The MK Dons academy has produced it’s fair share of talent over the years. Sheyi Ojo, on the brink of the first team at Liverpool, came through the youth system at Milton Keynes before being sold. Brendan Galloway, now of West Bromwich Albion, also went to Merseyside to join Everton.
The most notable however, is Dele Alli. The attacking midfielder broke into the side at the end of the 2012-13 season. He was then a central figure in the Don’s promotion season in 2014-15, where he was sold to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for £5 million. He is now rumoured to be the interest of many of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Is Ben Tilney a Suitable Replacement for Dean Lewington at MK Dons?
It seems now, though, that a new face has the potential to join this trio. Ben Tilney has been in and around the squad at MK Dons for some years now. It is only recently, however, that he has begun to get into match-day squads and become part of the plans at Stadium MK.
The left-back made his full debut for the club back in August. This was in the first round of the EFL Cup, a 3-2 comeback win away at Newport County. He played the full 90 minutes and even scored the equalising goal, a long-range drive beating Joe Day in the top corner.
Since then, first team opportunities have been limited. Club captain Dean Lewington has managed to keep his place in the side, despite calls for him to be replaced. When he’s not able to play, George Williams has been excellent cover for him.
However, recent injuries and suspensions have left the Dons short at the back. The Dons have been bare there nearly all season. Scott Wootton was ruled out for the season in September and Jack Hendry’s loan deal ended in January. So when Lewington got injured in training and Joe Walsh suspended, Tilney was given his first chance under manager Robbie Neilson.
Breaking into the team
On 14th February, Tilney made his league debut for the Dons. He did well too, helping to keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at Bury. He played on the left side of a back four, which included George Baldock and Paul Downing in their regular positions, and George Williams covering at centre-back.
Speaking after the game, Tilney said “I’ve got a taste for it now after getting that full 90 minutes – I just want to do it all again.”
He did just that. The same back four started in Saturday’s home defeat to Fleetwood, but it wasn’t all bad for Tilney. He looked comfortable at the back and seemed to engage well with the players around him. His performance resulted in him being voted Man of the Match by the club too.
Many fans have been calling for Dean Lewington to be replaced recently. Despite his legendary status among the Dons faithful, some feel as though he just isn’t up to the required standard anymore. Whether he is replaced any time soon is yet to be seen, but Robbie Neilson may think twice now about looking to the transfer market for a replacement.
Ben Tilney could certainly do the job.
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