Arsenal FC: Could AOC Have the Potential to End Up in a Cesc Situation?

Over the summer period of transfers, the North London club acquired Southampton striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 18-year-old joined Southampton's academy at the age of seven and made his first team debut at the age of 16 and 199 days.

This clearly proves that the Englishman is not just an ordinary player. When Alex started playing for Arsenal, initially, he just seemed like another youngster who will develop in time. But, he has already scored a few goals, and they were nice ones. If at the age of 18 he performs at this level, then one can only expect more from the young gun.

Alex stands at 1.8 meters tall, 5''11, so he isn't much of an aerial threat when you compare his height with those of other defenders. But, he definitely has one heck of a shot.

When Arsenal took on Olimpiacos in a Champions League group stage game, The Ox scored a magnificent goal, powering through a couple defenders, then finishing beautifully. In a Carling Cup game against Shrewsburry, he scored a left footed shot from distance. I was just in awe when I saw that goal, I just thought, this player has a long future ahead of him.

Not only does Alex have a great shot, but he has the necessary strength. In this day and age of football, the game has become very physical, and that is what the Premiere League is known for. If Alex's strength and skills escalate, he will have no problem fitting into the English league.

Right now, Arsenal are in the process of recovering from a horrendous start to the season. Their recent match against Chelsea certainly helped in this recovery

All players, whether they played or not, could pick up from this inspiring, optimistic performance. Alex didn't get to play, but he was able to witness the great performances of Walcott, Ramsey, and Van Persie. Each player was inspirational in that match. Despite having conceded three goals, the offense was able to turn it around by scoring five goals. Alex is the kind of offensive player who could take part in games of that sort. 

Alex is similar to Theo Walcott, but the only thing is that Alex has started in the center while Theo started on the flanks. Both players have great pace, but it is Theo who prevails when it comes to speed.

The only thing is that Alex is still young; he's just 18. If Theo were to move to the center, there wouldn't really be anyone to replace his position. There is Arshavin or Rosicky, but neither of them have been efficient in that position. There is Gervinho, but he has proven to be most effective on the left flank.

So that would probably leave Alex to take up that position. And as I mentioned earlier, Alex is still young, and it would take a lot of speed and pace, something that Theo Walcott has. So if Walcott's central move is to take place, then it would make life a lot harder for Alex if he is to establish himself in a position where he can maximize his skills.

I could still see him becoming successful, though. If this move were not to take place, the Ox would have it easier in his striker position, and he would have a great career at Arsenal.

Given that Alex becomes a successful player and helps Arsenal, I predict that Alex's career at Arsenal could end by the time he reaches 23 or 24 years old.

This has been a problem for Arsenal in the past. Arsene Wenger has a great eye for potential; he spots young talent very early in a player's career. Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri are both examples of that.

Arsenal signed Cesc from the Bacelona academy, and he was turned into a world class player. But after several years at Arsenal, when he had truly reached his prime, he was signed back by Barcelona. 

Arsenal signed Samir Nasri at a young age from Marseille. He enjoyed a few years at Arsenal becoming a great player. Then after those years, his talent was spotted by Manchester City, so they signed him.

Alex has a long career of football ahead of him, and if he turns out to be a great player, he could end up in a similar situation, leaving Arsenal, once again, stranded and in need of more players. At the moment, Alex won't be going anywhere, but I predict that by the time he is 23-24 years old, Arsenal will have clubs behind them in pursuit of him. 

That prediction is one made very soon, but with the way things are going for Arsenal, they might as well start worrying. 

So do you think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could end up in a Cesc-type situation, or will he have a long career with Arsenal?