Two West Ham players with make or break preseasons coming up

West Ham United are in the full swing of the preseason and have their first match tomorrow. Preseason typically comes as a fresh start for some and a stressful reminder of what the world of football can bring.

Since the dismissal of Slaven Bilic West Ham has been trying to regain its identity of The Academy of Football as well as growing in the Premier League. In doing so they have added some young strength to the current Academy as well as brought in some solid players that would normally surpass West Ham expectations (Fornals and Anderson).

With these additions, it can make for a tough transition for Academy stars trying to make the cut into the senior squad. Not to mention that with Pellegrini trying to change the culture overall, it means that some younger stars will be fighting to stay at West Ham. The before mentioned two, Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen.

Josh Cullen

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

The 23-year-old Irish international graduated to the senior squad in 2015 under Bilic. Since then he has been loaned out 4 times to either Championship or League 1 clubs. Josh Cullen has played a total of 3 matches for West Ham but only culminating for a total of 7 minutes.

Without a doubt, every loan spell he has been on has been successful however, can he take that success and put it towards the Premier League? With an already packed midfield, this preseason campaign is make or break time for Cullen if he wants to secure a squad role.

If he cannot impress enough, it might be loan number 5 with a club exit to follow. However, if he can impress then you might see him play a lot during cup matches and occasionally throughout the season.

Reece Oxford

It is hard to believe that Reece is still 20 years of age. Just like Cullen, he graduated from the Academy in 2015. He has appeared in 8 PL matches since joining West Ham with his first career start against Arsenal probably being his best.

The versatile Oxford has been plagued with poor mentorship and agents. He for one shouldn’t be blamed for the wages he is on, but he still is. In my opinion, he made a step in the right direction by firing his agent and starting fresh this past season.

If anyone can turn around this one-time prodigy, it’s Manuel Pellegrini and his staff. After being surpassed in the pecking order by Rice, it has to be up or gone for the youngster in East London.

Team chemistry is key for West Ham. dark. Next

I always hate seeing young talent leave with the fear that they will succeed elsewhere. Both Cullen and Oxford have potential, but can they live up to and show it on the biggest stage in the world? These two will be important to watch this preseason as their careers at West Ham could be hanging in the balance.