There’s nothing that is more popular at the London Stadium than the prospect of an Academy graduate making it. The Academy of Football has developed so many young players over the years, and that’s a tradition that Mauricio Pellegrini will be looking to continue, you’d think.
It must be said, though, that the development has slowed in recent years, with few players making it at the club. There have still been success stories, like Declan Rice, but there’s also been a few disappointments.
The most significant of those, you’d think, is Reece Oxford. He made a very bright start to life at the club, and he left fans dreaming that he’d make it at the London Stadium.
Even over the last few months, West Ham fans have likely been dreaming of Oxford somehow turning it around and impressing at the club, though with every passing week, that’s been looking less and less likely.
What’s caused his downfall? That’s tough to say. It’s clear that there’s some sort of personality issue on display here, whilst maybe he’s a victim of his own hype, too.
Clearly, though, Oxford isn’t the player that fans hoped when he had that stunning display for the Hammers against Arsenal all those years ago – and any hope of him turning into that player again has now faded.
Fortunately, they’ve got their new homegrown hero – Declan Rice – who has emerged from the shadows to surpass Oxford.
Thoughts?
