Out wide or in centre midfield?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would love the opportunity to develop his game in the centre of midfield rather than out on the flanks.

Since his arrival to Arsenal from Southampton back in 2011, the 20-year-old has found himself playing the majority of his football on the wings, but has, in the past, expressed his desire to operate in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield in the future.

The bullish winger showed us how effective he can be in the centre midfield role as he was deployed in this position by Arsene Wenger – alongside Jack Wilshere – in Arsenal’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Coventry City on Friday night, and the England international hopes it won’t be the last time he plays there:

‘In the future if I do play in midfield that’s an attribute that I won’t want to lose, I will want to run with the ball and drive forward, attract defenders and draw then out of position.

‘I don’t know whether I will end up there, that’s for Arsene Wenger to decide, but it’s definitely something I’m excited about the prospect of doing.

‘I’ve always been a midfielder and have only recently gone out to the wing, but wherever I play on the pitch I’ve just got to make sure I give the best performance I can.’

But where does Chambo’s future lie? Out wide or in the centre of midfield?

Having seen Chambo play in the centre midfield on a few occasions, I believe he has the ability and all the attributes to succeed in this position for Arsenal. Having said that though, I also think he is equally as effective out wide because he possesses great strength, speed and is a powerful runner who has all the tricks to get by his defender

It’s certainly a problem for Wenger to sort out, but a good one nonetheless.

I think, for the time being, Chambo’s best chance of playing regularly for Arsenal is out on the wings due to the mass of centre midfielders we currently have.

But his desire to develop his game in the centre of the park ultimately comes down to whether Wenger believes he can perform there consistently, that and of course if the Frenchman buys another midfielder!

Personally, I believe Chambo is more effective on the wings, but perhaps he should be given a decent run in the centre of midfield to show why he believes his future lies there.

Where ever he ends up, I think the youngster has a flourishing future ahead of him at the Emirates.