Siriki Dembele with bold confidence amid Oxford United renaissance

The Yellows midfielder opened the scoring after 76 minutes at the Kassam Stadium, swiping home Mo Missanga’s cut-back cross from close range.

Dembele went on to assist Louie Sibley’s 90th-minute goal before Gatlin O’Donkor bagged a stoppage-time third to secure a first home League One victory of the season.

After a season of struggle last year – he was left out of the squad entirely in the second half of the campaign – the 30-year-old is back in the fold under new head coach Aaron Ramsey.

“I never doubt myself whatsoever because I know how talented I am when I play,” Dembele declared after the win over Burton.

“People will see at some point.

“From the minute [Ramsey] got here, he showed his appreciation for how I play and wanting to get me involved in the game, to be able to affect games.

Oxford United players celebrate Siriki Dembele’s opening goal against Burton Albion (Image: Oxford United)

“But to also use my qualities to help the team which will also show. Whereas, I think before, that was not really the case.

“Since he’s come in, it’s getting the best out of myself in a sense.

“He’s obviously known my qualities before and he’s someone that clearly appreciates it and he’s obviously playing me now, which is nice.

“You’re not going to be everyone’s favourite but he’s someone that obviously trusts me and likes the way I play and that allows me to show my qualities and help the team.”

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Dembele’s goal was his first since scoring in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United at home in April 2025 as Oxford secured survival in the Championship under Gary Rowett.

His strike against the Brewers on Saturday was his first in front of the East Stand and felt like it had been coming this season after promising performances for Ramsey’s Yellows.

“Things change very fast in football,” the former Birmingham City and Bournemouth man reflected.

“Sometimes you can be out of the picture and then, in the blink of an eye, you can be the best player in the league.

“I think you’ve just got to be relentless in how you see yourself, how you approach life and how you approach the game. Everything else is without your control.

Siriki Dembele (right) battles for the ball against MK Dons (Image: Oxford United)

“You want to play every single game and whenever you do play, whoever that is, you give your best.”

The U’s have risen to fifth in the table after the recent win, with a game in hand.

“It’s been good. No-one’s getting carried away though. It’s a long season.

“It’s important to just build momentum”