This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can offer Liverpool a new dimension when fully fit.
What’s the word?
The former Arsenal midfielder put in an impressive performance during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United, after coming off the bench and almost scoring the winner as his left-footed shot from distance went just the wrong side of the post.
The 26-year-old has only started twice in the Premier League this season but has made four appearances from the bench in the top flight too as manager Jurgen Klopp eases him back into the team. Oxlade-Chamberlain sustained multiple ligament damage against Roma in the Champions League two seasons ago which saw him miss the majority of the 2018/19 campaign.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was pleased with what he saw from the Englishman and feels that he is ahead of Adam Lallana in the pecking order.
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He said: “Lallana looked lively enough but he’s not the one who impressed me,” he said. “Lallana doesn’t have the electricity that Oxlade-Chamberlain has on the ball.
“He can go past opponents with pace, carry the ball forward from midfield to attack, and burst into the box to score goals.
“He’s starting to look sharp after that horrible injury and I predict big things from him this season. He’s young and hungry and has the quality to be a Premier League superstar.
“A fully fit Oxlade-Chamberlain is a massive boost to the squad.”
Critical asset
Since returning from his horrific injury towards the back end of last season, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been working hard to get himself back into the Liverpool side.
The former Arsenal man signed for the Champions League holders from the Gunners for £35m in 2017 and has scored five goals and conjured up seven assists during that time.
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Oxlade-Chamberlain has gained some supporters along the way including former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, and credited him for his adaptation into Klopp’s style of play which has added more quality in the central positions, per Sky Sports, via The Boot Room.
The £120,000-a-week star has a big season ahead and could establish himself as a regular first-team starter at Anfield. However, Klopp did issue a warning at the beginning of the season that the 26-year-old must be patient as the midfielder is desperate to play regularly for Liverpool.
Whelan is right when he says he can bring a lot to Klopp’s team. After a tough second season at Anfield, it is down to Oxlade-Chamberlain himself to convince the German manager that he is ready to start regularly.
