Cameron Brannagan is a name that some Liverpool fans will remember well. The now 25-year-old midfielder left Liverpool for Oxford four years ago. That ended his 17-year association with The Reds.
He was once viewed as a big prospect at Liverpool. After making his debut for the club at the end of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, he made a further eight appearances under Jurgen Klopp in 2015/16.
Klopp was effusive in his praise of the youngster during his first weeks at the club. ““Great young guy, I like his style,” the manager said via The Independent after Brannagan signed a new deal in October 2016.
“For his age, has everything you need for a midfield player.”
As with many young players, Brannagan never materialised into a long-term option for Liverpool.
But he has since made a good career for himself at Oxford. Playing in League One, the midfielder has been a regular in the team since joining in January 2018.
This weekend he made headlines after scoring four penalties in the same game.
What happened
The goals came during Oxford’s 7-2 win away at Gillingham on Saturday. It made him the first player to score four goals from the spot in the same game in the 138-year history of the division.
That’s some going.
I’m sure Mohamed Salah would back himself to pull off a similar feat if given the opportunity. But to show the nerve and consistency to take four spot-kicks against the same ‘keeper is testament to Brannagan’s ability.
What’s more remarkable is that he had only taken one senior career penalty before the game – and he missed that one.
Liverpool have plenty of potential penalty-takers in their ranks, so they won’t be bringing Brannagan back to Anfield any time soon. But it’s great to see a former academy player doing so well in the football league.
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