Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain found himself drawn back to a familiar green space this winter – the Arsenal training grounds. Not as a player signed on a contract, but as a veteran lending his experience, and quickly discovering a new generation of talent was blossoming.
After a mutual parting with Besiktas, Oxlade-Chamberlain proactively reached out to Per Mertesacker, a former teammate now guiding Arsenal’s academy. His intention wasn’t simply to maintain fitness while searching for a new club; it was a genuine desire to contribute, to pass on wisdom gleaned from years at the highest level.
The response was immediate and enthusiastic. Both Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta recognized the potential benefit – for Oxlade-Chamberlain to regain sharpness, and for Arsenal’s young players to learn from a seasoned professional. He seamlessly integrated into training sessions with both the first team and the Under-21s, even participating in behind-closed-doors matches.
It wasn’t long before a particular young player caught his eye: 15-year-old Max Dowman. Having only seen glimpses of the teenager’s skill on video, Oxlade-Chamberlain was eager to assess him firsthand. He admitted to a quiet curiosity, a desire to understand the hype surrounding this rising star.
The impression was instant. “Right from the off, you could tell he is a proper player,” Oxlade-Chamberlain revealed. It wasn’t just the technical ability – the control, the movement – but something deeper. Dowman possessed a maturity, a character that belied his young age, a quality that resonated with the experienced midfielder.
But Dowman wasn’t the only one to impress. Oxlade-Chamberlain spoke with genuine admiration for Gabriel Jesus, highlighting his relentless work ethic and clinical finishing. He also singled out Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, praising their ability and composure beyond their years.
The current Arsenal squad, he observed, operates on another level. Asked which players stood out, his response was simple and emphatic: “All of them.” He specifically lauded Declan Rice’s transformation, noting his ascent to a new echelon of performance, and the leadership qualities of captain Martin Odegaard.
Arteta himself expressed his delight at welcoming Oxlade-Chamberlain back, viewing it as an opportunity for mutual benefit. He emphasized the value of having a positive role model around the team, someone who could impart knowledge and inspire the next generation.
For Oxlade-Chamberlain, the experience has been profoundly rewarding. It’s a chance to reignite his passion for the game, to contribute in a meaningful way, and to witness the exciting future unfolding at his former club.
