Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain do you think he can become better than Walcott?

[saintsmike25]

So far this season he's been a key player in our promotion ambitions and we often forget he is only 17.

 

I'll admit I don't have a season ticket, I don't watch him week in week out, I want to know from those who do, how good you feel he is, and how good you feel he can be?

 

Could he sign for Manchester United in the Summer and break into their team in a couple of seasons?

 

Thoughts please.

[scott_saints]

No.

[Jez]

Yes

[wild-saint]

maybe

[scott_saints]

Well that's conclusive. Close the thread now.

[Liquidshokk]

When he turns it on he is amazing and I'm absolutely in awe when he makes a run towards goal running past the defenders as if they arent there... It doesnt work all the time though and sometimes he tries to do it when there is a better, safer option.

 

I do think the media hype surrounding him has probably been a bit much, however. In a fair few games he stands out no more than any other player. In my eyes he is class but needs to play at this level for a couple more seasons before going to one of the big teams, as he'll still be learning and needs the playing time to perfect his skills and if given that he really will be something special.

[hypochondriac]

When he turns it on he is amazing and I'm absolutely in awe when he makes a run towards goal running past the defenders as if they arent there... It doesnt work all the time though and sometimes he tries to do it when there is a better, safer option.

 

I do think the media hype surrounding him has probably been a bit much, however. In a fair few games he stands out no more than any other player. In my eyes he is class but needs to play at this level for a couple more seasons before going to one of the big teams, as he'll still be learning and needs the playing time to perfect his skills and if given that he really will be something special.

 

This. He is not as good as Walcott at the moment but could potentially be better in the future.

[SuperMikey]

Don't know of many other 17 year olds who are key players in their team, that speaks volumes really. He's quick, strong, good with a ball at his feet and can put in a good cross at speed. How much he can improve though, not sure.

Obviously he's going to get a lot better in the future, but Walcott is a great player on his day. Come back in 3 years and we might have a better answer for you.

[Noodles34]

he's no better than Naythan Dyer at the moment, maybe he might be good, I personally (on what i have seen so far) would have taken the 10m (if offered as full cash payment etc, with a 10% sell on fee) and chanced the fact that he'll be average. At the same time, well done Cortese for not selling at the first opportunity (not seen that happen for a long time).

[sambosa75]

He's a good player and has lot of potential but if he was coming through at Walsall there probably wouldnt be such a great big clamour for him. The fact is there is prestige now for any kds showing promise coming through the ranks at Southampton and that can only be a good thing for the club.

 

Also, if he was already at Arsenal and Man Utd he would be no where near the first team.

 

As for being better than Theo, I think he has the ability to play a more pivotal role in a game as I think eventually he will move in to central midfield and pull the strings from there a bit like Kieron Dyer in his very brief pomp. Theo was much more effective for us at a higher level though but was always going to be a winger or forward.

[The9]

Honestly, I don't actually think Alex is playing all that well at the moment and there has only been maybe one match this season where I've thought he's been the difference.

 

He's hugely fast and that's about 75% of his game, and it terrifies defenders when he runs at them. But he hasn't been doing that much recently, his crossing is hit and miss, he's not up to much defensively, and as soon as he's pulled inside and doesn't get the 1-on-1 situations with defenders he loses most of his effectiveness.

 

He's got a solid enough touch, his passing is decent most of the time and his decision-making is quick, so he's got the basics, but he could turn into a bit of a one trick-pony if he doesn't improve his effectiveness all-round. Though having said that it hasn't hurt the likes of Lennon and Pennant - but they're much better players at the moment, Alex is merely showing the potential to be at that level and better.

 

Hopefully he'll be able to find a niche where he becomes as effective as he has been in some games this season, and he's doing really well considering where he was a year ago - but consistency is always the bane of flair players, and he needs to be able to function and do the boring stuff even when he's on an off-day to be a top player.

[Window Cleaner]

We shall see when he come up against a better class of defender,when pace will no longer suffice and he has to use his brain a bit.

[Turkish]

I dont see what all the fuss is about. He is good, yes but is he good enough to be linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Man United? I dont think so. He may well go on to become a decent premier league player for a midtable club but the next WayRooney, Messi or Ronaldo he is not.

Edited 30 March, 2011 by Turkish

[Bailey]

If you take Walcott's pace away from him, would be still be a 'top class' player?

 

If you take Chamberlain's pace away from him, would he still be a bright prospect?

 

In Theo's case, I would suggest not. Yes, he's a decent footballer, but his finishing is inconsistent and his decision making needs to be improved.

 

Chamberlain, on the other hand, has got more about him. He has a footballing brain, and when he plays for us, he doesn't solely rely on his pace.

 

Time will tell, but I'm of the opinion that AOC will be a 'better' player than Theo.

[Alanh]

I don't know about Walcott, but to me Alex reminds me of Aaron Lennon. He's got the pace that you need to be a top attacking player in the prem, but more importantly he's got the quality of close control at speed that you need to make it. He's only 17 so it's not surprising that it doesn't work for him every time and he has matches where his influence is minimal, but give him a couple more season and he'll become more effective. I think he's good enough to play for the full England team one day.

[Hatch]

If you take Walcott's pace away from him, would be still be a 'top class' player?

 

If you take Chamberlain's pace away from him, would he still be a bright prospect?

 

In Theo's case, I would suggest not. Yes, he's a decent footballer, but his finishing is inconsistent and his decision making needs to be improved.

 

Chamberlain, on the other hand, has got more about him. He has a footballing brain, and when he plays for us, he doesn't solely rely on his pace.

 

Time will tell, but I'm of the opinion that AOC will be a 'better' player than Theo.

 

I agree with this.

[Turkish]

If you take Walcott's pace away from him, would be still be a 'top class' player?

 

If you take Chamberlain's pace away from him, would he still be a bright prospect?

 

In Theo's case, I would suggest not. Yes, he's a decent footballer, but his finishing is inconsistent and his decision making needs to be improved.

 

Chamberlain, on the other hand, has got more about him. He has a footballing brain, and when he plays for us, he doesn't solely rely on his pace.

 

Time will tell, but I'm of the opinion that AOC will be a 'better' player than Theo.

 

One of the many attributes of being a top player in the modern game is pace. however IF Theo just relyed on pace he wouldn't be playing in the premier league and for England. Jonno Quick Forte is supposed to be lightening quick, how many England caps has he got? How many times has he played in the champions league?

 

It always amuses me people who compare international standard players with league one players. You say Theo is inconsistant and his decision making needs to be improved, he is playing a much higher standard of football and against international quality defenders, yet say Chamberlain has got more about him based on him playing in league one against the likes of the mighty Gary Borrowdale at Carlise. I would wager Theos decision making would appear alot better playing against the likes of Garry Borrowdale than the the likes of Ashley Cole.

 

Walcott at his age has already scored a hatrick for England, played in the champions league, scored in a Wembley cup final and played regularly for a team which always finishes in the top 4 of the premier league, no bad for an incosistent player who is only any good because he is quick. If Chamerlain achieves half of that in his whole career he should be very proud.

Edited 30 March, 2011 by Turkish

[sambosa75]

True...but I'd like to add, Rooney isn't the next Messi or Ronaldo either, a very, very long way from it.

 

Totally agree. How Rooney still gets mentioned in the same breath is beyond me. I'd rather have Tevez than Rooney. It's all media hype. He really isnt that good and I dont think ever has been.

[Turkish]

True...but I'd like to add, Rooney isn't the next Messi or Ronaldo either, a very, very long way from it.

 

Agreed, but you get my point.

[Trader]

If you take Walcott's pace away from him, would be still be a 'top class' player?

 

If you take Chamberlain's pace away from him, would he still be a bright prospect?

 

In Theo's case, I would suggest not. Yes, he's a decent footballer, but his finishing is inconsistent and his decision making needs to be improved.

 

Chamberlain, on the other hand, has got more about him. He has a footballing brain, and when he plays for us, he doesn't solely rely on his pace.

 

Time will tell, but I'm of the opinion that AOC will be a 'better' player than Theo.

 

Nutshell

[up and away]

I am just not sure how good Walcott will ever be. He has more speed than Oxo and can use it very effectively in certain situations. But when oppositions use an effective plan against him and without others creating openings, he can look a lame duck. There's no way he can play at centre forward for the minute because he has absolutely no clue on how to manufacture space for himself. Most noticeable in his position is that good strikers go to the space and let the ball find them, with the knowledge that if the ball comes to them, they have created a good opportunity. Walcott just seems rooted to the spot in these situations and just does not seem to have learned after all this time.

 

Oxo does not have the same pace, but what is most impressive is he does have a finished product for one so young. As good as Walcott can look on occasions, I will take a punt and go with Oxo here.

[hypochondriac]

I am just not sure how good Walcott will ever be. He has more speed than Oxo and can use it very effectively in certain situations. But when oppositions use an effective plan against him and without others creating openings, he can look a lame duck. There's no way he can play at centre forward for the minute because he has absolutely no clue on how to manufacture space for himself. Most noticeable in his position is that good strikers go to the space and let the ball find them, with the knowledge that if the ball comes to them, they have created a good opportunity. Walcott just seems rooted to the spot in these situations and just does not seem to have learned after all this time.

 

Oxo does not have the same pace, but what is most impressive is he does have a finished product for one so young. As good as Walcott can look on occasions, I will take a punt and go with Oxo here.

 

ANd yet Barcelona identified him as a key player this year and were wary of him. I think you are talking rubbish and people here underrate him massively.

[Turkish]

ANd yet Barcelona identified him as a key player this year and were wary of him. I think you are talking rubbish and people here underrate him massively.

 

I find it hilarious that people say Chamberlain is better based on seeing him for 6 months playing league one football. BUt then this is the same forum that said Lambert was better than Torres and should play for England, Saints would beat England and we can sign any player we want and are the most attractive team for a player to join outside of the top4 in the premier league.

[Thedelldays]

I find it hilarious that people say Chamberlain is better based on seeing him for 6 months playing league one football. BUt then this is the same forum that said Lambert was better than Torres and should play for England, Saints would beat England and we can sign any player we want and are the most attractive team for a player to join outside of the top4 in the premier league.

 

defies belief at times

[Turkish]

defies belief at times

 

Oh and another couple of corkers were when we were linked with Darius Vassell and people used his goal scoring record at international level as a reason not to sign him and people saying earlier in th season we would get crowds of 45k in the Premier league because Liverpool do and they aren't very good at the moment.

[Toadhall Saint]

Oxo can be better than Walcott only time and good fortune will tell. Walcott has the pace but Oxo has a very good footballing brain for one so young which means he doesn't just rely on pace.

[Turkish]

Oxo can be better than Walcott only time and good fortune will tell. Walcott has the pace but Oxo has a very good footballing brain for one so young which means he doesn't just rely on pace.

 

I really dont understand the basis for this thinking that Chamerlain has a better football brain than Walcott. Walcott is playing at a considerably higher standard of football than Chamberlain, in fact Walcott has never played at this low a level, you really cannot compare the two at the moment, the gap between League One and the premier league is huge, many players look great in the championship but never cut it in top flight.

[Thedelldays]

well, walcott cuts the mustard for a team that fights for all honours..and plays in the knock out stages in the CL and more times than not, stands out...plays for his country and scores goals....yet his football brain is not as good as a player that plays against carlises, tranmeres, dagenhams etc left backs...

 

 

how do people make these assumptions..?

[Vegas]

How much faster is Theo? I recall reading he did a sub 11 seconds 100m, or very close to it. I am curious as to the speed difference between the two.

[Bailey]

I find it hilarious that people say Chamberlain is better based on seeing him for 6 months playing League One football.

 

Emphasis on WILL BE a 'better' player. Never said he's better than Theo at the minute.

 

The only comparison I'm making is between Theo, aged 17 and Chambo, aged 17.

 

From what I've seen, I genuinely believe AOC has more potential.

[Dellman]

Oxo is more solid physically and that matters at the top level, Theo is injury prone and that has put his development back again and again. My money would be on Oxo and this time because we have a proper set-up there's no need for him to move, he can prove it with us

[Thedelldays]

but theo stood out equally as much...against much better teams when here..?

[Appy]

One of the many attributes of being a top player in the modern game is pace. however IF Theo just relyed on pace he wouldn't be playing in the premier league and for England. Jonno Quick Forte is supposed to be lightening quick, how many England caps has he got? How many times has he played in the champions league?

 

It always amuses me people who compare international standard players with league one players. You say Theo is inconsistant and his decision making needs to be improved, he is playing a much higher standard of football and against international quality defenders, yet say Chamberlain has got more about him based on him playing in league one against the likes of the mighty Gary Borrowdale at Carlise. I would wager Theos decision making would appear alot better playing against the likes of Garry Borrowdale than the the likes of Ashley Cole.

 

Walcott at his age has already scored a hatrick for England, played in the champions league, scored in a Wembley cup final and played regularly for a team which always finishes in the top 4 of the premier league, no bad for an incosistent player who is only any good because he is quick. If Chamerlain achieves half of that in his whole career he should be very proud.

 

It is hard for Forte to be fair to get England caps, seeing as he is from Barbados.

[Turkish]

Emphasis on WILL BE a 'better' player. Never said he's better than Theo at the minute.

 

The only comparison I'm making is between Theo, aged 17 and Chambo, aged 17.

 

From what I've seen, I genuinely believe AOC has more potential.

 

and at 17 Theo was playing and scoring regularly in the championship. So surely he is better on that basis.

[Turkish]

It is hard for Forte to be fair to get England caps, seeing as he is from Barbados.

 

Twice. Surely someone with his pace would be a regular if pace is all that matters? He played in the England Youth set up.

[Turkish]

Oxo is more solid physically and that matters at the top level, Theo is injury prone and that has put his development back again and again. My money would be on Oxo and this time because we have a proper set-up there's no need for him to move, he can prove it with us

 

So is Danny N'gessen, think he'll play for Real Madrid one day?

[Bailey]

but theo stood out equally as much...against much better teams when here..?

 

Fair comment, but Theo relied heavily on his pace. I can recall numerous occasions whereby he simply knocked the ball past an ageing, fizzy pop standard defender and ran onto it. Granted, it was effective, but I wonder that if you took that pace away, would he even have been given an opportunity to play in our first-team at such a young age?

 

I'm not saying Theo is a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but Chamberlain isn't as quick as Theo, yet still stands out in our side (yes, against lower quality opposition). His touch, control, directness and passing/shooting are all very impressive for a player so young. I'd agree if people suggested his form has dipped of late, but I think that has a lot to do with playing too many games in his first season.

 

Maybe my argument is based more on a gut feeling than anything else, but I honestly believe Chamberlain will do more with his career than Theo. A bold, sweeping statement if ever there was one, but only time will tell.

[Thedelldays]

well, if chambo goes on to do better than theo, he will become world class for a trophy hauling team....that is a massive gut feeling..

 

theo is NOT world class..but he is in the bracket below that IMO

[Bailey]

and at 17 Theo was playing and scoring regularly in the championship. So surely he is better on that basis.

 

It's not Chamberlain's fault that we're in a division lower than when Theo was breaking through.

 

Hopefully he'll be able to prove himself in the Champ next season with us, but I'd suggest he's already proven that he has potential for the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool et al to be sniffing.

[Bailey]

Theo is NOT world class..but he is in the bracket below that IMO.

 

Agreed, and I see no reason why Chamberlain can't go on to join Theo in that bracket, if not surpass him.

[Turkish]

It's not Chamberlain's fault that we're in a division lower than when Theo was breaking through.

 

Hopefully he'll be able to prove himself in the Champ next season with us, but I'd suggest he's already proven that he has potential for the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool et al to be sniffing.

 

It's the usual media hype and sniffing round of any young English player that the big clubs always do. Remember Jermaine Pennant was supposed to be the new George Best as a kid, didn't quite work out like that. Football is littered with these wonder kids that never quite make it at the top level. IMO i think Chamberlain will make a premier league player, but i dont see him cutting it in a top 4 side.

[Turkish]

Fair comment, but Theo relied heavily on his pace. I can recall numerous occasions whereby he simply knocked the ball past an ageing, fizzy pop standard defender and ran onto it. Granted, it was effective, but I wonder that if you took that pace away, would he even have been given an opportunity to play in our first-team at such a young age?

 

I'm not saying Theo is a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but Chamberlain isn't as quick as Theo, yet still stands out in our side (yes, against lower quality opposition). His touch, control, directness and passing/shooting are all very impressive for a player so young. I'd agree if people suggested his form has dipped of late, but I think that has a lot to do with playing too many games in his first season.

 

Maybe my argument is based more on a gut feeling than anything else, but I honestly believe Chamberlain will do more with his career than Theo. A bold, sweeping statement if ever there was one, but only time will tell.

 

this goal for one, was more than just about pace and some of the skill here was more than just knocking past a lumbering old, slow carthorse and running onto it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGGeQhyjmk

[The9]

Well watching that he's miles better than Chamberlain.

[St_Tel49]

he's no better than Naythan Dyer at the moment, maybe he might be good, I personally (on what i have seen so far) would have taken the 10m (if offered as full cash payment etc, with a 10% sell on fee) and chanced the fact that he'll be average. At the same time, well done Cortese for not selling at the first opportunity (not seen that happen for a long time).

 

What evidence was there that £10m was on offer??? And please don't quote the newspapers - they just make it up.

[benjii]

he's no better than Naythan Dyer at the moment, maybe he might be good, I personally (on what i have seen so far) would have taken the 10m (if offered as full cash payment etc, with a 10% sell on fee) and chanced the fact that he'll be average. At the same time, well done Cortese for not selling at the first opportunity (not seen that happen for a long time).

 

That is just ridiculous. He has so many qualities to his game that Nathan Dyer does not and will never have.

 

You could tell Bale was going to be a world class player. It is obvious Chamberlain is going to be a top, top, player.

[Bailey]

Well watching that he's miles better than Chamberlain.

 

Delgado looked good on youtube . . .

[stu0x]

It's the usual media hype and sniffing round of any young English player that the big clubs always do. Remember Jermaine Pennant was supposed to be the new George Best as a kid, didn't quite work out like that. Football is littered with these wonder kids that never quite make it at the top level. IMO i think Chamberlain will make a premier league player, but i dont see him cutting it in a top 4 side.

Victor Moses, John Bostock...

 

It's idiotic really. Would anyone here be deluded enough to think that Lallana is better than Nasri? Or that Oxo is better than David Silva? They are essentially the same comparison.

[um pahars]

Can Chamberlain become better than Walcott??? why yes he can. It's still early in his development and he could go on to be a better player.

 

Will Chamberlain become better than Walcott??? IMHO, No.

[Turkish]

Victor Moses, John Bostock...

 

It's idiotic really. Would anyone here be deluded enough to think that Lallana is better than Nasri? Or that Oxo is better than David Silva? They are essentially the same comparison.

 

You'd be surprised, last season a few said Lambert was better than Fernando Torres.

[scotty]

You'd be surprised, last season a few said Lambert was better than Fernando Torres.

 

I think they qualified that by saying "for this league", and they may have a point. Anyway, Liverpool turned down our offer for Torres, che sera sera.....