Louie Sibley - What to expect?
A quick look at Oxford's new midfield recruit
Everyone loves a freebie!
Louie Sibley is no exception. The 22-year-old midfielder offers a variety of attributes and has the versatility to fill in across the pitch for Des’ side.
A free transfer from Derby, Sibley has a bucket load of Championship experience for someone so young.
When he was breaking through in the second tier, he was mentioned alongside Watkins, Toney, Eze and Olise as the next youngster to make the step up into the Premier League.
Sibley’s loyalty to Derby may have cost him that for now, but back in the second tier with a new environment, who’s to say what steps he can take?
My analysis of his career, play style and likely role at Oxford can be found below…
Sibley has spent his entire career at Derby County, making his Rams debut in 2019 under Phillip Cocu.
He’d manage 11 league apps that season, finding the net 5 times and assisting twice from the number ten position.
A hat-trick against Millwall that season would force the league to sit up and take notice, as he outshone teammate Wayne Rooney, starring as an attacking midfielder.
A new contract in 2020 would see him stick with the club through difficult times, as financial issues struck and Rooney became his boss.
In 20/21 he’d cement his place as a starter, managing 30 appearances, but only 1G/1A in a poor side which survived by just a point
Tough times continued in 21/22, as the club were hit with points deductions totalling -21.
The side were relegated, with injuries limiting Sibley to just a single goal in 26 appearances.
The club rejected several bids from Millwall for Louie, despite financial issues.
League One brought new opportunities, with Louie embracing the challenge and making a massive 42 league appearances.
He scored 3 times, including a brace at the Kassam…
Throughout the season, Sibley had begun to feature in deeper positions more often, using his agility and vision to progress play.
23/24 saw another role change, as he moved out to the left to play as a wing-back of sorts.
3 goals and 3 assists in the league was a tidy return, but his hard work off the ball and clever movement was just as valuable, as he often drifted inside to play in the channel.
Not to mention his pinpoint set pieces, as shown here against Orient…
This assist from the final day shows a lot too…
Well positioned, alert, turns quickly and his head is straight up.
Carries it forward and plays a beautifully weighted ball for Mendes-Laing.
This could serve us well in a year when counter attacks will be vital.
He can even play on the right! A decent finish, shown below.
Sibley has featured everywhere from left-back to right-wing in his career
The one thing he needs is willing runners to feed in, and teammates to combine with using quick, short passes.
I think we’re likely to see him in the left centre midfield role in Des’ 4-3-3, should he stick with it.
The chance to combine with Cam and Ruben should allow Louie to thrive, and he can help to ease the workload for them both.
It’s hard to say until pre-season, when we’ll get a better idea of Des’ alterations.
The friendlies are going to be incredibly interesting this year, as how Des adapts tactically to the challenges of the division will be make or break for our season.
Sibley gives him a different option though, and a left foot which is a rarity in the attacking side of the squad.
In short, Louie Sibley offers great depth and versatility at the very least. For a free transfer, it’s a low risk option with a big upside if it goes right!
He can do things that few of our squad can do!
Plus… he’ll put a shift in, as described in a 2020 Guardian interview.
Plenty to like here! Smart business and done early. Bring on the rest of it!
I hope this was an enjoyable read!
Something a bit different for me, but good fun to put together.
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Thanks for reading!
Up the Ox 🐂