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Opinion: Eight Oxford Youngsters To Look Out For This Season

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With the new season drawing ever closer, Oxford United haven’t had the best summer in terms of transfer news. Three new faces have arrived at the club, but the loss of Curtis Nelson and the imminent departure of Gavin Whyte have left Karl Robinson’s side looking depleted.

Throughout pre-season, many of the Under 23 players have featured, but due to the lack of depth in the squad, it’s likely they could feature in the first team as opposed to spending time out on loan.

Here are eight youngsters that could have an important season at the club.

Shandon Baptiste

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene last season but spent most of the campaign on the sideline during an injury-hit year.

He scored a memorable debut goal at Newport County in a League Cup clash and even captained the side as the U’s crashed out of the competition to eventual winners, Manchester City.

If he can stay injury-free, the midfielder could be an integral part of the first team and despite not featuring regularly, he is a firm favourite amongst the fans.

Nico Jones

The 17-year-old centre back Jones also made his senior debut for the club last season and following the departure of Curtis Nelson and the failure so far to lure another centre back to the club, Jones could have some big boots to fill.

He made his debut in the 3-2 win at Shrewsbury Town, and despite scoring an unfortunate own goal in his home debut against Doncaster Rovers, the youngster hasn’t looked phased when on the pitch.

Jones has started in four of the U’s eight pre-season matches so far as Robinson searches for his perfect partnership, with skipper John Mousinho, Rob Dickie and a trialist, Jon Guthrie, all playing in that position.

And despite his age, the young defender has shown great maturity and it’s likely he’ll feature more regularly this season.

Jack Stevens

Given the speculation that Simon Eastwood could be heading back to Blackburn Rovers, that would leave 21-year-old Jack Stevens as the U’s only ‘senior’ goalkeeper.

After Eastwood was dismissed as the U’s beat promoted Charlton Athletic on Good Friday,  Stevens made his senior debut for the club, with his only first-team experience coming during loan spells with Oxford City among others.

He put in a solid display, expertly denying an effort from Patrick Bauer.

And after Scott Shearer took up a coaching role, Stevens is now number two, so he’ll likely feature more this season.

Kevin Berkoe

Berkoe was Robinson’s first signing of the summer. Arriving from Wolves, it looked likely the 18-year-old left-back would feature for the under 23 side, but he, like many of the youngsters, has been involved frequently during pre-season.

With Josh Ruffels as the U’s only left-back, Berkoe could feature when Robinson needs to rotate his players as he is the clubs only other player to fill that position.

Mark Sykes

The 21-year-old arrived from NIFL side Glenavon in January and made nine appearances as the U’s propelled themselves clear of the relegation zone to achieve a mid-table finish.

With eleven under 21 caps, Sykes was called up to the senior side along with Gavin Whyte but is yet to make his senior debut.

He looks a promising talent, and given the current status of the squad, I’d be surprised if he didn’t stake a claim to become a first-team regular.

Malachi Napa

The 20-year-old winger was likely to be loaned out again this season, but due to lack of depth in the squad, he could feature.

The youngster has made 15 appearances for the U’s but has spent large parts of his time at the club out loan at Hampton & Richmond Borough and Macclesfield Town.

Having started in four of the clubs eight pre-season friendlies so far, he managed to find the net in the U’s 3-5 win at Oxford City.

Kyran Lofthouse

The 18-year-old forward, who can also play on the wing, only signed his first professional contract last season but has had a promising pre-season.

Despite not making his competitive debut yet, Lofthouse found the net in the U’s victory at Oxford City and has started in five of the clubs friendlies.

The forward, who came on as a sub at Rangers, looks lively and could have added to his only goal after some impressive displays.

Fabio Lopes

Lopes made his senior debut for the club at just 16 years old last season as Oxford beat Coventry City 2-0.

He became the third-youngest player for the club and the youngest in over 40 years. He has started four of the U’s pre-season matches and scored in the 1-2 win at Brackley Town.

A pacey forward, he can cause problems for defenders, and at just 17 years old, he could be the youngest to make a significant breakthrough.

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