Neal Ardley believes the Dons are getting a player in Deji Oshilaja who will be eager to make an impact at AFC Wimbledon.
Despite spending plenty of time out on loan in recent years, Deji has been a Cardiff City player since 2009 and Neal reckons that being a part of a new club on a permanent basis – he officially becomes a Wimbledon player on 1 July – is exactly what the defender needs.
"He has had a couple of seasons out on loan, but this will be the first time that he is not a Cardiff City player. Deji has had loans at Sheffield Wednesday and Gillingham, he has experienced League One football and adapted to all of that. As a person, he has grown a little bit and he is not a young lad trying to make his way. He is more of a leader and is a bit more talkative.
"Rather than going from Cardiff to another club on loan for his own development, now it is going to be the first time that he is really a part of something. He is going to get that bit between his teeth and want to do well for us.
"He is not a 6 foot 4 inch centre-back, but I've very rarely seen anyone beat him in a one-v-one situation. His pace, agility, athleticism and change of direction are all outstanding. Deji is a strong boy who has got a good leap on him and he is good with either foot. He brings a lot of qualities to our team. We wanted good characters and people with the right mindset. The two we have signed so far, from my experience of working with them, are certainly going to bring that."
Via the link above, iFollow subscribers can watch the full interview with Neal, which includes an update from the manager on his summer plans.