Wrexham must land an upgrade on Jacob Mendy this summer who would be perfect for Phil Parkinson’s system.
The transfer window isn’t even open yet but Wrexham have faced the harsh realities of competing for players in League One.
Phil Parkinson wanted to sign centre-back Jason Kerr from Wigan Athletic, though the 27-year-old snubbed the Reds and signed a new contract with the Latics.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds also reportedly placed a ‘big offer’ on the table for Conor Hourihane however, the ex-Derby midfielder instead joined his former club Barnsley in a player/coach role.
Losing out on transfer targets is natural but there is one player Wrexham should sign who would be a huge upgrade on Jacob Mendy at left wing-back.
Wrexham need to improve Jacob Mendy
Parkinson currently has Mendy and James McClean as options in the left wing-back role.
With McClean switching to central midfield more frequently, that leaves just Mendy on the left side of defence and he’s untested at League One level.
The 27-year-old grabbed five assists in the fourth tier and whilst he’s undoubtedly talented, he’s been told he isn’t good enough to play in the third tier.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen but regardless, Parkinson needs to sign at least one other left back to compete, especially after releasing Callum McFadzean, and Crewe Alexandra’s Rio Adebisi should be near the top of their shopping list.
Why Rio Adebisi is an upgrade on Jacob Mendy
A product of Crewe Alexandra’s famed youth academy, Rio Adebisi has risen to prominence as one of the best-attacking left-backs in League Two.
The 23-year-old produced four goals and seven assists last term as Crewe lost in the play-off final against Crawley Town, with Adebisi’s future now up in the air.
The talented left-back has been offered a new contract, which expires at the end of this month but he is yet to accept and Wrexham would only need to pay his current club compensation to land him.
Adebisi’s metrics from last term prove he’s worth every penny and a huge upgrade on Mendy as according to Sofascore, he outranks the Gambian for big chances created, key passes per game and pass completion.
In Parkinson’s 3-5-2 system, the 56-year-old encourages the wing backs to push high and have an impact in the final third.
Judging by the above table, Adebisi is a big upgrade on Mendy in that department as he’s creating more quality openings and producing a telling delivery to match.
Crewe manager Lee Bell has even lauded the young defender as “terrific” in both boxes and given he’s averaging 1.8 tackles per game, that statement is true.
Although it remains to be seen whether Adebisi commits his future to Crewe, the prospect of playing in League One next term, a level he could flourish at, is an offer that could tempt him to join Wrexham.
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