If has been a difficult start to his Liverpool career for former Arsenal player Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He made the move from the Gunner to get regular game time in central midfield but so far he has only made a handful of appearances. Things look like they may be turning around for the England international in recent weeks but he is a long way off becoming a first-team regular.
Klopp has in recent weeks spoken extremely highly of the player saying that form since signing for the Red has been “dynamite”. With a statement like that, it is surprising that the manager has not put more faith in the player as he has only played two full matches. The German manager’s job is under pressure due to the poor start to the season and his odds of getting fired on top bookmaker comparison site Betbrain have been slashed in recent weeks. He needs to get results fast and will be hoping that the Ox can help he turn things around and get the team’s season back on track.
The Ox spent 6 years at the Emirates and was a player that Wenger did not want to lose. However, the Gunners have been disastrous at letting all of their star players run down their contracts which have led to a major exodus and one that is going to get worse at the end of the season. It is highly likely that their two-star players, Sanchez and Ozil will leave during the January transfer window or the club will get no money back from their two prize assets.
During last weekend’s Premier League match Oxlade-Chamberlain was again left out of the first team and found himself sat on the bench. The player was introduced during the second half and definitely helped to improve the team. Liverpool ended up winners by three goals to nil and during the post-match interview, Klopp praised the midfielder. It will come as a much-needed boost for the player as so far he has failed to impress the fans and will be probably regretting putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
So far Klopp has only picked Oxlade-Chamberlain to start five matches and has made 14 appearances in all. The manager did put faith in the player for the recent Champions League game against Maribor which the Reds won by three goals. It was the player’s second appearance against Maribor and the first match he was able to score his first goal for the new club in the 7-0 thrashing.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain is going to become a first-team regular, now is the time to prove his worth as the Reds are suffering from a major injury crisis. They are going to be without Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne. They will also be missing Dejan Lovren but he will certainly now be missed. With so many attacking midfielders out, it is time for the Ox to shine as if he does not take this opportunity, once the injured players are back he will find himself warming the bench yet again.