Wednesday 6 August 2014 08:10, UK
Arsene Wenger is delighted with Calum Chambers' early efforts at Arsenal, with the youngster's versatility proving to be most useful.
The 19-year-old was snapped up from Southampton having caught Wenger’s eye while operating in a right-back role.
He was, however, asked to make his Arsenal bow in the Emirates Cup as a centre-half, and impressed against Benfica and Monaco.
At the end of the season he did not play much for Southampton but I made my mind up to buy him after I saw him against us.
Chambers faces stiff competition, though, from seasoned international performers for a place in the back four when Premier League and UEFA Champions League action returns to north London.
It could be that he is moved further up the field to make full use of his obvious talents, with Wenger revealing that he would be prepared to field the youngster as a midfielder if needs be.
The Arsenal boss said: “Chambers played very well over the two games (in the Emirates Cup) and at 19 was not fazed by the quality of the opponents and by it being his first time at the Emirates.
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“He was one of the satisfactions of the weekend.
“He can play central midfield as well as he has good technique, great mobility and is a good distance runner. It is where I can have a look at him.
“He was educated as a central midfielder and then played with England U19s at centre-back and right-back for Southampton. That is where I saw him the first time against us and I liked him.
“At the end of the season he did not play much for Southampton but I made my mind up to buy him after I saw him against us.”
