Former Liverpool captain Dietmar Hamann claims that he is not able to see the logic behind Jurgen Klopp’s decision to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal (Metro).
The England international was the subject of an intense transfer battle in the dying days of the summer transfer window as Chelsea and Liverpool went head-to-head for his signature. The former Southampton academy graduate was disillusioned with his life at Arsenal where he was never a regular starter in his favourite midfield role, with Wenger preferring to use him as a wingback instead.
The £35million deadline day signing was even criticised by former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who said that he never understood the player’s credentials and questioned the rationale behind his move to Anfield.
Now, Hamann joins the chorus, as more voices come out questioning why the midfielder was signed by the Reds. The Ox had a disastrous Liverpool debut as he came on as a substitute in the 5-0 mauling at the hands of Manchester City.
He played the Champions League clash at Anfield against Sevilla and in the dying moments of the game, he was deployed as an emergency right-back, as the club wrestled with the red card of Joe Gomez.
Hamann, who was part of Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League winning side, was critical of Klopp’s side, saying he didn’t understand why Oxlade-Chamberlain was bought. Speaking to RTE Sport, the German said (as quoted by Metro):
“On the bench tonight, you had Sturridge, Coutinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain – I’m not sure why he was bought.”
The German was also worried about the leakage of goals with the back-four looking as porous as ever. Everyone thought that Klopp would go all the way to sign a defender and overhaul his defence but it looks like the failed signing of Virgil van Dijk is taking its toll.
“In defence, you have the likes of Moreno and Lovren – I’d have questions marks over these two and Klavan who was a sub tonight. I have rarely seen a more unbalanced squad in Liverpool’s history. It’s very top heavy.
“In a recent game they win 4-0, they lose 5-0 and tonight they give the game away. They are always prone to mistakes. I don’t think this team is going anywhere.”
Liverpool will be at home on Saturday as they welcome Burnley in their next Premier League game. It remains to be seen if Oxlade-Chamberlain gets his first start but if Hamann is given a choice, he would certainly not start the Ox!
Call me a sceptic but I always had my doubts on the potential of Oxlade-Chamberlain, even during his days at Arsenal. The onus is on him to prove the detractors wrong or stay doomed as one of those over-rated English midfielders of this generation.
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