Opinion: Oxford United Have One of The Best Midfield Around


Oxford United progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last night after an enthralling second half which saw the U’s score four to overcome Premier League opposition, West Ham United.

Despite the arrival of the Premier League outfit, Karl Robinson made numerous changes for the clash, with Cameron Brannagan the only midfielder to keep his place from the side that thrashed Lincoln City 6-0 at the weekend.

What this shows is that Robinson not only has a strong first-choice midfield at his disposal, but there are numerous players that can come in and do a job, as we saw last night.

Cameron Brannagan 

Cameron Brannagan is probably the first name on the team sheet. The former Liverpool man has been a crucial figure for the U’s this season, scoring five goals from thirteen appearances.

The 23-year-old is also versatile in Robinson’s formation. Although he often starts centrally, Brannagan has pushed forward but also, as in the case last night, stayed deep to protect the back four.

James Henry

The second name on the team sheet would be James Henry. The 30-year-old, who has been the U’s top scorer for the past two seasons, has netted four in twelve games and, like Brannagan, can move around the pitch.

The winger has played largely on the right, forming a formidable partnership with Chris Cadden at right-back, but has also featured centrally in behind the striker, a role he played frequently last season.

Tariqe Fosu

On the other wing, new signing Tariqe Fosu has made a blistering start to life at Oxford.

The former Charlton man, who played under Robinson during his time at the Valley, has also been a vital part of the squad, despite missing moments through injury.

Despite playing fewer minutes than the previous two, the winger has netted five goals, including a hat-trick in win the over Lincoln, in just eleven appearances, providing three assists too.

Alex Rodriguez Gorrin

Like Fosu, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin joined the club in the summer from Motherwell. Although the Spaniard has had a varied career, playing in New Zealand and Romania before moving to Scotland, he has been a key figure in the centre of midfield.

Despite picking up four yellow cards in his opening four games, Gorrin has linked well with Brannagan but also protected the back four, allowing Brannagan to push forward and create more opportunities.

Gorrin scored in the U’s pre-season defeat to QPR and, despite not scoring during a competitive match, he has one assist from nine games.

Ben Woodburn

The arrival of Ben Woodburn from Liverpool sparked excitement among Oxford fans.

The 19-year-old, who is the youngest ever Liverpool goalscorer, joined the U’s on a season-long loan and, despite only scoring once from eleven games, the attacking midfielder has provided four assists.

I still feel there is more to come from the youngster, but he’s made a steady start to the season nonetheless.

Anthony Forde

Anthony Forde has almost gone under the radar since his arrival from Rotherham.

The 25-year-old was announced a day after Woodburn, and just one day before the arrival of defender Elliott Moore – a position the U’s were desperate to fill.

That said, the winger has made thirteen appearances, scoring once and adding two assists, and although six of those appearances have come as a substitute, the Irishman has put in a string of decent performances.

Shandon Baptiste

21-year-old Academy graduate Shandon Baptiste has certainly staked a claim for first-team football following his return from injury.

The Grenada international has made six appearances this season, scoring twice and providing once assist.

A fully fit Baptiste could push any of the U’s midfield for their starting place, but at a young age and following a return from injury, Robinson may feel he still needs to bleed him into the side slowly.

Rob Hall

The first of the backup brigade, Rob Hall has made ten appearances for the U’s this season, six as a substitute.

Despite not scoring or providing any assists, the return of Hall has been important after the 25-year-old missed most of last season through injury.

Hall’s return highlights that, despite injuries, players can make a significant return to the squad.

Mark Sykes

Despite being made available for loan by Karl Robinson, Mark Sykes put in a solid performance during the win over West Ham.

Sykes came on as a first-half substitute after George Thorne suffered an injury, and his performance was sensational.

Despite only making four appearances, the Northern Irishman provided two assists in last nights win, and scored a crucial goal in the previous round victory over Millwall.

With Thorne and Jamie Hanson both out injured, it could open the door for the 22-year-old.

Jamie Hanson and George Thorne

Former Derby County midfielder, Jamie Hanson, and on-loan Rams midfielder, Thorne, are both out injured but have also played a part in Robinson’s midfield.

Hanson, who can also cover at right-back, has made eight appearances this season but has been ruled out for up to three months after suffering an injury during the defeat at Fleetwood.

Thorne meanwhile was injury-hit prior to his arrival. The 26-year-old has only managed three appearances for the U’s and was subbed off in the first half last night. The extent of his injury is yet to be confirmed.

Chris Cadden and Josh Ruffels

Chris Cadden and Josh Ruffels have notched up 22 appearances between them, and despite both playing as full-backs, the pair can cover in midfield.

Cadden, who arrived from MLS side Columbus Crew in the summer, has made ten appearances at right-back and provided three assists. His overlapping play with Henry has been key, but the 22-year-old can also cover both wide and centrally in midfield.

Ruffels has scored once this season from twelve appearances, but the converted left-back started his U’s career in midfield.

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