Reece Oxford is well-known to fans of the Premier League. Oxford first broke through at West Ham all the way back in July of 2015, first appearing for the Hammers in a Europa League qualifying game. However, it was the opening game of the season, in a 2-0 win over Arsenal where the 16-year-old Oxford played exceptionally well, anchoring midfield and getting the better of Mesut Ozil on the afternoon. Oxford hasn’t since developed into a central midfielder, rather as a centre-back, and has quietly gone about progressing away from the spotlight of the British media by plying his trade in the Bundesliga. Whilst initially spending time on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach, Oxford then spent a period of time with Augsburg, initially on loan, before signing permanently in the summer of 2019.
This tactical analysis and scout report will look to provide an objective analysis on Oxford’s strengths and areas for development, whilst looking at where he fits in with Augbsurg’s tactics.
Positioning
Oxford has been deployed this season as a left-sided centre-back, generally in a back four, however, Augsburg have experimented with a back three and again Oxford has found himself on the left side. He is right-footed, but it is a testament to his comfort with either foot that he is able to effectively play here. When it comes to more expansive passing he is likely to rely on his right foot, but in general build-up play and ball circulation, he is confident and has good execution when passing with his left.
His heat map from this season can be seen below, and it shows how wide Oxford can get. There is some action within the opposition half but not an overly high amount and we can ascertain that he generally prefers to stay in a deeper position, even in more advanced attacks.
He is an active participant in all possession phases though, and with the ball further afield he will sit deep, as you’d expect from a centre-back, but nevertheless still be in a position, and ready for the ball to be dropped back to him, where he can then make a switch of play from if necessary. He can also keep pressure on the opponent by stepping forward quickly from this position to intercept.
Oxford isn’t a prolific dribbler by any means, with most of his dribbles coming in moments where he has just secured possession and has to evade a challenge. However, the example below shows how Oxford can step forward quickly from his position in defence to make these interceptions and keep the pressure on the opponent.
Subscribe To TFA To Unlock All Posts - Free 7 Day Trial
Try TFA Free For 7 Days
Gain access to all of TFA's premium contents.More than 12,000+ articles.
