There has been a few Arsenal rumours this summer regarding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, simply because the 24 year-old only has one year left on his current contract with the Gunners. But no-one really believes that there will be any problems regarding an extension and he is expected to sign a lucrative new deal very shortly, and according to Danny Welbeck he is good influence in the dressing room. “I think he’s had some really impressive performances,” Welbeck said.
“He’s had some solid performances and it’s something that doesn’t really come as a surprise to me. I’ve seen him over the years, I’ve seen what he can do and what he’s capable of. I think now he’s started to reap the rewards from it.
“He’s great to have around the dressing room. He can always lift the mood in the camp with a little joke. He’s always got a positive mindset and it’s a good thing to have him around the dressing room.
“He’s putting in some solid performances and he knows that. But he knows in himself that that’s got to be the standard, he has to be consistent with that, improve and get to the next level. I’m sure that’s what Ox is focusing on doing.”
Alex has been playing in many varied positions this season, from winger to central midfield and lately as a wing back, but where does Welbeck think is his best place in the team? “With the quality he has and with his ability on the ball… I’d say centre mid,” Welbeck replied. “I feel like he’s got the ability. I like it when he gets the ball in central mid, he knows that I can run in behind and he can play the ball over the top.
“He’s got that in his locker and that’s something that if we’re in training, we look forward to doing… if he stands somebody up in the centre of midfield and goes past them, they’re not getting the ball back.
“He’s so powerful and quick with the ball. He’s got an eye for a pass too, so it’s centre of midfield for me.”
The latest pairing in the centre has been Xhaka and Ramsey, but with the Welshman’s injury problems, and Xhaka’s agressiveness there are sure to be some rotation, especially with the extra Europa League fixtures ahead. We also have Coquelin, Elneny and perhaps Jeff available for these spots next season, though I don’t think we will see much of Santi Cazorla on the pitch in the next campaign.
So could the Ox take his position and become our perfect playmaker?
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