NAME Lonit Talla

SHIRT NO. 20

POSITION centre-midfield

Team you support and your childhood footballing hero?

Liverpool and Steven Gerrard – just the complete player.

When did you first visit Champion Hill?

Preseason was my first time – I’d never actually played here before.

How did you come to join?

The manager got in contact with me over the summer. He told me his philosophy and how he wants his team to play. I felt it suited me perfectly. Dulwich is a massive club and I was really excited to sign.

Where do you play?

Centre-midfield. I’m a bit of 
an all-rounder so whether playing as a 4,8 or 10 – it’s all the same thing to me really.

Can you play anywhere else?

I can do a job anywhere tbh – 
as long as we keep the ball!

Previous clubs?

Last season I was at Wingate and Finchley before moving to Hendon. I was at Harrow Borough before that.

Any trophies in the cabinet?

Nothing yet. Hopefully this season we can add a few.

Best player you've ever played alongside and why?

My brother Lorent Talla – by a mile! He was at QPR for eight years from the age of 12. A talented and tricky AM he signed a pro contract in the summer of 2024 and made a couple of First Team appearances, but recently joined Portuguese side Rio Ave on a permanent deal.

Toughest Opponent?

Jaden Philogene who’s at Ipswich Town now. So skilful and sharp. I played with and against him a lot growing up and remember he dribbled at me one time and it felt like he’d done about 400 step overs, shifted it and then put it in the top corner. Silly.

Best moment in football?

A good run to the FA Youth Cup Second Round Proper with Uxbridge U18s before losing 4-3 to Newport County – we'd have played away at Blackburn Rovers if we’d got through. A close second was scoring on my Hamlet debut in the win against Dartford.

Best goal you've scored?

The recent one against St Albans City was a strike. I’ve scored a few like that, but I think the sound of the crowd and my family being in the stands made this one better. I actually scored a cracking volley for Hendon against Dulwich last season – sorry!

Best moment since joining?

Preseason trip to Germany was top. The atmosphere at the game with all the flares was great. But we also had a great time outside of the match. The opening day win over Dartford was good too.

Ambitions for this season?

To get promoted...

Favourite stadium you've played in? Probably MK Dons’ Stadium MK. I played there for my Sunday team Highgate Albion in an FA Sunday Cup final last season – we won 3-0 against North Solihull Athletic!

Tell us something about yourself none of us know?

I’m quite boring – everything revolves around football!

If you could change one rule?

I’d get rid of VAR – it’s useless.