Oxlade-Chamberlain determined to be his own man

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has dismissed comparisons with Arsenal team-mate and fellow Southampton academy graduate Theo Walcott.

The 18-year-old expressed his eagerness to establish himself in his own right, and not as a clone of his fellow forward.

“People are going to immediately compare me to Theo. We came to Arsenal at a similar age, in similar positions, so it is an easy comparison to make,” he said.

“We are completely different players though. Theo is more of a winger or a striker, whereas I have always grown up as an attacking midfielder, who has later gone out wide.”

“There are a lot of differences but at the same time Theo is a great player so for me to be compared to him is good.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain also insisted that he is constantly improving and made clear his desire to learn his trade during irregular spells in the Gunners’ first-team.

“I have already noticed there are some parts of my game which I have to change, and playing against good defenders like I was against City, you are going to learn,” he said.

“I am just going to keep taking my opportunities and learn, then push onto the next opportunity.”

“When I came here, I did not think I was going to jump into the squad straight away. Coming from Southampton, I was playing week in week out.”

“Signing here, I knew I was not going to be involved as much. I would have been naive to think that.”

“But just being able to train with these players every day, listening to the manager and just being around Arsenal Football Club, I have learned so much since I have come here.”

“I would not have changed anything for the world. All I can do is try my best to impress when I have got my chance, I just have to keep working hard and improving.”