Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams claimed that he recommended Eric Dier to Arsenal and the club ended up buying Calum Chambers for £17million instead, in an interview with The Times.
Adams said that while working with the England Under-19s the former Arsenal captain claimed he spoke to the club’s scout and told them to pay Dier’s £4million release clause, saying: “Dier’s head and shoulders above any English player.”
Adamas said he meant Chambers no disrespect, but his words must have come as a blow to the young player.
It’s important now that the 22-year-old doesn’t let it affect his performances over the coming season.
Chamber and Dier had vastly differing 2016/17 campaigns: the Arsenal defender was on-loan with Middlesbrough as they were relegated, and Dier’s Spurs ran Chelsea close at the top of the Premier League.
However, despite this, Chambers managed to really show his worth and mark himself as a player to look out for in the future.
At Middlesbrough he put in a solid effort while maintaining a strong backline which will be sought after when he returns to north London.
Despite being relegated, Middlesborough’s defence was tight, letting in the fewest of any team in the bottom half of the table.
Instead of being disheartened by Adams’ comments – who is stirring controversy as he has a book to sell – the 22-year old should concentrate on hitting the ground running at the Emirates.
There is simply no other choice for Chambers but to use the comments as a tool of motivation, and no doubt he’ll have plenty of support from fellow teammate, Rob Holding, who enjoyed a stellar season after Arsenal fans had wondered whether he’d be up to the job.
Adams might not have meant any disrespect but it’s now up to Chambers to prove him wrong – and next season could be a make or break one for him.