The Arsenal winger did not look out of place for England last night, which bodes well for club and country.
After an impressive debut in the European Championships against France I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a very bright future in the game. Let’s remember he is only eighteen and still very raw, but a talent nevertheless.
He is following in both his Father’s and Uncle’s footsteps by becoming a professional footballer; he could have become an egg chaser with London Irish.
Mark Chamberlain played for seven clubs before retiring; he also earned eight senior caps as well as four appearances for the under-21 side. He scored one goal at both levels.
Alex has beaten his dad to the senior side by three years; he is 18 while Mark was 21.
Mark started his career at Port Vale in 1978 before moving onto to Stoke City in 1982. He played as a winger and his goal ratio was about one in every five appearances.
He made his international debut while playing for the Potters. In 1985 he moved on to Sheffield Wednesday where he spent three years before moving to the South Coast where he joined Portsmouth.
He enjoyed six years with the club although his goal average had come down considerably; 20 goals in 127 appearances.
While at Portsmouth he became a father to Alex in 1993 and one thing is for sure; his son has natural ability which runs in the family.
After a year down the road at Brighton; and two years at Exeter City, Mark finished his playing career at Fareham Town as player-manager.
I remember seeing Mark play and he was a good player. I think Alex is a better all round player and he has a physical presence that’s a must in today’s game. I think it can only help him having two family members that played professionally.
He was interviewed after the England game and he carries himself very well; far beyond his tender 18 years.
With players like Alex coming through I think it can only be good for the national team and Arsene Wenger has made a very good signing for Arsenal, for £15 million it looks money well spent.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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