West Ham’s teen sensation made the short-term move to Reading on deadline day despite links with Rangers.
Reece Oxford admits that Jaap Stam’s passing philosophy was a major factor in his decision to join Championship challengers Reading, the Reading Chronicle reports.
The West Ham prodigy was in high-demand in the final days of the transfer window with Nottingham Forest and Rangers reportedly in advanced negotiations over a short term loan deal only for The Royals to swoop in at the last minute to secure one of the potential coups of the campaign.
Centre-back Oxford, who made his much-publicised Premier League debut against Arsenal in an unfamiliar midfield role at the start of last season, has been likened to fellow Hammers graduate Rio Ferdinand due to his composure on the ball.
And the 18-year-old admits that Reading, who average the highest amount of possession per game in the second tier, is the ideal environment to hone his considerable talents.
“I had a few teams after me,” Oxford told the Reading Chronicle. “But when I heard Reading were interested I didn’t think about other teams.
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“Stam was a massive influence in me coming here. Passing the ball is a big part of my game. I’ve watched a few games and hopefully they can all teach me and help me improve.”
His reasoning may be sound but it is unlikely to sate the disappointment of Rangers fans excited at the prospect of welcoming one of Britain’s standout talents to Ibrox.
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Mark Warburton’s pass and move blueprint has divided the fanbase but it would have been the ideal system for Oxford to display his distribution and dexterity in possession.
And, as demonstrated by their 4-1 hammering at Hearts on Wednesday, Rangers could do with a bit of added composure in defence.
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