With new formations, systems, and additions to help provide quality as well, the preseason 2024–25 is turning out to be quite the lesson for many AFC Wimbledon supporters.
But Wimbledon supporters do not need their eyes opened to the fact that the team is without a left-back after Lee Brown retired and Jack Currie moved to Oxford United.
Although there is no animosity towards any player for their choices, it has left a huge hole in the team and everyone associated with the club now realizes that, after three preseason games in a week, significant investment in this area is required if the Dons are to have any kind of success this year.
The need for two new left backs for AFC Wimbledon
Without a doubt, the team has improved defensively since being demoted back to the fourth division, as seen by the previous season, when the right players were brought in to strengthen the backline.
Last season, under Johnnie Jackson, players like Joe Lewis, Ryan Johnson, and John-Joe O’Toole—all of whom are still with the team this season—became important defensive players, demonstrating that the former Charlton man was making the right decisions in the market and was starting to understand which players best fit his system.
Joe Lewis AFC Wimbledon
The double departures of Currie and Brown this summer, though, has taken a slight rug out from under him. Although both players had contracts with the team, there was not much of a need to sign any more players for the position, so the Dons are now sort of playing catch-up, having to replace two players who were playing three different positions.
After experimenting with several formations throughout the previous season, Jackson ultimately decided on a defensively sound 3-5-2, with the two broader center backs being powerful left and right footers, and the wide players in the midfield five serving as wing-backs. In this formation, Brown played as the left-sided center-half after Ryan Johnson’s injury, with Currie usually playing as the left wing-back. Brown did an excellent job in this role.
League Two Stats for Lee Brown, 2023–2024
Looks
24
Minutes on Average for Each Game
76
Objectives
0
The number of shots in each game
0.3
Clear Sheets
8
Touches Every Game
45.8
Helps
3.
Important Passes in Each Game
0.5
Per-Game Successful Tackles
0.8
Won in Total Duels Per Game
2.2
Statistics accurate as of May 4, 2024, according to Sofascore
But now that they are both gone, Jackson is favoring players like Ethan Sutcliffe and Leo Young in the position where Brown was thriving last season and has started to use players like Aron Sasu, Josh Neufville, and Myles Hippolyte in Currie’s absence.
Although each of the three makeshift wing-backs has appeared at ease in their respective roles, they lack true defensive acumen and are far more offensive players than Jackson would likely want playing in that position. Additionally, Sutcliffe and Young have never played full-time EFL football, so if Jackson were to rely on them this season, he would be throwing them in at the deep end.
Are any left-back acquisitions imminent for AFC Wimbledon?
The position of left-back itself has not seen a lot of attention lately, but the Dons are presently considering Paul Appiah, who has played left center-half in his two preseason games thus far.
Following his release from the Foxes, Johnnie Jackson last weekend stated that the former defender for Aston Villa and Leicester City was on trial with the team.
He was out on loan to Maidstone United for a portion of the previous campaign, but in his two appearances for the Dons, against Brentford FC and Met Police FC, he has shown promise, although not much flash.
Jackson claimed, “He is come in with a tremendous eagerness, want to work hard and to try to prove himself to earn anything,” in an interview with South London Press, confirming that Appiah was the person the Dons had put on trial.
“I felt he performed well against Brentford and at Met Police last week; it was a nice test for him.”
“We will retain him on staff for the upcoming week, engage in some internal activities where we can get more experience and time to get to know him better, and then we will decide where to take it from there.”
Adding left-backs to the roster will help Johnnie Jackson finish his new scheme.
It is essential that the Dons buy a left-sided full back this summer, regardless of whether Appiah signs a permanent deal after his trial; with that signing, Jackson’s revamped Wimbledon team will be complete.
Since their unceremoniously demotion to League Two back in 2022, this season will mark the first time that the team will be without any players, and Jackson has entirely changed the look of his team as a result.
In contrast to lumping the ball up toward their target forwards, Pigott and Bugiel, the Dons finally appear to be playing with the ball much more on the floor. Instead, they are trying to move the ball into dangerous areas out wide, where it can be played into the box for a striker to attack and score, or for any late-arriving midfielders.
Pigott Joe
The signing of a left-back will complete that new look, as the Dons will have the depth to play the 3-5-2 configuration going forward or convert to a back four if needed.
The only options left to the Dons if a back four is required during the season and they do not sign a player for the left side of the defense are Sasu, Hippolyte, and Neufville. For many supporters, that would be a nightmare scenario because all three of those players are skilled attackers rather than strong, aerial full-backs.
Whether they decide to stick with their current roster and offer Appiah a permanent contract or go all out and spend a little money on bringing in a left-back during the remaining summer transfer window is ultimately up to Jackson and his transfer team, but if Jackson is successful in completing the remaining transfer moves in the remaining time, Wimbledon could be in for an extremely successful season.
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Sad News So Much Potential!’ – Johnnie Jackson Breaks Down-……… Aron Sasu’s Impact as Wing-Back in AFC Wimbledon’s Pre-Season Clash with Brentford”
Johnnie Jackson discusses Aron Sasu’s impact as a wing-back in AFC Wimbledon’s pre-season match against Brentford, saying, “So Much Potential!”**
Every game during the intense preseason is a vital chance for players to demonstrate their skills and adjust to new positions. The recent match between AFC Wimbledon and Brentford gave manager Johnnie Jackson a crucial look into emerging sensation Aron Sasu’s potential. Even though the squad lost, Jackson’s compliments about Sasu showed that the youthful wing-back had a bright future.
Sasu’s New Role
Aron Sasu played the position of wing-back in the preseason friendly versus Brentford, which requires both offensive flare and defensive discipline. This tactical change attempted to meet some of Wimbledon’s strategic requirements while taking use of Sasu’s adaptability and athleticism. Even though Sasu’s team lost the match 2-1, it demonstrated his promise and ability to adjust to a difficult new role.
As a wing-back, Sasu had to cover a lot of territory in order to contribute to both offensive and defensive moves and provide width on the sides. This dual role demonstrates the tactical flexibility that Jackson hopes his team will possess and marks a substantial change from traditional full-back responsibilities.
Jackson’s Accolades
Johnnie Jackson praised Sasu’s performance after the match. Jackson said, “Aron has so much promise.” “I think he has what it takes to succeed in this challenging role that we are asking him to take on. Even in this difficult game, his work rate, flexibility, and eagerness to learn have been remarkable.”
Jackson’s remarks demonstrate his faith in Sasu’s potential to develop into a wing-back. The manager is excited about Sasu’s potential going forward in addition to his present performance. According to Jackson, the young player is essential to Wimbledon’s long-term goals and tactical development.
Sasu’s Display in the Public Eye
Even with the loss, onlookers found Sasu’s performance to be impressive. His enthusiasm and dedication on the field were apparent as he provided overlapping runs to help the attack and made multiple critical defensive interventions. Although there were certain things to work on, such timing and placement, Sasu’s excitement to take on the new role stood out.
The Brentford match presented Sasu with a formidable test, exposing both his areas of weakness and his areas of strength. His ability to handle the tempo and rigor of a squad such as Brentford bodes well for his future.
The Path Ahead for Wimbledon and Sasu
Aron Sasu’s transition to a wing-back position is only one aspect of AFC Wimbledon’s preparation for the forthcoming campaign. Jackson’s dedication to realizing Sasu’s potential is a sign of a larger plan to assemble a more adaptable and dynamic team. The manager’s openness to trying out different positions and strategies is indicative of a progressive mindset focused on long-term success.
Everyone will be watching Sasu closely as the season goes on to see how he develops and fits into the team’s goals. The preseason matchup with Brentford has created an opportunity for Sasu to establish himself and make a substantial impact on Wimbledon’s goals.
Reactions from Fans and Media
Fans’ and the media’s responses have generally been in favor of Sasu’s role and Jackson’s goal. The idea of watching a young talent like Sasu blossom under Jackson’s tutelage excites supporters. Media attention has been on Sasu’s potential and the encouraging indicators from his play, especially during the preseason.
Aron Sasu has emerged as a talent to watch, and overall, AFC Wimbledon has learned a lot from their preseason loss to Brentford. Jackson’s upbeat evaluation of Sasu’s potential is encouraging for the player and the squad, laying the groundwork for a bright future.
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