Maecky Ngombo has joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan until the end of the season. The Belgium U-21 striker joins from German second division side Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Maecky Ngombo Makes MK Dons Switch
The 21-year old forward began his career at Standard Liege and progressed through their academy. World-class players like Christian Benteke, Marouane Fellaini and Michy Batshuayi have also come through the same academy.
After transferring to Roda JC, in the Dutch Eredivisie, Ngombo made his debut in a 0-0 draw with FC Groningen. He scored his first goal for the club in just his third appearance, slotting in against SC Heeerenveen in a cup quarter-final.
After scoring his first league goal for Roda against FC Utrecht, he went on to score a further three goals against Ajax and Feyenoord respectively.
The form shown by the youngster meant that he was called up to the Belgium Under-21 squad for their UEFA European Qualifier against Moldova, a game Belgium won 2-0.
Rather than renewing his contract in Holland, Ngombo made the move to Germany. He signed a two-year contract with Fortuna Dusseldorf of the Bundesliga 2. Limited game time for his new club, coupled with no goals, meant that Ngombo was sent out on loan, and it was MK Dons manager Robbie Neilson that managed to snap him up.
Maecky Ngombo has become Robbie Neilson’s third signing of the January transfer window. The new manager, appointed as a successor to Karl Robinson on 2nd December, has already made significant changes to what Robinson left behind.
The loans of George Williams, Ryan Colclough and Jack Hendry were all cancelled. Also, the appointment of Neil MacFarlane as first team coach has turned the Dons’ fortunes. The Dons have lost just twice in the league since Neilson’s appointment.
How Will He Fit In?
Recent matches have seen Neilson switch his formation depending on the opposition, something that Robinson rarely did. This makes it difficult to know just where Maecky Ngombo will fit in, as someone with his pace and strength could be deployed on the wing too.
With Chuks Aneke coming into form recently, scoring consecutive braces, it seems as though his position in the squad is cemented. Kieran Agard overtook Dean Bowdtich as the club’s top scorer for the season with his strike against Peterborough at the weekend. His position on the right of midfield could be confirmed too.
Leicester City loanee Harvey Barnes has been a revelation for the Dons. The 18 year-old’s impact in scoring two goals in his two appearances has helped the Dons score nine goals in their previous two games. His pace and energy also excites the fans. Barnes’ position may be shared with new signing Robbie Muirhead. The Scottish forward was deployed as a striker at his previous club Hearts. However, with Nicky Maynard improving with every game, he may have to make do with playing on the left.
This means that Ngombo and Maynard will likely battle it out for the striker position. If he can make an instant impact, it may not be too hard to displace Maynard. The struggling striker has just one goal this season. Though his work rate and performances are improving, his goal-rate could see Maecky Ngombo move ahead of him in the pecking order.
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