The argument is whether Cameron Brannagan has just nudged ahead of them this season.
It’s telling that according to WhoScored, Brannagan is the highest ranked midfielder in Sky Bet League One this campaign, and third in total, with an average rating of 7.30.
Only Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni (7.46) and Derby County centre back Eiran Cashin (7.43) have scored higher on WhoScored, a website used for the League One team of the weeks, and which offers detailed statistics via data provided by Opta.
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Portsmouth skipper Pack came in at a very respectable ninth overall, with a 7.16 rating, while Bolton Wanderers ace Sheehan is 54th, with a 6.89 rating.
Brannagan has made 42 appearances in League One so far this campaign, and grabbed 11 goals and nine assists.
His key passes per game rate of 2.0 is second in the division, while only three players have had a higher shots per game rate (2.7). He’s also won five man of the match awards.
Of course, there is more to life than stats, but it helps paint the picture of how influential Brannagan has once again been for Oxford United this season.
The 27-year-old’s goals have come at important times, including the stoppage time penalty to level matters at home to Wycombe Wanderers in October, his deflected strike to edge United in front at home to Wigan Athletic, and Friday night’s equalising penalty against Stevenage.
Brannagan has also captained the U’s this season, when Elliott Moore has been unavailable, and remains United’s all-action star.
That’s been the case even in recent weeks, when Brannagan has played as the midfield pivot in a 4-3-3 set-up.
With two attacking midfielders advanced of him up the pitch, the onus has been on Brannagan to play a more disciplined role, and to pick and choose his moments to support the final third.
He’s adjusted superbly, while his range of passing from deep has been on show for all to see.
Pack and Sheehan have also been key cogs in their sides, with the former boasting three goals and nine assists across 38 matches.
Sheehan has two goals and 12 assists in 42 games. Only three players have notched more assists in League One this season.
Both players caught the eye against the U’s, with Sheehan assisting the third and scoring the fifth when the Trotters thrashed United 5-0 last month.
Pack has led his hometown side to the League One title, while Sheehan is guaranteed of at least a play-off place going into the final day.
They thoroughly deserve their spots in the League One team of the season, but U’s fans will have wondered whether Brannagan could’ve sneaked in after a fine campaign of his own.