Opta data shows Kieffer Moore leading the league as Wrexham boast Championship’s best defence
Wrexham’s Championship campaign continues to gather momentum, with new OptaAnalyst data showing Phil Parkinson’s side leading the league in several key defensive categories. The numbers highlight a team that has not only adapted to life in the second tier but is setting new standards for organisation and discipline.
According to the updated figures, Wrexham are first in the Championship for blocks and clearances, joint first for penalties won with four, and have yet to concede a single penalty all season. It is a record that speaks to a side capable of defending deep, clearing danger under pressure, and maintaining composure when tested. Those qualities have made the Red Dragons one of the most difficult teams to break down in the division.
Wrexham defence top of the Championship
Wrexham’s defensive strength has been built around a reliable core. Kieffer Moore, who tops the entire division for aerial duels won, has been at the heart of that effort. His ability to win headers and hold the ball up has given the side balance in both penalty areas, while his 12 goals in 25 appearances underline his value at the other end of the pitch.
Phil Parkinson has been quick to praise the resilience and commitment of his players. He told reporters this week that several key members of his squad were returning from injury and that their recovery had been managed carefully.
“Kieffer comes back into the group refreshed, and that’s important for us,” Parkinson said. “Issa’s had his minutes away at the back end of the Afcon. He needs this week in training to see where he is, but his character is there for all to see. He’s chomping at the bit.”
Parkinson proud of team’s ruthless edge
Parkinson believes one performance in particular helped define Wrexham’s Championship identity. The 3-2 win at Norwich City earlier in the season, he said, proved that his side could match established opponents in quality and mentality.
“We upped our levels and showed a ruthless edge in that 15 minutes,” he recalled. “Some of the attacking play continued but we were clinical when the moments came. It was an entertaining game, a really good game.”
That blend of sharp attacking play and defensive solidity has become a hallmark of Wrexham’s rise. They have now won four league matches in a row and sit just one point off the play-offs, while also knocking Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup on penalties last week.
Injury boosts add to momentum
Wrexham’s injury list is finally easing. Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore is back in full training after a hamstring problem, while Max Cleworth and Matty James have both recovered from tendon and back issues. Parkinson confirmed that the recent break gave his squad the chance to rest and regroup after a demanding festive schedule.
“Matty had an injection in his back,” said Parkinson. “Max has been carrying a tendon issue for a while and we needed to use the cup game to take him out of the firing line. He’s trained today and he looked good.”
Kabore, who has impressed since joining in the summer, said he is eager to contribute again.
“I am really happy to be back,” he said. “I was very disappointed to get injured but that is football. Now it is very important to be back very soon. I am feeling good and I am excited to be back with Wrexham to try and get some results again.”
Pundits backing promotion bid
Wrexham’s performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the Championship. Former Wales striker Sam Vokes believes the team’s mix of physical power and calmness under pressure makes them genuine promotion contenders.
“You rarely see a newly-promoted team that can go toe-to-toe with established Championship sides and come out on top physically,” Vokes said. “What stands out is how physical they are without losing composure. That’s what makes them dangerous.”
Parkinson, however, has downplayed talk of a spending spree in the January window. He stressed that any business done would be minimal and focused purely on adding competition.
“We don’t want to make signings for the sake of it,” he said. “But like everybody, if we can make improvements and we feel that it’s the right decisions, then of course we’ll go for that.”
What comes next
With Opta data placing them among the Championship’s most efficient defensive units, and their main striker leading the league for aerial duels, Wrexham’s formula for success is clear. The challenge now is maintaining that standard through the second half of the campaign. If they do, Parkinson’s side will not just be competing for play-off places but could yet force their way into the automatic promotion picture.
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