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Why Reece Oxford Could Be a West Ham Regular By 2017

By Scott Johnson

DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Reece Oxford of West Ham United in action during the PL2 match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Chigwell Construction Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Reece Oxford of West Ham United in action during the PL2 match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Chigwell Construction Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images) /
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If you watched the West Ham game at the weekend live then I feel sorry for you. If you’ve watched the highlights I also wish you well. It was not pretty viewing. With defensive mishaps becoming fairly common, could we turn to one of our bright young stars?

Reece Oxford

If you’ve seen anything of our young starlet, you’ll know how talented he is. From the moment he made his Premier League debut there have been reports linking him with the biggest teams in Europe, and his talent deserves those rumours.

Manchester United and City have both reportedly been interested in making a move for the young England centre-back, but so far no deal has materialised and he still a West Ham player. Could he soon be a regular in Claret and Blue?

He’s made no secret of his desire for more game time, but will Bilic give it to him?#

Case For Oxford

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Bilic gave a sign to Oxford that he would be given a chance when Burke was sent out on loan instead of him. It meant that there was one fewer person in the way of any potential appearances. Whether that was calculated on the part of Bilic and the board or it was a happy coincidence is irrelevant. Oxford is in reality our fourth choice centre back.

If you watched the Watford game, you might have noticed that both Collins and Reid were not on form. Collins, for my money, is approaching the end of his playing career. Reid, as good as he is on his day, is not someone I want to rely on constantly. They both make too many mistakes.

During games when he has played alongside Ogbonna he has shown a calm head and maturity. He is a great passer of the ball and would add to the ball playing mantra of Bilic’s sides. However he will need cover.

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Case Against Oxford

If Oxford plays with Ogbonna, he will play on the right hand side of the centre back pairing. This will mean he is currently playing next to Byram. Two tackle loving young defenders side by side? Risky business. Although you could play Arbeloa to stop that being an issue.

He was also torn apart by Lukaku last year, all be it when he was part of a defensive three, and is still yet to fully develop physically. He will be a target for the more physical attackers. However, how do we expect him to improve if he doesn’t play against the best?

Oxford is also guilty of overplaying the ball sometimes, and that could be disastrous, the last thing we need to give away are more cheap goals.

Do West Ham play for now? Or For the Future?

In my opinion, if the club are interested in development we will see him soon. We have players to keep us safe and build upon, but we’re unlikely to get top 4. The club will need Reece Oxford in the future, and playing him now means he’s more likely to develop into the player we need, and stay here.

If we’re trying to win matches here and now? Then it’s likely we’ll see him on the bench or cup games. Easing his way into the first team slowly. After all, he is still very young. We don’t have to rush any development the player will see.

Next: Dear Bilic, What Is Going On In Defence?

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, or come and write for us!