Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can shine in Arsenal midfield role - Danny Welbeck

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has said he would like to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain playing in a central midfield role.

Manager Arsene Wenger used Oxlade-Chamberlain in a number of different positions last season, from winger to central midfielder to full-back.

But Welbeck told Arsenal's official website: "With the quality he has and with his ability on the ball, I'd say centre mid.

"I feel he's got the ability. I like it when he gets the ball in central mid -- he knows that I can run in behind and he can play the ball over the top.

"He's so powerful and quick with the ball. He's got an eye for a pass too, so it's centre of midfield for me."

Oxlade-Chamberlain finished second behind Alexis Sanchez in the Arsenal fans' vote for Player of the Season.

He became a regular starter during the second half of the campaign and excelled as a wing-back after Wenger switched to a back three over the final weeks.

However, he has been in and out of Arsenal's lineups for much of his time at the club, and Welbeck called on him to show his qualities consistently.

He said: "He's putting in some solid performances and he knows that.

"But he knows in himself that that's got to be the standard, he has to be consistent with that, improve and get to the next level. I'm sure that's what Ox is focusing on doing."

Meanwhile, Wenger has said quick decision-making is one of the keys to determining whether young players make it in modern football.

He said the ever-increasing pace of the game meant "mental flexibility" was more important than ever, telling the official website: "The solutions available for the players disappear so quickly that you have to change your mind on the ball very quickly.

"You have to be flexible in your decision-making and not be stubborn.

"But it has to be educated at a young level. I have seen recently some young big talents not make it because they did not have that mental flexibility."

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