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What a debut by a 16 year old! I heard comparisons of him to Rio and laughed it off, as for me Rio was one of the best players that I have ever seen as a 16 year old in terms of composure and confidence on the ball. Today was like going back to all those years ago as I see what people mean now, a fantastic prospect not only for West Ham but for England and well done Bilic for giving him the opportunity. Allardyce wouldn't have played him this early so thank god for Bilic as he is clearly good enough so should play.
When i saw the team
All i could think of was "but hes 16,how can you throw him into the deep end like this?" but boy did he prove me wrong!!Composed on the ball with a maturity way beyond his years.Id heard all the talk before about the big clubs being after him, now i know why...what a prospect we have...
Prediction
Chelski will be in for both Oxford and Cresswell during the next transfer window me thinks, and they can 'do one!'
Brilliant player
I hope he just tries to keep it simple and he will be fine a brilliant prospect I can hear the sniffing from the bigger clubs already, but the young man seems level headed and Intelligent for 16.
Allardyce would never have played him today, Bilic has the eye to see what someone can do even if they are young.
He's a beautiful player
I've seen him a couple of times now and in his first game I thought he was too casual (very Rio like in his young days!) but already he seems to have tightened up on that. I read a quote from him that Bilic told him to "keep it simple but quick" - very good advice at Arsenal.
His calmness is vital for that role. His stride and balletic quality allowed him to skip and turn away from challenges and he keeps his head up and keeps on the move, looking to make himself available. Early days but he ticks almost all boxes from a technical and physical POV.
Good luck to the boy.
Support for young players
I was impressed with the encouragement and support Slaven has given to our young players. A striking contrast with Sam's demoralising conduct, throwing them in at the deep end and then saying, more or less, "See, I told you they aren't good enough...."
Before the Emirates game Slaven told Oxford, "If you make a mistake, it will be my fault."
Oxford is a genuine talent at
Oxford is a genuine talent at 16 yrs of age,he could become a legend at Westham the progress he has made,just hope he doesn't allow all the media and fan attention to go to his head,but he comes across as a grounded chap to me though .But what better vote of confidence could there be then having your manager, Bilic, putting you in the team against Arsenal,to me that tells every academy player if your good enough your old enough.I think there are a number knocking on the door ,they just need to be patient and work hard to improve their game and fitness.
A blend is required
Oxford was excellent, however at sixteen it is unlikely he will feature week in week out. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't play Saturday where we will probably set up a more attacking formation. The lad will benefit far more from being part of a strong successful squad than being relied upon in a stretched squad. We are hardly going to have squads like Chelsea and city by signing 2-3 more players, there will still be room for good youngsters, the back up players over the last few years have not been good enough
At this rate
the number of comments could rival one of DH's posts! keep arguing you two as it's a bucket list moment for me lol