Robin van Persie hails impact of Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Dutch striker says he's impressed by the 'fantastic' 18-year-old and he could 'definitely' make the grade at international level, but fans must be patient with the winger

By Joe Doyle

EPL - Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
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Robin van Persie has praised the impact Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has had on the Arsenal team in his short time at the club, but believes people should be patient with the winger.

The youngster shone in the team's 7-1 win over Blackburn, scoring his first and second Premier League goals in the process.

"He is a fantastic player already; he's only 18 and is so young," Van Persie told the club's official website.

"He's good on the ball - he has everything. He's quick, he has movement, technique, can score a goal or give an assist. He has a great future."

But the Dutchman hopes that people are not too quick to apply the pressure to the player, saying that he will have his fair share of ups and downs.

"But don't put too much pressure on him. You always have periods when you are young when you have really high highs and you go up and down until you balance it a bit better.

"He will have ups and he will have periods when he's not playing so well. So my advice is to be aware of it and be patient."

There had been suggestion in recent weeks that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be in line for a call-up to the senior England team ahead of Euro 2012 after some impressive performances in the Under-21s, and Van Persie agrees that there is a big future ahead for the winger.

"Why not? In the future, definitely. He's a big prospect. Everyone is enjoying watching him. I do, you do and he brings something extra to the game and people just love it.

"It reminds me of my own period when I was breaking through and was 18 or 19. I believe when you have all these qualities it gives you confidence and you can enjoy yourself.

"He's not someone who thinks about negatives, just positives and you can enjoy the game like that.

"I had that as well when I was younger. I wasn't thinking about 'Oh, big stadium or big game'. I was just enjoying myself."



 
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England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 4-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.

Hosted by Joe Doyle
20:14 BST
The general consensus, then, is that Danny Welbeck should be starting up front against France with Ashley Young supporting him. How about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? Did he do enough to earn a starting role at Euro 2012?
20:06 BST
So, that game gave a few players a chance to impress for England. Who did/didn't? Will Welbeck start against France? Or Carroll? Or Defoe?!

19:59 BST
Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, they are trailing the Netherlands 4-0 at half-time. Looks like that one's all sewn up then.
19:54 BST
We're still getting plenty of Hazard chat on Twitter. A few are now saying that he's not worth the hype, others saying he was brilliant(!?) and others (which I agree with), saying he created much of his own hype. What do you think? Get involved!
19:46 BST
Joe Hart has also been giving his thoughts after the Belgium game: "It was a really tough game, a good run out. I thought we played well, [but] we were a little bit bitty at times.

"But, we came through. Obviously there were a lot of changes so it's good to get the result.

"Belgium are a very, very strong side who are going to be really good in the future. Vincent [Kompany] told me about them and said that they were coming good and I totally agree with him."
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