Arsene Wenger believes that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to improve his consistency and focus as a wide player before being considered as an option in the centre of the midfield.
The summer signing from Southampton has impressed in the last four weeks with goal scoring performances against Shrewsbury and Olympiakos, while also stealing the headlines for Stuart Pearces’ under-21 side. However, despite showing flashes of brilliance, Arsene Wenger insists that there is no rush to endow the 17-year-old with even more responsibility.
Speaking to Arsenal Player the Frenchman spoke about the areas his young protégé can improve:
“Overall I think he needs to add some ingredients to his game that will be absolutely necessary at the top level. He has a basic talent, nobody can dispute that. I am very happy for having brought him here.”
Hinting at a slight lapse in concentration against Olympiakos, where Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to pick-up at a short corner, from which the Greeks then scored, Wenger continued:
“Of course we want commitment and urgency that is requested in the Premier League. A lack of attention for one second can cost you in the modern game.”
While Wenger has been quoted in the past suggesting the England youngster could play in the centre of the park alongside Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, he also made clear that such a time was still a long way off, regardless of his recent and rapid progress.
“He is ahead of schedule and I think in the next few months he will add to his game. Let’s not be too quick. He has a fantastic crossing ability; he can cross the ball and chip it in.
“I don’t personally think he’s ready yet at all to play in a central position in the Premier League. Let’s get him up to scratch first on the flank before he plays in the middle.”
Maybe bendtner could give him some pointers on playing out wide. Oh ya….
Wenger, I think no one listens to you anymore and especially on this part that Ox need to show some consistency before being brought into the team when Walcott/ Denilson/ Diaby/ Bendtner/ Rosicky/ Alumnia/ Arshavin/ Djouoro(?) were being played. Obviously it’s absolute bollocks whatever comes out of your mouth now.
Good riddance Wenger, Bring Hill-wood Stan and Ivan with you. Who cares if the club will suffer even more if you lot are gone. Like we are not with you guys around.
Gordon, what a pathetic comment.
With an attitude like that I’d just like to inform you that you are not an actual arsenal fan, and 95% of us real fans hate people like you.
Cheers
Who are you to say who is, and who isn’t a real fan? Just because someone has a different view to you, you think their opinion is not valid? We do have a lot of very inconsistent players and for Wenger to say that Chamberlain needs to go on the wing and become more consistent before he can be considered in his natural position in the middle is utter nonsense. He’s been more consistent than a large part of the squad. With Jack out, there’s even more reason to consider him in the middle. You can’t blame Ox for the… Read more »
no jam, i hate people like you who presume to speak for me and others. all the bloke did was express his opinion. if you dislike it, fuck off.
oh ya, p.s. id like ti inform you, you’re a cunt.
Gordon just stay away then. If you actually do go to any games that is. Idiot
To be plain and frank, I hate reading arsene wenger’s comments on our players. Infact I get disappointed when I see his name next to an interesting comment
Then don’t read them? Why torture yourself?
[…] suddenly Arsene becomes real chatty. Other things mentioned was the possible return of Bendtner, how Chamberlain ain’t ready, no shit Sherlock, and the Mertesacker being a calming influence. Not sure if I agree with the last […]
Watching the games at the emirates is totally different to tv. You see everyone’s movement from my seat and it helps with the understanding of individual players efforts. Each of our players can show brilliance and good understanding. But they all are guilty of a lack of concentration
I would call Oxlaide-Chamberlain’s misplay of “the corner” against Olympiakos more than just a momentary “lack of concentration”. The fact of the matter is that AOC wasn’t just out of position on the corner kick that cost Arsenal the goal, he didn’t know where to position himself and was still not in the correct position on the other short corners that Olympiakos took in the first half. Additionally, he was initially guilty of not tracking back on defense early on. To his credit, AOC did do a better job of tracking back after being yelled at by a teammate, but… Read more »
Seriously, you cannot blame Chamberlain for the goal by Olympiakos. He went to close the play down and nobody was supporting him; they all just stood around expecting a lofted ball into the box, and left a huge hole right through the middle of the defence.
As for tracking back, Theo and Arshavin are not exactly good examples of tracking back, and they are senior players now.
well Put American Gunner Fan. I agree with your point of view. the major reason that makes arsenal weak is just the work ethic of the lethargic midfield and the lazy fowards. With such poor work ethic off the ball any and most defenders will be exposed. The number of last minute tackles by the Arsenal’s defense or Scz brilliant saves are just too many (against major opposition). Case in point was the games against Dortmount and Udenese in the Champions League.It just gets too intese and its nailbiting stuff for all gooners. Compare this perfomance to Barcelona’s midfield and… Read more »