Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain is a real performer now, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, describing the Arsenal midfielder as a “huge talent” and highlighting the teenager’s importance to the Gunners.

The 19-year-old has been limited to only 11 starts in the Premier League this season and has notched up three assists and one goal.

But the England international has also made 10 appearances from the bench this term and Wenger feels that Oxlade-Chamberlain has grown in stature since Christmas.

“Alex is a huge talent,” Wenger said. “I believe that he has moved forward a lot this season and you see it now when he comes on he has a different stature.

“He takes responsibility when he comes on now, which was not always the case. He has made huge improvements. He’s a very young boy. He has a part to play in our final run-in of course.

“I think since January he has grown up a lot. You see that now, there is more purpose in his game, the final ball is much better and his concentration is at a higher level.

“That’s what you learn when you come from [being] a young talented boy to a real performer. I think this season has been very useful for him.”