Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has targeted playing as a central midfielder for the Gunners, but is firstly aiming to become a regular starter.
The 19-year-old is one of the hottest young talents around, and since his move from Southampton to North London in 2011 he has already established himself as a full England international.
While the Ox has shown his exceptional abilities already, he still has a long way to go to prove himself as an automatic starter under Arsene Wenger, whether it be in his preferred central role or on the wing.
Upon his arrival similarities were quickly drawn with former Southampton star and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, however it is evident the two are quite different and look to follow varying paths.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has operated more recently in a central role, a position that Wenger eventually sees the youngster occupying regularly. While The Ox wants to play centrally, he mainly wants to focus on playing regularly and developing as a player.
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He told the Mirror:
It’s not really for me to say (where I play) at this stage. I need to make sure, whether I’m asked to play in the middle or out wide, that I put in good performances and develop my game so I can be called up in different positions.
I grew up as a more natural midfielder, so whenever I get the opportunity to come on in midfield I try to do so and I’m happy and excited to show that I’ve got some attributes in midfield.
I’m only going to get better in that position with game time and when I’m out wide I’ve got to improve my game and keep improving just in general.
When the opportunities are to come on in the middle, I’ve got to try to show that I can take them – that I’ve got another side to my game if you like.
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