I’m your man! But which young ace is up for grabs?
FRANKIE Musonda is relishing the chance to spread his wings and make a name for himself.
The 22-year-old defender, who was on loan at St Albans City last season, has left Championship club Luton Town and is eyeing his next challenge.
Musonda joined the Hatters as an eight-year-old and was given his debut in League Two by Nathan Jones.
He came through the academy with the likes of Leicester City’s James Justin, Norwich City defender Jamal Lewis and brothers Jay and Cole Dasilva, who are at Bristol City and Chelsea, respectively.
And he believes his boyhood club has given him the tools to go on and be a success himself.
“I’ve been under the Luton umbrella for so long now that I think it is the right time for me to make a name for myself and kick-start my career,” Musonda told The NLP. “Instead of being the player on loan from Luton, being Frankie Musonda.
“I’m very thankful for what I’ve had already throughout my career. The amount of players I’ve played with through the academy at Luton – a lot have also become professionals. Compared to other academies at their age groups, it’s a lot who have made it as professionals. But, still, the numbers who haven’t massively outweighs that so being a professional for four or five years now, that is what you dream of. I am grateful for that.”
Regime
Musonda – comfortable at centre-back or right-back – has had temporary spells at Braintree Town, Oxford City, Hemel Hempstead and the Saints – and it’s shown him the value of playing games.
“Going on loan and playing men’s football was a great experience,” he said. “You’re playing with different people and meeting new players, working with different managers with different philosophies and styles of play.
That’s definitely been a good experience. It’s also made me realise how important it is to keep playing so I mature and really master my craft.
“The more I got a clean run of games on loan, the more I felt I was improving and improving. My loans were a bit staggered because I would be back at Luton and involved and then coming out again. It’s always been a bit stopstart so I want to get a solid season in and really prove to myself and others what I can do and the heights I can reach.
“I’m really excited for where I end up next. The challenge, a fresh start and the opportunity to play and show what I can do.
“Hopefully I can get back to the level Luton are at.”
Since leaving Kenilworth Road, Musonda has been following his own strict training regime that involves waking up at 6am every morning to ensure he’s prepared for his next opportunity.
And he has his former bosses’ words ringing in his ears.
“Graeme Jones and Nathan Jones have both been big influences and encouraged me that I can get back up to that level in due time,” he added.
“I’ve spoken to both and in their careers they had setbacks where they had to drop down and try to get back up.
“That’s something me and Nathan spoke about before I left and it is doable. Plenty of players have done it.”