Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, enjoyed a great inception of 2017-18 campaign where they successfully secured a Champions League group stage berth and grabbed an imposing 4-0 victory against Premier League counterparts Arsenal at Anfield. They have wrapped up a few new signings during summer transfer window namely Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke, Andrew Robertson, Naby Keita ( who will join the Reds next season) and Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – the Englishman who refused to extend his contract with the Gunners and rejected a high wage offer of reigning Premier League champions Chelsea in order to join Liverpool and work in an exciting football project under their German gaffer.
Liverpool, however, were extensively linked to French sensation Thomas Lemar in the closing hours of the transfer window but decided not to meet AS Monaco’s £92 mil asking fee and cooled their interest once they concluded ‘The Ox’ deal. Also, they were supposed to strengthen their vulnerable back-line but failed to land an alternative of Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk whom they monitored all summer unsuccessfully. Oxlade-Chamberlain proved to the last piece of transfer business by the Reds this summer and the player is tipped to be in contention for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City next Saturday once he returns to Liverpool from international camp.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, has been an Academy graduate of Southampton who joined the Gunners six years back as a teenager. He soon started showing his quality earned a major squad role under Arsene Wenger where he netted 20 times in 198 appearances prior to his move to Merseyside. His career growth, however, was often marred by injuries and he struggled to get enough starts in his preferred roles lately. Wenger exploited him as a wing-back since shifting to a ‘back three’ formation last season whereas the player was hoping for a central midfield role or playing as an out-and-out wingman. Thus, he decided to make the next step of his career and join Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Borussia Dortmund gaffer, who has been a keen admirer of his game and was monitoring Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract situation since last season.
Wenger exploited him as a wing-back since shifting to a ‘back three’ formation last season whereas the player was hoping for a central midfield role or playing as an out-and-out wingman. Thus, he decided to make the next step of his career and join Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Borussia Dortmund gaffer, who has been a keen admirer of his game and was monitoring Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract situation since last season.
The Englishman was offered to Chelsea as the Blues met Arsenal’s asking fee of £40 million ahead of Liverpool. But the player snubbed a move due to his awareness of Antonio Conte’s favourite ‘back three’ formation and not to play as a wing-back furthermore similar to his Arsenal days.
Klopp, meanwhile, views him as a central midfield option as well as a decent cover of wingmen Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool have a lethal attacking force consisting Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana alongside Mane and Salah whereas want-away Philippe Coutinho is expected to resume in a ‘number 10’ role after failing to conclude a ‘dream move’ to Barcelona despite handing in a transfer request.
The presence of Gini Wijnaldum, skipper Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and James Milner in midfield will make it hard for ‘The Ox’ to secure a regular start in a central role as well. Yet, Coutinho’s uncertainty might see him having a nod ahead of the Brazilian. Also, Adam Lallana is out injured for at least two more months and any further unavailability will make his way straight into the starting line up provided he himself stays fit to be available for selection.
Klopp, however, is tight-lipped about his plans with the newest recruit and coy over his position in the squad, but praised him for his high work-rate, pace, power, and attitude.
“I remember the first time I saw him play live – it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.”
Liverpool have plenty of competitive games this term and four major tournaments to concentrate on. Oxlade-Chamberlain will have his opportunities in his preferred slot and chase the dreams of becoming a huge success at this prestigious football club like his idol Steven Gerrard.
