Arsene Wenger has urged Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start playing with more freedom.
The England midfielder has made eight appearances this season, scoring Arsenal’s Community Shield winner against Chelsea, and is set to feature in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup third-round fixture at Tottenham Hotspur.
Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a late equaliser in the north London derby at Emirates Stadium last season, and Wenger has backed the 22-year-old to continue his development this term.
"He must believe more in his talent and that will help him develop as a player"
Arsene Wenger
“It is a massive season for Alex,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “He is at the age now where he is getting picked regularly for the national team. He is picked by me as well for the team.
“It is a very important season because of the nature he is growing. You feel the evolution has a sense of responsibility. I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe more in himself.
“He must believe more in his talent and that will help him develop as a player. I think sometimes he is too critical of himself. I would like him to play with the freedom and express the desire of his talent.”
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