It was another solid victory for Liverpool against West Ham on Wednesday evening.
The Reds eased to a 2-0 triumph at the London Stadium, meaning that they have now defeated every other side in the Premier League so far this campaign. It also sees them extend their lead at the top of the table to 19 points over Manchester City – their procession to the title continues.
As we approach the business end of the campaign, Jurgen Klopp will be looking to utilise his squad to its full extent as he goes in search of not just the league, but the Champions League as well. One of those who will have impressed him the most against the Hammers was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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The England international, of course, scored the Anfield outfit’s second goal, a well-taken one-on-one following a brilliant pass from Mohamed Salah, but his display was far more than just that. Offensively, he managed one key pass and also completed 100% of his dribbles, whilst defensively he won four out of the six ground duels he contested, as well as the one aerial battle he was involved in.
In the end, his 7.8 SofaScore rating was bettered only by Mohamed Salah, who scored from the penalty spot. All in all, it was an impressive showing that shows just what he can bring to Klopp’s side.
It has been a difficult couple of years for the 26-year-old. Last term, he was involved in just two Premier League matches after rupturing his cruciate ligament, and he could have seen himself forced out of any involvement in the future for the European champions. However, he has shown grit to recover and earn himself a place in the 52-year-old’s squad, and an important one at that – this is now his sixth goal of the season in 16 starts in all competitions.
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Not only does he deserve more recognition, but he may be staking a claim for a regular starting spot. He is now just beginning to approach his peak years, meaning we may not have even seen him at his best yet. Predominantly used on the right flank at Arsenal, he has played 31 matches in central midfield for the Reds out of 70 appearances according to Transfermarkt, who also value him at £31.5m. His transformation, it would appear, is now complete.
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