Arsenal fans like to imagine that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won’t get his wish to play in centre-midfield for Liverpool.
Part of the 24-year-old’s desire to sign for the Reds came from his eagerness to play in the middle. It’s why he snubbed Chelsea; Oxlade-Chamberlain thought that he would compete with Victor Moses to start at right wing-back.
The truth is that we’ll have to wait and see what plans Jurgen Klopp has for his latest signing. Liverpool have options in midfield, including Philippe Coutinho, but you have to think Oxlade-Chamberlain has been given an indication that his wish will be granted.
Klopp hasn’t solved his defensive frailties, failing to land Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, but he’ll be pleased with his attacking options.
A front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with Coutinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain behind them, will score goals for fun.
Liverpool fans needn’t worry about the Ox’s inexperience as a central midfielder. He played there on occasion last season, starring in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Southampton in January, and his confidence was clear for all to see.
Watch: Oxlade-Chamberlain's best midfield moments
Back in February, an Arsenal fans made a video of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best moments from midfield. And it will leave Liverpool fans hoping Klopp gives him a chance in the position.
Carragher doesn't think the Ox will play in midfield
Yet the 24-year-old will struggle to get his wish, according to Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher.
“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, per the Liverpool Echo.
“I am not sure if Oxlade-Chamberlain would get in that midfield three if everyone is fit. You still have Coutinho and 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.
“Maybe if he plays as a back-up for when (Sadio) Mane or (Mohamed) Salah are out, that makes more sense. But he stated he wants to play in central midfield, so that is Jurgen Klopp’s problem.”
It’s not really the worst problem Klopp could have.