Wrexham centre-back Will Boyle now claims that one Wrexham player is already good enough to play in the Championship.
With the riches of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham have built a star-studded squad for League Two level.
Goal-scoring machine Paul Mullin is leading their charge towards promotion while on loan goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is keeping them out at the other end.
Arguably, those two players are too good to be playing fourth-tier football, alongside the likes of Elliot Lee, Andy Cannon and James McClean.
As Wrexham close in on promotion to League One, currently three points above fourth place Mansfield, defender Will Boyle has revealed which player in Phil Parkinson‘s squad is good enough to play in the Championship.
Surprisingly, it isn’t any of the names listed above.
Will Boyle shares which Wrexham player is good enough for Championship
After a tricky start in a Red shirt, Boyle has enjoyed a solid run of form in Parkinson’s side, although he was dropped for their 2-1 win over Colchester United on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of their clash against Crawley Town tonight, the 28-year-old has showered defensive partner Max Cleworth with praise and has claimed he can play in the second tier.
“Max has been top drawer,” Boyle told The Leader. “For his age, the maturity he plays with is outstanding.
“I have played with quite a lot of lads who we have had on loan in previous seasons who are playing regularly in the Championship now.
“Without blowing too much smoke, he is as good as them.
“His character is important. I can say that because I know what his character is like.
“He is only going to improve and he wants to learn. His work ethic is top drawer, he is a great lad and a very good, young defender.”
Defensively, Cleworth has the tools to play at a much higher standard, while Boyle now reveals he has the mentality and character to match.
Those two attributes are so important for a young player leaving their mark in the first-team.
Max Cleworth’s 23/24 statistics
Cleworth scored the dramatic winning goal against Colchester last time out, his first in senior football.
The 21-year-old is usually known for his ball-playing skills and defensive nous, but to pop up with such a vital goal demonstrates his character.
Cleworth has been showered with praise for how he’s taken to the Football League, with former manager Bryan Hughes labelling him a “super player” while Andy Morrell believes he has a big future ahead of him.
When looking at his statistics for the 23/24 campaign, the young defender deserves all the praise he receives.
Max Cleworth’s 23/24 statistics, as per Sofascore.
- 20 games
- 2 big chances created
- 82% pass completion (own half)
- 7 clean sheets
- 2.3 tackles per game
- 3.2 balls recovered per game
- 3.5 clearances per game
- 2.9 (70%) ground duels won
- 3.3 (63%) aerial duels won
From these stats, it’s pretty clear that Cleworth is a well-rounded defender, capable of one day playing Championship football.