Wrexham are busy preparing to bolster their squad for the Championship campaign.
Wrexham’s reported £25m transfer budget means that Phil Parkinson has the resources to make his side competitive in the second tier next season.
Parkinson’s transfer strategy won’t change as he will continue to bring in players that will fit the Wrexham squad both on and off the pitch.
Wrexham have the ‘advantage’ in pursuit of Aaron Cresswell however, with the West Ham defender already 35 and suffering from a lack of first-team action this season, there is a better option for the Red Dragons to consider.
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Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Wrexham should sign Ben Davies on a free transfer
Shaun Harvey’s Wrexham prediction this summer is that the club will look to utilise the free agent market as they mould their 25-man Championship squad.
A player that would fit into that model is Tottenham Hotspur and Wales defender Ben Davies as his current deal expires at the end of June.
Davies is fresh from winning the Europa League and at 32, would be more than capable of producing the goods for Parkinson for a few more seasons to come.
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His 93 caps for Wales highlights the incredible experience and quality that he possesses, alongside an ability to be versatile by playing at left wing-back, orthodox left-back or even left centre-back.
How Ben Davies compares with Aaron Cresswell this season
It is evident that Wrexham are looking to add to their options on both flanks with Ryan Longman and James McClean needing some help throughout what will be a long and gruelling campaign.
Both Cresswell and Davies would provide Parkinson with excellent depth in his squad but comparing their respective seasons with West Ham and Tottenham, there is a clear favourite over who the club should pursue.
Key statistics this season in the Premier League Cresswell Davies
Appearances 18 17
Tackles won 7 11
Aerial duels won 50% 54.7%
Pass completion 82.6% 87.5%
Progressive carries (per 90 mins) 0.65 0.95
Aaron Cresswell v Ben Davies key Premier League statistics this season via FBref
Davies is ahead in the key defensive metrics with more tackles won and aerial duel success, whilst also having the edge in passes completed and the ability to carry the ball through the lines.
Wages may be an issue in tempting Davies to the Racecourse Ground however, if Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can lure him to North Wales, the club would reap significant rewards.