During the 2014 summer transfer window, Arsenal acquired the services of 19 year Calum Chambers, in a deal that was worth £16 million. The talented youngster was one of many exciting prospects to have left the Southampton squad and the expectation was that Chambers would eventually play a prominent first-team role.
But as his Arsenal career approaches seven years this summer, the 26-year-old has struggled to attain regular minutes along with suffering unfortunate setbacks due to injuries.
Rewinding back to the latter stages of the Arsene Wenger era, it was evident that although Chambers showed promise in his performances, the versatile Englishman was raw in many aspects, as expected since he was very young. In order for his development to quicken, it was decided that regular football elsewhere at Middlesbrough and Fulham would be a smart decision.
Despite Chambers experiencing relegation with both clubs, the former Saints defender impressed from an individual perspective, playing in a variety of different positions. It’s yet another example of a club reaping the rewards of the loan system, with Chambers showing significant improvements within his game and clearly, Mikel Arteta is a fan.
Chambers under Arteta
In the Spaniards 2nd game in charge for the Gunners against Chelsea, Chambers was favoured at right centre-back, partnering David Luiz at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Despite a bright start, Arsenal’s number 21 suffered severe knee ligament damage – an injury that ruled him out of action until the end of the new year. Uncertainty immediately crept in regarding whether the after-effects of this setback would be severe.
But since coming back into action, adaptation hasn’t been a problem at all for Chambers. The 6ft 0in defender has continued the form he demonstrated during Emery’s second year in charge and has started games frequently since Arsenal’s encounter against Burnley at Turf Mour. But rather than playing as a centre-back, Arteta has utilized the former England U21 international at right-back and in a role that is far more complex than what it shows on paper.
1) Build-up play
During the 1st phase of play, Chambers moves into the backline to form a back three structure, tasked with covering the right channel when Arsenal are deep within their own half.
Predominantly, Xhaka has been instructed to play this role whenever Bellerin or Cedric are deployed at right-back. The Swiss international allows Tierney to advance forward and effectively act as a left-winger in possession. Whilst Granit has performed this role to a consistent level, he’s somewhat constrained to passing primarily through the left channel due to being very left-footed.
But with Chambers’ ability to play as a centre-back and be comfortable on the ball, Xhaka is allowed to operate more centrally and in a position where he can showcase his excellent passing range, as shown in Arsenal’s most recent victory against Brighton.
2) Tucking into midfield
One of Arsenal’s main sources of creativity throughout the course of the season has come through the left flank, largely because of the ever-reliable Kieren Tierney. The Scotsman’s ability to accelerate past his man from a standing start by applying a breathtaking shoulder drop is extremely effective, along with the excellent service provided from his final ball.
When overloads are created through this area of the pitch, it’s imperative that the right-back is capable of tucking into midfield, in order to give adequate protection to the centre-backs. This is yet another role the former Middlesbrough loanee excels in. And it’s no surprise since during his time at Fulham, Slaviša Jokanović deployed Chambers in central midfield, in a season that saw him collect the Cottagers’ player of the season award.
3) Overlapping
For almost the entirety of the first half of the season, Arteta was forced into persisting with the hybrid 3-4-3, since the Spaniard has no creators available to choose from. Within this system, the right back’s primary role when possession was within the final third was to invert rather than overlap.
But since Christmas, Emile Smith Rowe’s availability allowed Arteta to revert back to a 4-2-3-1, a formation that has helped restore attacking balance. The change in system has slightly altered the in-game dynamics, with the right-back given more license to push forward and create natural width.
This is another aspect Chambers has shown to perform well in, as his ability to deliver crosses with a desirable trajectory is arguably better than both Bellerin and Cedric. The benefit of having an overlapping option is that it pushes the right inside forward into the half-space, which is where both Saka and Pepe like to operate in.
Final thoughts
Playing a key role in the build-up play, comfortable within midfield and overlapping qualities; three roles Arteta requires from his right back and Chambers has shown to be capable in all aspects; a valuable utility player who provides cover in multiple positions. In terms of whether Calum can provide sustainability over the course of a whole season as a first-team starter is doubtful, hence why it’s imperative Arsenal do strengthen this position.
Achraf Hakimi would be the perfect candidate. The Moroccan International is composed during the build-up phases and delivers an abundance of creativity through the wide areas. Thomas Partey’s prescience just behind would give Hakimi freedom to influence proceedings in attacking areas. But if reports are to be believed, PSG appears to be the 22-year old’s next destination.
Ridle Baku, Emerson Royal, and Max Aarons are other names that have surfaced across the media, and with the futures of both Bellerin and Cedric remaining uncertain, it’s very clear that a right-back is on the agenda. But whoever does arrive at the Emirates, it’s vital that they are able to provide Arteta with tactical flexibility.
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