Arsenal’s versatile centre-half, Calum Chambers is now being presently linked with a potential move to Newcastle United as their gaffer, Rafa Benitez is desperate to fix any leaking gaps or loopholes at the back.
The English International spent the last season with Middlesbrough on loan and had been impressive at the back for the Teessiders last season. Although Boro got relegated, the performance of the 22-year-old had been appreciated and appreciated by fans and experts alike.
The former Southampton man who arrived at the Emirates in 2014 has since hardly seen much action with Gunners and has now fallen out of favour with Wenger as the Frenchman has deemed the defender now to be surplus to requirements.
Although tied to his present employers till 2020, a potential move to get game time in Premier League might compel the youngster to swap shirts.
The player’s ability to play both as a right back and a centre-half are also added qualities that make him quite a catch for the Magpies.
Let us evaluate the stats of the player during his last season with the Smoggies.
Player Stats
The player has featured 26 times with Boro last season, all first team starts and had scored and assisted a goal in the process. No question to be asked on the player’s fitness and consistency, one could imagine.
The young Englishman has a pass success rate of 78.2% and has also made 6 key passes for his team. being a centre back it goes to show that the player is equipped with the capability to produce the odd chance and has the temperament to gradually build play from the back.
Defence has been the youngster’s forte, and it is exemplified by his stellar tackle success rate of 71% and 52 interceptions he made last season. Certainly laudable stats for any defender.
The player’s aerial dominance and crossing techniques are also quite good. The only drawback has been the player’s ability to hold on to the ball as many times he had been dismantled from possession quite easily by opponents last season.
Nothing crucial, the player has all the qualities for a star-in-making with little adjustments required here and there, which would automatically emerge with further experience and game time. Certainly a gem of a prospect for any club. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Rafa would be embarking on a journey with highly talented Championship winners in the upcoming season no doubt but let us not forget that more than half of these players lack the knowledge and experience of playing in English Football’s top tier and the Premier League is a different ball game altogether.
The addition of Chambers would certainly provide Rafa’s squad with both experience and exuberance at the back. Also with his added composure and calmness, he would be a relief for the Magpies to have at the back.
The player had been more than impressive during his time at St. Mary’s playing both as full back and centre half. Safe to say if properly moulded and guided he might turn out to be Newcastle’s star player at St. James Park, certainly!
