Sheyi Ojo – Fulham
Sheyi Ojo has been enjoying a decent festive period, which he kicked off with a Man of the Match performance against Barnsley on the 23rd. Despite being booked in the first half, he turned his match around with a series of key passes, mazy runs and testing shots. He got a stoke of luck, however, mid-way through the second half when a mis-hit cross drifted over Barnsley’s ‘keeper’s head and into the back of the net. The fortuitous goal turned out to be the winner as the 2-1 score line remained until the final whistle.
Ojo had a quieter game on Boxing Day, but Fulham won an exciting encounter away to Cardiff City, 4-2. The English winger struggled to find consistency on the ball before he was eventually substituted in the 86th minute. He rounded off 2017 with another underwhelming display on the 30th, away to Hull. Fulham were 2-0 down after 36 minutes and Slavisa Jokanovic made a drastic double substitution to try and rescue something from the game, which included removing Ojo from the action. The change in tactics worked as Fulham salvaged a point after a 2-2 draw.
Connor Randall – Hearts
Hearts had a dull Christmas, with all three of their matches finishing 0-0. Connor Randall will be pleased as he started the first two games and picked up hard-earned clean sheets for his side. His loan spell with Hearts has taken on a whole new lease of life after he’s begun playing in his natural right-back position. However, Randall missed the final match of the year through injury, although early reports suggest it is nothing too serious and he should be back in action sooner rather than later.
Divock Origi – Wolfsburg
Divock Origi’s most recent game came on the 19th against Nurnberg in the DFB Pokal. He came on with 15 minutes left of regular time and was given a rare chance to play in his natural position of striker. He looked a lot more comfortable than he has done in recent weeks and hit the post within moments of coming on. The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, but Origi helped his side over the line in extra time. The match finished 2-0 to Wolfsburg. The Bundesliga kicks off again in two weeks, and Origi will hope he gets more opportunities as a striker in the second half of the season.
Allan Rodrigues – Apollon Limassol
Apollon Limassol finished for Christmas with a 6-0 destruction of Ermis Aradippou, which means they haven’t lost a league game so far this season. Allan Rodrigues played for the full 90 minutes in what was his tenth appearance for his adoptive club.
Taiwo Awoniyi – Royal Excel Mouscron
Royal Excel Mouscron played just two matches over Christmas and although they were full of goals, Taiwo Awoniyi will be disappointed that he didn’t find his way onto the score sheet. On the 23rd, Mouscron won 2-1 at home to Zulte-Waregem before losing 4-2 to Club Brugge on Boxing Day. Awoniyi had very little impact and was substituted late on in both games. Mouscron are now on their short winter break and will not be in action until January 19th.
Pedro Chirivella – Willem II
Pedro Chirivella missed the two festive fixtures through injury, but he’ll be hopeful that the three-week break until the next match will be long enough to allow him to return to full fitness.
Shamal George – Carlisle United
It appears as though Shamal George’s time with Carlisle is up as the goalkeeper has returned to Liverpool after suffering an ankle injury. His loan was originally for six months, but with this setback, the deal could be terminated. Carlisle have also chosen to extend the loan of Jack Bonham, from Brentford, until the end of the season, which implies that there is no room for George in the side. The youngster made just seven appearances, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
Toni Gomes – Forest Green Rovers
Toni Gomes has had his loan contract with Forest Green officially terminated and he returned to Liverpool on the first day of the new year. Although originally contracted until the end of the season, it was mutually agreed that his services were no longer required and Forest Green manager, Mark Cooper, publicly and personally thanked Gomes for his efforts. The youngster played 13 times for the club, without picking up a goal.
Ryan Kent – SC Freiburg
It is anticipated that Ryan Kent will be recalled from Germany after an agonising spell with Freiburg. The Englishman struggled to carve out a position for himself in the team and as a result, featured for just 241 minutes. He has returned to Liverpool during the winter break and it is being reported that a number of Championship teams are after him for the second half of the season.
