0:58 Oxlade-Chamberlain laid down the gauntlet during coronavirus self-isolation with his dance moves
Klopp later conceded that he might have overreacted to a knock picked up that afternoon. “You start looking in detail and sometimes in a defensive situation, a midfielder is not where he should be and then there is the impact,” he explained. “You have to make a decision.” He went on to stress that Oxlade-Chamberlain is “unbelievably important” to the team.
The player’s inclusion against Atletico was a welcome opportunity and even in eventual defeat it should not be forgotten that he seized it. Perhaps the time has come for more minutes.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has already scored seven goals this season. That is more than Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson have ever managed in a season for Liverpool. Even James Milner, with penalties bolstering his tally, has never beaten that.
Clearly, he is a different type of midfielder to the other options at Klopp’s disposal and it makes sense that when Liverpool have enjoyed success with the current template they should be cautious about changing that. But Oxlade-Chamberlain, now 26, looks ready to assume greater responsibility. If Klopp continues to trust him, he will be rewarded.
Sourse: skysports.com
