Liverpool have been ravaged by injury this season – a scenario which unfortunately rings true for midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s time at Anfield as well.
Returning from a knee injury that he suffered during the Reds pre-season training camp in the summer, the ex-Arsenal midfielder has made two brief appearances either side of Christmas for Jurgen Klopp’s team and has done enough to show why he has a part to play over the rest of the season.
Those two outings came in two very different circumstances as he joined the party during the 7-0 romp at Crystal Palace before, a week later, he was attempting to salvage a late winner in what was a dour second half for Klopp’s side against West Brom on Sunday.
On both occasions, however, the 27-year-old showcased the attack-minded attributes which distinguish him from the other midfield options in the current Reds squad.
Always looking to drive forward in possession and take on defenders, Oxlade-Chamberlain has become renowned for his long-range shooting during his time at Liverpool, with the majority of his 13 goals being blockbuster strikes.
For all of the guile and industry in the Reds midfield, it occasionally lacks dynamism and a certain edge of fearlessness – qualities which the £35m man has in abundance. Indeed, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has said that Oxlade-Chamberlain “gives us something different in this team”.
Having had his time on Merseyside curtailed by brutal injury blows, often during his best runs of form, there still seems plenty to offer from the formeer Arsenal star.
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Sunday’s frankly dismal draw was further evidence of Klopp’s men lacking a crucial cutting edge every so often, and having the options to provide something different will be imperative as the season wears on.
Although he isn’t likely to oust the likes of Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum or Thiago Alcantara as the Reds’ foremost midfield options if used wisely in rotation with Curtis Jones and the injury-prone Naby Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain could have a major role to play for the Reds in the next five months.
With Newcastle United away on Wednesday, a clash with his former club Southampton next Monday and an FA Cup third round tie with Aston Villa the following Friday, expect to see Oxlade-Chamberlain given a starting role in the not-too-distant future.
