Arsenal defender Calum Chambers is hoping his versatility will earn him more playing time in the second half of the season after struggling to earn a spot in Arsene Wenger's team this campaign.
Chambers scored a spectacular goal in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday, but has mainly been a substitute in the Premier League despite his ability to play in three different positions.
The 21-year-old, who can be deployed as a right-back, centre-half and in defensive midfield, had an eye-catching start to his Arsenal career as he was thrown straight into an injury-ravaged back four in 2014-15 after joining from Southampton. But even though he's only been on the fringes of the first team this campaign, he said he is biding his time and expecting more opportunities to come up.
"I'm learning in the background. I'm not playing as much, but you can't let yourself get frustrated," Chambers told newspapers after the Burnley game. "You've just got to stay focused -- keep your eye on the goal, concentrate on yourself. That's the key to it.
"I'm just concentrating on getting games, training hard and thinking each game as it comes, trying to get myself in the squad and in the team. I'm trying to get myself stronger in training and things like that.
"Of course I want to be in the first team but when I don't play I take it on the chin. I still watch the boys, support the boys and that's what you have to do."
The problem for Chambers is that he has plenty of players in front of him in all three of his positions. Hector Bellerin is the first-choice right-back. When Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny are injured or need a rest in central defence, Wenger has turned to Gabriel Paulista as the first deputy.
In defensive midfield, Francis Coquelin, Mathieu Flamini and new signing Mohamed Elneny all make it difficult for Chambers to get a look.
But with Arsenal still vying for three trophies, Wenger will have to rotate his squad and Chambers is ready to fill in where ever he is needed.
"It gives me an opportunity to play. If you can play different positions then it can benefit you because you've got the knowledge," Chambers said. "I'm learning in training, watching players in my positions and recently I've started training in holding midfield and played a few games there. That was enjoyable as well.
"I still see myself as a centre-back. Maybe holding midfielder, but I see myself as a centre-back, really."
Judging by Saturday's game, maybe he should be given a shot at centre-forward as well. His finish with the outside of his boot to curl a shot into the top far corner from the right side of the box was worthy of a striker. His teammates started calling him "Canaldo" in the dressing room after the game, and Wenger said he wasn't surprised by the defender's abilities.
"He's quite a good finisher in training," Wenger said.