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Arsenal vs Leicester City: Let Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain bewitch right wingback role

By Akhil Chaudhary

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal enters the field of play during the match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Arsenal FC at ANZ Stadium on July 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal enters the field of play during the match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Arsenal FC at ANZ Stadium on July 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal can give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the green light at wingback and resolve the nightmares at the position before they even begin.

The Premier League starts today, and there is unbounded excitement in the eyes of the fans. Arsenal will hope for a debut goal for Alexandre Lacazette, and a solid performance from Sead Kolasinac. But it is the right wingback role that has became quite an enigma lately and needs food for thought.

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Hector Bellerin seems a natural fit for Arsenal’s wingback role but his form has dropped off since last season. He didn’t even have a preseason, and is evidently short of match fitness and concentration.

The other choice is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – his marauding and lung bursting runs down the right flank are a treat to the eye. His performances were one of the main reasons why the Gunners had such success with the 3-4-3 system.

Arsene Wenger might put Sead Kolasinac on the bench as he did in the Community Shield.  He recently stated:

"“I had a hesitation to play him from the start because it was Wembley and the pressure, But when he came on he was outstanding.”"

Which means that Kolasinac might be slowly phased in the first team lineup, and he may let Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bellerin take the two wingback spots. While I am clearly a fan of these two, Kolasinac should start as he was absolutely commanding against Chelsea.

Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left is essentially less potent Oxlade-Chamberlain, as he needs to cut back in. He is more dangerous when he is on the right. This allows him to dribble past the defender and put a nice cross in or fancy a shot.

As his contract dwindles down, giving him as much minutes as possible is the best way forward. After Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, resolving his contact is arguably the most important. He needs game time as he is entering his prime.

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It might not be in the centre of the park but he can command this place at the wingback role. It also instigates Bellerin, seeing his place in danger might even get the best out of him. Until then, let Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain give the Leicester City back line nightmares before the game has even started.