Green Street Hammers
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Reece Oxford loan deal makes sense for progression

By Scott Johnson

ROMFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Reece Oxford of West Ham United wraps up against the cold prior to training at Rush Green on January 19, 2017 in Romford, England. (Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images)
ROMFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Reece Oxford of West Ham United wraps up against the cold prior to training at Rush Green on January 19, 2017 in Romford, England. (Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images) /
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West Ham and England starlet has gone on loan to Reading for the rest of the season. Although some fans wanted him in the first team, this is a good move for the youngster.

Reece Oxford is a very young player and gametime is a huge factor in his development. But it’s not just playing matches, it’s playing matches at the right level. A lot of youngsters find the jump up from youth to senior football tough, and West Ham aren’t ready to give the youngster a prolonged spell at the top without proof he can perform at the top.

Some will say he has already proved his ability after last seasons opener against Arsenal, but that’s not the full story. He was also given the run around by Lukaku at Goodison last season, and he’s not overly consistent. Plus, when you have a young defender you have to make sure his confidence isn’t broken. Throwing him in too early could be devastating to him career path.

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Why Reading?

There were quite a few teams interested in Oxford, with Nottingham Forest thought to be leading the way. Whilst Reading may not be as prestigious as Forest, but their current situation is better.

The Royals are sitting 3rd in the Championship and playing some very good football. Oxford has proven himself a very competent player with the ball at his feet, and the fact Reading will be chasing the games would be a great test of his abilities.

The fact Reading also have defensive legend Jaap Stam as their manager would have interested Bilic and West Ham. You can learn a lot from the right coaches, and someone like Stam will have many wise words for young heads.

As Reading either close in on an automatic playoff place or settle for playoff action it may decide his playing time. Will Stam risk young Oxford in crucial matches? The youngster will have a few games to nail his position down for the final games, and he has the ability.

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Hopefully we will see Oxford progress during his time at Reading, leaving him ready to return to West Ham in the summer and fight for his position in Claret and Blue. If he stays in East London, he is definitely a future captain of the club, and probably country. He certainly has the ability to do it all.