As a writer, I have chosen not to cover the reformatted Football League Trophy. It goes against many things that lower league football stands for, with the inclusion of Premier League academy teams being introduced into the EFL’s cup competitions.
However, on Tuesday night, Oxford United edged past Walsall 1-0 to top the group and progress to the next round. This article isn’t about the game, or even the prospect of going further in the competition, but about the young players that U’s boss Karl Robinson introduced and how it could affect their growth.
For starters, Jack Stevens began the game in goal. The 23-year-old also started in the FA Cup loss against Peterborough United at the weekend but it is clear that he is no longer a backup goalkeeper, he is also capable of pushing Simon Eastwood for the number one jersey. Although he didn’t have a lot to do at Walsall, Stevens looks confident between the sticks and was on hand when the U’s faced the Posh.
Nico Jones started alongside the returning John Mousinho at the heart of defence. It was the first time this season the pair have played together but they looked comfortable with the Saddlers attacking threats. Jones showed his inexperience once or twice but, on the whole, it was a rounded performance from the 18-year-old. It was his third appearance in the competition, highlighting that he won’t be a regular anytime soon. However, Jones and Stevens were part of the side that not only kept the clubs first clean sheet of the season, but the first clean sheet for 20 games.
Alongside Jones in defence was left-back, Michael Elechi. This was his second appearance of the season, with his first also coming in this competition. The arrival of Jordan Obita looks likely to limit any potential game time, so a loan move could do him some good.
With ten minutes remaining, 19-year-old Leon Chambers-Parillon made his senior debut. As far as debuts go, it was pretty impressive from the midfielder. The academy graduate looked comfortable on the ball and even played a delightful pass to Derick Osei Yaw to score the games only goal two minutes from time.
Speaking of Osei Yaw, the striker much cut a frustrated figure at the club. Having scored the winner last night, he took his tally to three goals for the season, with all coming in this competition. Unlike the previous players, the Frenchman has been involved in other competitions this season. Last night was his eighth appearance in all, but the forward has been omitted from Robinson’s 22-man league squad.
