Oxlade-Chamberlain Is Determined to Score “Worldies” from Midfield Positions

Alexander-Oxlade Chamberlain fancies himself as a scorer of “Bobby Firmino-esque” goals. And the No. 9 adjacent role is what he wants to grow into in the coming months at Liverpool. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, he discussed scoring a Firmino-like goal last season at Burnley.

“Obviously it was nice at the end of the season to get that one. When it’s been a while it’s nice to just have that as a bit of a confidence booster and a reminder. But yeah, that sort of role that Bobby plays, the false nine, I think he’s the best in the business at it for us and in attacking situations he makes it so much easier for Mo and Sadio or Diogo, just dropping deep and leaving spaces in behind for them and then attracting people, and then defensively as well.

“But the way that role is played, it’s almost similar to a No.10, attacking-midfield role because you drop quite deep so in that sense I find it quite natural. I feel like I can run in behind from there as well and get in and around the box, and you get opportunities to shoot and score.

“So I don’t mind doing that role – but you know, I’ve still got my head more fixed on the midfield situation. But if I need to fill in and do that, then I’m confident that I can do that as well.”

Despite the grind of pre-season training, he is making the most of the current opportunities to develop his game and fitness.

“So far, everything has been spot on for us: training, nutrition, facilities – everything is as good as we can hope for and that’s all you can ask for”, he said.

“You’re lucky to have a pre-season that’s got everything you need, including the physios and all the staff that are working really hard to make it that little bit easier for us. So no, we’ve got no complaints at all. It’s been really good so far”, he added.

And he’s scored a couple of “worldies” as well in training, which is something he hopes to keep doing this year.

“That’s obviously what I want to keep trying to do from midfield or attacking roles, just trying to shoot from outside the box. I know I’m capable of doing it, obviously they won’t all go in, but I’ve been working on that again. “