Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to carry on delivering “mature” performances for the Reds.
The former Arsenal man has struggled for fitness and opportunities since making the move to Anfield but is enjoying more game time amid Liverpool’s midfield crisis.
Oxlade-Chamberlain played 78 minutes of his side’s 2-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid in midweek, and Klopp has been impressed by what he has seen from the Englishman.
Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham United, Klopp said: “He played a really good game versus Atletico, very mature. We had a proper talk before the game about what we expected and I was really happy with him.
“He had his Oxlade-Chamberlain moments with his runs, but we need Mr Oxlade-Chamberlain as well with a mature performance. He did the role really well. If you play like that, it won’t be long before you play again.
“His speed is brilliant but the space isn’t always there – we need both sides – I was really happy he could mix it up against Atletico. It was a relaxed performance but really important for the team.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain has two assists to boast from 12 games in all competitions this season and has a strong chance of starting against West Ham with Curtis Jones, Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott and James Milner all out of contention.
