Young Hammer Reece Oxford made hs first apearance before David Moyes in the FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town last night. Here’s how ClaretandHugh’s man at the match Danny Danielli Leach saw his 90 minutes.
1 – An unsuccessful sliding interception luckily leads to nothing
3 – Has a slightly scuffed shot outside the area with his right foot blocked
8 – Clears the ball into the other half unnecessarily as a player with his ability should be able to play it on the floor
8 – Mistimes a header and gives away a free kick in the process
9 – Heads away the ball from danger from a free kick in the box
14 – Mistimes two tackles and gives away a foul for the latter
15 – Shields the opposition player very well preventing any serious attack
16 – On the edge of the opposition goal area he stands up and times his tackle well to prevent a counter attack
20 – Controls a poor clearance really well before making a good pass to Martinez
21 – Fails to get a tackle on Beckles and allows him to cross the ball in from the left hand side
29 – Apparently fouls the goalkeeper after merely leaning into him
30 – Boots away the ball into the other half
34 – Plays a great volley pass back to Hart from the half way line
41 – Stands up against the opposition player very well forcing him into playing a poor pass to the striker
48 – Takes advantage by snatching the ball from opposition when the player makes a poor touch and passes it out wide to Ayew
50 – Holds up the ball really well as he is constantly pulled by the opposition before laying the ball to Obiang
58 – Covers Masuaku very well when he ventured in field
63 – Plays a really poor pass across the centre of midfield allowing the opposition striker a 1v1 which was saved off the line
67 – Controls an awkward ball with his head then chest before playing it to Obiang
69 – Moyes substitutes him for Noble
Verdict – 6 – While not his finest performance it is clear he is an immensely talented player. He showed composure in midfield as he dominated it with Obiang and Cullen. His passing, vision and mental reading of the game were superb apart from 1 bad pass. His tackling does need to improve a bit though. Going forward I expect big things from Oxford as he has the potential to be one of the best holding midfielders in English football.
Thanks, Danny. Finding these detailed insights really useful, having not seen the game myself. Good job. Fingers crossed your assessment of his long term potential comes true – we all want him to succeed.
I like them also Buddy, they are a great addition.
I actually thought he looked fairly disinterested, played a lot of negative passes that were easy, he looks stronger than he was for sure but he should be playing in defence not as a DM I would have given him a 4 or 5 distinctly average against poor opposition.
Agree I thought calling him back was a mistake & defo think so now tho I wish he showed more interest it seems it set him back after getting himself in starting BMG team to come back & most likely not be in first team.
But he looked like he didn’t want to be here wants to be back at BMG. Hate to sell him but should loan back.
Tho I would sell if Thorgan comes other way
Agreed 32; some of his passes were sloppy, but I’m hoping it was a one-off, and we’ll see the real Oxford in the not too distant future??
Lets not forget he had a minor injury and was touch and go to even play apparently.
I thought the same Irvine said Ankle still botnera him some but then I’ve hears he wasn’t injured was training alone with Sakho bc wasn’t happy to be called back.
Not sure if any truth to it but could make sense vs spraining ankle first day back
He played like he’s still pead ? Unimpressive display for me ! Can do much better for sure , 5 from me ! He could still go back in this window ! Definitely was not happy last night ? Moyes at Chelsea tonight ? Madison or the bat ??
The Bat. Wish it was Maddison would love to have him already great & will only get better.
I would also ask Man city for Gunn who had a great game & to take Hart back.
Michy didn’t have great game he is ok but rather go after Smolov & Michy wants to go to Sevilla.
Need to lower are price on AC btwm £10-£15m more then fair Llorente scored 15 goals went for 12m & then could get Smolov who could be a great fit has great workrate good w both feet & head £15m at 27 acoejng for fun & physical worth a go.
And AC wants move & slows are pkay down best as sub only matter of time before gets injured at 29 Injury prone & head turned we should take £10m if offer & move on w 18mo left too.
But wish we would spend on Maddison been about him all season free kick specialist 8&8 & I think have no problem fitting in PL but don’t thinmnis on Moyes radar.
Wolves want Fonte supposedly makes sense Portuguese connection & want 2 CBs & CF before summer to help promotion & PL love £6m won’t get more then that at 24 & w Sully slagging him off & rather sell him then Ginge.
Seems we are more focused on selling then buying but Ayee & £20m for Mawson NO we won’t spend £20m on DM & have CBs Mawson can wait till summer. If sell Ayew need to replace w creativity bc not a striker a #10 or 2nd striker Maddison be great or Elynoussoui Max Arnold etc
Dendockner can play CB well & great passing DM & £15m can get him hope board & Moyes push move thru at 22 has over 150 apps under him & wants move said willing to accept 15m Euros he is easily worth £20m should be all over him posistiom we need & can pass & cover another position.
I’d love Sell AC & Ayew – replace AC w Smolov & Ayew w James Maddison
Then buy Dendockner w Kiity & if want RW Lazar Markovic much better then Traore & could get cheap or on loan to buy.
I would be haply with that Smolov, Maddison, Dendockner, Markovic 21-27 good age range & be savy business bc all of them could be worth more after regular PL game tims
Danny I wish you had not included that final sentence about his potential to be one of the best holding midfielders in the country. i am told the owners follow this blog…….