---
title: "Pundit sympathetic after ‘difficult’ afternoon for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/pundit-sympathetic-after-difficult-afternoon-for-alex-oxlade-chamberlain/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-12-12T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-12-12T08:00:00Z"
---

# Pundit sympathetic after ‘difficult’ afternoon for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Having received [praise from Jurgen Klopp](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9809681/Liverpool-pre-season-Klopp-heaps-praise-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-Harvey-Elliott.html) for a pre-season outing as a false nine, it seemed almost inevitable Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would split Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah at some stage this season.

Following another 15 minute audition in the position in midweek, the 28-year-old was called upon to fill the role from the outset in the [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables).

The [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/12/11/mark-lawrenson-backs-liverpool-to-cruise-through-epl-clash/) manager turned to the dynamic ace to lead the line in the absence of Roberto Firmino (fitness), Divock Origi (knock) and [Diogo Jota](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/12/10/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-liverpool-duo-may-be-ready-for-epl-clash/) (fitness) in the victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

After the match, Paul Merson told [Sky Sports News (5:22pm, December 11, 2021)](https://www.skysports.com/football) that Oxlade-Chamberlain had struggled to shine.

> It has never been a position. So you are asking someone to play in a position that isn’t a position. So it was hard, it was hard for him. Villa sat very deep, they pinged them back. For me, I thought he found it a little bit difficult today.

Whilst it may not be a recognised position in years gone by, ‘complete’ footballer Firmino has mastered the role and now plays [’12 instruments in our orchestra’](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/24/klopp-highlights-roberto-firminos-importance-to-liverpools-orchestra) according to Klopp.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

It’s no slight on Oxlade-Chamberlain to criticise his performance in an unfamiliar role.

Recently the Englishman has been in [superb form](https://www.sofascore.com/player/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/10577) and may feel hard done by to have lost a place in the midfield trio.

However, this 6.60 rated display ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/10577)) was far from convincing as the ex-Arsenal man seemed drawn deep into a more comfortable driving midfielder role.

As the Reds move onto [clashes](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) Newcastle United, Tottenham and Leicester City in quick succession, Kopites will hope Origi, Jota and Firmino are ready to go.