Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the latest talent from the now-famous Southampton academy which has also produced the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott in recent seasons. He broke into the Saints first team when he was just 17 in the 2010-11 season where he scored 9 goals in 34 league appearances for the then Championship club.
His obvious talent alerted Arsene Wenger, who wasted little time in bringing the gifted teenager to the Emirates Stadium. It was evident that he had the ability to run with the ball and that physical prowess required for the Premier League, and scored 4 goals in 26 appearances in his debut season.
His mature displays for Arsenal even earned him a call-up to the national squad and he was included in the squad that flew to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012. He was also one of the scorers when England thrashed minnows San Marino 8-0 in a World Cup qualifier the other night.
With his stock rising, the 19-year-old was strongly tipped to take the Premier League by storm this season, but has not had a lot of minutes to impress on the pitch. His bit-part role means he has been used sparingly by Wenger, who is keen to nurture him gradually and not force him into the spotlight so soon in his career.
But, according to Metro, the winger is frustrated with Wenger’s selection policy and said, “My season hasn’t progressed in a way as much as I would have wanted to because I always want to play. But I also understand the manager, as Arsene will protect his younger players. I remember speaking to Robin van Persie last year, and Theo Walcott before, and they said they had experienced the same thing.”
The England international has just played 18 league games for the Gunners this season, scoring just a solitary goal. However, he feels he can still contribute significantly before the season is over as Arsenal aim to guarantee Champions League football for next season.
He said, “But I can’t complain with the way the season has gone. There is still a long way to go in the season and I could be a crucial part of that at some time. I’ve just got to make sure I’m mentally ready and physically ready to help the team. Obviously we’ve got a tough run-in to make sure we get the top four.”
Wenger has developed a lot of young players into superstars and is obviously qualified to answer whether the wideman deserves more playing time. Chamberlain does believe that Wenger knows what’s best for his development.
He said, “The boss has got his reasons for what he does. He’s a very wise man, a brilliant manager, and I’m sure he has got good reasons. All I can do is keep working hard and, when I do get chances, make sure I’m doing well, and be a positive player in the team.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain seems like a good young professional and the Gunners are fortunate to have him in their squad as there is much more to come from him and I am sure Wenger will give him ample opportunity over the coming seasons to show his stuff.