Dons defender strives for improvement
Though Curtis Osano endured a frustrating start to his Dons career, the full-back believes he has now slotted effectively into Wimbledon’s improved defence.
A settled backline has resulted in better defensive performances at Milton Keynes and Barnet with Osano having been an ever-present since belatedly making his first Wimbledon start at Fleetwood Town on 20 October.
Speaking to Rob Cornell on Dons Player, Osano, who missed the first two months of the season due to an ankle injury, is relishing Saturday’s visit of high-flying Rotherham.
“We feel more solid now and we know we are doing better at the back,” he said. “But we have still let in a few silly goals and we have to get that out of our systems. Defending from set-pieces is one of the most crucial parts of the game and we have to keep working hard in every training session.
“I would not say we were sloppy before, but we are better now at getting behind the ball after we lose it. We are putting pressure on teams to win the ball back. Teams have to work harder to break us down. We are in a dogfight now and we have to try and win every single game. It does not matter who we come up against and we have to find a way to get three points on Saturday.”
Osano saluted the impact of Jim Fenlon, who can play in either full-back position, and he believes the 18-year-old has a bright future in football ahead of him.
“When you see what Jim can do every day in training, you think that he is one hell of a player,” added Osano. “He is also very lucky that he can work with the likes of ‘Ards’ and ‘Coxy’ as they know exactly what needs to be done to improve. I think Jim has plenty more to offer and he will go far in his career.”
The full video interview with Curtis Osano can be viewed on Dons Player.