‘It comes around quick’ – Reds star discusses new career outlook
Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has discussed the new perspective he has on his career, four years on from signing for the Reds from Arsenal.
The 28-year-old made the “tough decision” to leave the Gunners in 2017 due to his desire to play a central midfield role.
After taking a few months to settle in at Anfield, Oxlade-Chamberlain came into his own to become a crucial player for Jurgen Klopp.
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He has won a UEFA Champions League and Premier League title since moving to Merseyside, missing a UCL final in his debut season due to injury.
105 appearances and four years later, ‘the Ox’ has reflected on his injury troubles at Anfield and is looking forward to this season.
“When I came back from the ACL, I played quite a bit in the season we won the league [2019-20] and I think I got the most goals that I’d got from midfield in my career – I think eight goals and a few assists – and obviously we finished the season brilliantly in terms of winning the league and that was amazing,” he told the Reds’ official website.
“But I think that season when I look back to it from my point of view, I’m always proud of what I was able to do coming back from that injury and basically going the whole season uninjured and being available at all times.
“In terms of myself, I don’t remember a consistent enough spell where I felt like I was on fire.
“I feel like it’s just a chance for me to kick on and put down a really good season of consistent performances and hopefully some good numbers as well in terms of goals, assists. But I guess that’s all to come.
“It doesn’t feel like a new start because it’s all been part of the journey, the story. But I feel like this season’s important for me to go and do something really good – hopefully on an individual level and then obviously for the team.”
The Englishman has also discussed being a senior member of the Reds squad, which is something he welcomes.
He said: “I still see myself the same age as Harvey [Elliott], to be fair!
“So it is a bit strange when you dip into the senior player pool – it comes around quick!
“It’s also important as well. Once you’ve been around the block and you’ve done a lot, that experience is important and it helps you going into games, into situations, playing with other players.”