Max Dean has been named the EFL’s Young Player of the Month for October.
The award is given to the EFL’s standout performer, who is under the age 21 or who has turned 21 during the season.
Dean was in excellent goalscoring form last month, scoring four goals in just four starts and playing a crucial role as the Dons ended October with back-to-back victories at Stadium MK.
The 19-year-old bagged a brace in the 2-2 draw with Barrow before finding the net in both the 4-1 triumph over Bradford City and the 3-2 success at home to Swindon Town.
He becomes the sixth MK Dons man to win the EFL Young Player of the Month award, following in the footsteps of Sam Baldock, Patrick Bamford, Dele Alli, Callum Brittain and, most recently, Matt O’Riley.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to win this award,” Dean said. “We had some good results at the end of last month and I was pleased to be able to score the goals I did to help us achieve that.
“There is no better than feeling than scoring a goal. When you look into the crowd and see the faces of the supporters and know you’re making yourself as happy as someone else, it’s a great feeling and gives you an unbelievable buzz.”
Dean continued: “There are some top names that have won this award, including players who are now scoring goals in the Premier League, so if I could have half the career of any of those guys then I would be made up.
“Ultimately, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates – without them and the chances they created for me, I wouldn’t have been able to score the goals that I did.
“The staff and fans have played their part as well and have been right behind me and the whole team throughout.
“Hopefully we can all kick on, now. We’ll continue to take each game as it comes but we’re only looking up and hopefully we can continue climbing the table.”
MK Dons Head Coach Mike Williamson shared his thoughts on Dean’s achievement, saying: “He deserves every bit of credit he gets because he is an unbelievably infectious character.
"When I arrived, I knew straight away that I was going to enjoy working with Max. I think his personality and charisma is the best thing about him, which you constantly see on the pitch.
"He has an incredibly high-ceiling, mostly because of his maturity and willingness to learn. He understands how much he’s got to learn - not only is he willing to put in the hours, he's also aware of what he needs to do, which is the making of a top player.”
Williamson added: “You can always see the shift he puts in, and how much it means to him, even in training! He’s a real popular character, who is loved by the lads and that’s because he cares, and in return people care for him which is a perfect scenario.
"I’m really looking forward to seeing what level he can get to and I’m really looking forward to continuing working with him."
