Wrexham picked up a huge win on Saturday afternoon as Phil Parkinson’s side hammered Northampton Town 4-1 at the STōK Cae Ras.
League One is a major step up for Wrexham and there will ultimately be bumps in the road this season.
Wrexham started the season brilliantly but were a little under-par in recent games.
Phil Parkinson saw his side take just four points from four games against Birmingham City, Crawley Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage.
No goals from open play in that run sparked concern but Wrexham were simply superb in a 4-1 thrashing of Northampton Town.
James McClean started and finished the scoring with Jack Marriott and Elliot Lee also finding the net in a brilliant win.
Ryan Barnett praised by Wrexham stars
The star of the show was clear though as Ryan Barnett turned in a stunning display.
Barnett was a menace down the right flank and terrorised Northampton throughout.
The 25-year-old picked up three direct assists and even set up the other Wrexham goal, crossing for McClean to tee up Marriott’s goal.
Barnett is taking his game to another level this season and it’s no surprise to see him earning huge praise from others at Wrexham.
Barnett took to Instagram to celebrate an ‘incredible’ afternoon at the STōK Cae Ras with Marriott remarking ‘what a player’ about the wing back.
Lee stated ‘some boy’ whilst Andy Cannon said ‘that’s my boy alright’ with Wrexham players showing their love for Barnett.
George Dobson even stated ‘best player in the world’ with Humphrey Ker calling Barnett ‘The Shropshire Shevchenko’.
Shevchenko was more known for scoring than assisting but Barnett will certainly accept that kind of comparison.
Max Cleworth added ‘really really good’ with Barnett’s exceptional display earning the praise it deserves.
Barnett rise will really sting for Shrewsbury Town
Barnett played a key role in Wrexham’s promotion from League Two but has kicked on to cause mayhem for League One defences.
Wrexham fans, players and staff are loving Barnett’s rise but Shrewsbury Town will no doubt be kicking themselves.
Barnett came up in their youth ranks but was let go in 2021 after just 20 first-team appearances for the club.
Barnett has admitted that he wanted to become a Shrewsbury legend but didn’t even want to be at the club by the end of his time there, believing that he just wouldn’t be given a chance to shine.
Wrexham are now the beneficiaries via Solihull Moors and Barnett is becoming undroppable for Parkinson.
Seeing Barnett shine elsewhere no doubt stings for Shrewsbury, but even more so because he is shining for one of their biggest rivals.
Wrexham now have a star on their hands and will hope to see Barnett stay for the long term with his contract up at the end of the season.