Bradley Wright-Phillips says Ghana's Maxwell Woledzi is the top defender in MLS after a debut season that has Nashville dominating the East.
Ghana's Maxwell Woledzi is making his mark in America. MLS legend Bradley Wright-Phillips has named the Right to Dream Academy graduate the best defender in the league after a stunning first season.
Wright-Phillips, who spent most of his career with the New York Red Bulls, released his picks for the best players of the 2026 campaign as the regular season nears its end. Woledzi made the list, even though he missed the cut for Newcomer of the Year. The former Red Bulls striker credits the Ghanaian as the driving force behind Nashville's status as the meanest defense in MLS.
Wright-Phillips pointed to Woledzi's strength, energy and passing range as the foundation of that backline. He also noted the odd goal the centre-back has chipped in, calling it a classic recipe for a Defender of the Year campaign.
The numbers back it up. Woledzi has made 30 MLS appearances for Nashville, scoring two goals and adding an assist, while helping the club sit comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference.
The journey to this point has been quick. Woledzi previously played for FC Nordsjaelland and Vitoria SC, then joined Nashville in January 2026 from Norwegian side Fredrikstad. Within a single season, he has gone from newcomer to one of the most respected defenders in MLS.
