Liverpool are on a purple patch of their own. There seems to be a new-found energy that reverberates around Anfield. Who wouldn’t be buzzing after seeing the team you support give you glimpses of joy and hope? Is this finally their year?
Having signed Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal, Liverpool look to threaten the equilibrium established at the top of the table by the top 4. They now have a decent squad depth for tackling the packed fixture list this time around.
Let us assess how Oxlade Chamberlain will fit into the Liverpool squad.
Liverpool, in their first three games, have set up in their expected formation of a 4-3-3.
Klopp’s setup is extremely attacking. It’s clear that he goes into games knowing that the only way they can win with their weak defence is by outscoring the opponent. He usually opts for the midfield trio of Can, Henderson and Wijnaldum. Lallana and Coutinho are both out injured and can be expected to add value to that midfield once they return.
The signing of Oxlade-Chamberlain adds a different dimension to Klopp’s midfield.
Here’s how we can expect them to line up.
The only difference being the introduction of Chamberlain in place of Wijnaldum. Gini is a decent midfielder who toils hard in midfield. From the midfield trio, however, he seems to be the one who can be sacrificed for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Liverpool may line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation; with Oxlade playing the role of a Central Attacking Midfielder. We all know that the lad can run with the ball at his feet and has decent dribbling skills. Imagine being a Central attacking midfielder with Firmino, Mane and Salah being the runners in front of you. It’s the stuff of dreams and one that Chamberlain can massively profit from.
He would get to play in his preferred position of attacking midfield, a huge plus point given his frustrations at Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool can afford to keep Can a bit higher up the pitch, with Henderson playing just at the base of that midfield given his array of passing.
It would take some doing to disrupt Liverpool’s front three. Chamberlain can also play on either of the wings and should any of the front three be injured, he could get his chance to seize the attacking initiative.
This would give Liverpool a much more balanced outlook. Oxlade Chamberlain can also interchange his position with Can whenever required, especially during set piece duties; and can accompany a defensive player for snuffing out any chance for an opposition counter attack.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is just 24 years of age and still has time on his side to mature into a better player. He is under the guidance of Klopp and can further improve his game. Now that he is heading to a club of his choice, the onus would be on him to get a regular run of games.
