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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Reiss Tigwell

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's Liverpool admission hints at new Jurgen Klopp approach

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is enjoying his newfound role playing as a false nine for Liverpool in the absence of Brazilian Roberto Firmino.

The 27-year-old featured again in an advanced role for the Reds during their friendly on Thursday against Hertha Berlin in Austria.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced in the second half, and despite his sublime volley late on, his side lost 4-3.

Firmino has not yet returned to the side following his involvement with Brazil at the Copa America.

Jurgen Klopp’s recent decision to move Oxlade-Chamberlain further forward could potentially lead to an alternative attacking approach and even less game time for the Brazilian should the move work out.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is enjoying his newfound role playing as a false nine for Liverpool (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

And the ex-Arsenal player has expressed his desire to bring goals to the team.

He said: “It’s a new little role up there which I quite enjoy.

"It’s similar to how the more advanced midfielder plays in the team, but a little bit different defensively to get used to. Bobby does it better than anyone in world football so it’s not easy to follow him.

“In possession you can pick up nice positions and get on the ball. If I do play more often in that position my main thing is to contribute with goals because we create a lot in and around that area.

“Even when I’ve played in advanced midfield, I feel I can score goals from that area.

"I feel good, I feel sharp. The difference between training and the games is the length of time you play for and the heat, you need to get used to that. I need to keep building on that.

Should Klopp use Oxlade-Chamberlain in a more advanced role? Comment below

“I need to feel that when I get the ball 30 or 40 minutes in the game, I can still do my explosive runs. That’s all to come."

The squad will now move from their overseas pre-season training camp in Austria to Evian in France where they will face Bologna in two 60-minute friendlies.

They will be joined by Firmino in the coming days, as well as Brazilian teammates Alisson Becker and Fabinho, while captain Jordan Henderson will also join the training camp.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also told liverpoolfc.com how he was pleased to see fans back inside stadiums after a long absence.

More than 10,000 were present inside the Tivoli Stadium in Innsbruck, the highest number of fans the Reds have played under since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It was really nice to have the crowd back, the support here was brilliant. It was a little reminder about what we have missed.

“We got a little glimpse in the last game at Anfield last season with the fans back.

“Seeing the people here, it gets you excited for what is to come. You never take if for granted, but you can forget how much the fans can help you during a game when things are hard,” he said.

Thursday’s game also saw the long-awaited return of defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who have both been out with knee injuries since the early part of last season.

Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here .

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