OPINION
You really have to feel sorry for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Liverpool midfielder is clearly a top talent, but after horrific luck on the injury front, he has found himself fighting an uphill battle at Anfield in recent times.
Not only has he been sidelined, but during his absence, the Reds have also managed to build a formidable and fairly settled midfield trio in Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, and Fabinho.
As such, the Ox’s task of regaining a regular first team spot has been made even harder.
But according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, he has what it takes to pull it off.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s been like a new signing for Klopp this season after his long-term injury.
“His ability to play in different position in midfield and behind or as one of the front three – I think he’s probably a player that’s been underrated over the years.
“It was a big move for him from Arsenal to Liverpool, I really rate him, I rate him highly, I like his work rate, I like his attitude, I think he can score goals and it’s been like a new signing for Klopp.”
Now whether Oxlade-Chamberlain has actually been “like a new signing” so far this season is up for debate.
He has yet to score or assist yet, and his average of 0.4 key passes per game, plus a Whoscored rating of just 6.51, would suggest that he still has several levels to move up into.
What is not up for debate, however, is the fact that he can be massively influential for the Reds.
When he is fully back up to speed – and he’s not quite there yet – then there’s no question that he has the ability to be a game changer.
Prior to his move to Merseyside he was averaging 5.7 successful dribbles per game for Arsenal, as well as 1.7 key passes per game, as per Whoscored.
If he can get back to that level, he will be a key member of a very impressive Liverpool side.
