Barca’s Xavi, Iniesta behind Arsenal future

Spain have tormented England in recent years. Now, with Chelsea’s victory in the Champions League and over Barcelona, en route, it might be time for the tables to turn. The Euros in Poland and Ukraine will offer England the chance to do just that and one of the young stars tipped to set it alight is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Arsenal starlet, however, says it is in Spain that he found the inspiration that has driven him to such heights. Not only is he a key part of the Arsenal squad now, he is at the Euros. Barcelona and Spain stars Andres Iniesta and Xavi are the reason The Ox has performed so well. Oxlade-Chamberlain was at one time deemed too small for the game. Then he saw Xavi and Iniesta, two of the “smallest” footballers dominate the world. “You don’t have to look any further than Xavi and Iniesta, do you?’ said Oxlade-Chamberlain, 18 and 5ft 11. “If you’re clever enough on the ball and your touch is good enough, players like that won’t allow themselves to get into 50-50 physical battles.” England and Arsenal will hope he learnt those lessons well.