One for The Future: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

With the season coming to an end our blog will be host to a series of articles about young talented players that could become musts in future FPL teams.  The first article of the series is as follows:

One for The Future: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Few would have thought that following Wayne Rooney’s sensational arrival on the Premier League scene in 2002, a young English player would be capable of creating such a buzz. Yet, less than twelve months into his Arsenal career, parallels are already being drawn between the Manchester United ace and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The primary reason for this comparison to one of the worlds’ greatest players is that, at 18, Oxlade-Chamberlain seemingly has the full package. Unlike Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain has the presence of mind in attacking situations to accompany his blistering pace and technical creativity.

In a first half performance which saw Arsenal lead AC Milan by three goals earlier this month, the former Southampton man was the focal point of every Arsenal attack; providing assists for two of the three goals. He bullied a team which boasted Champions League winners and World Cup finalists.

Having been introduced in such important games, it would be natural to assume that Oxlade-Chamberlain may become overwhelmed by the occasion sooner or later. But that simply isn’t the case. Arsenal fans booed Wenger’s decision to replace him in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. He was being replaced by the Russia captain, which only serves to highlight the enormous potential of this young Englishman.

Not only does Oxlade-Chamberlain whet the appetite because of his sharp build up play, he has also proven that he has a keen eye for goal. Having already notched one Premier League brace in his short career, as well as a Champions League goal, Oxlade-Chamberlain is definitely one to watch out for in the future.

His name is already circulating as a possible candidate for a place in the England squad for the European Championships this summer. Whoever the England manager shall be, he will be naive to overlook such a talented player who is well on his way to superstardom. With father-like figure Arsène Wenger nurturing his precious talent at Arsenal, it is only a matter of time before Oxlade-Chamberlain fills Wayne Rooney’s boots.

Written by Sam Balls

Brief Biography:

I am a final year English student at the University of Portsmouth. I am extremely passionate about sport, and my burning ambition is to write for a national newspaper. You can find my blog at: samuelballs.wordpress.com or follow me on twitter: @Sam_Balls

Recommended Player for Gameweek 31

Recommended Player for Gameweek 31 - Ryo Miyaichi (Bolton / on-loan from Arsenal)

All Eyes on Him - The Start of a Sun Rise?

With Gameweek 31 upon us I didn't think that I would be endorsing a player from a team battling against relegation.  However with some valid reasons at hand I have decided to endorse Bolton's Ryo Miyaich (on loan from Arsenal).  He follows in the footsteps of Daniel Sturridge who was the on-loan sensation for Bolton last season and Jack Wilshere from the year before.

The Japanese international has played an integral part in reviving the fortunes of Bolton.  In fact two back-to-back victories from the last couple of Gameweeks has ensured that Bolton are out of the relegation zone for the time being.  This was in large part due to him assisting a goal in each of those matches.  Looking ahead, Bolton have a good run of upcoming fixtures as follows:

GW 31 - Wolves (A)
GW 32 - Fulham (H)
GW 33 - Newcastle (A)
GW 34 - No Bolton fixture
GW 35 - Swansea (H) / Aston Villa (A) - Double Gameweek for Bolton
GW 36 - Sunderland (A) / Tottenham (H) - Double Gameweek for Bolton
GW 37 - West Bron (H)
GW 38 - Stoke (A)

Most significantly, it must be noted that Bolton have two double gameweeks coming up which bodes well for transferring him in.  He is only selected by 0.7% of FPL managers which naturally makes him a differential.  Against a Wolves team in free fall decline (5 defeats in their last 6) what is to stop him from scoring a goal?  After all Miyaichi has already shown his capability of scoring in a Bolton shirt during the FA cup.

At 4.9 he is definitely a steal purchase.  He may not have had first team opportunities at Arsenal, but during his last loan spell (at Feyenoord) he scored 3 goals in 12 matches.  Aged 19 he is showing promise of developing into a very decent footballer.  In the words of a top football journalist that I liaised with recently "he certainly has the talent". The opportunity to save Bolton (and make a name for himself in doing so) could help Miyaichi prosper into a world class player.  So what are you waiting for?  Buy him!

I will post My GW 31 Blog Team (with confirmation of my selected captain and vice-captain for GW 31) a night before the Gameweek commences.

Recommended Player for Gameweek 30

Recommended Player for Gameweek 30 - Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)

 Gibbs in action versus Tottenham

Differentials count with points at a premium during this stage of the season. I have decided to endorse an up-and-coming England international for Gameweek 30 who is selected by a relatively small amount of FPL managers.  If he doesn't make the Euro 2012 England squad he will almost certainly play for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.  It's Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs.

Aged 22 and with two caps already to his name he should have played more matches for club and country had injuries not temporarily affected his nascent career.  In spite of this the left back has impressed many and could be Ashley Cole's natural successor in the England team.  Priced at 5.2 he is a steal when compared to other Top 4 teams' defenders.  Moreover Arsenal's decent upcoming fixtures put him in good stead as a credible defensive option in your team:

GW 30: Aston Villa (H) - Strong clean sheet potential*
GW 31: QPR (A) - Moderate clean sheet potential*
GW 32: Man City (H)
GW 33: Wolves (A) - Strong clean sheet potential*
GW 34: Wigan (H) - Strong clean sheet potential*

(*four of the five fixtures are winnable with a high clean sheet potential)

Of course you may be put off by his lack of games for Arsenal this season, but this was primarily due to injury not on poor performance.  I believe a fully fit Kieran Gibbs (as he is now) is Arsenal's first choice left back.  In fact he has started Arsenal's last four matches.  Arsenal have won all of those matches.  With no cup competitions to distract them why would Wenger decide to bench an injury-free Kieran Gibbs? 

He has only been selected by 1.2% of FPL gamers which naturally makes him a differential.  I would advise the purchase of Gibbs provided that you have at least three established defenders in your team.  It's not worth risking the sale of a decent defender for him.  But without a doubt his price, raw talent and Arsenal's upcoming fixtures make him a tantalising prospect!

I will post My GW 30 Blog Team (with confirmation of my selected captain and vice-captain for GW 30) a night before the Gameweek commences.