Summer signing Ruben Rodrigues has put in a string of positive displays since making the jump from the National League.
The Portuguese sits at 28 League One appearances and has hit six goals and three assists for Oxford United.
Ruben Rodrigues: Player in Focus
Fluidity
Brought in as a number ten, Rodrigues has played in a variety of positions, which highlights his flexibility to the squad.
The 27-year-old has featured mainly behind Mark Harris but has also played alongside the Welshman, as well as on the right side of a three with several of Oxford’s wingers out injured.
His better performances have come when playing in a central role as the former Notts County man has a knack of finding spaces and picking passes. His creativity is a key part of Oxford’s attack.
Goals and Assists
Admittedly, Rodrigues will feel his numbers in terms of goals and assists should be higher. That said, he has still provided some vital goal contributions.
His first league assist came in a 2-1 win over Charlton before adding another assist and his first goal in a comfortable 3-0 win over Exeter.
The Portuguese added another assist in a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers before scoring in a 2-2 draw at home against Wycombe.
Rodrigues would add a brace in a man of the match performance over Leyton Orient but followed that up with two bookings in Des Buckingham’s first game in charge at Cheltenham.
However, the midfielder returned and would add another brace in another 3-0 home win, this time against Burton.
Despite currently going nine league games without a goal contribution, his all round play remains effective and it won’t be long before he’s back on the scoresheet for the U’s.
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Discipline
One cause for concern is his lack of discipline. In addition to his two yellow cards at Cheltenham, the 27-year-old has picked up another three bookings.
It could be more, however. Rodrigues is often in the ear of the officials, complaining his case. Also, if he feels he is fouled, he tends to bemoan the referee rather than getting back into position and helping the team regroup.
Following the dismissal against the Robins, it has been a part of his game that he is clearly looking to improve but it remains an underlying issue.
Key Player
Despite his discipline matters, he has become one of the first names on the team sheet under both Buckingham and his predecessor, Liam Manning.
However, following a busy festive period, the midfielder (and he isn’t the only one) is starting to look slightly fatigued. The arrival of defensive midfielder Jay Matete on deadline day could provide a much needed rest for the Portuguese, with Buckingham moving personnel around in his absence.
Fresher legs as a second half substitute could help Oxford unlock the opposition defence, although it would be a difficult call to omit him from the starting line-up.
