Liverpool fans should be excited about the prospect of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returning to action. The Liverpool man has been out of action since the end of last season, and the Reds have really missed him.
Significantly, that times up well with Liverpool’s season. You could argue that he’ll be the perfect player to come in and add some energy as the Reds’ title challenge culminates – but Liverpool fans shouldn’t get overly excited.
That’s because, in reality, the real benefit to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return will only be felt next season.
Now, make no mistake, him returning this side of the summer is the best possible outcome. But the main reason for that is the fact that he’ll get some much needed minutes, and then he can go away and have another break before the real madness of pre-season begins. If he had only returned in the summer, he would face a race against time to get fully fit before the start of the season, but he likely won’t have to worry too much about that.
Instead, he’ll be able to play a few games here and there towards the end of the season, giving Liverpool a little help, but mostly serving to improve his own personal fitness. Then, next season, he’ll be able to return and do what he does best.
Next season, too, you’d expect Liverpool’s midfield to become a little clearer. At present, though you could certainly argue that he deserves a starting berth at Anfield, there are a few too many bodies to really work out where The Ox would fit in. Between Fabinho, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Adam Lallana, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum, there are just too many players. However, James Milner is coming to the end of his career, whilst Adam Lallana has continually struggled. Naby Keita, likewise, though you’d expect him to stay, hasn’t had the best first season in England – and so anything could happen there.
The point being – Liverpool’s midfield has been set up this season to play without Oxlade-Chamberlain, and only next season will we really see where he will feature.
The Ox could prove everyone wrong and have a huge impact this term, but the reality is that’s unlikely. The real benefit will be felt next season – and Liverpool fans should be very excited about that.
Thoughts?
