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Where would he be most effective for Arsenal?

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alex oxlade-chamberlainAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain has told Arsene Wenger that he’s willing to play anywhere in the side to help continue Arsenal’s push for silverware, declaring ‘the need of the team come first.’

The Gunners have been in impressive form as of late and find themselves sitting second in the Premier League table, one point in front of title favourites Manchester City and two adrift of current leaders Leicester City.

However, the Gunners are without seven first-team players and Wenger finds himself working with a depleted squad heading into the busy end of the season.

Wenger has a real chance to end the club’s 12-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions this season, and Chamberlain has offered his versatility and willingness to the Frenchman in the upcoming weeks to make it happen.

The 22-year-old said:

‘Versatility is an extra string to a player’s bow. In the long run it’s probably better to tie yourself down to one position and really become established in one area to be as good as you can in that position.

‘However, you look at the likes of [Bayern Munich’s] Philipp Lahm, who is one of the best right backs in the world, but he can also go into midfield and play as if he’s one of the best midfielders in the world.

‘Throughout your career you will always be asked to play slightly different positions here and there, and obviously the needs of the team come first, so if you need to fill in at a different position, you’ll be expected to do that.’

‘Sometimes it’s nicer to play in midfield because you get more of the ball whereas when you’re out wide you rely on people to get you the ball, but then when you are on the wing you have then license to attack a bit more and run at people which is a strong part of my game. I’m happy to play in both positions.’ 

Chamberlain has played the majority of his career – both at Southampton and Arsenal – on the flank, but has previously admitted his desire to play in the centre of midfield in the future. Wenger has suggested that the England international’s future may well lie in the heart of the midfield, but for now deploys him on the wing because of his powerful running and pace, as well as the Frenchman also having other players ahead of him in the mentioned role.

So with the injuries we have and the busy schedule set to start, where would Chamberlain be most effective for the Gunners? On the flank or in the centre of midfield?

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