According to Nottinghamshire Live, Leeds United are among clubs interested in Rob Dickie. The Oxford United defender has raised a lot of eyebrows with his performances in League One, thereby attracting a host of clubs across England. Leeds United, therefore, are joined by clubs like Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in the pursuit of Dickie this summer.
Rob Dickie’s rapid rise to prominence
A product of the Reading youth academy, Dickie has been a part of the Oxford United side since January 2018, when he moved out of the youth academy in search of making a breakthrough in professional football.
Although a late bloomer by many respects, Dickie instantly became a key member of the Oxford United backline, featuring in 15 matches during the backend of the 2017/18 campaign. Since then, the centre-back has notched up over 110 competitive appearances for the Yellows.
Dickie made quite an impression in the recently concluded 2019/20 campaign, featuring in 34 matches in League One. His commitment, work ethic and a phenomenal ball-playing technique helped the club achieve a top-three finish.
However, with Oxford United missing out on promotion after losing to Wycombe in the play-off final, it is time for Dickie to seek greener pastures as the defender looks to take the next step in his career.
What can he bring to the table?
As mentioned earlier, Dickie has impressed the onlookers with his commitment and discipline that has helped Oxford United emerge as one of League One’s best-performing sides in the past season.
However, what makes him such a sought-after player in the lower leagues is his amazing precision when distributing possession out from the back. Another key feature in Dickie’s game is the tall 1.85m frame that gives him a considerable advantage in aerial and physical duels. He does need to work on his mobility, though.
How Dickie could fit in at Leeds United?
Expressing the desire to sign Dickie seems like a smart move by Leeds United. The Oxford United ace could easily be available for a cut-price given the fact that he plays in the third division. Besides, the player has already shown that he is ready for the challenge of playing at a higher level of football.
Dickie, therefore, should add some much-needed depth in the Leeds United backline that has Liam Cooper as the only reliable option at centre-back. Although signing Ben White on a permanent basis pretty much remains a topic at Elland Road, manager Marcelo Bielsa does need players who can provide him further options at the back.
That is where Dickie could be a smart acquisition. The 24-year-old might be a late bloomer, but his ability to play out from the back, combined with his uncompromising defensive attitude should tune in well with the Argentine’s rigid style of play.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Whites can oust their competitors in the pursuit of the Oxford United centre-back this summer.
