The West Ham United teenager is ready for the step up; he just needs a chance.
According to a recent report from the Sun, Liverpool are considering a summer move for West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang, and while it would be a major blow if the Hammers lose the 24-year-old, could it allow Reece Oxford the breakthrough his fans have been waiting for?
The simple fact is Obiang should stay at the London Stadium and help form the bedrock of the next great West Ham side – such is the talent coming through the ranks right now – but if the Spaniard opts to leave, Oxford could be the perfect candidate to replace him.
It remains to be seen if the 18-year-old will ultimately be a centre-back or a holding midfielder, but even if his future is at the back, he could blossom further forward in the short term.
Oxford showed at the start of last season just what a talent he is, yet those early glimpses aside, West Ham fans have had to wait patiently for his real breakthrough.
An Obiang-shaped hole in West Ham’s squad could give him that chance, and despite his age there is no doubt he could hack it week in, week out in the Premier League.
It would be something West Ham may not want so soon, but if Obiang does move on, they can rest assured they have the talent to more than make up for that in the years ahead.
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