Shrewsbury Town have confirmed their sixth January signing with a Premier League defender joining the club.
The Shrews are fighting to make sure they don’t drop out of the Football League at the end of the season. They currently sit four points above the drop zone in League Two, having played a game less than the 23rd-placed side Harrogate Town.
In order to ensure their EFL status, boss Michael Appleton has brought in several reinforcements. Their latest signing is Temple Ojinnaka on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Temple Ojinnaka Joins Shrewsbury Town
The deal was confirmed on the club’s official website. Ojinnaka, who can play multiple positions across the defence and midfield, joins the club until the end of the season.
Speaking about his latest acquisition, Appleton said:
“Temple is somebody I have been aware of for a while – Sean Parrish has also worked with him previously.
“He caught my eye in a game I watched earlier this season because he likes a tackle, he is a big presence and he can get across the ground.
“He played in midfield that day. I then spoke to Pash about him who said he can play in numerous positions.”
How Will Ojinnaka Help Shrewsbury Town?
As discussed by Appleton, Ojinnaka can play numerous positions, something that will likely greatly benefit Shrewsbury Town this season. In the EFL Trophy this season for Wolves under-21s, he started in the centre of midfield against Wigan Athletic.
Ojinnaka received a 6.8 rating from Sofascore, completing 88% of his passes in the match. He also impressed defensively, winning two of his two tackles, while also making one interception, one clearance and six recoveries.
These numbers will likely impress Shrews fans. He’ll be able to step into the midfield and help protect the defence, while also helping start attacks and put the side on the front foot.
The 20-year-old can also play centre-back and full-back, as he showed against Stockport County in the EFL Trophy. He played the right side of a back three but was forced off with an injury in the 64th minute. Despite his early exit, he made nine defensive contributions in that game, while winning all four of his ground and aerial duels.
It will be interesting to see where Appleton decides Ojinnaka best fits in the Shrews side, but it is a signing which could have a positive impact on Salop’s survival prospects.