logo
logo

Comparing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stats to his midfield rivals at Liverpool

It has taken Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain time to settle in at Liverpool following his move from Arsenal, but a new leaf may have been turned in recent weeks.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is still just 24 years of age, arrived at Arsenal in 2011 with much promise, and many are beginning to believe that could be fulfilled thanks to a fresh start at Anfield.

The England international is getting more and more game time with Jurgen Klopp rotating his squad, and fans and pundits alike are taking notice of the midfielder after some impressive displays, with his performance in the 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth the most recent example.

We decided to delve deeper into the stats to determine just how important Oxlade-Chamberlain is to Liverpool, using metrics per 90 minutes in the Premier League where applicable to compare him to his fellow Liverpool midfielders.

Goals and assists

In his five starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League, Oxlade-Chamberlain has had a hand in three goals (one goal, two assists), the same number as Emre Can, who has played almost 400 more minutes than his counterpart.

Unsurprisingly, Philippe Coutinho leads the way in this category, with five goals and five assists to his name in the so far this term.

Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, who have both made 14 starts and one substitute appearance, have each scored one and assisted one.

Passing

When it comes to chances created, Oxlade-Chamberlain is once again second only to Coutinho.

The Brazilian averages 3.2 key passes per 90 minutes of football played in the Premier League so far this season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, averages 1.7, with Henderson on 1.3, Can 1 and Wijnaldum 0.6.

The former Arsenal man has completed 83.8% of his passes to date, better than both Jordan Henderson (83.1%) and Philippe Coutinho (80.1%), but lagging behind Emre Can (85.5%) and Georginio Wijnaldum (87.6%).

Defensive

In Sunday’s victory over Bournemouth, Oxlade-Chamberlain left the field having made four successful tackles, more than any other player on the pitch.

He currently averages 1.9 tackles per 90 minutes played in the Premier League, with Can and Henderson only slightly ahead of him with 2.1 and 2 respectively. Coutinho, meanwhile, averages 1.6 and Wijnaldum just 0.8.

The 24-year-old also leads the way in interceptions with 1.7 per 90 minutes.

Can, who has also featured in central defence this season, averages 1.4 interceptions, while Wijnaldum and Henderson average 1 and Coutinho 0.8.


More on Liverpool

Watch: Oxlade-Chamberlain interrupts interview to defend Coutinho

When Michael Owen was the most exciting young player in the world

Where are they now? Liverpool’s XI beaten by Northampton in 2010

Can you name every player to score a Premier League hat-trick for Liverpool?