Oxford United extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions on Boxing Day with a 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, but the U’s will be without Alex Rodriguez Gorrin for their next game after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season.
Absence of Alex Rodriguez Gorrin a Blow for Trip to Plymouth Argyle
Holding Midfielder a Crucial Part of the Oxford United Defence
Twenty-seven-year-old midfielder Alex Rodriguez Gorrin has been a key part of Karl Robinson’s squad since his arrival from Motherwell last summer.
The Spaniard made 44 appearances in all competitions last season and was an integral part of the squad as the U’s reached the League One playoff final.
But at the start of this season, Gorrin missed the opening seven games through injury. During that spell, the U’s picked up just one league win and conceded 11 goals.
Return From Injury for Gorrin
However, since the return of Gorrin to the Oxford United first-team, the U’s form has picked up. From the next 14 league games, the defensive unit of the club has been much more secure.
Naturally, the return of other absentees in Josh Ruffels and Rob Atkinson has also had a major impact, as has the replacement of Sean Clare with Sam Long at right-back. But, it is the presence of Gorrin just in front of the back four that has helped the unit pick up points.
In their last five league games, the U’s are unbeaten, picking up points against high-flyers Hull City, Ipswich Town and in-form Blackpool. Robinson’s side followed up the three draws with back-to-back wins over Northampton Town and Wimbledon respectively.
Next up, the U’s travel to Devon to face a Plymouth side that have won just once from their last nine league games. However, it is the sort of fixture that the U’s will need to manage carefully. The defensive unit is relatively inexperienced and the absence of Gorrin to protect them could be a cause for concern.
Potential Replacements
During the absence of Gorrin earlier this season, Oxford opted for Liam Kelly to play the deeper role. Although capable, the on-loan Feyernoord man failed to replicate the success of Gorrin.
Although Kelly remains an option, Robinson may look to different personnel. Centre-back Atkinson is an option, although unlikely. As a former central midfielder, the defender is assured when running out of defence with the ball, but it seems Robinson would want to stick with his partnership of Atkinson and Elliott Moore in defence.
Other selections could include Jamie Hanson, Anthony Forde or James Henry. Hanson, surprisingly given his lack of game time this season, is probably the most likely option. The 25-year-old, who has been hammered with injuries since joining the club in 2018, has made four substitute appearances this season but is a natural for the role. Forde, although more of a right-sided midfielder, has featured centrally in his ten league appearances this season, while right-winger Henry has also played in the middle but is more effective on the wings.
Either way, Robinson is left with a slight selection dilemma. The return of Gorrin after the new year will be key and his absence highlights how much of a key player to the team he is.
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