Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Would Be A Shrewd Piece of Business

Join AI Pro

With Arsenal stalling on a new deal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool are among a number of clubs linked with a summer move. That’s caused somewhat of a stir from the fan-base, with the reaction varying from apprehension to excitement. If the Ox decides to seek pastures new, Netbet have Liverpool as the favourites to land the attacker.

Joining Southampton at the age of seven, Chamberlain propelled himself into the first-team picture in 2010, making his debut at the age of 16. An impressive campaign in which he scored nine times while assisting the same number in 34 games saw him gauge a lot of interest from the Premier League big hitters.

Liverpool and Manchester United had approaches rebuffed before Arsenal managed to secure his services after a strong breakthrough season on the south coast.

The 23-year-old has gone on to establish himself as a useful cog in Arsene Wenger’s side with the club keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal. His current contract expires at the end of 2018, but delays in negotiations have opened the door for Jurgen Klopp.

The German seems keen to link up with Chamberlain this summer as he looks to bolster his ranks and a deal would certainly be intriguing.

Mr Versatile

This summer Liverpool will be in the market for a player with the flexibility to play in a number of roles while bringing pace and power to the table. Intelligent and hard-working both on and off the ball, Chamberlain ticks all of Klopp’s boxes.

Starting off predominantly as a winger, Chamberlain has since moved into the right wing-back role in Arsenal’s new look 3-4-3 formation. Likewise, the 23-year-old then featured in central midfield for England against France. Playing in eight different positions during the 2016/17 season, his versatility, naturally, makes him a highly sought-after player.

Diligent both on and off the ball, the Englishman has a strong work ethic, making him an even more appealing prospect for Klopp. As per Squawka, Chamberlain has averaged 1.10 tackles per game this season. He’s completed 83% of his passes, 1% higher than Emre Can.

Creativity

Liverpool often find themselves struggling to pick apart resolute defences with bodies behind the ball. Chamberlain’s ability to unlock the door and execute incisive passes between the line of defence and midfield are therefore a welcome trait.

Operating in the wingback role, Chamberlain created three chances in four league games, registering two assists and completing 54% of his take-ons.

With a forward line of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool’s movement made them unplayable at times during 2016/17. Take the opening game of the season, for example.

Adam Lallana won the ball back deep in his own half and motored forward, passing the ball off to Sadio Mane who ran through and rifled home. A killer counter-attacking move.

Chamberlain’s movement in between the lines would only improve that fluidity. Creating pockets of space for his teammates in between the lines, he represents a nightmare for opposition defenders. Such ability would fit seamlessly into Klopp’s side, who’s priority next season has to be finding a way past the so-called ‘weaker’ teams.

Where would he fit in?

It’s no secret that Naby Keita is the number one midfield target this summer. However, with RB Leipzig set to play hard ball and a potential deal costing upwards of £50million, Liverpool may be forced to look elsewhere.

While he has the pace and energy to play in a wide role, with Mohamed Salah set for a switch to Anfield and Sadio Mane on the other flank, he’d arguably be best suited in his favoured central role.

His guile and physicality would suit the demands of Liverpool’s pressing game, while his ability to transition quickly into attack would offer support to the forward line. In that sense, he could fulfil a similar role to Adam Lallana, who’s ingenuity and creativity on and off the ball is often a big miss for The Reds.

Chamberlain, while not as mouth-watering a prospect, would make for an interesting signing. The 23-year-old hasn’t managed to hit the heights yet, but if anyone can harness his potential it’s Jurgen Klopp.

He can play in three different positions across the board, thereby offering the strength in depth that Liverpool so desperately seek ahead of a new campaign. Not to mention the fact that despite his youthful age, Chamberlain has six years of Premier League experience under his belt.

While unlikely Chamberlain would fulfil a starting role under Klopp next season, he would offer a strong option from the bench and bring industry to the midfield. Tthe 23-year-old’s energy and work-ethic would see him thrive in Liverpool’s high energy gegenpressing system.

For £20-25 million, it could prove to be a very shrewd piece of business.

Join AI Pro
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

3 COMMENTS

  1. He only gets 4/5 goals per season now.. Better off going to west ham where he will not always be on the bench .

  2. Naby is unlikley unless thy payn 50 60 mill and lfc wont i got gut feeling we end up getn ox for around 25mil mark an he will play in midfeild thts wer clopp wants him if he wants to add him to the squad. Can i feel wants to move to italy but lfc will stand fast with his valueasion if thy get offer that is to wht thy want clopp will sell him. And to all lfc fans lets lobby for clopp and fsg to sign the brilliant young man davinson sanchez those who dont no this player his 20 year old center back that plays for ajax what a wonderful centerback perfect for clopp this is the perfect centerback to play with man moutain. His big strong pacey good in air great takkler can play out from the back and playng for ajax you have to be able to pass play football if i was clopp id be phoning ajax and offering 40mill for this lad inder clopp he be double that. So all fans lets lobby ynwa…

  3. After seeing for England v France I would not say he’s an option in midfield – would also block the likes of Grujic, Ejaria etc

    Out wide if we play with 3 at the back and wingbacks then a possibility but I’d prefer an older player on a free there so as not to block the route for TTA

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Subscribe to AI Pro!

AI iPhone App!

PARTNERS

 

 

 

betting sites in the uk

 

Betting sites

 

https://www.parissportifaucanada.ca/

 

New bonuses at Justuk.club non Gamstop casinos

 

Gamblingpro.pro lucrative casinos without Gamstop

 

Play at top casinos not on Gamstop on Thegamepoint.io