Jamie Carragher has been impressed with Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher feels Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision to trade Southampton for Arsenal instead of Liverpool was a big opportunity missed by his former club, the Daily Mail report.
The England international moved to the Gunners in 2011 and has already gone on to represent the club 117 times in all competitions, despite still only being 21 years of age.
His latest match-winning performance against Chelsea in the Community Shied final is further proof of his undeniable ability and huge potential to become a star at the Emirates.
Yet, Oxlade-Chamberlain almost became a Liverpool player in 2011 as Carragher tells the tale of how he and Steven Gerrard attempted to convince the youngster to opt for Anfield.
“There has always been a buzz around Oxlade-Chamberlain and when he was leaving Southampton, Liverpool were one of the clubs in the bidding. His dad, Mark, visited Melwood and Steven Gerrard and I both spoke with him in the hope he would make a big move north,” Carragher revealed.
Instead, the former Southampton man opted for a switch to North London where boss Arsene Wenger has managed his progress well, prompting Carragher to express his regret on his former club’s behalf.
“Liverpool’s loss was Arsenal’s gain. He’s a player with plenty of attributes — he’s quick, strong and has an eye for goal —but what would you say his best position is?”
Best position?
So far during his Arsenal career, Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown his versatility and played in a number of attacking roles in the final third, including an advancing central midfielder.
But when weighing up his attributes, his pace, ball ability and direct dribbling would arguably be far better suited out on the wing where he has space to manoeuvre and cut inside.
His recent goal against Chelsea at Wembley illustrates exactly what he is capable of, though with such competition for places at the Emirates, he may struggle to hold down a regular starting berth.
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