Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been heaping the praise on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following the midfielder’s role in the 4-1 win at West Ham.
The Reds manager has been discussing how the England international has adapted to life at Anfield, and has spoken of how difficult it’s been for Oxlade-Chamberlain to adjust to the intensity he demands of his side.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Klopp lauded the Southampton academy graduate’s attitude, and discussed his part in Liverpool’s victory at the London Stadium.
It was very intense for him, completely different to the things that he is used to. He did really well. I know for these offensive skilled players, how difficult it is for them, to have me all the time shouting. In the first half when he was on the other side, it wasn’t good for my voice.
I just like this player because he is already experienced but he is so open to get used to what we do and that is really nice.
Oxlade-Chamberlain netted a well-earned goal in the game on Saturday, and was instrumental as Liverpool dismantled Slaven Bilic’s West Ham side.
I’m happy, really happy, that he could make this decisive moment. They were all decisive by the end but I would like to have this answer always when we concede a goal. It would make life easier.
He needs to get used to the intensity that we ask. It’s not that Arsenal didn’t, they play fantastic football. But we are really on it with these counter-pressing things and the switch immediately to make the break. The problem is that we are all used to it and if you are not used to it, and you defend differently and you drop when they get the ball, that is a different thing.
Klopp believes that following a shaky start to his career with Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain will be an important player for the club in the years to come.
He knew when he came and we signed him that this will happen and we would ask for this and it is nice. But a lot of players are like ‘yeah, yeah, yeah, I want’ and he is like ‘what do you want from me?’ and he reacts. He will be a really important player for us.
The versatile midfielder will hope to enjoy a successful international break with England, before going toe to toe with his former team Southampton in the Premier League afterwards.
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