Reece Oxford: England defender realizes his potential in Augsburg

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England head coach Gareth Southgate strongly believes in giving youngsters a chance. Should Augsburg defender Reece Oxford expect a phone call?

Oxford is no stranger to the English configuration. Between the ages of 14 and 17, the Londoner has won 35 caps at the U16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 levels, appearing in a handful of FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.

It was during those formative years, in early 2015/16, that Oxford made history as the youngest player at childhood club West Ham United, aged 16 and 198 days. . Arsenal’s Mesut Özil was barely an inch ahead of the 6’2 ”debutant, who later that season captained the U21s to win English Premier League Cup gold.

Oxford won their last selection in England in November 2017, for the U20s. – imago

Oxford seemed destined to take the permanent step towards the senior stadium. He even had a nice pro contract at 18, but the harsh realities of trying to cut him into the English top tier forced a redesign.

‘Sometimes you have to go back to move forward,’ he tweeted on a six-month loan spell in the English league with Reading consisting of five appearances to go with the 17 he made for the parent club West Ham.

Five-time Bundesliga winners Borussia Mönchengladbach have offered Oxford a step in the right direction.

“He is considered one of England’s brightest talents,” Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl commented after linking the defense specialist with the first of two temporary stints at Borussia-Park in July. 2017.

Oxford was tipped for the top after impressing early in his West Ham career. – /

Oxford made eight appearances for the Foals, demonstrating their versatility at right-back, center and defensive midfielder, before finding their true calling in the heart of defense with Augsburg. Since joining the Bavarian squad in January 2019, initially on loan, he has played 53 times in all competitions.

“If you look at the playing time and the stats it has been the best season of my career,” said Oxford. TalkSport campaign 2020/21 – its first full season with Augsburg. “I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, because I always want to aim higher, but it’s better than last season.”

Oxford played 24 times in the Bundesliga last season as Augsburg finished 13th out of 18 teams, three points behind the relegation play-offs. Since returning from a knee injury that ruled him out Die FuggerstädterIn the first two competitive matches of 2021/22, the ex-Hammer was involved in all seven league games from start to finish.

“I feel like moving to Germany, they are focusing on the little things and it’s just starting to pick up now,” Oxford said of his starting first-team status at Augsburg. “I feel like I concentrate more and concentrate more when I play.”

This shows. Oxford is currently averaging 5.8 clearances, 1.8 aerial challenges won and 3.18 steals per 90 minutes. This latest nugget represents a league high, ahead of shrewd veterans such as Mats Hummels (2.59, Borussia Dortmund) and John Brooks (2.46, Wolfsburg).

Oxford are optimistic that a call from England could be in sight, if they can maintain their new level of consistency.

“I hope to get a glimpse of the senior squad,” he revealed last summer. “I have played for the 20s and all the age groups below so I hope I can release some more games here and I hope there [Gareth Southgate] give me a chance. I hope I can prove to him that I can play for the senior team and that’s the next step for me. “

A first Bundesliga goal will certainly not have hurt his chances. The 22-year-old scored the first goal in Augsburg’s 1-1 draw against Arminia Bielefeld on Matchday 8 to become the 12th England national to score in the Bundesliga.

To concern: Reece Oxford opened his account in his 58th Bundesliga appearance

Some of the more recent names on this list include Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, two examples of young Englanders who have had a career takeoff in the Bundesliga and who have achieved high profile international recognition for their efforts.

Sancho has transformed into a winger with world-class potential after leaving Manchester City academy for Dortmund at 17, while BVB’s teenage midfielder Bellingham stores captain-worthy performances for the club and the country. As part of Southgate’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020, the duo have won 31 caps between them.

On the current form, Oxford could increase the number of caps as soon as possible.

Chris Mayer-Lodge

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