Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has now been told to unleash centre-back Max Cleworth to fix their defensive problem.
Max Cleworth is a product of Wrexham’s academy and the 21-year-old’s involvement in the squad has grown as he’s got older.
The Welshman began his formative years in the U13s and has since worked his way towards the first team.
After impressing during the pre-season in 2021, Cleworth earned a spot in Phil Parkinson’s starting lineup for the opening game of the season against Solihull Moors.
He went on to make 28 appearances in Wrexham’s 2021/22 National League campaign and deservedly won the club’s Young Player of the Season award.
Last season, he appeared 21 times in the league to help his side lift the title and earn promotion to League Two, although he has since struggled for minutes on the pitch, despite his sides’ struggles defensively.
Cleworth, who was hailed as a ‘star in the making’ for his composed display in the EFL Trophy win over Port Vale, has only made seven appearances in the league, only shipping six goals.
For a Wrexham side who have conceded 40 in 28 matches this term, those numbers are impressive and have prompted calls for him to start against Bradford City.
Phil Parkinson told to unleash Max Cleworth v Bradford
Wrexham’s back three of Jordan Tunnicliffe, Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden were disappointing in the 3-1 defeat against Salford City, so Parkinson has been urged to throw Cleworth back into the side.
Speaking on the Rob Ryan Red Podcast, Rich Fay and Nathan Salt gave their views on the impressive youngster, suggesting his inclusion would merit his recent displays.
Nathan said: “I think most would want Max [Cleworth] in there for that game because he just hasn’t really put a foot wrong recently, he’s played well”
Rich added: “I guess he is that defender who can play out from the back, he’s looked juvenile at times and he has looked raw – there have been a few shaky moments. But if you’re looking for a ball-playing centre-back, Max is your guy”.
Should Cleworth start v Bradford?
In the six matches he’s featured in since the 2-0 victory over Newport County in December, Cleworth has rarely put a foot wrong and his defensive metrics paint a picture of someone who is outperforming his peers.
According to Sofascore, the 21-year-old has averaged the second most tackles in the Wrexham squad (2.4), while he’s also making the joint-most interceptions (1.4) and third most clearances (4).
The defensive side of his game is equally complemented by his ability in possession as he accurately places 1.6 long balls per game and completes 73% of his passes, the majority of which are sent long.
Cleworth’s potential as a ball-playing centre-back is huge and on the evidence of his statistics alone, he deserves to nail down a spot in Parkinson’s defence against Bradford.