most of his career.
Parkinson instead used the Irishman as a wing-back in a 5-3-2 system or as one of three central midfielders.
Wrexham have also seen Andy Cannon play a more advanced role of late when he’s usually a deep-lying playmaker while midfielders George Evans and Tom O’Connor have often slotted in at centre-back.
One of the Reds’ latest signings, George Dobson, has been used as a defensive midfielder for most of his career but he could play in a surprise role for his new club in 2024/25.
George Dobson could play as a centre-back for Wrexham
Dobson scrapped a pre-contract agreement with Hungarian side Fehervar in favour of joining Wrexham this summer, and Parkinson has been impressed with how the 26-year-old has slotted into the side.
Speaking after their 5-1 thrashing of Hanley Town, the Wrexham boss said: “George did well, he’s fitted in really well with the lads during his first couple of weeks with us.”
Dobson represented a major coup for Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as the Englishman captained Charlton Athletic last term, and has made 265 appearances in League One.
In terms of leadership and quality, they don’t come much better at this level, while the former Sunderland man also offers versatility.
Whilst Dobson has made over 300 appearances as a midfielder, Parkinson started him as a centre-back against Premier League side Bournemouth, as Wrexham achieved an impressive draw.
It’s a position he was only familiar with during his time as a youngster at Arsenal, playing there on 14 occasions, but it’s a role he could blossom into.
Why George Dobson can flourish as a centre-back
Parkinson may have only experimented by playing Dobson as a defender against the Cherries however, it’s an experiment he could lean on in the future.
The Wrexham boss likes his wide centre-backs to be comfortable in possession; capable of carrying the ball out from the back and caressing passes into forward areas.
Dobson is both “outstanding” in possession and winning the ball back for his team, while the only drawback to him playing in that role could be his physicality, although he isn’t the shortest player at 6 foot 1.
Indeed, Parkinson may feel confident enough to use the midfield titan as a centre-back when the action commences in August.
This is reinforced by his tremendous defensive metrics last term, having averaged 7.1 balls recovered per game, 2.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 52% of his duels won.
Dobson is just another masterstroke signing from Wrexham, whose versatility will come in handy across a long and difficult campaign.