Wenger - Why Chambers is midfield option

Arsène Wenger believes Calum Chambers’ “education as a central midfielder” makes him a viable option to play in the holding role.

Both Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta suffered injuries at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, leaving Mathieu Flamini as Arsenal’s only fit defensive midfielder.

 

While Chambers has featured almost primarily as a defender at Arsenal, the 20-year-old has experience playing in front of the back four, and deputised there against former club Southampton on New Year’s Day.

 

“Calum Chambers has been educated as a central midfielder,” Wenger told the matchday programme. “He has a big stature, good technique, good vision as well.

“He has played in defensive positions so I think he can develop in the future in a position like defensive midfield.

“It is very important to balance our team, so the defensive role and the efficiency in this position is very important, because we are a team who like to go forward.

“All teams needs a strong, reliable player in every defensive aspect.”