Max Cleworth’s 2023/24 campaign for Wrexham was summarized by him outranking Chelsea defender Levi Colwill for one remarkable feat.
There’s something special about watching a player graduate through the academy and flourish in the first team.
At Wrexham, Max Cleworth is the prime example of someone who started his development in the youth sides, worked his way up and is now a key member of Phil Parkinson’s senior setup.
The 21-year-old has been described by Andy Morrell as having a “big future” in the game and there’s no surprise. Cleworth helped Wrexham keep nine clean sheets in 24 League Two appearances last term.
As a ball-playing defender and someone who has come on so much physically in the last 12 months, the youngster is highly rated in Wales and has the potential to play higher up the pyramid.
With a League One campaign on the horizon, Cleworth can play a prominent role once more, especially after seeing the remarkable feat he’s achieved.
Max Cleworth outranks Chelsea star Levi Colwill
WRExG Data Analytics on Twitter looked at all of the under-21 defenders across the top four leagues in England and ranked them based on the percentage of aerial and defensive duels won.
Wrexham’s Cleworth won 59% of his aerial duels in 2023/24 – based on 2000 minutes played – beating the likes of Stockport’s Ethan Pye and Reading’s Nelson Abbey.
Further, when looking at the number of defensive duels he won across his 24 matches, the young defender won 72% compared to Chelsea’s Levi Colwill (62%).
Colwill, 21, played at a much higher level than Cleworth in the Premier League however, he’s also an England international having made his debut for the Three Lions in October 2023.
When Wrexham were promoted to League Two, few would have known who Cleworth was but now they’re beginning to take notice of the youngster’s rise.
Wrexham must sign more players like Max Cleworth
During the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era, the Reds have focused on signing older players to achieve instant success such as Steven Fletcher and James McClean.
But recently, Parkinson has shown signs of acquiring younger players with much higher resale value and potential, as demonstrated by links to 21-year-old striker Benji Magee.
In the coming years, Wrexham must switch their recruitment focus to align towards a sustainable strategy.
By all means, Parkinson shouldn’t neglect signing older players as they can add so much value in the long-term however, when looking at the current makeup of the squad, it’s clear the Reds need younger and more exciting talents.
Currently, the most promising young player they have is Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo will join him – if they can get a deal over the line following his release from Arsenal.