Friday, 31st January, 2014
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has explained that it is a “massive compliment” for him to be compared with England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently said that Oxlade-Chamberlain has the attributes to play in a deep-midfielder role, much like Gerrard now does.
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And the youngster, who admitted that he was surprised with the comparison as he has always looked up to the Liverpool legend, heaped praise on Gerrard’s professionalism and playing style.
Oxlade-Chamberlain further added that he would love to emulate Gerrard, but the former Southampton player was quick to add that he would play slightly differently than the 33-year-old as a deep-lying midfielder.
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“I was about surprised by that because Stevie has been one of my idols and someone I have always looked up to ever since I watched football”, he told Arsenal Player.
“To be in the England squad and have him as my captain, I get to see how professional he is and how good he is.
“He is a bit older now, but he is still doing the things I remember him doing when I was young. To be able to do that so consistently, for so many years at such a high level, is credit to how good a player he really is.
“If the boss thinks I can one day maybe form my game around him, [it] is a massive compliment. He is someone I would love to emulate.
“I would be slightly different to the way he plays [that role], but if someone says you are going to be nearly as good as Stevie, you are going to take it. It is a nice compliment.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain has thus far made 64 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring six times and providing nine assists.
The 20-year-old, who has 13 senior caps and three goals for England to his name, has also represented the nation at various youth levels.
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