In a recent report, talkSPORT mentioned that Southampton are keen on a loan move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer. It is understood that the Saints are hoping to bring the Reds playmaker back to the St. Mary’s Stadium for the 2021-22 campaign (via talkSPORT).
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Growing Injury Concerns At Anfield
Oxlade-Chamberlain played a sporadic role for the Merseyside club last season and missed several key games because of a serious knee injury. The 27-year-old featured in 17 matches for the Merseyside giants in the previous campaign, scoring one goal and providing one assist on all fronts.
Most of the Portsmouth-born sensation’s playing minutes came off the bench that explains why he only averaged 0.6 shots, 0.2 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. However, he was decent when interchanging possession from midfield after making 79.4% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Oxlade-Chamberlain has still got two years remaining in his Liverpool contract. The English playmaker is in dire need to earn regular first-team starts in the upcoming campaign. Hence, sealing a season-long loan move to his former club Southampton could be good for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career this summer.
Should The Reds Sanction Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Departure?
On his day, Oxlade-Chamberlain can be an exciting dribbler with the ball at his feet as he loves to drop his shoulders and beat his marker in the final third. He can strike the ball with power and precision from long range. The English sensation can also create some inviting chances for his teammates up top. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also function as a winger on either flank if required. However, frequent injuries have hampered his career at Liverpool thus far which has also seen his productivity take a hit.
Hence, it is only logical for Oxlade-Chamberlain to go out on loan as he might struggle to earn regular playing time at Anfield once again next season. The likes of Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita are all ahead of him in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.
Liverpool would be wise to sanction Oxlade-Chamberlain’s loan exit this summer as he could benefit from spending some time away from Merseyside. At 27, the ex-Arsenal dribbler is currently playing at his prime. Thus, Oxlade-Chamberlain would enjoy playing football under Ralph Hasenhüttl’s stewardship and might come back to Liverpool as a much-improved version of himself next summer if he can show a clean bill of health over the next 12 months.
