Chambers – Why football is all about the ‘right attitude’

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, began his career as a precocious seven-year-old at Southampton. He gradually rose through their youth ranks which eventually led to his move to Arsenal in 2014.

The now England international credits his success to maintaining a simple but proper mindset. Chambers, speaking to Arsenal Player, as reported by the club’s official website, admitted a good attitude is key.

You’ve got to have a good attitude. I think that is one of the most important things for me growing up at Southampton. It is all about attitude and the willingness to learn and learn off others.

You have to try to go into every session wanting to learn more and try to improve. You can either coast through it or give it the mindset that you want to learn and improve in that session.

Stepping into a professional environment and playing first-team football, I think the most important thing I learnt is that you have to be confident enough to express yourself on the pitch in front of a big crowd.

You always have to enjoy training, enjoying playing. That is one of the most important things for me. You don’t go through games perfectly. You can watch it back and there will be things you have done wrong. I think you can learn from every game, every decision and every touch – just analysing yourself.

This mindset has served Chambers well so far, as the 21-year old defender has also become a full England International.

I have to keep striving to want more, wanting to improve. The level of the games now means you have to keep at your game every week. My mindset is on improving massively. You have to want to be a better player so I think from a young age you have to have a good attitude and want to learn and improve.

Last month (where he made four appearances for the club), Chambers scored a wonderful goal against Burnley in Arsenal’s 2-1 fourth round FA Cup victory, where he curled the ball into the top corner. The goal (his second career goal against the Clarets) gave rise to the nickname, ‘Canaldo,’ provided some fun for the Gunners but also gave a glimpse to Chambers’ aspirations.

You could say that separates the greats from the ordinary – that willingness to go the extra step. I’m sure all the best players want to learn and get the best information from people as possible. I think that is very important.