Wales urged to call up AFC Wimbledon midfielder
AFC Wimbledon head coach Mark Robinson has called for Alex Woodyard to be rewarded for his consistent performances with a place in the Wales national set-up.
The Dons captain has been an instrumental figure in Robinson’s tenure at Plough Lane and has played every minute in League One this season.
Gravesend-born Woodyard, who began his career in Charlton’s academy, qualifies to play for Wales through his nan.
“Woody’s levels of consistency are what he would bring to every team, and he would do that with Wales,” Robinson told the South London Press.
“He just never dips below a certain level of performance because his attitude is so fantastic, and he puts such high demands on himself and everyone else. He has been exceptional for us.”
Woodyard’s tenacious bite in the centre of the pitch is key to winning back the ball for Robinson’s side, with the 28-year-old completing 3.5 tackles a game on average. Amongst the Wimbledon squad this season, Woodyard also has the highest successful pass percentage, 84.4, and the most interceptions per 90 minutes, 1.6.
“He tells me that he is playing the best football of his life. He is so important and consistent for us – he knits everything together,” added Robinson. “You have got Anthony Hartigan, who knits things together in terms of how he is on the ball, but Woody knits us together in how he regains the ball.
“Woody can play as well. He has got good ability on the ball, but he just constantly regains it and is constantly getting up to the ball.
“He is improving Ant as well. I looked at them both on Tuesday, and he is improving that side of Ant’s game – they work so well together.”
Asked if a first call up to Robert Page’s side would be a deserved reward for Woodyard and the performances that he has been delivering for Robinson since he took the job in January, he added: “Yeah, it would be great.
“It’s been one of the pleasing aspects of getting the job. I know that I can develop young players because that’s what I have done for a living, but it’s been really pleasing seeing the more senior players really come on.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD