In a recent media segment, Sky Sports News stated that Aston Villa are facing stiff competition for ex-Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is a free agent this summer. It has been mentioned that the Villans will have to rival Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion in the race to land the English talent.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Difficult Season In English Football
Oxlade-Chamberlain had a tough campaign at the Merseyside club as he struggled to be consistent for them in the Premier League. The 29-year-old was involved in just 13 matches for the Reds last season, netting one goal in the process across all competitions.
The English talent made a lot of his appearances off the bench which could be why he only averaged 0.8 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He also lacked quality when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half based on his pass success rate of 73% in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently a free agent which makes him a decent target for the Villans to pursue in this off-season.
Will Oxlade-Chamberlain Be A Good Option For Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery?
Oxlade-Chamberlain remains a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet. He can shoot the ball with venom and accuracy from long range and has got the vision to orchestrate a few decent chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. The English talent mainly functions as a box-to-box midfielder but can also operate as a wide player on either flank if needed. However, he missed a lot of games during his time at Liverpool due to injuries.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is available on a free transfer at the moment after his contract at Liverpool expires recently. Hence, he would be a great, cost-effective option for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery to consider during this summer transfer period.
We can expect Oxlade-Chamberlain to add more depth to Emery’s squad and help the Villans be competitive in Premier League football. At 29, he has still got a lot of football left in him. However, there are some concerns over his injury record. Still, Aston Villa should think about offering the English sensation a chance to show what he is capable of at Villa Park next season.
