For many Wrexham players, the prospect of playing in the Championship next season may be a totally new experience, but that’s not something that’s putting Arthur Okonkwo off his game.
The Wrexham goalkeeper has played a starring role in the club’s rapid rise through the Football League. He kept 19 clean sheets last season alone, with another 16 the year before in League Two.
Now, Arthur Okonkwo will be Wrexham’s last line of defence against the best players in the Championship.
Predictions for Wrexham in the Championship are wide-ranging, with some expecting the Red Dragons to struggle and others suggesting they may be a surprise package once again.
Arthur Okonkwo can’t wait to play in the Championship
Speaking to The Leader about the challenge that lies ahead next season, Okonkwo was full of optimism and stated he is eager to prove himself in the second tier.
He said: “I can’t wait for next season. It’s the next challenge playing in the Championship and I’m sure I’ll be ready for it. We’re just going to enjoy it, the same as this season just gone.
“The pressure is going to be on and it’s going to be challenging, we’re just going to take it in our stride. But last season was challenging, the season in League Two was challenging so it’s just the same. Obviously not the same in terms of the level which is going to increase again but that’s football.
“You want those challenges, you want to play in the big stadiums and you want to play the big teams. That’s what everyone dreams about and I am sure we are going to enjoy next season.”
Reflecting on the journey he’s had with Wrexham so far, Okonkwo suggested the club’s incredible back-to-back-to-back promotion run is an amazing feat and should imbue the whole team with confidence.
“When I came back from Austria and joined Wrexham in League Two, I wanted to go up the leagues,” he said. “To be doing that now is unbelievable, it’s amazing. Some of these players have three promotions in a row and I’m just so happy to be on that journey.”
Arthur Okonkwo can become one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship
Okonkwo has already proven just how good he is, and at just 23-years-old, he’s got such a high ceiling to keep improving as part of the Wrexham squad.
His statistics over the last two seasons have made him one of the best goalkeepers in the EFL, and he’s now got a great opportunity to show what he can do in the Championship.
| Rank | Player | Clean sheets | Team | Division |
| 1 | James Trafford | 29 | Burnley | Championship |
| 2 | Owen Goodman | 24 | AFC Wimbledon | League Two |
| =3 | Illan Meslier | 21 | Leeds | Championship |
| =3 | Michael Cooper | 21 | Sheffield United | Championship |
| =3 | Ryan Allsop | 21 | Birmingham | League One |
| =3 | Matt Macey | 21 | Colchester | League Two |
| 7 | Arthur Okonkwo | 19 | Wrexham | League One |
While the likes of Michael Cooper at Sheffield United, Viktor Johansson at Stoke, and Max O’Leary at Bristol City are standouts in between the sticks right now, there’s definitely room for Okonkwo to quickly establish himself as one of the top stoppers in the division.