Sometimes, a debut for a new club can be difficult. There is a certain expectation to perform, to provide and to please fans. Fortunately for Tariqe Fosu and Oxford United, his debut was top drawer. The 23-year-old was in fine form as the U’s drew their opening League One fixture at promotion hopefuls Sunderland, and the former Charlton Athletic winger netted the opener.
Tariqe Fosu Impresses on Oxford United Debut at Sunderland
Solid Debut for Tariqe Fosu
To get a goal on your debut is terrific, but to put in a shift as Fosu did will please the travelling fans. The winger was relentless down the left, twisting and jinking through the Black Cats’ defence.
His link-up play was also impressive. Playing quick passes with his teammates to move the defenders, whilst creating space for himself to attack the opponents’ backline.
And he took his goal well. He was played through expertly and although he was one-on-one, the 23-year-old kept his composure in front of a 33,000 capacity crowd.
Reunited with Robinson
After turning down a new contract with the Addicks following their promotion to the Championship, Oxford United snapped up the tricky winger.
A majority of Charlton fans weren’t too disappointed to see the back of the former Reading man, who struggled under Lee Bowyer, with most fans admitting his best performances for the club came under the previous manager, Karl Robinson.
So when he rejoined Robinson at Oxford, U’s fans we’re eager to see their new man in action. During pre-season, Fosu put in a string of good performances and scored a clever free-kick as the U’s beat city rivals Oxford City.
Other Debutants
Oxford United made six signings this summer, and four of them started the match at the Stadium of Light. Chris Cadden at right-back, Alex Gorrin in midfield and Ben Woodburn in the number ten role all gave solid performances.
Fosu was the standout player, but Woodburn looked lively and assisted the winger for the U’s goal. Gorrin looked strong in midfield, whilst Cadden looked strong both defensively and offensively.
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