RUBEN Rodrigues says his passion for football is what helps make him differ to other players in his position.
Creative midfielders like Rodrigues are often labelled as ‘luxury players’ due to their occasional languid playing style.
For Oxford United ace Rodrigues though, the other side of the game – including tackling and tracking back – is something he enjoys just as much as grabbing assists and scoring goals.
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The 27-year-old midfielder said: “I’ve always been that kind of player, hard-working and so on. It makes the team easier if I press well.
“If I have to defend, I don’t mind going in the box and making a challenge.
“I love the game of football, so maybe that’s why I have a different mentality and don’t mind running for the team.”
Rodrigues revealed that his three years with Notts County in the Vanarama National League played a huge part in him improving his defensive duties.
The midfielder, who was born in Portugal and brought up in the Netherlands, joined County in August 2020 and won the fans’ player of the season award during his debut campaign.
He scored 19 goals and bagged 15 assists to help the Magpies secure promotion to Sky Bet League Two last season, prior to joining United.
In total, he netted 51 times for the club across three seasons, including in the National League play-off final against Chesterfield in May.
On the defensive side of the game, Rodrigues said: “It came about when I came to England because playing in the National League, I was up against top opponents and not the best pitches.
“You have to dig deep to get wins. That made me humble and work hard, and now I’m in League One, I still want to work even harder now.”
Discussing the style of play with the U’s, Rodrigues added: “The gaffer wants to play from the back, passing and creating overloads in midfield.
“Going forward, he gives us the freedom and he takes responsibility for that. It gives players like me and Billy Bodin, and whoever’s in the creative play, the ability to go and make mistakes. We’re playing really enjoyable football now.”
Since arriving at United, Rodrigues’ main rival for a place in the starting line-up has been Bodin, although in recent games, a switch of shape has allowed both to play.
Rodrigues said: “The rivalry’s been good. We’ve got great depth in the team and you can see whenever anyone comes in, he does the same and maybe sometimes better than what you’ve done, so it makes it good.
“In training, there’s always good competition, but respectful competition. If my rival comes in, I want him to do well because it’s a team effort.
“Me and Billy have been playing a lot because the gaffer likes now two attacking midfielders. It makes it easier so we both can play.”
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