Calum Chambers Could Hold The Key To Arsenal’s Season

Calum Chambers has become a tertiary character at Arsenal. But he was always going to have a big role at some point. He may even hold the key to this season in his hand.

Arsenal have become a team of unlikely heroes. Last year it was Francis Coquelin. The year before that it was Aaron Ramsey. This year, we may find ourselves at the good graces of yet another such hero. That is, if he can capitalize on the opportunity that is given to him.

Related: 15 Transfer Rumors To Follow

Calum Chambers had a lot of hubbub surrounding him when he came to Arsenal for the pretty steep price of £16 million from Southampton. He immediately hit the ground as Arsenal’s go-to right back but his pace became an issue. The young Englishman was clearly more cut out for a central role. Knowing Arsene Wenger, the stint at right back was just a learning experience.

Perhaps the stint at center back was too. Krystian Bielik spent time at center back so that he could become a better midfielder. Is that the plan with Calum Chambers at Arsenal?

Arsenal FC

It is appearing more likely. Chambers played a full 90 minutes at holding midfield for Arsenal’s U21 side and just as the reports say, he looked pretty good. I am well aware that the U21’s and the real deal are two different things, but you can only make the most of what you’re given. Chambers did that.

When Francis Coquelin went down, Wenger cited Chambers and Flamini as the two to help compensate. Now that Cazorla is out as well, Wenger may be forced to get creative with his midfield selection.

Not only that, but there is a very real possibility that Arsenal do not sign what we all know they need in January. Not signing players is always a possibility for Arsenal. If that is the case, then Calum Chambers may find himself looking at Gotham City burning to the ground. He will then notice that he is Batman. I have made better analogies, but the point is that Chambers can rescue Arsenal.

Mathieu Flamini is not going to be the answer. We know what he is capable of. He has not been capable of the starting job at Arsenal for some time. He is adequate, but nothing else. Calum Chambers has yet to be used for a prolonged stretch in midfield. We don’t know what he is capable of. If he can exceed expectations, like Hector Bellerin did at right back and like Francis Coquelin did last year, then Arsenal may find their season saved by the young Englishman.

Chambers has the backing of more than just Wenger. Bellerin spoke out in support of Chambers, saying, as quoted by IBT:

"Calum is a very good player. He has very good vision, even playing as a centre-back he can shape the game. He is also good in attack. He is versatile and like many others he can do a good job [by covering Coquelin]. This could be his moment,” he said. “He can succeed in many positions. He is still very young and has great potential, wherever he plays he will do it well."

That is some high praise. I understand that team mates always praise their team mates. But that does not mean that players would go out of their way to say something they did not believe.

Bellerin’s sentiments are echoed by Arsene Wenger, who said, as quoted by the Express:

"Calum Chambers has been educated as a central midfielder. 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."

Next: Arsenal's Top 10 Prospects

I have said it before and I will say it again, the only glaring problem that Calum Chambers showed during his first-team appearances was a lack of pace. He haphazardly gave the ball away at times, but stuff like that gets fixed pretty quick. Plus, those errors were exacerbated by the fact that he was playing center back. Cazorla and Coquelin give the ball away too, it’s just not normally as precarious.

Calum Chambers’ defensive qualities are obvious. If he can turn those qualities into composure on the ball, Arsenal may find a new hero.