“Time to move on” - Jose Enrique says Liverpool star doesn’t even have a place in second-string starting XI
Liverpool played a heavily rotated team against Benfica in the Champions League. Some squad players like Kostas Tsimikas, James Milner and Joe Gomez all got a place in the starting XI for the Reds' quarter-final second leg clash. One player who had to be satisfied with a place on the bench was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Former Reds player Jose Enrique suggested that it was probably time for the 28-year-old English midfielder to move on. Writing on Twitter, the Spaniard said:
"For me he is a great player but maybe is time to move on for him and the club because I don't see a place for him in the starting line up and in the second starting line up either"
@AnfieldWatch @JamesPearceLFC For me he is a great player but maybe is time to move on for him and the club because I don't see a place for him in the starting line up and in the second starting line up either
Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be happy to miss out on the starting XI against Benfica. The midfielder has made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season, only 17 of which have been starts. He has contributed three goals and two assists.
However, he has not played a single minute in the Premier League or UEFA Champions League since February 19, although he has played twice in the FA Cup.
Liverpool will have to make some tough decisions this summer transfer window
Liverpool are well stacked in the midfield department. The likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara have all nailed down a place in the starting XI, while Naby Keita and Curtis Jones are higher in the pecking order than Chamberlain at the moment.
With youngster Harvery Elliott also capable of playing in midfield, a move away from the Reds could revitalize Oxlade-Chamberlain's career.
The 28-year-old's contract also runs out in 2023 and the club could look to sell him this summer and get a decent transfer fee.
.@JamesPearceLFC: "Lots of changes tonight but still no place for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Been a tough few months for him. The only football he's played since Feb 19 has been in the FA Cup. Not a minute in either the PL or the CL since then." #awlive [the athletic]
Chamberlain's contract is not the only issue Jurgen Klopp has to worry about. The superstar trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah all have their contracts running out in 2023 as well.
With so many contract issues to sort out, Liverpool will have some tough decisions to make in the upcoming transfer window. It will be interesting to see who gets new contracts and who will depart The Reds in the summer.