Following in the footsteps of former Southampton academy graduates Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saints right-back Calum Chambers is set to become an Arsenal player for a fee in the region of £12m (not including add-ons). So what can Arsenal fans expect from their soon-to-be newest acquisition?
Last season was the year of young English wing-backs at Southampton. While Luke Shaw was tearing up the left with his Bale-like adventure and endeavour, it was the right side where the better defending was on display. Between Nathaniel Clyne and Calum Chambers, Pochettino’s Southampton had England’s future in their hands.
While Clyne was the more experienced of the two, more composed in the tackle and trickier on the break, Southampton fans didn’t bat an eye when ever Chambers were picked ahead of him. He was stronger than his squad-mate, with a firmer tackle and a tighter marking style. At 19 years old, and a product of the famous Southampton youth academy, he could run another 15 minutes than Clyne, with greater fervour and persistence. He wasn’t caught in the opposition half as much, more likely to be found drifting behind and beyond the half-way line in anticipation of a counter attack, while still recognising his potential as a calming outlet if a move broke down ahead of him.
That’s not to say he wasn’t capable of a cross or two, mind. They weren’t quite as laser-guided as James Ward-Prowse’s, but they were more accurate than Luke Shaw’s. Indeed, though he didn’t make any direct assists last season, on his debut back in 2012, he capped off his night by creating the final goal in a 4-1 victory over Stevenage in the Capitol One Cup.
What’s more, right-back isn’t even his natural position. Young Calum started his career at center back, and has also been known to start a few games in midfield – both positions he can play with impunity. With his strength and marking ability, Chambers isn’t restricted to chasing wingers up and down the right side. He can hold up play, pick a neat pass, break down attacks and distribute the ball as coolly as Jack Cork or Morgan Schneiderlin, and can still develop a new niche as a defensive attacking midfielder (ala Willian) – a role he has filled before without fuss.
Calum Chambers didn’t have as good a season as Luke Shaw or Nathaniel Clyne last year, that much has to be said. But don’t let what you think you saw of the youngster erode the truth. Calum Chambers is just one more in a long line of exquisite Southampton academy graduates that can and will cement a position in the England national team, and any league side he may find himself playing for. At 19 years old, Calum Chambers has all the tools to become one of the best right-backs in the world, so long as his growth is promoted and his talents augmented – something Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal coaching team can do as effectively as anyone.
To surmise, Arsenal fans, Luke Shaw may have been the one they all wanted this window, but you’re about to buy the one everyone SHOULD have wanted. Calum Chambers is a versatile, powerful young man who can fill so many roles, it’s almost cruel to use him in just one position of a season. He leaves Southampton with our love and luck, and I can assure you, if Arsenal handle him with care, he’ll be the future of English football.
Now, if you could just leave us with Schneiderlin for one more year, we’d be most grateful.
