Seeing as football is currently suspended, we take a look at the Oxford United players that could win the Player of the Season.
It’s been a terrific season for Karl Robinson’s side. The U’s currently sit 3rd in League One, just two points off the top two, they reached the FA Cup fourth found and the Carabao Cup quarter-final, losing to Newcastle United and Manchester City respectively.
As a result, there are a number of key players that could easily win the award, and we have narrowed it down to just six.
Josh Ruffels
Left-back Josh Ruffels has been ever-present this season, making 45 appearances. Last seasons Supporters Player of the Year seems to become more consistent each year, and his defensive attributes have also improved.
Two Football League Trophy group and one Carabao Cup game aside, Ruffels has played every minute this season when fit. The defender picked up a first-half injury in the U’s draw at Portsmouth in November, missing their FA Cup first-round win at Hayes and Yeading United as result, but other than that, he has been a constant in the team.
Ruffels scored in the U’s defeat at Blackpool, and in wins against Rochdale and Shrewsbury Town. He has also provided four assists this season.
Rob Dickie
Centre back Rob Dickie continues to grow as a player and this season he is at the top of his game. Like Ruffels, he has played 45 games and has also provided four assists.
The 24-year-old, who has been linked with Burnley, Southampton, Derby County and Leeds United as a summer transfer target, has been made captain after John Mousinho picked up an injury, and under his stewardship, the U’s have won five games in succession.
The defender is yet to score in the league this season, but his overall game has become much stronger. The former Reading man is solid in the air and comfortable at playing out from the back.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin
Another key figure this season is defensive midfielder, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin. The 26-year-old, who arrived from Motherwell in the summer, has been a revelation this season.
The Spaniard has only missed games when suspended – having picked up 12 yellow cards this season – or when rested. He has been an influential signing, keeping many other top players out of the side.
The midfielder has excelled when dropped deep. It allows the attacking midfielders to create more, provides cover for the defence and allows the back four to push forward with freedom.
Cameron Brannagan
Cameron Brannagan, last seasons Players Player of the Year is once again in the running, and rightly so. The 23-year-old has scored seven goals and provided six assists.
However, just two of those assists have come since returning from injury, which kept him out for the best part of a month. That said, the former Liverpool man still has a big impact on the pitch.
Another player linked with Leeds United, Brannagan can dictate the pace of a game from midfield, as well as creating space and attacking opportunities for his teammates.
James Henry
If it wasn’t for James Henry’s goal over the past two seasons, it’s highly likely that Oxford would be back in League Two. In a year that has seen him miss a month with injury, but also sign a new contract, Henry has continued to impress.
The former Wolves man has scored 14 goals this season and has provided a further ten assists. He scored a brace in three successive home wins against Tranmere, Gillingham and Doncaster, and scored the winner against Wycombe. In his last five games, Henry has been involved in eight of the U’s 14 goals.
It’s not just his threat in front of goal. When Robinson’s squad has been depleted with injuries, Henry has stepped up and covered. Having played mostly as a right-winger, he has also featured behind the striker, as well as in central and defensive midfield.
Matty Taylor
When Oxford announced the signing of Matty Taylor it was a huge relief. Not just because the U’s were short of a striker, but also because Taylor scores goals.
The Oxford-born striker has netted 17 goals from 35 appearances since joining on loan from Bristol City, despite spending time out injured, and his lethal touch has been a key factor as to why the U’s are where they are. His goals have come at crucial times and have often been the key part in picking up the vital points. As a result, Taylor recently won the February League One Player of the Month.
Most of his goals have come from inside the six-yard box, but what this shows is his natural ability to be in the right place at the right time, and when you have the likes of Henry and Brannagan who are able to find a killer pass, he knows the opportunity will come.
Although the U’s lost, his equalising goal against Manchester City was a highlight of the season. Oxford will be hopeful of signing the forward permanently next season, but he’s already said he wants to wait until the summer before making a decision.
