Liverpool’s big clash with Manchester City will be followed by the hype of the winter transfer window. Jürgen Klopp’s side have a pretty strong playing XI but their bench strength can be better. The likes of Daniel Sturridge, Emre Can and Divock Origi are good options but Liverpool need more if they are to end their 26-year wait for the League title.
In a bid to add more strength, they have been linked with Arsenal attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. We’ve gotta say, it’s a strange one. Arsenal, if not title contenders, are definitely candidates for a top four finish and selling Chamberlain to a direct rival doesn’t make sense. That, coupled with their failed bid for Luis Suarez a few years ago means that a potential deal between the two clubs is unlikely to happen.
If Liverpool do manage to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, it won’t be the worst deal. The former Southampton star has shown flashes of brilliance every now and then but eventually ends up getting injured which is why he is still only a potentially good player and not a player who is a regular in the playing XI. Most of the injuries he’s suffered in the past are muscle related, and understandably so considering his burst of pace which he is heavily reliant on.
Liverpool outrun most of their opponents and put in a lot of work before the games, so whether or not Chamberlain will be able to take that is a doubt. Daniel Sturridge has struggled in terms of injuries and Liverpool don’t need more players who’ll spend more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. Chamberlain’s past injury record isn’t the best, so there is a bit of scepticism.
To his credit, he largely remained injury free this season but had made just eight starts. He’s played mostly on the left and is a versatile player who could fit in well at Liverpool’s passing and fluid style. Klopp has successfully managed to incorporate Gini Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana in a three-man midfield and Chamberlain too can play in that position.
If you’re looking at his standout games, Arsenal clash against Bayern Munich a few years ago is perhaps the one. The Arsenal team had three Germans on the night when they faced the Bavarians at Allianz Arena but it was Chamberlain who stood out. Playing in a slightly deeper role, the Ox’s drive caught Bayern off guard and he showed what he can do with his pace and dribbling ability. The same can be made use of in Klopp’s system as well. However, the gaffer recently rubbished any potential deal materialising!
