Oxlade-Chamberlain, The Forgotten Red
About three months ago, more precisely on 17 May, Liverpool announced the departure of four players: Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The departure of the first two affected the supporters’ side in particular, given the impression they had made there. On the other hand, the last two years have been dominated by a sense of ruin. The investment made for Naby Keita was substantial. Needless to mention that he inherited the number 8 from Steven Gerrard. In the end, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure was met with greater indifference.
It could be similar to Eden Hazard at Real Madrid. Injuries and the choice of their coaches have prevented both of these players from playing a significant role in their teams. However, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six seasons at Liverpool, compared to Hazard’s four seasons. And in six years, the former English hopeful only had two full seasons. The first, in 2017–2018 during which he played 42 games in all competitions. and the third, pandemic season where he played 43. In addition, the number 15 of the Reds had almost white seasons.
a downward trajectory
This was the case in his second season, where he played only the last two games in the championship after an operation. A distance from the ground that would attend to its fall on a meadow. He had already been spotted during his last season at Arsenal. However the marriage with the London club was off to a good start. Arriving in the summer of 2011, the talented Southampton player immediately showed his qualities with the Gunners. Speed, hitting, dribbling and powerful hitting. The English winger is reminiscent of Theo Walcott, another former Southampton talent, but more powerful.
Unfortunately for him, injuries curtailed his London season. The Gunners’ arrow is not always available to Arsene Wenger. And his team was still waiting for a league title which has eluded them since 2003. He would finally get the title in 2020 with Liverpool. But like the Champions League, Oxlade-Chamberlain has not been a key player in these successes.
Türkiye to revive
At the age of 30, the Portsmouth native was free of any contracts. Eventually he found another challenge outside England. Beşiktaş officially announced the player’s arrival yesterday and offered him an interesting contract. Three seasons, a salary of 2.5 million euros per season plus a signing bonus of 1.5 million euros. A good position for this new destination, similar to that of his compatriot Wilfried Zaha.
This departure looks like the England international’s last chance at 35 caps. That is to find land forever. And prove that he is not a crystal player.