MLS Update: Wright-Phillips Crowns Ghana’s Woledzi MLS’ Best Defender

Maxwell Woledzi’s impressive debut season in Major League Soccer has earned high praise from former New York Red Bulls star Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has named the Ghanaian centre-back as the best defender in the league.

The Right to Dream Academy graduate has been a key figure in Nashville SC’s outstanding campaign, helping the club establish itself at the summit of the Eastern Conference standings with one of the league’s strongest defensive records.

As the regular season nears its conclusion, Wright-Phillips revealed his top performers of the 2026 MLS campaign, including Woledzi among his standout selections.

While the former MLS striker stopped short of picking the Ghanaian for the league’s Newcomer of the Year award, he believes Woledzi has been the driving force behind Nashville’s defensive excellence.

“Maxwell Woledzi helped Nashville reach another level this season. The Ghanaian’s strength, energy and passing range have anchored the league’s best defense, and he’s chipped in the odd goal or two as well. That’s a common recipe for Defender of the Year,” Wright-Phillips said.

Woledzi has enjoyed an outstanding first season in the United States, making 30 MLS appearances, scoring twice and providing one assist for Nashville.

The 23-year-old joined Nashville in January 2026 from Norwegian side Fredrikstad, having previously featured for FC Nordsjælland and Portuguese outfit Vitória SC. Since arriving, he has quickly established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the league and a cornerstone of Nashville’s success.