This Hammers prodigy is like a new signing

The national buzz around Reece Oxford comes as no surprise to fans who remained committed to following the progress of the academy.

The 16-year-old has been the talk of the youth set-up long before his debut against Arsenal at the weekend.

Even under Sam Allardyce – a manager who was reluctant to blood young talent – Oxford made the first team bench and was touted as a player with clear first team potential.

Despite not making his debut under the previous regime, the fact he got within touching distance shows he was indeed a prodigious talent.

He was conspicuous in his absence during the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament immediately after last season. Despite the club choosing to take a young team on the trip, Oxford was not included, indicating to many he was part of the plans for the early rounds of the Europa Cup.

And so it proved. He made an assured first team debut against FC Lusitanos and was immediately earmarked as a player who could make an impression going into the season.

He was held back with the senior team for what turned out to be the final appearance in Europe, and despite criticism from some sections, Slavan Bilic’s decision proved to be a master stroke.

Oxford came into the game at the Emirates looking fresh, and turned in such a mature performance many commentators have spoken about the reality of him going on to be one of the best.

The key to his progression is how West Ham manage his talents this season.

Now he has had his starring moment in the spotlight, many opposition players will be lining up to bring him down a peg or two.

Against Arsenal, he was able to play with the surprise element. Moving forward, he will be targeted by wily midfielders who will push his skills, and temperament, at the top level.

The reality is, if Bilic is able to sign another holding midfielder, someone of Alex Song’s undoubted quality, Oxford could be pushed into more of an understudy role.

But that doesn’t mean he will not have an important role to play. He has clearly displayed the composure to deal with high intensity games, and there will be moments where he will be called upon to sure-up the team and see them over the line.

The experiences he will gain this season under the stewardship of the management and senior pros will no doubt quickly elevate him to an established position well ahead of his years.