Arsenal defender Calum Chambers said his Champions League debut was "a fantastic experience" after impressing in a central defensive role in the 0-0 draw at Besiktas in the first leg of their play-off tie.
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Teenager Chambers, who made his name in the Premier League as a full-back with Southampton last season, has adapted well after being thrown into the heart of the Arsenal defence in the absence of Germany World Cup winner Per Mertesacker.
His rise could soon be completed by a call-up to the senior England squad, weeks after completing his 16 million pound move to Arsenal last month.
"It's a fantastic experience for me at a stadium like that and a crowd like that," Chambers told the Gunners' official website. "All the boys put in such a good effort and I think we deserved a 0-0, if not more.
"You've just got to stay switched on the whole time and stay focused for 90 minutes. At any time they can create chances and score. It's another good experience for me playing against players of such quality.
"I've been working my way into Arsenal really well. That's helped my confidence. I've dropped into centre back and I'm really enjoying it there.
"You learn from playing and training every day with players of this quality. It's fantastic for me, and I'm gaining confidence game by game."
Mertesacker may be available for Arsenal's trip to Everton on Saturday, along with international teammates Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, after they were granted an extended summer break by Arsene Wenger following the World Cup.