Wenger: Future is bright for Chambers

Chambers

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dubbed his newly-signed young defender Calum Chambers for a bright future in the England squad, ahead of the international friendly match the 19-year-old will make his senior debut in next month.

Chambers signed to Arsenal last month from south coasters Southampton and already has stepped up to the task for his new club.

The youngster featured in the Gunners’ first two Premier League fixtures of the brand new season and has already impressed the Arsenal manager with his strength of character as well as his ability in defence.

Chambers, who has played 18 times for the England U19s, is one of four English players who to date are uncapped for the senior team and have been called up to represent the Three Lions in either of both of two friendlies scheduled for next month – Norway and Switzerland.

The French coach believes his new defender is technically good enough to play for the England seniors, but said the one issue he might find a real challenge is dealing with the pressure, owing to his lack of experience.

Despite this, Wenger feels Chambers’ strength of character will carry him through successfully as it did Gunners striker Theo Walcott, who, like Chambers, broke into the England senior team at a very young age (Walcott was just 17 when he made his debut).

“I believe Chambers has the quality to be where he is,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“The only danger is psychological, that he’s under too much pressure, that it comes too quick but Calum is equipped mentally to deal with that.

“He has the character to deal with the pressure and the attention he will get.”

“I’m not negative about it because at Arsenal we have the example of Theo Walcott, who handled that very well.”

The Frenchman praised Chambers for his efforts since joining the Gunners and said he has taken on the massive responsibility of playing such an important role – centre-back – with maturity and ease.

“Calum has been outstanding ever since he joined the club. People sometimes do not realise how difficult it can be for a young lad to come to a club like Arsenal and take the responsibility of playing centre-half.

“It’s a massive thing and he has done it with ease. You would not know he is a young lad by the way he plays and the way he is on the ball.

“He has bedded in really well, he’s a great talent,” he added, “I’m confident he’s going to have a great future for club and country. It’s brilliant for England and brilliant for him.”

 


Posted

in

, ,

by