On loan from Arsenal, the England international is set to be an important figure in Middlesbrough’s Premier League season.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has encouraging news for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, after saying that he expects to turn defender Calum Chambers into a better player during his loan season with the club, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.
Chambers has struggled for regular football at the Emirates since moving from Southampton in 2014, featuring just 12 times in the Premier League last season, but he is now set to feature at the Riverside Stadium under a manager who is arguably one of the best around when it comes to keeping it tight at the back.
“He has come here to help us,” Karanka is reported as saying by the Standard in his Thursday press conference. “I brought him here to help him because at the end of the season, the main thing is that we can stay in the Premier League and Calum can go back to Arsenal as a better player.
Arsenal’s Calum Chambers celebrates scoring against Liverpool this season
“Sometimes in the market, you can find bargains. We were waiting until the end because the squad was almost complete and we were waiting for the right player.
“Calum ticks all the boxes – he can play in different positions, he’s a really good player, he’s a good kid, so he was really important for us at the last moment and for sure he is going to be important at this club.”
Himself a former defender who played for Real Madrid and at international level, as well as serving time under Jose Mourinho, there is certainly plenty of reason for Arsenal fans, and those intrigued by Chambers’ difficult career, to be enthused by Karanka’s comments. The Spaniard has made Boro a tough side to beat during his three years at the club, and much of that has come from him working wonders with the club’s defending.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Last season the Teessiders had the best goals against record in the Championship, even though they missed out on finishing in first place and sealing a trophy.
Already this year, Karanka’s Middlesbrough squad has proven hardier than most promoted sides – yet to taste defeat from their opening three matches and having only conceded two goals. Only Manchester United have a better defensive record in the division.
If Chambers develops as his new manager expects this season, it could be all parties involved who profit.
Arsenal’s Calum Chambers in action with Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini
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