Paul Kalambayi has been loaned out to Bostik Premier League side Tonbridge Angels with the aim of gaining first-team experience.
The 18-year-old, who progressed through the Wimbledon academy and made his first-team debut in the Checkatrade Trophy match at Barnet, has joined Tonbridge Angels for an initial month on loan.
Under-23 Development Coach Alan Reeves rates Paul highly and he believes that a loan spell is best for him at this stage of his career.
"Paul has played a lot of football for the Under-23s in the last couple of years and he is playing well," said Alan. "He has shown that he can do it at Under-18 and Under-23 level, but he is a big, strong boy, and he is often stronger than the lads he is playing against. I had a conversation with the manager recently and we agreed that Paul needs to step-up and play men's football, so that he doesn't have such an advantage.
"I know the Tonbridge manager (Steve McKimm). We previously loaned out Ben Harrison and David Fitzpatrick to Tonbridge and and he looked after them well. He called me the other day and asked if we had a centre-back and it was good timing after the conversation I had with the manager. Paul has got a good all-round defensive game, but he is still learning. He has not yet turned 19, but he has all the attributes to be a top defender. He is a great learner and leads by example on the pitch. If Paul keeps going and keeps listening, he has a good chance of making it in the game."
Paul could make his debut for Tonbridge Angels tomorrow in a home match against Staines Town.