'Arthur's unbelievable' - Wrexham Young POTY claims Okonkwo is the best goalkeeper in the league

Wrexham’s Young Player of the Year, Max Cleworth, has heaped praise on teammate Arthur Okonkwo, describing the Arsenal academy product as the best goalkeeper in League One.

Okonkwo played a pivotal role in Wrexham's successive promotions, recording 19 clean sheets in the third tier of English football during the 2024–25 campaign. 

His standout performances between the sticks were instrumental as the Red Dragons secured a second-place finish and a promotion to League One.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper made his move permanent in the summer of 2024, ending a 15-year association with Arsenal following a successful loan spell during the 2023–24 season. 

That year, he kept 16 clean sheets in 40 appearances as Wrexham clinched automatic promotion from League Two.

In League One this term, only Birmingham City’s Ryan Allsop kept more clean sheets than Okonkwo, with 21 shutouts across 38 matches. 

However, Okonkwo boasted a higher clean sheet percentage, registering shutouts in 57.7% of his 33 league appearances, compared to Allsop’s 55.3%.

In quotes relayed by Wrexham Insider, Cleworth was full of admiration for his teammate: "Arthur’s unbelievable. I think he’s  the best keeper in the league. 

"The amount of times he sort of saves us, it’s a lot and you know I thought sort of thank him for that because he’s a top goalie, but even more sort of a top lad.

"We have a good relationship on and off the pitch and I think we know each other’s games really well. He’s had another fantastic season and it’s a pleasure to play alongside."

Born in London, Okonkwo is a former England youth international and is currently on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, who are monitoring his progress as they explore potential call-ups for players with dual nationality. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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