Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Liverpool future should lie in central midfield, following Super Cup performance

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Liverpool got their hands on more silverware last night as they defeated Chelsea 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra-time in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Sadio Mane scored both Liverpool goals, with Olivier Giroud and Jorginho netting for Frank Lampard’s Chelsea outfit.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp did ring some changes from the win over Norwich City on Friday night. One saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain come into the Liverpool attack in place of Roberto Firmino.

Prior to his injury, the former Arsenal man had looked quality in a central midfield role. If last night highlighted one thing to Klopp, it’s that Oxlade-Chamberlain is far better as part of the three in the middle of the park.

The 26-year-old just doesn’t suit being part of a front three these days and certainly not in Klopp’s high-press system.

Last night against Chelsea he didn’t play particularly bad, but he just wasn’t utilised in a position where he strengths can be unleashed.

Even the boss admitted his error in playing him in such a role.

He told the Daily Mail: “We wanted to give him an opportunity to shine. It wasn’t as possible as we would have wished in that position, but that was my mistake and not his as I made the decision.”

Prior to the serious knee injury which sidelined him for over a year, he was the driving force from the middle of the park. He’d often pick the ball up deep and drive at the opposition, immediately forcing them onto the back foot.

Klopp withdrew the £120,000-a-week man (Spotrac) at half-time and within three minutes of the restart his replacement, Roberto Firmino, had created an assist for Mane.

A determined performer, the England international still has a part to play for Liverpool. On last night’s showing, however, it shouldn’t be as part of the front three.