Arsenal vice-captain Per Mertesacker has revealed in an interview with Arsenal Player that he believes right-back Calum Chambers has a ‘great chance’ of becoming the Premier League’s best in the future.
The 20-year-old has been ever-present in the Arsenal defence, playing at centre-back as well as in his primary position of right-back, and has made 39 appearances for the Gunners since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2014, in a deal that could end up costing Arsene Wenger around £16m depending on the Englishman’s success in north London.
Mertesacker, who has been at the club for the past four years, congratulated Chambers on his work ethic in training and believes that the ex-Southampton man could become a world-class player in either of his positions.
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. 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.
Chambers could be given a chance in the next few weeks, with defensive stalwart Laurent Koscielny ruled out until the end of October with a thigh injury.
