He’s not the quickest. He’s not the strongest. Weaving a merry dance around opposition defenders or unlocking a deep-lying back-four with an inch-perfect through ball isn’t really his thing.
But if the ball drops loose, expect to see Jack Rudoni steam in and finish with trademark efficiency.
AFC Wimbledon’s 20-year-old rising star is a boyhood Chelsea fan (London News Online). He grew up idolising Frank Lampard.
And while Rudoni might never emulate the achievements of a man who still stands as the fifth-most prolific footballer in Premier League history, Lampard’s influence is clear to see every single the Carshalton-born midfielder pops up inside the penalty area and adds to his already eye-catching goal tally.
“He’s a really fun player. He’s an attacking midfielder, can play in any of those positions behind the striker,” EFL doyen Ali Maxwell tells Sky’s 21 Under 21 show.
“He’s not someone who stands out massively in terms of dribbling and creativity. But when you’re looking at players who can go right to the very top, you’re looking at crucial skills that translate and are very valuable the higher you go.”
Is Jack Rudoni bound for the Premier League?
Rudoni has seven goals to his name this season. No one has scored more for a Wimbledon side glancing nervously over their shoulder at the dreaded drop zone.
“Jack Rudoni has a knack for scoring goals and getting into goalscoring positions,” Maxwell adds. “He’s got an interesting knack for headed goals as well. And he’s not someone who looks like he’d be dominant in the air.
“Something we can be absolutely sure of is that Rudoni’s goalscoring ability will translate up to higher levels, whether that’s with Wimbledon or beyond.”
With The Dons struggling in League One – in 20th place and without a win since December 7th – ‘beyond’ may be the most likely outcome at present.
Especially with TEAMtalk claiming that Leeds United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers have sent scouts to watch Rudoni recently.
The one-time Crystal Palace youngster also has admirers at Nottingham Forest, Fulham, West Brom and a host of other Championship clubs.
And few at Plough Lane would begrudge Rudoni for seizing his chance at a higher level.
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