How Wrexham AFC have one weapon that can add to ongoing Derby County woe this weekend | OneFootball

Issa Kaboré's attributes could be put to good use on Saturday.

Early in the new Championship season, Wrexham’s defending has been their Achilles' heel.

More often than not, the backline has been under siege, though the same could be said about their upcoming opponents, Derby County. At the end of the transfer window, Phil Parkinson pushed hard to add some pieces to help their defensive woes.

The addition of Issa Kaboré on loan from Manchester City was seen as a move that could address the team's problems defensively, especially out wide. This weekend, though, he might be more effective in another capacity.

Wrexham and Derby County's defensive liabilities

There's no denying that Wrexham's Championship defending has been anything but top-class. After only six matchdays, they boast the league's highest expected goals conceded against per FotMob (14.9), while also facing the most shots (115). We have seen all the pressure against them eventually take a toll, as the Red Dragons have conceded half of their goals this season with fewer than 15 minutes remaining.

On Saturday, though, they'll be facing a team that's been just as poor, if not worse, at the back end. In his first full season as Derby County boss, John Eustace's side have taken a massive backward step from the end of the previous campaign. The Rams gave up a goal or fewer in seven of their final eight Championship affairs in 2024-25. Like Wrexham, they traditionally operate with a back three, and have two new faces in defence, with Craig Forsyth the only returnee in that backline that often figures in the starting 11.

We've seen their defensive unit look disorganised and shaky, though, like Wrexham, their wing-backs haven't helped. The Red Dragons and Derby have each conceded the second-most goals in the Championship after six matchdays (12).

Derby's backline has been their own worst enemy in 2025-26, often throwing in dangerous, mistimed tackles. They've conceded the joint-most penalties in the league (two), while leading the way when it comes to bookings (18). They've badly misjudged balls over the top and have often looked unsettled.

Issa Kaboré is already making an impact for Wrexham

Like many of Wrexham's newcomers, Kaboré will require additional training sessions and game time to establish continuity with his teammates and fully acclimate to his surroundings.

At the same time, we've already seen him make an impact for Phil Parkinson's team going forward. He set up the equaliser from Josh Windass against Norwich City and a go-ahead marker from Ryan Longman last Saturday.

His pace, pinpoint crossing, and ability to carry the ball down the flank were exceptional in his debut. He was a huge threat down the right against the Canaries. It's only one game, and there's lots of room for growth, but Wrexham fans should be excited about what Kaboré brings to the table.

Issa Kaboré could be a massive weapon for Wrexham against shaky Derby defence

If there's a match where Wrexham aren't on their heels defensively for long periods, this weekend might be it.

Derby County have the fewest shots in the Championship (42) and are last in expected goals (4.5), with the second-lowest average possession (40.4%) according to FotMob.

The Red Dragons, meanwhile, are tied for third when it comes to goals scored (11). While they haven't been on the front foot as much as we'd hoped, they have created a high number of chances. Against a side still struggling at the back, it's the perfect opportunity for Wrexham to take more risks going forward.

Even before Kaboré's arrival, this team depended heavily on its wing-backs getting up the field, while creating chances through crosses into the penalty area. Their target man in the middle this season has usually been Kieffer Moore. Kaboré's attributes are ideally suited for a player like Moore and the style that Parkinson already has in place.

Kaboré’s qualities could be put to good use on Saturday. Derby have conceded three or more goals in one third of their league fixtures so far (2/6). They are very vulnerable down the flanks, which is an area Kaboré excels at. Having him further up the field may leave Wrexham exposed again in transition, though that won't matter if they finish their opportunities.

Kaboré has faced much tougher defensive units than Derby, boasting over 100 caps combined in various European top-flight competitions, including Ligue 1, the Premier League, the Belgian Pro League and the Bundesliga. He's an ideal weapon for this weekend that, if utilized properly, can propel them to victory.

If he's anywhere close to what we saw against Norwich, it could be a long afternoon for the Rams on Saturday. Wrexham's wing-back has all the qualities that they will dread having to face. Overall, Derby have been an extremely passive side, especially as the visitors, sustaining a ton of pressure at their own end of the field. Kaboré's presence could make the difference and enable Wrexham to claim that elusive first Championship home triumph.