Elliot Lee has been a revelation for Wrexham since joining the club in 2022 but one of Phil Parkinson’s most recent signings can take him to even greater heights.
Striker Paul Mullin will take most of the limelight after eclipsing a century of goals during his three campaigns at Wrexham but midfielder Elliot Lee deserves just as much credit.
The 29-year-old has produced hauls of 14 and 16 goals across his first two campaigns at the club while operating as an attacking midfielder.
Last season, the Englishman showcased his class in League Two with an impressive tally of goals, although it was during Mullin’s absence when Lee was at his best.
Mullin missed the opening eight league matches and his teammates ushered the goalscoring responsibility by netting seven and assisting twice in that period.
Lee was on fire in front of goal however, he struggled to keep up that consistency and ended up finding the net just three times in his final 23 league matches.
Phil Parkinson will want his midfield maestro to return to his best in League One and one of his most recent signings can help him achieve that.
Why George Dobson can help get Elliot Lee back to his best
George Dobson settled in well since arriving at Wrexham on a free transfer and that is by in large to some of his teammates, including Lee, who he played with at Charlton in the 2021/22 campaign.
The 26-year-old, who scrapped his pre-contract agreement with Hungarian side Fehervar to sign for the Reds, captained the Addicks in 43 league matches last term.
He arrives with so much experience, having played 265 times in the third tier while providing exceptional versatility. Most recently, Parkinson used him as a centre-back in a friendly against Bournemouth however, his best position is undoubtedly as a defensive midfielder, sitting just in front of the defence.
Dobson playing that position for Wrexham can unlock the best out of Lee in the final third. The former West Ham academy graduate had to track back and sometimes operate in a deeper role last term, though, the addition of Dobson means he’ll have less defensive responsibility.
This can place the talented operator higher up the pitch and closer to Mullin, allowing him to have a bigger impact in an attacking sense.
Lee is undoubtedly one of the most technically gifted players in Parkinson’s squad, and he needs to be offered that positional freedom, with Dobson’s introduction being the catalyst.
The options Phil Parkinson has at Wrexham with George Dobson
Parkinson is unlikely to change from the 5-3-2 system that has served him well during his time at the club.
However, signing a ‘sensational’ defensive midfielder such as Dobson only gives the Wrexham boss extra options in the engine.
Many believe that Dobson will challenge George Evans for a spot at the base of midfield but in some games – particularly against tougher opponents – don’t be surprised if Parkinson uses the destructive duo as a double pivot.
Not only would this benefit Wrexham defensively but the freedom it would give Lee at the top end of the pitch is paramount, making the Reds less predictable on their return to League One.