Per Mertesacker says Calum Chambers pursuit of first team football is keeping Arsenal’s other three centre-backs on their toes.
The 20-year-old made 36 appearances in an eye-catching debut season at the Emirates before a slight dip in form at the turn of the year saw Arsene Wenger withdraw him from the firing line.
Confidence rebuilt, the Southampton Academy graduate has been handed two starts, consolidating his credentials as the Gunners’ fourth choice central defender behind Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.
Paying tribute to the 20-year-old’s eagerness to learn the BFG told Arsenal Player that he expects Chambers to become a top player:
“He’s a good guy and we challenge each other every single day in training. That’s what it’s all about. He’s eager to learn, he really fancies challenging every single centre back and that’s something you need.
“When you step up as a young talent, you need to challenge the old lads. It’s really good to have him so that we can improve. You never stop working, you never stop doing things because there’s someone behind you – in a respectful way – who is giving absolutely everything in every single training session.
“That’s what my feeling is. When he does that, he’s got a great chance to develop as one of the top centre backs.
“It’s a good situation for us because every player gives something to the team,” Mertesacker added. “It’s not only about taking something or taking a place, for us it means more to play for Arsenal than just getting a spot in the lineup.
“It’s a good situation for all of us. There will be small niggles, injuries and sicknesses so we have to find a way of playing with each other, no matter who’s playing. That is the situation but it’s a very respectful situation.”
Theo Walcott, a man who’s successfully made the transition from young prospect to regular first teamer, has also had his say on the talents coming through the ranks.
Talking to the Arsenal Magazine the striker reflected on the way the likes of Alex Iwobi (who recently signed a new deal), Chuba Akpom and #TheJeff strutted their stuff in pre-season:
“These young players play with freedom, which is great to see. There will be a lot of pressure on their shoulders – players like Alex Iwobi, who did well in pre-season, Chuba who has gone on loan to Hull City, and Jeff who we saw at the Emirates Cup. He looks like a real Arsenal player.
“I don’t know what position he will end up playing – the manager likes to play youngsters in different positions early on so he can work out where they fit best.
“He’s really confident on the ball though, despite how young he is. These youngsters train with us a lot, so they see how comfortable and relaxed the environment is, so they know what to expect when they progress.”
Upward virtuous circles, good intelligent talented players in the team, young players learning from them.
More good players wanting to join.
Great young lad……..loads of talent. I like the back four now (or the back 8), they are all terrific players.
Is it me or is Chambers nearly as tall as the BFG?
It’s a combination of you and perspective mate.
He had a shaky game against Liverpool, but looked a lot better against Sp*rs. Just the right age to be coming good when Per or Kos might be either moving on hanging them up.
A shaky first half, (imo)
Not just you. We’re much taller as a team nowadays, players near or above 6ft are everywhere across the team; Per, Cech, Gabriel, Giroud, Welbeck, Chambers. Even Ramsey, Coq, Monreal, though not the tallest can certainly put in a fight. Not that it’s hugely important; just tired of shit commentators bleating on the same line of Arsenal not having tall players hence suspect to set piece goals (which also have massively improved over the years but of course they couldn’t give a fuck). Right up there with Arsenal are softies, no fight, foreigners with no identity, and a whole host… Read more »
I dont mate but Daily Mail is saying Mert is really overrated and he is actually shorter than Hazard.
….taller than Alex nasri
If Chambers can pick up the positional sense of Per he’ll stand a real chance of making it. If not I think his lack of pace is the major obstacle to him making it.
Seems like a good lad though and he does have a certain something.
Will need game time as well. It really is hard for a young centre back or goalie because as blogs said this morning when they make a mistake it’s usually costly.
Did Walcott seriously call him “The Jeff”, or is this Arseblog artist licence?
He actually even went one further and said ‘hashtag-The-Jeff who we saw at the Emirates cup…’
How did that get a down-vote?
I had a small chuckle (not sure it could be considered a lol) to myself there.
“…when they progress”;I like the positivity. Somehow I feel it’s justified
Has all the attributes to be automatic replacement for Per when he leaves or retires.
Good to have Per talk about Chambers like this, it would be a good confidence booster for the lad.
Looking forward to #TheJeff’s press conference after he scores his first professional Arsenal goal.
“My name is Jeff”
Je m’appelle “Le Jeff”