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Should Pellegrini stick or twist with Reece Oxford at West Ham

By Scott Johnson

HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Adebayo Akinfenwa of Wycombe Wanderers battles for the ball with Reece Oxford (R) and Pedro Obiang of West Ham during the pre-season friendly match between Wycombe Wanderers and West Ham United at Adams Park on July 14, 2018 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Adebayo Akinfenwa of Wycombe Wanderers battles for the ball with Reece Oxford (R) and Pedro Obiang of West Ham during the pre-season friendly match between Wycombe Wanderers and West Ham United at Adams Park on July 14, 2018 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Reece Oxford has gone from all star prospect to uncertain bit part player. Should West Ham keep him at the club, or sell him on?

When Oxford started Bilic’s first game in control of West Ham, it was fanfare all around. Here was a player who could already mix it with the best, and he was so young. There was surely only one way his career could go, and that was to the top. However it has not panned out that way so far.

A couple of disappointing loan moves have stunted his growth, and he is reportedly not happy at the club. Although he is still young there has been very little development, and that must change if he is to stay. Will Pellegrini look to keep the youngster?

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Stay or Go?

It’s always a tough decision when it comes to potentially selling a youngster, but it’s one the club has had to make numerous times. For the first part of the decision, Pellegrini should be looking to see if the squad need the player.

With Reid’s injury, there are 3 fit centrebacks in the squad. 4 if Pellegrini is willing to play Rice in that position as well, rather than defensive midfield where he has been playing in pre-season. So keeping him is not necessary as such, but it keeps cover and the squad balance there. Rumours are also around saying that we could sell Obiang, which would mean Rice is needed as a midfielder exclusively. Oxford could also be used to cover both roles for this season.

If we sell him, I don’t know if we’d get much more than 10m for him. He’s no longer hot property and there wouldn’t be too many interested in taking him. Some Bundesliga clubs are rumoured to be after taking him back there, but he certainly isn’t anyone’s major target. Hence financial motivation is not going to force Pellegrini’s hand at this point.

Next: Where does Arnautovic fit into this West Ham side?

All in all I think I’d give Oxford one more season. He has a chance to progress if surrounded by the right people and manager, and there’s nothing much more sickening than watching a potential prospect leave and succeed elsewhere. Pellegrini could give him the necessary motivation to succeed, and a couple on injuries could be all the opportunity the youngster needs.