Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn made his debut as Oxford United drew 1-1 with Sunderland as he proved to be bad luck for the Black Cats.
The Reds starlet dropped down to League One to join the U’s and played 75 minutes during their opening game of the season.
Woodburn provided the assist for Tariqe Fosu, who opened the scoring after 14 minutes before American Lydon Gooch equalised with a penalty.
Earlier in the week Oxford boss Karl Robinson praised Woodburn in his column in the local press as Robinson wrote about his new charge’s ‘exceptional’ first touch and finishing ability.
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Apart from a shot from outside the box which was blazed over the top of the bar, the Wales international didn’t have much chance to prove his goal scoring ability, although it appears as if he’ll have plenty of first team minutes after starting on Saturday.
This move is all about first team football – something Sheffield United weren’t able to give the youngster after their manager sounded similarly excited after signing him.
With 46 league games to be played this season there are going to be plenty of chances for Woodburn to prove his ability, and an assist in his first game is a very welcome start.
The Welsh international displayed promising quick thinking to pounce on a mistake and feed a pass to Fosu, who was also making his Oxford debut.
Sunderland were linked with Woodburn in 2017 and they finally got to see the man they wanted to sign in the flesh – and it wasn’t a happy occurrence for Jack Ross and his side, who will have high hopes of promotion this year.
The Black Cats fans were not happy with the performance, reported the Sunderland Echo, while Oxford supporters were happy with the contribution of Woodburn as one labeled him the ‘best thing to come out of the city since the M62’.
Keep an eye out on the Reds, who start their competitive season with the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday.