Phil Parkinson strengthening his squad this summer may have made life difficult for one ‘dangerous’ Wrexham player.
Wrexham have poured most of their focus into improving their defence heading into League One.
The Reds captured Arthur Okonkwo permanently and Callum Burton as his back-up goalkeeper while Sebastian Revan and Lewis Burton were acquired as two defensive options.
George Dobson – who arrived as a holding midfielder – has also shown he can play in the back three, having done so on the Wrex Coast Tour.
Phil Parkinson has built from the back with his transfer strategy and the signing of Revan from Aston Villa could prove to be an incredible piece of business.
Sebastian Revan’s pre-season displays have caught the eye
Revan was signed as cover for multiple positions; he can play as a ball-playing defender or as a left wing-back.
The 21-year-old – who came through Villa’s academy with Brunt – has impressed throughout pre-season and placed himself in contention to start against Wycombe Wanderers.
In the 4-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, Revan scored his first goal for the club as he swept the ball beyond the despairing goalkeeper as Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds watched on.
He will have been pleased with what he saw from the youngster, and so was Parkinson, who lauded him for his “great versatility” due to his ability to play on the right or left flank.
Revan was also a threat down the left wing, constantly finding space and driving at the Whitecaps backline.
The powerful Englishman provided the attacking thrust and it was the sort of performance – if delivered regularly – that could keep Jacob Mendy out of the side.
Jacob Mendy could see his game time at Wrexham slashed
Mendy was a crucial component for Parkinson last term as the Gambian started 22 times in League Two, scoring twice and providing five assists.
The 27-year-old shared his minutes with James McClean in the left wing-back role but was largely effective as an attacking outlet.
Described as ‘looking dangerous’ by Parkinson previously, there is no question that Mendy is an exciting player to watch, utilising his pace and power to drive down the left wing.
However, the wing-back is untested in League One and as he’s set to miss the opening few matches, he could lose his place to Revan and struggle to get it back.
Rich Fay from the Rob Ryan Red podcast has previously outlined his concerns for Mendy, claiming he ‘isn’t good enough’ to be starting in the third tier and would be better used as a backup.
With Revan showing some promising signs in pre-season, this is a narrative that could transpire, forcing him into playing as an understudy instead.