How Wrexham AFC have struck gold with Ben Sheaf - he is exactly what has been missing | OneFootball

Ben Sheaf is a valuable commodity for Wrexham AFC

A busy summer transfer window has closed with Wrexham AFC forking out big money in hopes of upgrading its squad.

The Red Dragons had over £30 million in net spending on new players, which was more than some of the biggest clubs in Europe, like Barcelona, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, according to the BBC. At the same time, the Welsh side are sending a clear message that they are ready to compete with the big boys in the Championship in hopes of one day soon getting into the Premier League.

There was seemingly non-stop spending from the club right up until the deadline, and in the end, they might have saved one of their best signings for last in the form of Coventry City's Ben Sheaf.

Wrexham AFC have been too predictable going forward

Even with their victory last weekend over Millwall (2-0), Phil Parkinson’s men have not begun the season well. After four matchdays, they are 15th in the table with seven goals conceded, including six second-half of games.

On the other hand, they have scored seven goals, the fourth-most in the league. As encouraging as that may be, there is a certain degree of predictability to this team when they go forward. As a result, they are finding it much more difficult to counter against Championship defences.

Even with so many new faces in the squad, Phil Parkinson is still relying on getting the ball out wide with plenty of crosses into the box. That approach has seen them have their share of scoring opportunities. As one might expect, though, it’s not been as effective in the second tier as it was in League One.

Sheaf's arrival, though, on deadline day, could make them less predictable and enable them to possibly alter their current tactical approach.

Ben Sheaf is a valuable commodity for Wrexham

During the summer transfer window, the Red Dragons added numerous players with Championship experience or above in the attack and at the back. We’ve seen many of those newcomers have an early impact, with Kieffer Moore netting three times, and Conor Coady rock solid defensively.

What this team have struggled with is finding someone who can bring it all together. That is where Ben Sheaf comes into the picture. The Red Dragons will be hoping Sheaf can bridge the gap between defence and attack, after signing the ex-Coventry City midfielder for a reported fee of £6.5 million, according to the BBC.

Sheaf is a different profile from many of the club’s earlier summer signings, but one that is extremely valuable. He made over 150 appearances for the Sky Blues, even scoring against the Red Dragons in a thrilling FA Cup fixture in 2023, which saw Wrexham win 4-3. He’s not here for his attacking qualities, though, but for his defensive poise and ball control, among others. The 27-year-old is a proven commodity with excellent technical skills, capable of operating as a central or defensive midfielder, and is particularly strong in a double pivot role.

"The trajectory the club is on, I’m excited to be on board with that. From speaking to the manager, and from the ambition of the owners, it’s clear it’s only going one way. I’m looking forward to contributing," Sheaf told the club website after signing his three-year contract.

Scoring goals may not be the strongest aspect of his game, but he’s been known to hit a few belters once in a while.

He can also create chances with an 86.5% pass accuracy last season in the Championship, per FotMob. Given his position, that is a high percentage. Additionally, he reads the game so well and demonstrates an ability to anticipate the opposition’s attacks. His maturity and leadership in midfield should come in handy for this team moving forward.

Ben Sheaf is exactly what Wrexham have been missing

Adding a player with the versatility and pedigree of Sheaf must feel like a godsend for Parkinson.

Early in the season, his side have been missing a player capable of bridging the gap from defence to attack. The former Arsenal and West Ham academy product excels at connecting the play. His arrival should make the Red Dragons a much more effective side in transition. He’s an anchor in the midfield who will take a lot of pressure off Wrexham’s attacking players and allow them to focus on getting into good scoring positions.

A player like Sheaf, who is so adept defensively, would also compensate for this team's poor wing-backs, who, after four matchdays, have been an issue. Sheaf can cover a lot of ground, which will be a relief for Danny Ward, who’s been called into action many times due to numerous defensive lapses from his wide players. Sheaf brings elements the Red Dragons need most to be a formidable Championship side. Because of that, the club will feel as though they struck gold by signing him.

He won’t get the headlines when they win or lose, but Sheaf may be the critical component missing for Wrexham and the glue that brings this team together.