Jürgen Klopp has been speaking about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and his comments give a reminder of the level the current Celtic midfielder once reached under him at Liverpool.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is now at Celtic on a short-term deal, still working his way back into regular football. His time at Anfield was shaped by flashes of real quality, but also long spells out through injury.
At his best, he offered something different in Klopp’s midfield. He could carry the ball through the middle of the pitch, drive past players, and open games up when things were tight. That type of movement is not easy to replace.
That is part of the reason Celtic took the chance on him. Even now, those traits can still be useful in a league where games often become crowded in midfield and need someone to break through lines.
Klopp said: (That Peter Crouch Podcast), “But we all know Bobby (Firmino) was there obviously but the other two we had to buy other really good players, Oxlade.
“So they always gave us an extra something. Ox, with his dynamism, with his speed, without the injuries, Ox would have gone through the roof 100%.”
Klopp’s comments go back to what he was before the injuries. Klopp is talking about a player who could change the pace of a match just by carrying the ball forward and forcing defenders to react.
At Celtic, that is still the question. Not whether he has the ability, but how often he can show it. His minutes have been limited so far, and he is still building sharpness.
5th April 2026; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Finlay Robertson of Dundee holds back Alex Oxlade Chamberlain of Celtic
There have been moments where it is clear what he brings. Quick bursts forward. A willingness to take the ball under pressure. A direct approach that can shift the tempo.
The run-in will likely decide how much more he features. Games are tight, and options off the bench matter. If he can offer that same drive Klopp spoke about, even in short spells, he could still have a say in how the season finishes.
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