Revealed – Calum Chambers’ Real Position
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger surprised most fans when he bought English defender Calum Chambers for 16million Pounds in the summer. it was a common knowledge by everyone that Arsenal needed a right back after the exit of Bacary Sagna to Manchester City but with the signing of French right back Mathieu Debuchy, it looked as though the problem had been solved. Debuchy was expected to replace his compatriot while Carl Jenkinson and Hector Ballerin act as understudy to him but it seemed Le Prof had other ideas as he splashed out on the Southampton academy graduate.
Like to fish to water, Chambers has adapted to life at the Emirates. He has not only played at right back but has also filled in at centre back and could soon be deployed to the central midfield after Wenger admitted he had the talents to play there. Former Arsenal midfield legend Ray Parlour has also lent his voice to the many voices praising the new Three Lions debutant.
“He has been absolutely superb, Ray Parlour Said.
“He has been a great signing for Arsene Wenger, another good youngster in the side.
“He gives Wenger a headache as to what is his best position. It is all about learning his trade, he is still a young lad.
“It won’t harm him if he plays centre-half or right-back at the moment. You learn a different sort of way to play.
“Right now I think he’ll be a better right-back. He just needs a little bit in the last third and to stop the bookings.”
I agree with Parlour in its’ entirety. For every versatile player, there would be his natural position but the good thing is that he could also be deployed elsewhere in terms of emergency. Also, versatility also comes to bear in a team where the incumbent is experienced and the youngster might find it difficult holding down a place in his natural position. It might be difficult for Chambers to displace a fully fit Debuchy but with his versatility, he could stake a claim in the first team via the centre back and central midfield position.
But on the long term, Arsenal seem to have the right back position well covered. Debuchy won’t stay too long as he approaching 30 already but when he is done at Arsenal, highly rated youngsters Chambers and Ballerin would be ready to step into his shoes. Just like Parlour posited, Chambers still needs to fine tune his defending abilities especially cutting down on his bookings. He has amassed 5 already this season in England and that has seen him been ruled out of the Premier LEague clash against Hull, a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final.