CRAIG Short has revealed the aspect of Ruben Rodrigues’ game that has proven him wrong this season.
Rodrigues signed for Oxford United from Notts County in June, and has gone on to become a key cog in the U’s side.
The creative midfielder has played most of his football in the No 10 role and has been the closest player to the lone striker, whether in a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Rodrigues scored a double in United’s 3-2 win at Leyton Orient, in what was arguably his best display so far for the U’s.
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The defensive part of his game though has stood out in particular for Short, a former centre back who played for Blackburn Rovers and Everton in the Premier League during his playing career.
United interim boss Short said: “What I thought about Ruben before he came was that he’d be someone who’d be great in possession, and out of possession, I wasn’t so convinced.
“But he’s been wonderful out of possession. When you talk about defending from the front, he works hard and he’s a very intelligent footballer and calms things down.
“It was great to see him get his goals. I was absolutely delighted for him, he’s been very consistent for us.”
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