B. OdhiamboHarambee Stars prospect on motivation behind his impressive debut against Chelsea
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.03.26. | 19:48
The defender played 75 minutes before being substituted for Nathan Broadhead, producing a composed display despite facing elite opposition
Harambee Stars eligible defender Zak Vyner has opened up about the physical attributes that helped him deliver an assured performance in midfield for Wrexham during their high-profile FA Cup clash against Chelsea over the weekend.
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Vyner was handed his first start for Wrexham on Saturday night and was deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role, a challenge the Kenyan prospect embraced as he continues to adapt to life at the club.
The defender played 75 minutes before being substituted for Nathan Broadhead, producing a composed display despite facing elite opposition.
Although naturally a centre-back, Vyner stepped into midfield and delivered an impressive statistical performance.
He recorded 76 per cent passing accuracy, made seven defensive contributions, including two tackle attempts, four interceptions, one clearance and four recoveries, and won all three of his ground duels.
Speaking to the club’s official website after the match, the former Bristol City defender admitted he was pleased with how he adapted to the role.
“I felt like I did alright playing in the centre of midfield again. I’ve done it a little bit this season, so it’s not completely abnormal to me,” Vyner said.
“Naturally, I’m a centre-half, so playing there is still something a little new, you’re getting your bearings and learning the position as you go.”
The 178cm defender said the manager encouraged him to rely on his physical strengths and play with confidence whenever he had possession.
“The gaffer knows I have the physical attributes, and when I get my foot on the ball I can do a bit with it,” he explained.
“So the instruction was simple, go out there, play your game, have a right go and use your physicality.”
Vyner added that he approached the match with a clear focus on gaining valuable minutes and continuing to grow in his new environment.
“There wasn’t anything spectacular about the instructions. It was just about enjoying the game and getting some minutes in my legs,” he said.
“I was really happy to get my first start here, and hopefully I can keep building from that.”
With 11 league matches remaining, he acknowledges that every game will be crucial as the team pushes for promotion.
The club currently sits sixth in the standings, occupying a playoff position but only three points ahead of seventh-placed Derby County, leaving little margin for error.
Their promotion bid continues on Tuesday night when they host Hull City at STōK Cae Ras.