Reece Oxford says he is ready to take Germany by storm and feels ‘fitter than ever’ as he attempts to find his way into the Borussia Monchengladbach first team picture.

Oxford burst onto the Premier League scene back in August 2015 when he became the second-youngest starter in the Premier League of all time. The then 16-year-old played a vital part in the Hammers’ 2-0 victory over Arsenal on the opening day of the season and was tipped for stardom.

But the defender has failed to make much of his Hammers’ career ever since, and has been limited to just 7 West Ham appearances before being loaned to Reading and German side Borussia Monchengladbach where he currently plays his football – or not as the case may be.

Oxford is yet to make an appearance for the German side this season, and there are plenty of question marks over whether or not the 18-year-old can fulfil the great potential that was expected of him.

However the Englishman has told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview that he staying patient about his game time with the German side, and will continue to work hard until his chance to shine comes.

“I think I’m fitter than ever now. I’ve done pre-season with Gladbach, I feel good and ready, I’m just waiting for my opportunity. It’s patience, I’m young, watching the centre-backs ahead of me, and seeing what I can do to make me better,” said Oxford.

“I’m just ready now, ready to make my debut, and hopefully it’ll be good and I won’t look back from there.”

“I just hope to return to West Ham as a more experienced player, ready to play in the Premier League or any league.”

Oxford can play as a central defender or midfielder, and has been nominated for the UEFA Golden Boy award for 2017 which shows he is still a highly thought of player with stacks of potential. Oxford himself is setting his sights on one day playing for England’s senior team, saying he hopes to captain his nation at a World Cup.

“My long-term goals are to be in the England squad, play in a World Cup and be captain for my country, I’ve always wanted to be that.”

Despite the lack of game time, Oxford says he is relishing the opportunity to play in Germany and admits the experience is ‘good’ for young players.

“Germany is just a big experience, from the Championship, which is a physical league, to Germany, which is fast and quick.”

“Germany is good for young players, they’re very strict and training is very intense. I’m not saying West Ham or Reading’s training wasn’t good, it’s just different here.”