Phil Parkinson says ‘extraordinary’ Wrexham star is outperforming every other player in one area
Wrexham are finding form at exactly the right time in the season and Phil Parkinson was quick to praise one player after their latest victory.
The battle for promotion is heating up, with Wrexham now having eight games left to play out in the 2024/25 season.
The Red Dragons, if they do go up via the automatic promotion places, will make history, becoming the first side to secure three in a row when starting from the fifth tier or higher.
A spot in next season’s Championship is by no means guaranteed at this stage, however, with Wycombe Wanderers still having a game in hand to play out.
But after Wrexham beat Stockport County 1-0 on Saturday, it is Phil Parkinson and co. who now go into the latest round of fixtures second in the division.
Jay Rodriguez scored his first goal for the club in that clash, ending a run that had seen him fail to find the back of the net in 10 outings.
Phil Parkinson praised Jay Rodriguez
Rodriguez earned praise from Paul Merson after the striker missed his penalty but slotted home the rebound to hand his side a crucial three points.
It’s been a long time coming for the former Burnley man, who has been struggling to form a proper connection with Sam Smith.
Some Wrexham fans still aren’t convinced by Rodriguez despite the goal, but the Englishman has now earned high praise from Parkinson, as per BBC Sport.
The manager labelled his January addition ‘extraordinary’ whilst also revealing that ‘his physical output is the highest on the pitch’.
He said: “His physical output is the highest on the pitch which is extraordinary really.
“That’s the level you’ve got to get to to be a Premier League and Championship player.
“His intelligence, the positions he takes up in and out of possession has helped the team a lot. But of course, everyone wants to get those moments.
“The reaction of the lads when he scored tells you everything.”
Phil Parkinson on what Jay Rodriguez offers Wrexham
It’s been a slow start to life at Wrexham for Rodrguez, but Parkinson still thinks the forward offers a lot.
He said: “With Jay, he’s had a long period of coming off the bench at Burnley.
“We can sense he’s getting fitter and stronger all the time. When you go from being a sub to playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, it’s tough.
“But he gives us a lot. We left him out of the cup game to give him a breather that week.
“But with this week’s training, I felt he was looking really sharp and ready. It’s brilliant for him.”
His goal and subsequent praise from Parkinson likely means that Rodriguez will keep his place in the eleven this weekend.
Wrexham travel to Exeter City on Saturday in another game they really must win with Wycombe also back in action that day.
