Liverpool

Jamie Carragher: 'Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could struggle to get into team'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 31 August 2017

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher warns new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that he will face stiff competition for a place in central midfield at Anfield.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could struggle to get into the starting XI at Anfield.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is understood to have rejected the chance to move to Premier League champions Chelsea in favour of joining Liverpool, completing his £40m switch earlier today.

The England international's reasoning for the decision is alleged to have been the chance to play in central midfield, but Carragher warned that he will face serious competition in that area of the field.

"He talks a lot about wanting to play in central midfield, so that will be interesting to see how that one plays out because Liverpool have got five or six really good central midfielders," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"I am not sure if Oxlade-Chamberlain would get in that midfield three if everyone is fit. You still have [Philippe] Coutinho and [Adam] Lallana to come back to the players who performed so well at the weekend. So it remains to be seen how that one will work. He is a good player for the squad at this moment, but central midfield, I am still scratching my head on that one.

"But with Jurgen Klopp buying him with only 12 months left on his contract, there must certainly be a plan in place for where he is going to play and fit in. But for me, I am interested to see how that one works out. I am sure he would have had conversations with Arsene Wenger about playing in central midfield, but maybe he thought he had better options. And his poor injury record does not help.

"But going forward, Liverpool's midfield three were outstanding against Arsenal, while you also have Coutinho to come back, who was Liverpool's best player last season, and Lallana, who was also outstanding. So maybe if he plays as a back-up for when Mane or Salah are out, that makes more sense. But he stated he wants to play in central midfield, so that is Jurgen Klopp's problem."

Oxlade Chamberlain, who will wear the number 21 shirt at Anfield, could make his debut for the club against Manchester City after the international break.