Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goes from flop to Liverpool God in five months but insists he is his own worst critic
Midfielder was mocked after exiting Arsenal and being axed by England but now he could be a key man for club and country
FIVE months ago Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career looked in danger of falling to pieces.
Having been mainly restricted to cameo appearances off the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s side, he then suffered a massive kick where it hurts by Gareth Southgate.
The Ox was dropped for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Germany and, shockingly for such a talent, his World Cup dream was turning into a nightmare.
Back then a large number of Arsenal fans were ridiculing Liverpool for shelling out £35million.
Yet credit to Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A thoughtful and intelligent individual, he channelled his anger and frustration in the right way and impressed Southgate — and Klopp — with his attitude and workrate.
He is now a starter for Klopp in a team which is on the verge of the Champions League semi-finals.
And after impressing for Southgate against both Holland and Italy, he has barged his way towards the front of the midfield queue for Russia.
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The 24-year-old scored another terrific goal in the 3-0 win over Manchester City.
And he revealed: “The manager has been pushing me all season — shouting at me for not taking the game by the scruff of the neck at times and providing those kinds of moments — being the one shooting and making the difference.
“Slowly it is starting to pay off and it helps me to create moments like that tonight — that is what I have wanted to do from midfield. It definitely shows why I wanted to come here.
“There is room to improve. There were a few runs where I broke the line and it was just the last man I didn’t manage to get past or didn’t get the shot off.
“It is those moments where I could have had a second goal or set someone up so there’s definitely areas I can work on.
“That’s the way I’ve always been. At times it has gone against me because I can be hard on myself and beat myself up a bit.
“I have to improve to get to where I want to get and to be as good as I hope to be, so I keep working on it.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain was given a huge Klopp bear-hug after the match. Southgate must feel like giving Klopp one of those himself.
This is a player who knows how to score a cracker — do not forget his stunner against Brazil at the Maracana in 2013.
Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered an injury nightmare ahead of the last World Cup and was then ruled out of Euro 2016 with a knee problem.
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He is due a bit of luck and he could even end up starting for England this summer in his dream central midfield position.
Jack Wilshere is unlikely to get any more Three Lions chances.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Harry Winks are not featuring for their clubs so, potentially, the Kop star has a major opportunity.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain proves to be blazing success for club and country, this will also ask further questions over the coaching at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger.
Equally, at £35m, in an era of ridiculous transfer fees, the Ox could prove to be an absolute bargain.