It appears to be general consensus that next season we need top quality signings in a defensive midfielder, striker and left winger. I definetley agree with the first two, and the vast majority of our transfer budget should be spent there, but there seems to be an aversion to oxlade-chamberlain taking up the starting berth on the left wing.
Since his return from injury, he's put in some great performances, such as Crystal palace at home, munich home and away, and some pretty shoddy shows, such as Spurs, where he has played in a more withdrawn position. Personally, i've seen enough in him this season to suggest that come mid august, he should be lining up on the left wing for us. He has the all the ability to play there, with pace, power and dribbling, but also has extra subtleties to his game, allowing him to come indside and help dictate play. Playing him out wide will give Ozil and extra outlet, and will hopefully see us with much more pace than this season.
Do a lot of people on here not rate him enough to start regulary? I agree with the idea of a 'british core' in the team, which is then supplemented by top quality foreign players, and i think next season, hopefully with less injuries (dreaming, i know) will see this coming to fruition.
Ramsey and Ozil's partnership seems to be developing nicely, and their skill set complements each other so well. Again, i can't wait to see them next season playing together. A defensive midfielder who will complement the partnership is a must, someone who will allow the other two to play their game and will look after the dirty work.
And, it goes without saying, a striker who can put the ball in the back of the net!
Oxlade-Chamberlain next season
posted on 22/4/14
I'd still like to see a third player with the pace and power of him and Walcott. Firstly they don't have great injury records and 3 players to rotate between those positions (while loaning Gnabry out and having Cazorla, Rosicky as another option) is just sensible IMO
posted on 22/4/14
Oxlade is immense, has a great future ahead of him. Playing time needs to be managed for the remainder of the season, as we'll need him fit for the FA cup final.
posted on 22/4/14
I agree that a new pacey wideman would be a good addition, but as a squad player. With 2 new first teamers, and a couple of squad players we could put out two strong teams:
Szeszny
Sagna / Mert / Kos / Gibbs
NEW DM / Ramsey
Walcott / Ozil / Oxlade
NEW ST
and...
(New keeper assuming fab goes)
Jenkinson / NEW CB / Verm / Monreal
Flamini / Wilshere
New Winger / Cazorla / Podolski
Giroud
You still have Arteta and Rosicky to come in there, plus some younger players like Sanogo and Gnarby who can slot in for experience
posted on 22/4/14
I really like him
still a little raw at times but you can see something special there.
posted on 22/4/14
We only REALLY need a pacey top class striker and replacements for anyone who leaves.
Maybe a replacement for Arteta, or keep as is and promote from within.
posted on 22/4/14
He still has to be a squad player for next season, can't see him starting week in week out just yet, still makes too many errors, he is a good impact sub
posted on 22/4/14
Wenger has made it clear that he sees Ox's future in the centre. The problem for Ox himself is partly the quality we already have there but also the fact that he has been more than useful in a few positions but never really made one his own (mostly down to his age and this season's injury of course).
He's a very handy player to have filling in various attacking positions or for an injection of pace and directness as a sub and I think he will have another season of that at least before he's ready to be thought of as first choice anywhere.
I do think he'll make it and be a top player though. I hope he has the patience he might need.
posted on 22/4/14
Very Hit & Miss at the moment, but you can see the potential there with him. I personally think he needs to be an impact sub more instead of a starter.
Him coming off the bench with his pace and being direct is not a good sight for the opposistion.
posted on 22/4/14
Ox is so good. But he needs to sort out his passing to play in cm. He's got it all though to be playing wing for now.
posted on 22/4/14
Him and Theo either side of Ozil would be highly effective for all players. Next year him and Jack need to stay fit/push on and be as vital to the side as Rambo has become this year