Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Rediscovering Top Form

It’s funny the difference a few weeks can make, as it’s not that long ago now that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to be struggling with the pace of the game, leading to questions about where he fit in the current Liverpool side.

A handful of strong performances later and it’s clear the issue was only that he needed to regain match sharpness. Having done that, he again looks if not a lock to make Liverpool’s best eleven then at the very least a key midfield option.

“It helps playing,” he noted following Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Southampton that saw him score the winning goal. “I think I’ve played the last five now, which is really nice. That obviously helps you get a feeling with the way that the team’s playing.”

The question for Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool has never been talent or ability or drive. It’s always just been fitness, as in can he stay healthy. When he can, when he gets a run of starts, he has consistently shown he can find good form.

Form that’s more than worth a place in the best football team in the world. Hopefully, having again found his fitness and, after a time, form, we’ll get to see more performances like the past two as he and the Reds look to end the season strong.

“I think a lot of it’s just down to maybe being a bit more clinical, getting myself in more areas where I can shoot and affect the game,” he added. “Luckily, the last few have gone in. We’ve got players that can find you, so there’s always opportunities.

“I’m delighted to have scored a couple of goals in the last two games, but it’s about us all and making sure that we chip in where we can and finish the season strong now.”