Wenger sees new role for Ox

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will develop into a central midfielder in the future.

Oxlade-Chamberlain tipped for central midfield future at Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will develop into a central midfielder in the future. Oxlade-Chamberlain played in a midfield role rather than as a winger during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan and he impressed in the middle of the park. Wenger sees the 18-year-old's long-term future in the centre of the pitch, but he admits the former Southampton youngster still has some work to do. "I don't think he is ready to play in this role personally but he will certainly develop into it in the future," Wenger told Arsenal Player.

Develops

"He will play [there] again but I think he has to play where he is needed basically. The most important thing at the moment is that he develops well. "He had a good game but he still has many things to add to his game. That is the purpose now for his work, especially the fitness, the physical intensity to add to his game. "That will certainly come if he works hard. "You are not a star after five or 10 games, let's let him play 100 times and then we will talk again."