adminBrian De Keersmaecker compares Dutch league to ‘kick and rush’ Championship and insists Oxford United perform better against better teams.
Since joining from Dutch first division side Heracles Almelo in the summer transfer window, Brian De Keersmaecker has become a key player for Oxford United.
The 25-year-old has started all but the first two games of the season, forming a solid partnership with U’s captain Cameron Brannagan and managing three assists early on in his Oxford career.
Having only played the game in Belgium and the Netherlands prior to this season, Championship football has proved quite a contrast in style for De Keersmaecker.
“Everyone is big and tall,” the midfielder has observed.
“It’s very physical. The games are going really fast, up and down. Especially as a midfielder you have to run…with a lot more intensity.
“Maybe I have to play more realistically now because if you look at the Netherlands, the gaffers there really want every team to try and play from the back, and if you get a little bit of pressure then play back to the keeper and try to build up again.
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“And then here, when you feel a bit of pressure you just kick it long, go for the second balls, move up as a team.
So, that’s the difference.
“Me personally, I have to get the ball in the middle and try to be available as soon as possible and not give the defenders the option to not play it long.”
The Belgian’s main two midfield partners are currently either Brannagan or Will Vaulks, with De Keersmaecker feeling like he has slightly different roles when playing with either teammate.
“Cam is very dominant. He wants the ball all the time and we know his qualities.
“With Vaulks, I can move higher up because I know Vaulksy has a more defensive role. With Cam, it’s more, if he goes, I can stay and if I go, Cam has to stay so it’s going to be more defensive.”
The U’s face promotion chasers Ipswich Town on Friday night.
“He’s a real danger especially with his free kicks, with his shots on target. I said to him earlier, every ball you shoot is basically on target, so that’s a really big quality of
Having failed to impress against a poor Norwich City, Gary Rowett’s men have managed to take points from some of the better sides already this season with draws against Coventry City and Middlesbrough as well as a win at Bristol City.
“I have a feeling that we play better against teams that are playing football against us. We have more space. We can also play more football.
“The teams that are lower maybe want to fight more.
“We have a group who can play good football, it just has to come out of everyone, and everyone has to be at 120 per cent.”
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