Arsenal’s best player in the pre-season so far, has been Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 22-year-old winger finally looks to be turning the corner into stardom, but some pre-season performances should be taken with a grain of salt. Remember, Yaya Sanogo scored four goals in one match in the last Emirates Cup and did nothing for the rest of the season. In Oxlade-Chamberlain’s case, if he is to deliver on his potential, this season really is make or break for him.
His natural position is the right-wing, and with Theo Walcott performing horrendously in that position this pre-season, the Ox is the natural choice to start the season there. The only problem is the Mahrez to Arsenal rumour, which looks odds on according to plenty of online sports book websites.
If that rumour becomes reality, then Wenger will certainly pick the expensive new signing ahead of the Ox, who has had a run of a couple of disappointing seasons. With Wenger setting low expectations for fans when it comes to transfers, it’s best that Gooners are mentally prepared to see Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right flank instead of last season’s ‘ PFA Player of the Year’.
The new dangerous part of the Ox’s skillset is his left foot. He scored a rocket with it against Chelsea in the 2015 Community Shield as well as his solo beauty against Chivas where he made their defence look like they belonged in non-league play. If he makes cutting in from the right flank onto that left peg of his a regular occurrence and makes teams pay for letting him do so, he will become a key fixture in Wenger’s team each week. Sure, continuing this form is a lot to ask of the long-inconsistent player, but if he does do so, then he will save the club money in the transfer market and points in matches.
Remember a few years ago when Wenger said The Ox reminded him of Gerrard and that the Frenchman would play the bulky winger in the center of the park? Well, that is also a possibility. His newly-discovered ambidextrous skills will be huge in the middle, too, especially once a player like Santi Cazorla or Aaron Ramsey inevitably goes down injured. Oxlade-Chamberlain would also be in a more dangerous position for when he wants to run recklessly through defenses like a knife through warm butter.
If The Ox holds his consistency throughout the Premier League season, the Gunners will have another star in their attack to go along with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil. Additionally, if the English winger can keep his confidence in his left foot, he will be able to cut inside and create space for the perilous Hector Bellerin, who can play in a pinpoint cross when given the right amount of time. Wherever Arsene Wenger decides Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plays best, one this is guaranteed: when he is given space, the youngster will make defenses pay. Let’s hope Gooners will continue to see him at his best for the entirety of the season.
