Matt O’Riley feels the 2020/21 campaign has been one of learning, and although he’s excited for next season, he wants to ensure MK Dons finish the current campaign in strong fashion.
O’Riley is one of a number of young players at the start of their professional careers, aged just 20, the midfielder has made huge strides this season. He joins the likes of Harry Darling (21), Warren O’Hora (21), Andrew Fisher (23), Zak Jules (23) and Charlie Brown (21) to name a few who have exciting futures at Stadium MK.
Although the Dons may not reach the promotion spots, O’Riley is eager to see what the Dons could achieve moving forwards.
“If we can keep the core of the team together and add a few more for depth, we'll be a really good outfit next season,” O’Riley told iFollow MK Dons. “We're all getting more used to the style of play and the structure, so with regards to next season we'll be a really good team, and even this season, we want to finish as high as we can to put us in a good place.
“I want to finish this season strongly as an individual, and as a team to finish as high as we can and put ourselves in a good position to go into the new season.
“If you can come to places like Ipswich and dominate, it'll make us a really good outfit going into next season.”
The Dons boasted 67% possession at Portman Road, completing 502 of their 593 attempted passes. O’Riley misplaced just seven of his 40 passes and praised those around him for making his job easier such is their quality.
“We dominated but we're disappointed not to come away with three points. Especially in the second half, we had some really good chances, we just couldn't put them away.
“I had a few good chances which I couldn't put in which I should have. Going forwards, if we want to be a really good team, we have to be more ruthless in front of goal.
“Josh and Surs give us that added control when we're trying to play out – they know when to pass quickly or slow it down. Then when myself and Scotty get it, we try and affect the game as much as we can.”
