In recent years Oxford United has seen many promising young English players play for the side. Current young players Cameron Brannagan (23) and Rob Dickie (23) are showing potential to play comfortably in a higher division than League One which is evident in Oxford’s current league position (5th as of the 14th January). However, they are not the first Under 23 players to impress for Oxford United in League One. In the 2016/17 season, Oxford’s first in League One this century, midfielder John Lundstram (22 at the time) and centre back Chey Dunkley (23 at the time) started out for the side and played well after helping the club gain promotion in the previous season. This led to both players departing the club for sides who now play in the Premier League (Sheffield United) and the Championship (Wigan). Despite playing in a higher league I believe that both players would not easily walk into Oxford’s current line up over the players previously stated.
One previous player who I would not replace for his successor Chey Dunkley. Based off of this current season’s stats (footystats.org) Dunkley has kept only 5 clean sheets in 24 games in all competitions. Also, he has conceded 1.38 goals per 90 minutes. These poor defensive displays are reflected in Wigan’s current championship position of 23rd.
In contrast, Rob Dickie has 17 clean sheets in 34 games in all competitions and 0.98 goals per 90 minutes which is significantly better than Dunkley’s defensive stats despite Dickie playing more games this season. Dunkley however has been more of an offensive threat with 5 goals scored so far compared to Dickie’s 1 goal, but, the low number of clean sheets kept does not justify a starting place for Dunkley over Dickie.
The position that could be heavily contested for here is of centre midfield between current Oxford player Cameron Brannagan and ex player John Lundstram. Statistically (transfermarkt.co.uk), this season Brannagan has a higher goal contribution with 10 in 25 games (7 goals, 3 assists) than Lundstram with 6 in 21 games in all competitions (3 goals, 2 assists). However, Brannagan’s goal contributions come from 3 different competitions (League one, EFL trophy and Carabao Cup) whereas Lundstram’s contributions are all in the Premier League which is a tougher league to play in. Also, Lundstram has played in all but 1 Premier League this season leading to his team, Sheffield United, currently being in 6th place in their first season in the league from promotion. Whereas, Brannagan has missed 5 league games so far in a lower division with Oxford being 5th in league one. To me this shows that Lundstram more influential to his current side than Brannagan is to Oxford as Lundstram is preforming consistently in a team who is overachieving in the league based on teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham. These statistics and league positions would make me choose Lundstram to start in this current Oxford United side over Brannagan.
Do you agree or disagree with my selections? Let me know in the comments down below
Sources used for statistics:
Image Used:
Leighton's Thoughts and Views 