Dons defender admits it was tough not being a starter at end of last season

Dan Csoka admits it was tough to lose his spot in AFC Wimbledon’s starting line-up last season but believes he is improving game by game as he gains vital experience from playing regular football.

Signed by Glyn Hodges after an impressive trial period following his release from Wolves, the 21-year-old made 20 appearances last season predominantly as the backbone and sweeper of a back three.

But when Mark Robinson took over in late January, Csoka’s only involvement for the rest of the season came from being named on the bench in four of the remaining 21 games as the Dons battled to secure League One safety.

Csoka told the South London Press: “I joined last season and played quite a lot under our previous manager. But when Robbo took charge, I was on the bench more. I didn’t give up – I trained hard.

“It was tough, especially after I played a lot at the beginning, then I just sat on the bench. I tried to show Robbo that I was capable of being in the starting line-up.”

Due to long-term injuries to fellow centre-backs Will Nightingale and Paul Kalambayi, Csoka has been handed the opportunity in recent weeks to establish himself alongside Ben Heneghan.

“Ben is an experienced guy,” said Csoka. “He is always trying to talk to me in training and games. I just keep learning from him because he has played lots of games. He has got great character – I like playing with Ben.”

Asked how crucial gaining experience is for a 21-year-old playing his second full season in men’s professional football, Csoka said: “I’m improving game by game.

“We, as a group, can achieve a lot. We have a good squad. a young squad, but a hungry squad as well – loads of good players technically and tactically. We want to learn, we want to improve, and hopefully the three points against Crewe will be the beginning for us.”

With Csoka cementing his place in Robinson’s starting line-up, the Zalaegerszeg-born defender has also established himself as a member of Zoltan Gera’s squad for the Hungary U21 side.

Speaking on his international recognition, and with a place at the 2023 UEFA European U21 Championship slipping away, with Hungary behind Israel, Poland and Germany in Group B, Csoka added: “We still have four games to go in March and June. Hopefully I will get the call up as well, because I love playing for the national team.”