Former Tottenham forward turned BBC football pundit Garth Crooks believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be England’s next ‘David Beckham’, after his recent performances for Arsenal.
The 18-year-old winger was hugely influential in Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon, where he managed to net his first brace for the Gunners in Premier League.
So impressive have his early displays been for the club, many Arsenal fans, seasoned pundits and even Arsene Wenger, believe the former Southampton youngster should be included in England’s 23-man squad for the Euro’s in June. Crooksy seems to be among the majority and also believes Chamberlain has the means and capabilities of potentially becoming an England great:
‘If I ever wanted to manage a player of the next generation, he is the one.
‘Mark Lawrenson put it brilliantly when he said that ‘he has a bit of everything’.
He added:
‘What l most admire about this young man is that he has the football intelligence of a player considerably older.
‘This kid could be our next David Beckham.’
Whilst I agree with Crooks that Chambo could potentially become a star for England, as well as Arsenal, I wouldn’t compare him to Becks.
AOC’s style of play and movement is totally different to that of the LA Galaxy midfielder. Besides, we don’t want Chambo becoming big-headed and arrogant, we want the young lad to keep his feet firmly on the ground and to concentrate on his development under Arsene Wenger.
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Hi,
And a good write up. I think Crooks was spot on it voicing the excitement about AOC’s potential. However, as you say, I think he’s off the mark with his comparison of him to Beckham.
It’s a little like someone commenting that the young: “Messi could be Argentina’s next Ardiles”!
Or like saying mertasacker could be the next igor stepanovs . Gareth crooks is a weirdo and talks crap . The ox is like the ox … ( or Rooney ) but he is himself . Unique and exciting . At least if we are gonna compare him to people let’s be mildly accurate . He looks to me like a mix of pele , strong and gets kicked but they just bounce off him , and maradonna , dribbles with speed and strength . Great Vision too so maybe a touch of berkamp and finishes nicely as well so a touch of perry groves too !
2 compare A.O.C with D.B, He will have a long way 2 go but soon or later arsenal fc will have another Ronaldinho. Gunners 4 lif.
Are u retarded ? Who taught you how to speak ??? Gazza perhaps ?
Think AOC is more like TH14 🙂 or at least the potential to be.
Dont think I agree w author that DB is arrogant and big-headed cos he seems to be a humble guy. Plus DB seems to enjoy Arsenal’s games
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain just goes to show how good Wenger is.
I am the first to admit that I was berating Wenger for spending so much money on an unproven talent again, then I was livid with Wenger for taking him off in the Manchester United game when we were in the assendency, and I know I can’t have it both ways.
Wenger has his frailties, but, he is also the best coach to operate on a shoe string budget out there. If anyone can name me one other coach that has achieved what Wenger has on his budget I will be amazed. Alan Pardew is doing it at Newcastle this season, but, he failed at West Ham. There are clubs that are competing to stay in the league that are spending more than us, but, still end up getting relegated.
We all need to get some perspective, and, I include myself in that.
I hear people saying he’s our Messi and I don’t blame them bcoz of excitement. but believe me, I see something to this boy and he’s England Maradona. If you don’t believe me watch him play, his movement of the ball, how he runs behind the opposition defense tells you something about him and his character. I like him coz he’s down to earth and didn’t get so paranoid by the media people.
Gud luck England Maradona