Arsene Wenger backs Arsenal ace to come good: He struggled for form last season

ARSENE WENGER claims Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain “has it all” and says the only thing the England international has to do is believe in himself.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores STUNNING goal for Arsenal in pre-season

The 22-year-old winger scored a stunning solo goal in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Chivas de Guadalajara in the final match of their pre-season tour of America in California.

There were also goals for Chuba Akpom and new centre-back signing Rob Holding, but it was Oxlade-Chamberlain’s renewed energy which really caught the eye.

The former Southampton prodigy has been capped 24 times for England, but missed out on Euro 2016 after picking up a knee injury against Barcelona in February.

It’s difficult to find what he doesn’t have. That’s why I would like him to get to the level he can go to

Arsene Wenger on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

It was the latest blow in two seasons of niggling problems that have set back Oxlade-Chamberlain’s development since he burst onto the scene as a teenager six years ago.

Even now he is being eased back into pre-season by Wenger, and was removed from action after 70 minutes of the Chivas game as a precaution.

But once the physical problems have completely healed, Wenger feels there is one more mental hurdle to cross before Oxlade-Chamberlain starts to deliver on his potential.

“Power, penetration – he has it all,” Wenger said. “It’s difficult to find what he doesn’t have. That’s why I would like him to get to the level he can go to.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been backed to hit top form by Arsene Wenger

“Maybe he doesn’t completely believe himself how good he can be and that’s the final step for him.

“It’s a very important season for him. He has been out for a long, long time. He has been injured and did not go to the European Championships, like he should have done if he had been fit. That’s why I’m cautious with him.

“I gave him 45 minutes against MLS All-Stars, now 70 minutes. I hope I can get him through and fit for the start of the season.”

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