Oxford United confirmed the signing of Jamie McDonnell on Sunday from Nottingham Forest. The midfielder had previously been at Mansfield Town on loan but was recalled by Forest earlier this month ahead of his move to Oxford.
Speaking about the move on the official Oxford website, manager Matt Bloomfield stated: “At every level he’s played, he’s stepped up and shown maturity, authority and a real understanding of the game that goes beyond his age.
“He has excellent quality in midfield, a strong work ethic and a real desire to improve. He’s already gained valuable experience and we believe he has a very big future here.”
With this in mind, the following piece states three things that the midfielder will bring to Oxford as they strive for good form in the English second tier.
In League One this season with Mansfield, McDonnell made 83 tackles whilst also winning 170 duels, showing his defensive abilities.
The midfielder also won 62.7% of his duels and 68.4% of his aerial duels, showing his ability in one-on-one situations.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old also blocked seven shots and won the ball eight times in the final third demonstrating his eagerness to gain the ball for his team.
If he can transfer some of these statistics into his career at Oxford United, McDonnell will bring defensive solidity to United.
At Mansfield this season, Jamie McDonnell scored two goals showing that he can contribute in front of goal.
As well as this, the midfielder also created nine chances, showing his ability to contribute to attacking situations.
Here, it is clear that even from a defensive midfield position, McDonnell is able to contribute offensively to his team and is able to provide them with a base for success in attacks.
As previously stated, Bloomfield specifically commented on McDonnell’s “strong work ethic and a real desire to improve.”
Meanwhile, at 21, the midfielder still has a long way to go in his career.
With this in mind, the former Colchester United man arguably will come to Oxford United with a desire to prove himself in the English second tier and to succeed whilst with Oxford.
