JOSH McEachran enjoyed his return to Oxford United’s starting line-up in the league, in particular due to the tactical set-up deployed by head coach Des Buckingham.
McEachran began the game away to Reading on Tuesday night, his first Sky Bet League One start since the draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers on October 28.
The Chelsea academy graduate was deployed as the deepest of United’s midfielders, with Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane playing in front of him when the U’s had the ball.
When out of possession, McGuane dropped back next to McEachran, leaving Brannagan as the furthest forward midfielder.
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McEachran said: “It wasn’t a massive transition, it was just Marcus dropping in a little bit and Cam being more as a 10.
“I was the single six in possession, and I enjoyed that. The three of us in there are all capable of playing each position, so I think we interchanged well.
“Personally, I prefer it [playing in a three] because usually there are two in the opposition, so if you have three in there, you always outnumber them and have a lot more possession in the middle of the pitch, and you can control and dominate.
“Nine times out of 10, if you win the midfield battle, then you win the game.”
Discussing the general changes Buckingham is looking to make as he stamps his authority on the U’s side, McEachran said: “He made a few tweaks and we changed our formation, especially in midfield.
“It’s obviously going to take time to implement his style because although he is similar to the old manager, he definitely has his own way and his own style.
“We’re learning every day from him and long may that continue.”
“He’s come in and done fantastic, and hopefully he stays as long as possible.”
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McEachran, who arrived at United in the summer as a free agent after leaving MK Dons, has found himself watching on from the bench for large parts of the season, due to the form of Brannagan and McGuane in midfield.
However, the 30-year-old hopes to force his way back into the starting line-up, especially with the tactical changes Buckingham has made to the U’s midfield.
“It’s been tough for me because of how well the team has been doing,” said McEachran.
“He’s [Buckingham] not really been changing the midfield two, with Cam and Marcus both playing really well.
“I got my chance on Tuesday and think I did alright, but obviously it would’ve been nice with the three points. Hopefully I can stay in the team now for a few games.”
United host a Burton Albion side this afternoon, playing their first game since Dino Maamria was sacked as manager.
McEachran said: “We’re at home and as long as we focus on ourselves, we’ll be alright.
“They’re going through a transition with a new manager, so we’re not sure how they’re going to come out, but we just need to focus on ourselves, and hopefully we’ll get the three points.”
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