Jenkinson has potential to be a top player, says Arsenal legend Lee Dixon

09-Nov-2012 12:28:00 AM

The former England international feels the 20-year-old has all the attributes to be a success in the game and hopes he can continue to progress this season after his England call

Former England international Lee Dixon feels Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has a bright future ahead of him following his call-up to Roy Hodgson's squad to play Sweden next week.

Dixon, who played over 600 games for the Gunners, feels the former Charlton man has stepped up and improved this season due to more playing time in Bacary Sagna’s absence.

The 48-year-old believes Jenkinson has all the attributes to be a top player for Arsene Wenger’s side and hopes he can continue to progress even now the Frenchman has returned.

“He’s certainly got potential to be an international player,” Dixon told the club’s official website. “The important thing with young lads like that is you let their progress go unhindered.

“He seems like a good kid. I don’t know him but I’d like to sit down with him and have a chat to find out what his thoughts are. I’d like to get to know him a bit but I believe he’s a really good kid and he’s got a huge future ahead of him.

“As a player, you want a chance to play and show what you can do, as well as learning as you’re playing. It’s important you get those opportunities. Sometimes you don’t always get a chance to get a run of first-team games because it’s not your time. I like him a lot. I think he’s got a lot of attributes to go towards being a very good full back.”

Dixon feels the 20-year-old has shown a lot of maturity to adapt to the Premier League after limited experience at the Valley and hopes he will continue to progress in the future.

“It’s a big step and he’s done it a little bit differently to me,” Dixon said. “He’s only played about five minutes for Charlton before he came. I played quite a few games in the lower league and knew a little bit about was I was doing. It was still a big leap [for me] to come to Arsenal.

“He’s gone right in the deep end. He’s an Arsenal lad as well so it’s good to see. The fans relate to it - they can see his passion. He’s still got a lot to learn but I see a lot of potential in him going on and being a top class full back.

“As long as he keeps trying to learn and progress, and not think he’s made it when he’s played 50 games, then he’s got a real chance.”