Highly-rated Wrexham defender Max Cleworth admits he must do one thing to ‘propel’ him to the next level.
Although Wrexham’s promotion to League One was their biggest success story, the development of centre-back Max Cleworth was a big highlight.
The 21-year-old started the campaign as a back-up defender to the likes of Eoghan O’Connell, Ben Tozer and Will Boyle.
Phil Parkinson was reluctant to throw him into the side as the physical demands of League Two were far greater than the National League where he made 21 appearances in 2022/23.
However, once Cleworth tasted ninety minutes for the first time in the football league – a 2-0 win over Newport County in December – the youngster never looked back.
He played in 22 of the next 24 matches and blossomed alongside O’Connell and Tom O’Connor at the heart of the Wrexham defence.
Cleworth even scored a vital winning goal against strugglers Colchester United, arguably their biggest during the promotion run-in.
Dubbed by former manager Bryan Hughes as a “super” talent, the young Englishman has cemented his place in the Wrexham defence heading into League One, though he accepts improving one area of his game is a must.
Max Cleworth wants to score more goals for Wrexham
Cleworth is an assured ball-playing centre-back; comfortable at driving the ball out from defence and spraying passes into midfield.
As highlighted by Sofascore, he recorded an 85% pass completion (own half), created two big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game in League Two.
Cleworth also held his own physically, ranking third for tackles won per game in the Wrexham squad (2.2) and fifth for interceptions (0.8).
The Wrexham academy graduate is developing into a fine centre-half however, there are still certain areas for improvement, claiming that scoring more goals can ‘propel’ him to the next level.
Speaking on the Fearless In Devotion podcast, Cleworth said: “I think every bit still really. I would say adding goals to my game is something I would like more of.
“You saw Aaron Hayden, the amount he contributed, Will Boyle, even Tom [O’Connor] – I know he played centre mid the year before but he’d still chip in with a lot of goals.
“I think adding goals going to probably propel me to levels higher and maybe just taking responsibility, putting more weight on my shoulders; make things happen in games. But I think everything can still improve at the minute, certainly not a complete player by any means.”
Max Cleworth has a big part to play in League One
Cleworth has come on leaps and bounds physically and mentally this term, with Andy Morrell claiming he has a “big future” in the game.
The young defender is arguably Wrexham’s biggest saleable asset and with his contract expiring in 2025, they need to place fresh terms on the table.
He’s certainly capable of stepping up to League One, and although Parkinson may add to his defence this summer, he’s already proven his worth to the club.
Cleworth has earned his shot at starring in Wrexham’s League One side, and it’s scary to think how much he can still develop.