REECE OXFORD hadn’t even received his GCSE results when he made his debut for West Ham in August 2015.
He was a largely unknown 16-year-old when thrown into the Irons side for a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates, but 90 minutes later his name was known worldwide.
West Ham recalled Reece Oxford from his loan spell in Germany earlyGetty
Oxford produced a man-of-the-match display as West Ham clinched a shock opening day win. The plaudits soon followed, as did plenty of interest.
But he committed his future to the Hammers just over a year later, signing a four-and-a-half year deal before joining Reading on loan.
But West Ham’s struggles over the past two years meant his first-team opportunities have been limited.
It’s why he joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer on a season-long loan.
Football Whispers take a look at how Reece Oxford fared in GermanyGetty
Oxford was, however, recalled early. He returned to East London over the Christmas period at the request of David Moyes, although he may not remain for too long.
According to reports in Germany, Gladbach and RB Leipzig want to sign the youngster permanently.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS Klavan’s strike means players from 97 countries have scored in the PremBoth are willing to pay in excess of £10million for the highly-rated Oxford and it’s believed he is keen to return to Germany.
So how did he fare during his half season stint at Gladbach? We asked our friends at Football Whispers to take a look.
There a few better divisions in European football for a young player to hone their game than the Bundesliga.
Countless stars have benefitted from playing in the German top flight, from Kevin De Bruyne to Andreas Christensen.
It’s why Oxford was keen to have a spell in Germany. His blossoming career had stalled at West Ham, he needed a change and Gladbach provided that.
“Reece is considered one of the country’s best young defensive talents,” Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl said after sealing the defender’s loan signing.
“This deal gives us the chance to add a very interesting player to our squad.”
Oxford’s first two months with Gladbach were spent on the substitutes’ bench. He was given time to adapt to a new style of football, a new country and a new language.
West Ham are hoping Reece Oxford is ready to light-up the Premier LeagueGetty
The teenager worked hard in training to improve and come October he admitted to being fitter than ever before.
Oxford said: “I feel good and ready, I’m just waiting for my opportunity.
“It’s patience, I’m young, watching the centre-backs ahead of me, and seeing what I can do to make me better.”
He made his debut as a last-minute substitute in a win over Hoffenheim in October before returning to the bench.
While others would’ve been disillusioned with the experience, Oxford remained patient and was rewarded on December 12 with his first start for the club.
He played at right-back in a 1-0 loss to Freiburg and impressed.
Reece Oxford performed admirably while on loan at Borussia MonchengladbachEPA
No Gladbach player made more than his eight clearances while he demonstrated his ability with the ball be completing two dribbles during the 90 minutes, again a team high.
His performance was rewarded with starts in the next two games, both of which were in defensive midfield, the position he excelled in on his West Ham debut.
Oxford impressed against Hamburg in a 3-1 win and was playing well in Gladbach’s DFB Pokal clash with Bayer Leverkusen until he lost possession in midfield and Bayer scored the only goal of the game.
It was a mistake but one he is likely to learn from.
The winter break in Germany halted the first-team momentum Oxford had built up, then came the call from West Ham; he would return to the club ahead of the January.
“Reece played the last three games and, if he hadn’t, you’d be asking what he’s doing out there if he’s not getting any football,” David Moyes said when asked why Oxford had been brought back.
“He wasn’t playing regularly enough. He’s just really got into the team the last couple of games and I don’t think there’s any guarantee he would go back in the team.”
Oxford may have only racked up 256 minutes of German football but that hasn’t stopped Gladbach and RB Leipzig declaring their interest in signing the versatile defender permanently.
There are conflicting reports as to whether West Ham would be willing to sanction a deal.
A bid more than £10m could tempt the Hammers, especially as Moyes wants to bolster his squad in January and could do with the extra funds.
Reports suggest Oxford is keen to return to Gladbach if a deal can be struck. “The ball is now with West Ham,” head coach Dieter Hecking has said.
“Reece made a clear statement saying he would like to continue playing football in Gladbach and I personally believe that would be the best for his development.”
Moyes may disagree and has said West Ham don’t want to lose their best young players.
Reece Oxford is likely to be given a chance in the first-team under David MoyesPA:Press Association
He will cast his eye over Oxford during the next few weeks and assess whether he’s ready for the rigours of a Premier League relegation battle.
“A lot of people have spoken well about him, so we’ll see how he does over the coming months,” Moyes said.
““I use the word self-development. The coaches are here to help him try to develop his game but then there comes a part of it where you have to do it yourself.”
History suggests Oxford is a quick learner and if Moyes isn’t prepared to enhance the youngster’s footballing education there are clubs and coaches who are.
They just need to be given the opportunity.
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