Dapo wants to learn – AFC Wimbledon loan striker is happy to take on front man duties

BY EDMUND BRACK
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

AFC Wimbledon forward Dapo Mebude says that he is enjoying the responsibility of being counted on by Mark Robinson week in week out.

The 20-year-old, on a season-long loan from Premier League side Watford, has featured 16 times in all competitions and become an essential outlet for the Dons’ boss.

Mainly featuring out on the left wing, Mebude’s versatility also allows for Robinson to play him as a centre forward.

He will be expected to play the same buccaneering role at Cambridge United tomorrow.

Due to Ollie Palmer recovering from his calf injury and Aaron Pressley nursing a slight tear in his quad, Mebude has been a permanent fixture in the side.

Asked by the South London Press whether he had been enjoying the responsibility placed upon him by Robinson to start regularly for the Dons, Mebude said: “That’s the main thing as a player. If you don’t want to stand up and be counted to take responsibility, I don’t know why you would play the game.

“The kind of person I want to be is someone who the team looks at to produce – that’s where I want to try and get to in my career. It starts now, and I just want to take the game by the scruff of the neck and help the team out.

“I love it here. It’s a big family club, and everyone has been welcoming. I feel as though it’s now time for me to start having an impact on every game.

“My first goal against Bolton was special. We have had a couple of wins too that stand out – Morecambe and Oxford.

“I feel like playing regularly was the next step in my development. I have enjoyed my time so far. The games every week have been enjoyable – playing against some big teams and in front of the fans at Plough Lane, it’s just been amazing.”

With a run of games firmly under his belt, Mebude, who has scored two goals so far this season, wants to become a regular outlet in front of goal for the Dons.

“I need to start scoring more and get more assists,” he said. “I just want to help the team progress further up the league and to try and achieve something good.

“I am doing the first parts right – dribbling and stuff like that. But sometimes I need to shoot earlier, and instead of taking the extra touch or dribble, maybe finding that extra pass or get the shot off to see what happens from that.

“I am just learning. I enjoy playing every week – it’s what I love to do. I am grateful that I am getting the chance to play, and I just want to keep showing what I can do.”

He has learned a lot under Robinson during his three months to date at Plough Lane.

The Scotland U21 international said: “It’s more my tactical and defensive side, rather than what I can do on the ball. It’s just knowing where to be at the right time to help the team out defensively before I can go and do my stuff at the other end of the pitch.

“Robbo has just given everyone the freedom to play. He’s working hard with me to improve as an all-round player offensively and defensively. He’s really helpful to me, speaking with me about my game every day.”