Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has questioned Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability following his move to Liverpool on the deadline day this summer transfer window.
The England international midfielder made his debut for the Reds in the 5-0 away defeat at Manchester City. Henry was speaking before the game and questioned the reason behind the Ox’s move, claiming that he still doesn’t understand what the midfielder was good at.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Henry said:
“He spoke on the Liverpool website about that he could see Klopp making him a better player and that there’s a love and togetherness. Are you telling us you didn’t have that at Arsenal?
You have to bring something on the table. I have been watching him for a very long time and I still don’t know what he’s good at.”
A product of the famed Southampton academy, Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal with high hopes of excelling as a midfielder of the highest class.
His failure to attain lofty heights as a player is regarded by many as a failure of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. In six seasons at the club, Arsenal could not utilise his raw talent and mould him into a more consistent player. The player too had a part to play in his failure as he showed little intent or change, season after season. After a stagnant career at the club, it was time for him to chase better chances and he chose Anfield.
One of the biggest reasons why Oxlade-Chamberlain chose Liverpool is the idea of working under Jurgen Klopp and restoring his flagging career. Though he had a better financial offer from Chelsea, the midfielder chose to sign with the Reds.
Does that make him an automatic choice to improve? Not really, as we saw in the defeat at Manchester City. Oxlade-Chamberlain came as a half-time substitute for Mohamed Salah when Liverpool were 2-0 down and playing with 10 men.
He played in his favourite midfield role – another reason why he left Arsenal, after being deployed as a wing-back at the Emirates. However, he was unable to have an effect on the game at all and provided little going forward.
Is Henry’s claim closer to truth? Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Anfield on the deadline day in a £35million deal to work in a more central role and develop under the tutelage of Klopp.
But for the Ox to make this true, he needs to start performing well on the pitch. If not, Henry’s words will keep stinging him!
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