Calum Chambers has been getting some game time under his belt with the Arsenal youth team recently.
The defender has been trying his hand at being a midfielder and has explained how different the position is.
Chambers hasn’t had the easiest time at Arsenal since joining from Southampton. Although he initially seemed to be going places, injuries meant he spent a lot of the time on the sidelines. Other players, namely Hector Bellerin, overtook him in the pecking order and now he can’t seem to even get a game for the senior team.
To keep him in good nick, we’ve resorted to playing him in our youth team and have even moved him further up the pitch.
Speaking about his ‘new’ position, he said, “Compared to centre back, I think you need to be more aware of everyone around you.
“You’ve got to be swivelling your head, looking where everyone is and knowing where you’re going to pass the ball before you get it.
“It’s almost like you need to be one step ahead of the game.”
Playing for the u21s is useful because not only does it keep him fit but it gives him a purpose. If he spent his entire time just training and then sitting on our bench week in, week out, he could become disillusioned and lose his drive.
Although we’re yet to see Calum as a midfielder for the first team, trying him out in different positions can only be a good thing. Even if it doesn’t result in a change of direction, he can still learn new techniques and gain a better understanding of the game.