Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has backed teammate Calum Chambers to become an important player for the club.
Chambers, 20, joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2014 and made 36 appearances during his debut campaign, but has been limited to just three so far this term.
The England international now finds himself behind Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel in the defensive pecking order, but the Arsenal vice-captain believes he has a bright future ahead of him.
"He's a good guy and we challenge each other every single day in training," Mertesacker told Arsenal's official website. "That's what it's all about. He's eager to learn, he really fancies challenging every single centre-back and that's something you need.
"When you step up as a young talent, you need to challenge the old lads. It's really good to have him so that we can improve. You never stop working, you never stop doing things because there's someone behind you -- in a respectful way -- who is giving absolutely everything in every single training session.
"That's what my feeling is. When he does that, he's got a great chance to develop as one of the top centre-backs.
"It's a good situation for us because every player gives something to the team. It's not only about taking something or taking a place -- for us it means more to play for Arsenal than just getting a spot in the lineup.
"It's a good situation for all of us. There will be small niggles, injuries and sicknesses so we have to find a way of playing with each other, no matter who's playing. That is the situation but it's a very respectful situation."