Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has thrilled Jurgen Klopp with his recent performances, which the Liverpool boss described during his press conference as his best yet for the Anfield natives.
Klopp has moved Oxlade-Chamberlain around the Reds’ squad of late to help manage their injury situation. The 28-year-old started as a false-nine at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, before dropping back into central midfield against Newcastle United on Thursday night.
Oxlade-Chamberlain started slowly but grew into the Magpies affair through the first-half. He demonstrated pace to break between the lines and produced some top-draw long balls.
Goals and assists still elude Oxlade-Chamberlain during Klopp’s £35m signing’s recent Liverpool outings. The 2017 arrival is yet to score this term so far and has also only assisted two goals. Additionally, only one came in the Premier League against Brighton in October.
Klopp delighted with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performances
Klopp admits Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed greater highlight-reel moments since joining Liverpool four-years ago. The German points to his thunderbolt strike against Manchester City in their Champions League quarter-final first leg tie in 2018.
The Portsmouth-born dynamo’s drill at Burnley in May also sticks out to Klopp, after toying with the Clarets defence before firing home low at Will Norris’ near post. But the Reds boss feels Oxlade-Chamberlain’s overall output in recent games is where he has improved most.
Klopp said: “It’s pretty much the best Oxlade since he’s been here. I know he’s had more spectacular moment, scored wonderful goals against [Manchester] City and stuff like this, really good goals, Burnley.
“But it’s really a completely new quality, calming the game down, knowing when to sprint with the ball or shoot. But [it is] being involved in all the different things around the pitch.
“It’s just a massive step. I’m really happy with Oxlade at the moment and hopefully it stays like this.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain will hope his overall stronger performances under Klopp will soon lead to more goals and assists for Liverpool. He is creating chances for the Reds to attack and is offering an option on the ball.
But the £120k-a-week ace tieing in the final touch could secure Oxlade-Chamberlain a vital presence in Klopp’s plans, rather than the versatile squad role he is serving at Liverpool.
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