Back and better than ever – The importance of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

I’ll begin with Liverpool. For the European champions, Ox’s role is perhaps slightly smaller, but still incredibly vital.

Liverpool’s go-to midfield three currently consists of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum.

There is zero reason to disrupt this trio, as Liverpool currently sit top of the league, and are playing like champions. However, Chamberlain can be important in two areas, even if it’s not as a regular starter.

The first is simply another rotation option. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has already voiced his concerns about Liverpool’s hectic schedule, and this schedule will reach its pinnacle come December, as the Reds will be forced to field two separate squads over the course of 24 hours.

This is the extreme example but even without this, Chamberlain’s role as another pair of legs remains key. Liverpool looks set to go deep into the Champions League once again and are also still in the two domestic cup competitions.

Add in their desire to finally win the Premier League? Liverpool will be playing a lot of games and will need options. Of course, Naby Keita and James Milner are other midfield options but don’t quite offer the same qualities that Chamberlain does, which brings me to my second point.