Nacho - Calum is a good surprise

Nacho Monreal says he can’t believe that Calum Chambers is still only a teenager because he plays with so much maturity on the pitch.

Chambers was named Vitality Player of the Month for August by Arsenal fans after producing solid displays at centre back in the opening four games of the season.

The 19-year-old’s commanding performances also impressed Roy Hodgson enough to earn Chambers a first England cap, replacing John Stones against Norway, and it came as no great shock to Monreal.

“Calum has been a good surprise for me because I didn't meet him too much and also he's younger,” the left back told Arsenal Player. “He's played like he's played for a long time in the Premier League. He's a good player and an important player for us now and in the future because he's younger.”

Chambers was initially deputising for Per Mertesacker while he recovered from his World Cup success with Germany, and Monreal believes the Gunners shouldn’t be judged before all their players are fit and competing for first-team places.

“I think we need a little bit more time because last summer a lot of players were playing in the World Cup and they came back late,” the Spaniard explained. “We have signed four or five new players so maybe we need a little bit more time for the players to feel better and their fitness can feel better. I think in the next weeks the team will play better.

“I think Arsenal has done a good job [in the transfer window] because now we have five or six new players who have a very good level. I'm happy with the club and Alexis, Ospina, Calum... we have a lot of hopes for them so I'm happy with the team.”

The Gunners are currently missing six first-team players through injury, including Kieran Gibbs, and that has given Monreal a chance to impress on a regular basis.

“I feel very good and I feel so happy because I am here and playing very well,” he said. “I only want to keep doing the same.

“I am playing better [this season]. One difference is that now I am playing [regularly]. Last season I didn’t play enough and I want to play every single game.

"For me it’s difficult to play one game and then stay on the bench for the next four or five games. When you play every single game you feel much better, you are fitter, your focus is much better. And now I am playing so I am very happy.”