Jacob Mendy can’t believe what Wrexham teammate who’s a ‘different breed’ does off the pitch
Wrexham left-back Jacob Mendy has praised one teammate as a ‘different breed’ for the work he does off the pitch.
Jacob Mendy played a key part in Wrexham’s promotion-winning campaign last term as he produced five assists in 31 league appearances from left wing-back.
The 27-year-old had a productive season in the Football League, his first at the level, impressing in Phil Parkinson’s 3-5-2 system.
Mendy shared responsibilities down the left with veteran James McClean, who was moulded into a left wing-back and registered 10 assists in 2023/24.
McClean, who can also play in a central midfield role or as a natural winger, often kept the Gambian out of the side, with Parkinson lauding his professionalism.
The Wrexham boss isn’t the only person to hail the 35-year-old, with Mendy also directing praise in his direction.
Yann Songo’o of Morecambe is under pressure from Wrexham’s James McClean during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Morecambe and Wrexham at the Glo…
Jacob Mendy left stunned by what James McClean does off the pitch
Although currently sidelined with an injury he picked up against Colchester United in April, Mendy remains positive about his situation and has waxed lyrical about his Irish teammate.
‘He was outstanding’: Ben Tozer thinks Wrexham have a truly ‘phenomenal’ player in ‘superb’ talent
Dubbing his teammate a “different breed”, Mendy was left stunned by his incredible work ethic on the pitch and how he keeps himself in ridiculously good shape.
Speaking to The Leader, he said: “James is a different breed. I don’t know how he does it. I really admire his work ethic.
Mendy isn’t the first teammate of McClean to laud his incredible work rate off the pitch. Ben Foster – who worked with him for a brief period last year – labelled him the hardest-working player he’s ever seen in training.
For someone who played with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, that is some praise for McClean, who will play a vital role in League One.
McClean played as a left-back for most of the campaign however, once Parkinson thrust him into a central midfield position, he added a new dimension to the Wrexham side.
Instead of being isolated out on the left, often waiting for the ball to get switched across to him, he was able to dictate proceedings centrally and pick up dangerous pockets of space.
The former Republic of Ireland international scored and assisted from midfield in wins over Accrington Stanley and Morecambe.
Saying that, he did also produce a hat-trick of assists from left-back in the 6-0 hammering of Forest Green Rovers, so it appears wherever you put him, he’ll have an impact on the game.
It will be interesting to see whether Parkinson uses him as a midfielder next term and signs a left back or continues to utilise him on the flank.
Famed for his iconic long throw and no-nonsense approach to defending, the 34-year-old left Wrexham at the end of his contract this summer after 131 appearances, seven goals and two promotions with the Reds.
Tozer played ninety minutes in 23 of their first 27 matches in League Two but then only played 48 minutes from the end of February onwards as Phil Parkinson preferred a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor.
After bidding an emotional farewell to the Racecourse Ground, the Englishman was snapped up by National League outfit Forest Green Rovers and has since showered one of his defensive partners with praise.
Tozer was left blown away by O’Connell’s performances in the heart of defence, claiming he couldn’t have lost his place in the side to a better person or player.
Speaking to The Leader, the veteran defender said: “Eoghan was superb. I couldn’t have lost my place to a better player or person. The performances he was turning out were phenomenal and you have got to take your hat off to him.
“I am not a bitter person. There is no point sitting there thinking ‘that should be me’ or ‘that could be me’. If I am being honest with you, Eoghan played better than I was. You give credit where it is due and he was outstanding.”
Eoghan O’Connell is irreplaceable to Wrexham
O’Connell is theoretically replaceable but to Parkinson currently, the former Rochdale defender is irreplaceable.
In League Two last term, he made the most interceptions of any player in the Wrexham squad per game (1.8) and the third most clearances (4).
O’Connell is a brick wall in between the two wide centre-backs, putting his body on the line for the team and as the Reds prepare for League One, his experience will be vital.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21 star has made more appearances in the third tier (120) than any other league and that is a level he belongs at.
Many questioned his decision to sign for Wrexham in January 2023 as he dropped down two divisions after leaving Charlton however, like many players who made the switch, it’s a gamble that paid off.
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