Wrexham were unable to keep their winning ways going on New Year’s Day with a defeat against Barnsley, but the game surely taught Phil Parkinson a valuable lesson about his squad.
Coming into 2025 on the back of two home wins, Wrexham faced a far sterner test against Barnsley. Between bad defending and wastefulness in front of goal, the Red Dragons start the year with a loss.
Phil Parkinson raised eyebrows with his lineup for the game, with the absence of Elliot Lee the most notable concern for Wrexham fans.
While in the past the partnership of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer would be enough to see Wrexham through, it has now become clear that they are not the top dogs at the Racecourse Ground anymore.
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Elliot Lee’s creativity is key to Wrexham’s success
Lee has been struggling with injury of late, having to settle for a 20-minute cameo against Wigan at the weekend, before missing out on the matchday squad altogether for the trip to South Yorkshire.
By half-time, it was abundantly clear that Wrexham were sorely missing the creativity and flair of Lee in that pocket of space behind the forward line.
In the first 45 minutes, Wrexham managed just three shots (none of which were on target), creating no clear-cut chances, and just one key pass being made all half.
Furthermore, only 50% of the side’s four dribbles were successful, and just 51% of attacking third passes reaching their intended target.
| Statistics | Wrexham first half | Wrexham second half |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 3 | 17 |
| Shots on target | 0 | 6 |
| Clear-cut chances | 0 | 3 |
| Dribble success | 50% | 75% |
Things improved dramatically in the second half, with Wrexham finally managing to string together passes in dangerous areas, and having more shots on goal.
But, it was not enough, and the poor performances of Wrexham’s players can largely be attributed to the fact the forward line did not have the quality service Lee provides.
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Wrexham have to sign an alternative to Elliot Lee in January
While Lee is clearly the key man for Wrexham now, one thing is obvious: Phil Parkinson simply has to find an alternative to the playmaker in the January transfer window.
There are plenty of players Wrexham can look at to provide cover for Lee, and whether it be a loan move or a permanent signing, the Red Dragons have to have a plan B for when the midfielder is unavailable.
Wrexham look a far more dangerous and cohesive outfit with Lee in the team, but he cannot play every game across the season, even without injuries getting in the way.
Of all the deals Wrexham will want to complete in January, another player who can offer anything close to what Elliot Lee can has to be the top priority now, or Parkinson’s side will continue to look toothless at key moments.