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‘Special’ player released by Barnsley is perfect for Wrexham, he can rival Max Cleworth

A ‘special’ player just released by Barnsley is surely a perfect rival for Max Cleworth at Wrexham ahead of next season.

Wrexham are gearing up for their first League One campaign for almost two decades following last season’s historic promotion.

Phil Parkinson’s men cantered to automatic promotion with matches to spare, claiming victory in their final five games.

The Reds are now looking to bolster their squad to compete against some of the strongest clubs in the third tier, including Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Peterborough United.

With Arthur Okonkwo’s loan spell coming to an end, signing a goalkeeper is a priority however, bolstering their defence is just as important.

Wrexham need to strengthen their defence

Wrexham had the fourth-strongest defence in League Two last term, conceding 52 goals in 46 matches, with only Stockport, Mansfield and Wimbledon boasting a better record.

The quality of their backline which includes Max Cleworth, Will Boyle, Tom O’Connor and Eoghan O’Connell isn’t the problem, though sheer numbers are.

Parkinson waved goodbye to long-serving veteran Ben Tozer, aerial beast Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe this summer.

Three defenders who served them well, predominantly in the National League, but aren’t good enough for the third tier.

Wrexham will be scouring the market for reinforcements this summer, with Marvin Ekpiteta popping up on their radar while Tom Pearce is another name being considered.

Pearce and Ekpiteta would represent solid options on a free transfer, as would recently released Barnsley defender Jordan Williams, who would offer Cleworth competition on the right side.

Why Wrexham should sign Jordan Williams

Williams was among several players to get released from the Tykes after they missed out on promotion to the Championship through the play-offs.

The 23-year-old, though, can hold his head high after an excellent campaign in the third tier, appearing in every single League One fixture, predominantly as a right-sided defender in a back three.

Known for his electric pace and ability to defend one-on-ones, the Englishman produced the most tackles in Barnsley’s squad per game (2.2), second most interceptions (0.8) and recovered an impressive 6.3 balls per game while winning 62% of his ground duels.

As a versatile player who can operate as a right wing-back too, the “special” Williams played a vital role in Barnsley’s push for a promotion and is a player that should stick out to Parkinson.

The 56-year-old is looking to provide cover defensively and Williams would not only add competition for Cleworth on the right, but he’d add some much-needed pace and athleticism to a defence that is lacking.

Unlike Cleworth – who has never played at this level – the former Barnsley man has made 109 appearances in League One and even produced six goals and 11 assists.

There is no doubt that Wrexham’s talented defender is good enough to play in the third tier however, adding competition for his place in the side would propel his performance levels to their max.

Williams is a top-end League One operator and on a free transfer, he is perfect for what they are looking for.