Wrexham are currently enjoying a four-game unbeaten run in the Championship after a tough start to their season, with most of their issues stemming from defensive issues.
Phil Parkinson’s tactical alteration seemingly did the trick in reducing these defensive issues slightly; however, Wrexham still top one worrying Championship statistic, as they have given up the most clear-cut chances in the division.
Dominic Hyam has stood out for Wrexham at the heart of defence, using all his experience and ability to steady the side in this department.
However, the Red Dragons’ boss may have identified a solution to the ongoing defensive problems with his latest comments following their draw with Birmingham City before the international break.
Callum Doyle could be the solution to Wrexham’s defensive issues, according to Phil Parkinson
Phil Parkinson prefers to operate with a back three when setting his team up to face opponents, with this finding great joy in their run of four unbeaten games.
Callum Doyle had been initially selected to start against Norwich City at the beginning of this run; however, he struggled and was replaced by Lewis Brunt.
This changed with the fixture against the Blues, as he opted to bring Doyle back into the side, who is likely to have worked upon improving his performances in this tactical shape at training before being included, with Parkinson seemingly trusting him now, following his latest comments in The Leader.
He said: “I thought Doyley did well.
“He has got such great composure in his play.
“Brunty [Lewis Brunt] was a bit unlucky not to play because he has done well for us, but sometimes you have got to make those decisions as a manager.”
How Callum Doyle can be the Wrexham solution
Phil Parkinson needs a consistent back three to understand each other with the ability to work in tandem to hold the shape to shut out opposition, with the Wrexham boss seemingly settling on Max Cleworth and Hyam for two of these positions.
This left a player to slot in on the left side of the three, with Doyle previously being expected, and this will likely happen now after his shaky start in the red jersey.
Doyle is a player that has proven his ability at Championship level, particularly last season while on loan at Norwich City.
He will be crucial in shutting out the opposition; however, his ability on the ball and to play passes, key to the transition of the team when attacking, will be a skill Parkinson will look to utilise.
The Athletic have shown that Wrexham’s left wing-back operates high up the pitch, being a key player in their attack, meaning that the left centre back needs to be able to get the ball forward rapidly to maximise their chances of scoring but also be able to cover the space left by that player, something Doyle can do expertly.
Time will tell whether Doyle will be the solution or if Parkinson will need to turn once again to Brunt due to the trust he has in him to fulfil this role.