Daniel Powell was one of the first players through MK Dons’ Academy and over the next couple of weeks, he’ll be keeping a close eye on a fellow graduate.
That former teammate is midfield sensation Dele Alli, who is currently away with England at Euro 2016.
He became the Club’s first Academy product to feature at a major international tournament when he played in the Three Lions’ opener against Russia and he’s expected to feature from the start on Thursday when they take on Wales.
“I’ll definitely be watching Dele throughout the Euros,” Powell told mkdons.com. “It’ll be great to see how he gets on.
“We were only playing with him last year and although he was probably the best player here, it just shows we’re not a million miles away from it.
“He’s one of the best young players in the world at the moment and it gives us all a bit of belief here, playing at MK Dons.”
He continued: “The things we saw Dele doing in training and in games here, he’s doing now in the Premier League and on the international stage. It’s remarkable, really!
The Dons’ Academy has received a ton of praise following Alli’s recent performances in the Premier League and Powell believes his fame will only help those young players currently in the Club’s system.
He continued: “Fortunately I came through before Dele, so I’m not like all the future youngsters who will be compared to him – are they the next Dele or not?
“In all seriousness, it’s great for them young lads to see someone like Dele go on and do what he’s done.”
Fancy a flutter on Euro 2016? Don't forget MK Dons will benefit from every person who signs up to Sky Bet and registers themselves as a Dons supporter - click here to register with Sky Bet!
He became the Club’s first Academy product to feature at a major international tournament when he played in the Three Lions’ opener against Russia and he’s expected to feature from the start on Thursday when they take on Wales.
“I’ll definitely be watching Dele throughout the Euros,” Powell told mkdons.com. “It’ll be great to see how he gets on.
“We were only playing with him last year and although he was probably the best player here, it just shows we’re not a million miles away from it.
“He’s one of the best young players in the world at the moment and it gives us all a bit of belief here, playing at MK Dons.”
He continued: “The things we saw Dele doing in training and in games here, he’s doing now in the Premier League and on the international stage. It’s remarkable, really!
The Dons’ Academy has received a ton of praise following Alli’s recent performances in the Premier League and Powell believes his fame will only help those young players currently in the Club’s system.
He continued: “Fortunately I came through before Dele, so I’m not like all the future youngsters who will be compared to him – are they the next Dele or not?
“In all seriousness, it’s great for them young lads to see someone like Dele go on and do what he’s done.”
Fancy a flutter on Euro 2016? Don't forget MK Dons will benefit from every person who signs up to Sky Bet and registers themselves as a Dons supporter - click here to register with Sky Bet!
