Why Arsene Wenger has failed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Arsenal

What is his position?

For a long time, it looked like Oxlade-Chamberlain was going to be that modern-day winger who loves to take defenders on and get crosses into the box.

And when he was at his best, that was mainly where he played for both Arsenal and England.

However, according to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old has played in eight different positions for the Gunners since arriving there in 2011, ranging from an advanced right position to right-back to defensive midfielder.

And given that he has performed well in midfield in recent games, it begs the question – what is Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best position, and why is that still a question we are asking?

It seems that Wenger was concerned and anxious to give him an opportunity in that midfield area until he absolutely had to due to the various injuries in the squad, yet he arguably now looks to be the best option Arsenal have in that central area.

One reason why Phil Jones hasn’t quite made the grade until this season at Manchester United was because he could fill in anywhere and didn’t really have a natural position, but now he’s been given a run at centre-back, he looks a solid and accomplished player.

The same could, and perhaps should, have happened with Oxlade-Chamberlain, yet Wenger just hasn’t given him time to flourish.