Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘surprised’ by Gerrard comparisons

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he is flattered to have been compared to England captain Steven Gerrard by Arsene Wenger.

The 20-year-old, who has just returned from a lengthy lay-off due to a knee injury, has been tipped by the Arsenal boss to have a starring role in central midfield in years to come.

If someone says you are going to be nearly as good as Stevie, you are going to take it

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

And Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he was surprised to learn of Wenger’s comparisons between himself and one of his childhood idols.

“I was about surprised by that because Stevie has been one of my idols and someone I have always looked up to ever since I watched football,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

“To be in the England squad and have him as my captain, I get to see how professional he is and how good he is. He is a bit older now, but he is still doing the things I remember him doing when I was young.

“To be able to do that so consistently, for so many years at such a high level, is credit to how good a player he really is.

“If the boss thinks I can one day maybe form my game around him, [it] is a massive compliment. He is someone I would love to emulate.

“I would be slightly different to the way he plays [that role], but if someone says you are going to be nearly as good as Stevie, you are going to take it. It is a nice compliment.”