When Calum Chambers joined on 28th July this Summer from Southampton in a deal worth £16 million many were surprised, there were shouts of being overpriced, few could see this being great business.
Chambers was always bought as cover due to the fact that he can play a multitude of positions, he can play right-back, centre-back, left-back, defensive-midfield and also on either wing.
Wenger clearly saw something, it is unlike him to spend big on potential, he has invested similarly in the past, one that springs to mind is Theo Walcott who after much criticism in his early Arsenal career has finally come good.
Chambers has found himself first choice due to the late return of Per Mertesacker from the World Cup and the departure of Thomas Vermaelen, you would find it difficult to find a player that has been more consistent in the two competitive games Arsenal have played so far this season.
He was head and shoulders above anyone else at Wembley in the 3-0 win over Manchester City which saw them lift the Community Shield, he was also very impressive in the season opener at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
So can Chambers keep his place? Arsene Wenger has a history of not wanting to give too much too soon to players that are still developing so I would fully expect Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to stay as Wenger’s first choice centre back pairing for now. Let’s not forget Chambers is still young but at the age of 19 he has already shown maturity which is not consistent with a defender so young.
He has shown how well he can read the game, is good in the air, strong, quick and is committed. He has already been heralded as “The New Tony Adams” you can see the resemblance, obviously it is too early to start serious comparisons with an Arsenal legend but giving the England prospect something to aspire to can not be a bad idea.
Arsenal travel to Turkey to face Besiktas tonight in a Champions League qualifier which could see Chambers start his third consecutive competitive game in Arsenal colours and with his reputation growing he will be looking to stake a claim for his place once more and show Wenger what he can do.
Due to Kieran Gibbs’ injury Vice Captain Per Mertesacker has joined the squad earlier than expected but only as cover. On early form you could be forgiven for expecting Koscielny and Mertesacker will need to fight for their starting place, it might be too soon for Chambers to be ahead of those two experienced centre backs but if he can continue his current form it won’t be long until he is the man to displace in the Arsenal back four.
