By Ethan Georgiou

The Club is pleased to announce a number of players from our Academy have signed scholarship agreements and made the jump from Under-16 to Under-18 level.

Under-16/17s Coach Dan Thomas tells us a little bit about the new recruits.

Xavier Benjamin

“He’s been with the academy all the way through. He lives in South London and joined us at Under-9s level. Xavier is a centre-back or right-back but has also played in midfield at some stages during his progression through the Academy. He’s a strong, quick, powerful defender and a good leader. He likes to wear the armband and is very vocal when out on the pitch.”

Xavier Benjamin

Matt Dibley-Dias

“Matt came to us from Brentford when they closed their academy, so at Under-14s level. He’s an attacking midfield player, very technical and has an eye for a goal. 

"He lives in North London but joined the Coombes Boys’ School programme, where he’s been for the last two years. We’ve got high hopes for him."

Imani Lanquedoc

“Imani’s another South London boy who’s come through the academy. He’s been with us since the age of 11. He’s a strong, aggressive attacking-midfield player who likes to win the ball back and is good at dribbling. He can also cover at right-back which adds versatility to his game. He’s quiet but very focused and likes to score goals.”

Michael Olakigbe

“He joined us at Under-14s from QPR. Michael’s a very direct right-winger who loves to dribble and take players on. He’s a real hard worker with pace and is your classic winger.

"He managed to play up in the Under-18s a couple of times last season and scored a couple of goals. He’s already shown he’s capable of playing at this level.”

Michael Olakigbe

Stefan Parkes

“Stefan is another player who came to us from Brentford at 14 and is based in North London. He’s been called up for England and featured a lot for the Under-18s at the start of last season before picking up an injury which hampered him for a large part of the campaign. He’s fully fit now.

"He’s a left-back but can play centre-back and is very calm on the ball, quick and intelligent. He captained at times for the Under-16s with Xavier and so shows strong leadership qualities. He also captained England at Under-15 level. He’s another good prospect.”

Oliver Sanderson

“Olly joined us at Under-9 level and so has been with us throughout. He’s a pacey forward and a good finisher who’s scored a lot of goals in the academy. He’s very direct and has a great attitude.”

 

Oliver Sanderson

Jaylan Wildbore

“Jaylan joined us last year from Burton Albion. He’s another direct forward who also loves to run in behind. He’s a typical striker in that he lives for goals. He was released from Leicester City at 12 but went on to do really well at Burton.”