West Ham United: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #3: That Reece Oxford can get some minutes.

Last season at the tender age of 16 Oxford became the second youngest player ever to play in the Premier League when he laced up his boots and started in West Ham’s opener against Arsenal. He not only played but played well for Allardyce’s side getting 71 minutes in that match and playing in 12 matches across all competitions. West Ham are really entering into uncharted territory with Oxford but it is clear that he has earned the chance to play more despite his age.

Although Hammer supporters might not want to use the Europa League as a laboratory for younger players it would seem that his skills would be best used there. West Ham enter this season with high Premier League aspirations with the appointment of Bilic and the club starting play at the Olympic Stadium. In the Europa League, assuming they can advance past Astra Girugiu, Oxford can get minutes without having to worry about the rigors of the Premier League table.

At 17 years old West Ham still need to protect him a bit. The sad story of the record holder of the youngest player to play in a Premier League match, Jose Baxter, should give them a bit of a pause. Baxter started for Everton at 16 but dropped out of favor at Goodison Park.

His career has stopped and stalled at Tranmere Rovers, Oldham Athletic, and Sheffield United with minimal success. He is currently drug suspension after having failed two consecutive tests at Sheffield. Although the likelihood that Oxford will suffer any of the personal problems that Baxter has is small, there is that chance that he could be used too soon.

West Ham have to give him match time, but they have to be careful with placing too many expectations on the young midfielder-defender.

Next: The big fear: That Dmitri Payet cannot deliver in year two