Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to cut ties with midfield dreams

Arsenal has been reluctant to give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the midfield role that he deserves. Now though, he needs to let it go and settle in at right wingback.

The advent of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a massive highlight for a disappointing 2016/17 Arsenal season. While very few other things went right, the long-time prospect finally hit the heights of being able to shed that prospect status.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain played a diverse array of positions this season. Naturally, he played the wide wing roles that he has been forced into playing, but he also had his hand at several central midfield opportunities. The best of the best, though, came from his brilliant displays as a wing back.

The Englishman has always wanted to be a central midfielder, Wenger has always said that he is a central midfielder and now Danny Welbeck is still saying that his countryman has a future at midfield with the Gunners.

But why are we focused on this when the fact remains that the Ox is not only terrific at wing back, but the responsibilities are incredibly similar?

Whether he plays that deep central role or wide on the wings, he is going to have to defend and get forward. He is going to have to be sharp on the ball and use his speed to close down opponents. The only difference is that in the midfield, things will get cluttered and he is more susceptible to challenges.

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As a wingback, he has space for days. And an Oxlade-Chamberlain with acres of space is a terrifying weapon, which numerous teams bore witness to this season.

It’s gotten to the point where I feel like the Ox needs to cut ties with his desire to be a central midfielder. It’s not that he couldn’t do it, he absolutely could, it’s just that the competition is thick, and there is no point in him holding out for that specific position when he can find just as much impact and success in a wide role, if not more.

This was the first time ever that Oxlade-Chamberlain played wingback and he was incredibly convincingly. Then you stop and think that he is only going to get better. That is scary.

He may have his heart set on one position, but with how good he is at this new role, it is better for all parties involved, even Oxlade-Chamberlain himself, to just stick with it. Go where you will be the best player you can be and I don’t see how he could be any better at central midfield than he is at wingback.

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But then again, I’d be happy to be convinced otherwise.