Liverpool FC have officially confirmed on their website that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal to extend his stay at Anfield. The English midfielder expressed his delight and said (liverpoolfc.com), “I’m really, really excited – it’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so it’s nice to finally get it done and just extend my time here, which I am really looking forward to.
“I feel like I missed out on a year, which I obviously did, so it’s really exciting for me to be able to sign. It’s something that I feel is an opportunity to give that year back and make up for lost time – and hopefully put in some good performances to make amends for not being around last year.
“You’ve got to count your blessings every time you get an opportunity like this, you don’t get the chance to play for Liverpool Football Club every day. I am really excited to be able to extend my time here.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Injury-Ridden Liverpool Career
Since completing his big switch from Arsenal in the summer of 2017, Oxlade-Chamberlain has gone on to score five goals in 47 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. However, his spell at Merseyside has been plagued with injuries which saw him miss out on a lot of matches last season.
The English midfield ace sustained a serious knee injury back in April 2018. Fortunately, he has completed a full recovery and is currently vying for a place in Klopp’s starting XI. The 26-year-old put in a nice second-half cameo against the Gunners on Saturday. However, the fact remains that he is currently behind the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner in the Anfield pecking order.
What Does The English Sensation Offer On The Pitch?
With Liverpool still participating in five different competitions this season, Oxlade-Chamberlain should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself to Jurgen Klopp and the club’s supporters. His pace and creativity from midfield could be useful for the European champions in what is expected to be another long and gruelling Premier League campaign.
Oxlade-Chamberlain boasts decent pace and can make some powerful driving runs from midfield. He has an eye for a killer pass in the final third and can also strike the ball with accuracy and precision from long-range. If he can prove his fitness in the coming years, then the English prospect can turn out to be a success story at Liverpool.
Oxlade-Chamberlain Extends Stay At Merseyside: Good Move For Both Parties?
Retaining his services for the long-run could benefit both parties. The ex-Southampton player will be delighted as he will be earning more while getting another opportunity to strive for greatness despite a tough spell at Anfield thus far. The Reds also need a player of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s unique skillset as they don’t have too many other midfielders like him in their squad. Hence, this latest development makes sense for everyone involved.
