INTERVIEW: Q&A with Nordjælland defender Maxwell Woledzi; how his career started, his current form, challenges and career ambitions

Following an incredible outing with Nordjælland in the Danish Superliga many admirers have been wondering who the 19-year old Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi is, where he was born, how he started football and how he magically weaved his way into the Nordjælland set up.

He was stupendous in his side’s opening 2-2 stalemate with Aalborg, a game in which he scored and staged a terrific performance to emerge the Man of the Match.

FootballMadeInGhana.com had a one-on-one with the highly spirited defender on phone capturing his school days in Ghana, the local club he played for, how he penetrated into Europe and how he entered the Nordjælland set up and many more.

FootballMadeInGhana.com will use the initials FMIG while Maxwell Woledzi goes with MW in the interview.

FMIG: Hi! Good day Maxwell and thanks for your time. Hope all is well with you?

MW: Hello! Good day Sheikh. I’m fine by God’s grace.

FMIG: It appears many Ghanaians are not familiar with you. Tell us about yourself.

MW: I was born and raised in Nima-Mamobi, in Accra. I attended Islamic Training Institute at Kanda Highway. While playing for my local team in Nima, we had a lot of trials at the Kawukudi Park. I participated in some and by his grace of Allah, Right To Dream Academy spotted me and gave me the opportunity to join them. I was there in 2015 and signed my first professional contract in abroad in the summer of 2019.

FMIG: Before moving to Europe, which club were you playing for in Ghana?

MW: I was playing for Diamond Seed Academy (Photo above) in Nima then moved to Right to dream academy then Europe.

FMIG:  How many clubs have u played for in Europe since u went there?

MW: This is my first professional club for the past 18 months. But I had traveled to Europe with RTD Academy for several tournaments.

FMIG: You have spent almost a year and a half with FCN. What was your major challenge when you first went to Europe?

MW: Coming to new environments and trying to adapt the style of play was a challenge, the weather and language particularly. But luckily for me, FCN is the mother club of RTD Academy so it was pretty okay 👍🏿 to start.

FMIG: You met several Ghanaian players at RTD including Kudus, Sadick and others. Did they help your stay in the club?

MW: Yes! As they are all from the same area like me, I was comfortable. With their help and support, I was able to adapt to some of the challenges and felt at home being with my friends and the people I know.

FMIG: You still have a lot of Ghanaian friends in the team. Does that make you feel at home?

MW: Yes I feel at home whenever I’m with them. We speak the same language; cook the food we know or love and hangout together.

FMIG: I know the lifestyle of many Ghanaians in Europe is boring and sometimes depressing. How do you manage this as a player?

MW: I have worked really really hard to be where I am now. I know how boring it is but I manage it by thinking a lot of positive things and why I am here. And I also make sure I do what I love; playing FIFA and watching movies. I also call family whenever I’m bored. But yeah it’s not easy but you just have to make sure you do something to keep yourself busy.

FMIG: Your club was engaged in the fight to qualify for the Championship and you did it at the last minute. What was the problem with the performance of the team?

MW: We needed to fight and be in the championship round that will secure us for the next season. It was a difficult season but we were determined and we did it eventually.

FMIG: Has the departure of Kudus affected the club’s performance this season?

MW: Well, not much but in a way, I’ll say yes. But we are strong as a team so whenever a player leaves we have someone to replace him. So it didn’t affect us that much. But we missed him in the team.

FMIG: What has the arrival of Michael Essien in the coaching staff of FCN done to you as a player?

MW: The arrival of Essien is a big thing for us, trust me. As we have our country and football legend in the team. He represents a big figure. I always talk to him to know more about his career to learn things on and off the pitch that I can add to my game and also as an individual.

FMIG: Also, you have Didi Dramani as one of the coaches of FCN. That should give you a comfortable environment. Isn’t it?

MW: Yes he’s a father to us here and very observant. He knows when we are okay and when we are not. He always encourages us to keep up with our activities and always be in shape.

FMIG: Now let’s look at your performance for the team this season. You have played some good games and have scored a goal as a defender. Why haven’t you played more games?

MW: I met people who were ahead of me. When I came, I met experienced defenders who had a lot of caps in the game. So it was a very big challenge for me. But I kept going and improving my game to make sure I get a spot in the game. I spent 6 months playing for the U19s and I got promoted to the first team. I didn’t play the first round of the 2021 season. Then when we came back from our vacation, I worked harder and got 6 consecutive games with 90mins, with a goal (laughs).

FMIG: As a defender, you have been playing so well and that has seen you maintain consistency in the team in the last few games.

MW: I am working on cementing my position and I will make sure I give my very best whenever I’m on the pitch, because I know where am coming from.

FMIG: FCN has become a feeder club for several top clubs in Europe. It’s likely you will be moving soon. Any offers so far?

MW: Right now, I want to be the best I can be in Denmark and in FCN and focus on the future. I just go by the moments. For now, it’s all FCN.

FMIG: Obviously, every player in the world aims at moving to bigger clubs. What’s your dream club in Europe?

MW: I want to play in any of the top five leagues in Europe. But Arsenal is my dream club.

FMIG: Arsenal? Why not Liverpool or Chelsea or Man City? Arsenal has not been winning trophies. So why Arsenal?

MW: (Laughs) Hahahahahaha. I love their style of play and how they work with young talented players.

FMIG: And what do you think you have to do to get to play for your dream club Arsenal?

MW: To keep fighting and stay focused. I have a dream and I have work towards it. Trust me, I am determined to make it happen and In Sha Allah I’ll push for it.

FMIG: Where do you see yourself in the next two years now that you are playing so well for FCN?

MW: I want to be one of the best defender in the world and also in the BLACK STARS.

FMIG: You have set a target for yourself to be in the Black Stars by 2023?

MW: Yes, but it may even be earlier. I know when I put up a good show and make the numbers here in Europe, I may earn a call up because every coach wants the best. So I just have to be best and I can be there. And trust me, I’ll work my way there.

FMIG: Every young Ghanaian player wants to play for the Black Stars. If you have an offer from Denmark to naturalize for them, will you consider it?

MW: I have been saying I want to play for my country and I still maintain that pride. Life, however, is full of uncertainties. Allah holds the key to the future. I keep my trust in him.

FMIG: So will you consider playing for Denmark if approach?

MW: What if they don’t approach me? (Laughs)

FMIG: What if they approach you?

MW: I Love Ghana. That’s all I can say.

FMIG: As a footballer, what has been your most challenging moment in your career?

MW: Not being with your family when you need them most, especially my mother.

FMIG: What has been the most successful period of your career so far?

MW: Signing my first professional contract with FCN.

You have not spoken about your idol. Who is your idol?

MW: A lot (laughs) hahahahaha. Mum & Granny, John Stones and Lebrone James.

FMIG: Not Thiago Silva or Ramos? Because you play like them.

MW: Stones is my guy.

FMIG: Thanks for your time Maxwell and all the best of luck in your career.

MW: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to have had this opportunity to speak to Ghanaians through you. I’m grateful for the time.