Arthur Okonkwo, the Wrexham shot-stopper who recently pledged his international future to Nigeria, has revealed that Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar is his greatest of all time.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who previously represented England at youth level, has been on a steady rise in English football. Since joining Wrexham AFC from Arsenal FC in 2024, Okonkwo has played a key role in the club’s impressive progress.
He was instrumental in Wrexham’s promotion from League One to the Championship and has continued to deliver strong performances.
This season, he has recorded 10 clean sheets in 38 appearances, helping keep the Red Dragons firmly in the hunt for Premier League promotion.
Known for his composure, agility, aerial command, and confidence with the ball at his feet, Okonkwo has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts.
Speaking on the Wrexham Podcast, the goalkeeper reflected on his journey and cited Van der Sar as a major influence on his career.
“Van der Sar. Yeah, I grew up watching Van der Sar,” he said when asked about his goalkeeping idol.
Van der Sar is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in football history, enjoying a decorated career with Manchester United, where he won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Wrexham’s rapid rise in recent years has been remarkable. In just four seasons, the club has climbed from the National League to becoming a strong Championship contender.
Currently sitting seventh in the table, just two points behind Southampton FC in the final playoff spot, Wrexham remain in contention for promotion with five games left in the campaign.
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They are set to face Birmingham, Stoke, Oxford, Coventry, and Middlesbrough in their remaining fixtures, with hopes of securing a playoff place.
Okonkwo could soon make his debut for Nigeria, with a potential call-up expected during the Unity Cup in May or the June international window, when the Super Eagles are scheduled to face Poland and Portugal.
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