Parkinson Vereniging

The midfielder is keen to avoid the sort of headlines that read 'I can replace Coutinho' but you sense a moment of real opportunity is coming as a tough test against the league leaders nears

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left Arsenal in the summer for a new start at Anfield Liverpool FC
“They’re still human,” reminds Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he assesses his Sunday – one which he will more than likely spend trying to find ways of trapping the supposed extra-terrestrials of Manchester City. He is reacting to a question which suggests Liverpool’s opponents are unconquerable.
Enthusiasm and conviction is what Liverpool really need right now – particularly their supporters, many of whom are dealing with the disappointment of losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last weekend. Many, indeed, would argue that Liverpool no longer have everything they need but it remains an encouraging sign that Oxlade-Chamberlain is still able to reel off the names of at least three team-mates with the ability to influence important matches. It is significant too that even though City have had more money, better players and more success than Liverpool for nearly a decade now, they have not won at Anfield since 2003.
“They haven’t lost many games,” Oxlade- ทางเข้า sbo Chamberlain says, smiling – his mind seemingly skimming over City’s season, which includes only one defeat: Shakhtar Donetsk away in the final group game of the Champions League when they were already qualified and understrength. “But of course, they are beatable,” he continues. “We saw Bristol City do really well there the other night. Playing at Anfield, we’re always confident we’re going to win. That’s what I’ve felt from the moment I came here.
“When I used to come to Anfield as an away player, I always knew it was going to be a hard game, no matter what kind of form your team was in. When the fans get going and the boys play like they can, it’s a really tough afternoon for whoever we play.
“We know we can beat City. We have to be good on the day. We need to defend well and attack like we know we can. We have everything we need to go and get the right result.” Oxlade-Chamberlain is respectful in what he says about Coutinho – “a world-class talent” – but you get a sense the Liverpool squad’s bonding trip to Dubai has helped ease the passage of his departure as well as integrate a new arrival in Virgil van Dijk. Often, it is the players that are the harshest judges of abilities and personalities. Given that some insight is offered here without the need for it to be requested reflects that the most expensive defender in the world has already made a sharp impression, aside from his winning goal against Everton.