Frank Lampard perfectly explains why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been so good playing centre midfield
Get Liverpool FC updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and explained why he's been so good playing in the centre of the park.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, announced his intentions to leave Arsenal in the summer, and was on the radar of both Chelsea and Liverpool.
He opted to sign for the latter in a deal worth £35million as Antonio Conte was looking to select him on the wing, where he had been playing for Arsenal, and his ambition was to feature in the middle of the field.
Earlier in the season many critics were unsure whether Oxlade-Chamberlain would be able to do a central position justice, and he was used sparingly by his new boss Jurgen Klopp.
(Image: REUTERS)
But in recent months he has grown to become an integral part of Liverpool's squad, and was a stand-out performer in the first leg of the Reds's Champions League quarter-final win over Manchester City.
Speaking about Oxlade-Chamberlain's progression, Lampard told the London Evening Standard: "He has been brilliant in the last six weeks in particular.
(Image: REUTERS)
"We all know the natural raw talent has always been there, but what has impressed me the most is that he has shown the discipline you need to play in midfield.
"There are a lot of different decisions to make when you move from being a wide player as Oxlade-Chamberlain has done to further inside. You can't dribble and take as many touches like before.
(Image: Clive Brunskill)
"He has managed to learn that side of the game and become an integral part of the Liverpool team."
Oxlade-Chamberlain's Liverpool side are in Champions League action on Tuesday night, where they will go head to head with Roma in the first leg of their semi-final.