Arsène Wenger fears that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s development is being undermined by a lack of self-belief. The Arsenal manager says that this is a vital season for the 22-year-old England midfielder and he has used him in every match so far, either from the start or as a substitute.
Wenger is also expected to start him in the Capital One Cup tie at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday but in the build-up, he spoke about how the player has to believe in himself more and criticise himself less. “It is a massive season for Alex,” Wenger said.
“He is at the age now where he is getting picked regularly for the national team. He is picked by me as well for the team. It is a very important season because of how he is growing. You feel the evolution has a sense of responsibility.
“I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe more in himself. He must believe more in his talent and that will help him develop as a player. I think sometimes he is too critical of himself. I would like him to play with the freedom and express the desire of his talent.”
