Derby County expert tells Wrexham fans exactly what they can expect from Tom Lawrence, ‘I have no doubt…’
Wrexham are pursuing a number of players as they bid to bolster their squad for the Championship campaign.
Wrexham are leading the race for Sunusi Ibrahim as Phil Parkinson looks to add some pace and power to his attacking options.
Aaron Cresswell is leaning towards Wrexham following interest in the West Ham defender after his contract is set to expire at the Premier League outfit.
In addition, Wrexham have ‘genuine interest’ in signing Tom Lawrence from Rangers and Wrexham Insider has caught up with Derby County expert Luke Thrower to give an insight into the midfielder’s time with the Rams in the Championship.
Derby County expert Luke Thrower provides insight on Tom Lawrence
Wayne Rooney is a big fan of Lawrence but after struggling for game time at Rangers this season, Wrexham fans will be concerned over his ability to hit the ground running at the Racecourse Ground.
Derby expert Thrower has reflected on Lawrence’s time with the club, where he made 185 appearances across a five-year spell.
What are Lawrence’s strengths as a player?
When at his very best, Tom Lawrence simply oozes quality. During his time at Derby, perhaps his greatest strength was scoring from nothing. It’s well worth watching his brace against Sheffield United in 2022 as a perfect example of two different types of goals he is capable of.
One includes some skilful dribbling, dummying the defender with a few step overs, before creating room to rifle a shot into the bottom corner. The second is a curling effort from range, where he managed to cut-in from the right and angle an effort with his left foot into the back of the net.
Both are very different, but equally representative, finishes that display his strengths in front of goal in the same match. His playmaking ability is good too, capable of setting up his teammates with some quality passes and crosses in his armoury
What are Lawrence’s weaknesses as a player?
I think there are two main problems for Tom Lawrence from watching him over the years. One is his work off-the-ball. He will press, so that isn’t a concern, but he can get rather frustrated when not in possession. If he loses the ball, the forward has this tendency to lash out at the opposition and pick up a silly yellow card, rather than pressing intently while staying on his feet.
The other main problem is fitness. While less of a problem at Derby, Lawrence has struggled to get on the pitch at times with Rangers, due to repeated small injury problems, so there could be a concern there.
Wrexham play a 3-5-2 formation, where could you see Lawrence fitting in?
Tom Lawrence has always been much more of a number ten in my eyes, but he is very capable as a left-sided winger too. In the 3-5-2, there’s every chance he could come in and play on the left flank.
It’s a role James McClean has played well himself, showing that back and forth nature of the role, though as I mentioned, there may be questions about the defensive side of the game.
The central midfield may not suit him, so perhaps playing as one of the two strikers, dropping off and becoming more of a link player, could work.
Would you have any worries about him adapting back to the Championship after playing in Scotland?
For me, it’s more of a question about whether he can stay fit. If Tom Lawrence is able to get out on the pitch consistently, I have no doubt that he has the quality to return to the Championship and impress.
Could you rate Lawrence out of ten as a potential signing for Wrexham?
Obviously it all depends on how the move goes and if he can find that consistency, because if he can reach the heights again, it’s probably a nine out of ten, while any struggles for form or fitness could be closer to a four out of ten, due to his age profile, likely wages and lack of resale value.
I’ll go for around the middle though and say it would be a 6.5 out of ten signing, one which could see Wrexham meet that Championship level they need.
Tom Lawrence’s injury history
Thrower was full of praise for Lawrence and there can be no doubt that he has the talent to help make the Wrexham squad competitive next season.
However, Thrower’s concerns over the 31-year-old’s ability to stay fit is with some justification following his recent injury record.
Lawrence is ‘flattered’ by Wrexham’s interest and with the obvious Welsh connections, would be interested in a move to the Red Dragons.
Keeping him fit would be the key for Parkinson, if he can manage that, Wrexham could be about to snap up a gem of a player with real experience in the second tier.
