'Invaluable': Deji Oshilaja is a 'massive asset' to Mansfield Town, says his former teammate

Following his move to the Stags in 2024, Oshilaja became an instant starter and is now one of the most integral parts of Nigel Clough’s team.

The centre-back has been an ever-present name in Mansfield’s starting XI so far this season. He has missed only a handful of minutes in League One up until now, when he was forced off against Bromley through a concussion substitution.

Conor Washington, who has previously represented the likes of Sheffield United and Derby County, knows Oshilaja well. The two previously played together at Newport County and Charlton Athletic.

Washington mentioned the Stags defender in his latest EFL analysis column for BestBettingBonuses.co.uk.

“I played with Deji at Newport when he came in on loan from Cardiff and then again, a few years later at Charlton, so I've been able to see how he's developed over the years,” the striker said. “He's always been a really aggressive defender, difficult to play against and probably a bit of a throwback in the sense that he's a defender first and foremost. He takes real pride in getting the better of his opponent and I think that's something you don't always see as much of in the modern game.

“What I found interesting was seeing how much he'd developed by the time we played together again at Charlton. He'd always had the physical attributes to be a really good player, but he seemed much more assured in his defending and had a better understanding of when to be aggressive and when to hold his position. He's an intelligent lad who understands the game really well, and I think that experience has only made him a better player.”

Oshilaja has been a reliable and solid presence in Mansfield Town’s backline. His efforts contributed to Stags finishing with one of the strongest defences statistically last season. With 50 goals conceded throughout the season, only sixth-placed Stevenage (46) and champions Lincoln City (41) shipped fewer goals across 46 games.

After working his way through the Cardiff City ranks at just 16, Oshilaja went on multiple loan moves before signing for AFC Wimbledon in 2017. There, he was named the club’s Player of the Year in his debut season. Stints with Charlton and Burton Albion, who he captained, followed before his move to Mansfield Town.

“He's played a huge amount of football at this level now and I think that's invaluable for Mansfield,” Washington continued. “League One throws up all sorts of different challenges, particularly for defenders, and having someone who's comfortable dealing with the physical side of the game but also has that experience and understanding is a massive asset.

“I've always enjoyed playing alongside him, as I always felt the opposing strikers were going to have to be on their game to get anything out of him, and it's been good to see him go on and have the career he has.”