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Wenger - What Ox can learn from Alexis

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsene Wenger says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will add goals to his game once he learns to receive the ball in more dangerous positions.

The England international has made a strong start to the new season and was the focal point of Monday's Champions League press conference after sitting down with Wenger to face the media.

Oxlade-Chamberlain discussed his admiration for Alexis and Wenger believes he can learn from the Chilean.

"You become a complete player at 23. From 23 to 30 is certainly where you are at your best. He has the future in front and a bright one"

Arsene Wenger

"For me it is down to the quality of the reception," said Wenger. "That means the area you get the ball, and that makes Alexis difficult to mark because he gets into positions where he can score.

"Alex is a good finisher, he gets into good positions and that is what he has to learn from him. You can work on it, knowing where to be at the right moment.

"I see [Alex] train every day, he is dedicated, focused, hungry," added Wenger. "His dad said he lacks a bit of self-belief and I can confirm that because he is very critical of himself.

"That’s positive and a sign of top-level sportsmen but you have to find the right balance: not happy with what you do without harming the confidence.

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"He is maybe not happy enough with his performance after the games and sees only what he has not done well, not enough of what he has done well."

Oxlade-Chamberlain's influence grows by the season and, at 22, he has his best years ahead.

"He's 22, he is in the English national team, he plays many games for Arsenal," said Wenger.

"You become a complete player at 23. From 23 to 30 is certainly where you are at your best. He has the future in front and a bright one." 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain