'If he thinks he's Mbappe that's wrong' Slaven Bilic warns Reece Oxford not to get ahead of himself

Loanee | Reece Oxford is spending the season at Borussia Monchengladbach
Bongarts/Getty Images
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_12 October 2017

Slaven Bilic has backed West Ham loanee Reece Oxford to fight his way into the Borussia Monchengladbach side despite a disappointing start to his loan spell.

The 18-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Championship side Reading, is yet to make an appearance for the Bundesliga side since his loan move in the summer.

Last month there was talk that the defender could cut short his deal in Germany and return to London Stadium, however, having stayed put Bilic is backing him to perform and return as a regular for the Hammers.

“He’s got that potential and he needed to somewhere to play regularly in a good league so he went to Monchengladbach, which is a good club in a good league,” Bilic said.

“Unfortunately he didn’t play regularly so far, but hopefully he will do and he will play well and come back and show the quality and form to become a regular player for West Ham."

Oxford is clearly a player with potential, however. Despite having not played a single top-flight game in 2017, the youngster was nominated for the prestigious European Golden Boy award alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford.

However, Bilic has warned Oxford not to let the nomination get to his head.

“Someone recognised him to be nominated for the Golden Boy award,” the Croatian continued.

“If he goes one way and thinks he is [Kylian] Mbappe then that’s wrong, he needs to use this in the right way.

“He has got it in him, get his place and start playing regularly. Hopefully he will get that in Germany and it’ll be great to play in the Bundesliga.”