Lincoln City captain Sonny Bradley believes Deji Elerewe has a big future in the game after watching his defensive partner seize his chance this season.
Elerewe had to be patient following his £120,000 move from Bromley, but has made himself a regular as we have stepped up to the Championship. He played a minor role towards the end of our League One title campaign, and has almost stepped up from League Two to the Championship, skipping a level.
His performances have already brought five Stacey West Readers’ Man of the Match awards, and Bradley says the qualities behind that rise were apparent on the training ground long before he established himself in the side.
“I could tell straight away in training,” he said in yesterday’s press conference.
“It took him a while to get his chance, but coming in the first couple of weeks I could see that he was a big lad, he was aggressive, he was ready to get stuck in and everything that he was asked to do he could do comfortably.
“So I recognised pretty early that he’s got a big future in the game. He’s had a great start to the season, but it’s just a start. I’m pretty sure with the mentality that he’s got, he’ll want to take it into the rest of this year and certainly into the second half of the season.
“He’s got a big future, Deji.”
Elerewe’s rise also came up as Bradley discussed the competition for places within the squad. With Tom Hamer back from suspension, there are (at least) five capable central defenders battling for three spots. He believes the defender has shown what can happen when a player stays patient and takes the opportunity when it arrives.
“Deji has done that so far. It will be difficult to keep your place at this football club because we’ve got a brilliant group of players, a brilliant squad, and if you look at us on paper now, I think we’ve got at least two players in each position, which gives Chris and Tom a real headache, but I suppose it’s a good headache to have.
“I think everyone that was here last season, we know and did extremely well, but I think everyone that’s come in has added value to the group. Some players might not have played as much as they want, but the effort and the commitment every day, whether that’s in training or on a match day, is there for everyone to see.
“So for a couple of the boys, it might just be about being patient, waiting for their chance, and then, like Deji, once you get that chance, it’s up to you to go and take it.”
Our readers first recognised Elerewe against Derby County, before he followed that with further awards against Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Burnley. Those five awards reflect the impact he has made in the Championship and the League Cup.
Comfortable on the ball, fearless without it, Deji’s future does look bright, and his form will surely be catching the eye of scouts across the Championship and beyond. Bradley’s comments suggest the belief in his potential has been there within the squad for some time.
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