Jurgen Klopp has a weapon back in the form of the Oxlade-Chamberlain

Jurgen Klopp could have an interesting weapon at his disposal if Liverpool can utilize the talent of a returning star to his full potential.

The most recent performance against Fulham on Sunday was pretty terrible, to say the least, although it did highlight key areas where the manager could seek to uncover new elements for Liverpool’s game.

Liverpool had 76 percent possession over the weekend but failed to conjure anything substantial despite dictating the pace of the match.

It was a game that called out for a player with an incentive to evoke some attacking innovation in front of goal.

Liverpool begged for someone willing to play at risk and take the game to the rival.

It would have been the perfect match for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Compared to the other Liverpool midfielders, Oxlade-Chamberlain is perhaps the most direct and efficient at getting his team out of the traps and putting the front foot on.

Last season, he had more dribbles by 90 (4.07) than all Liverpool midfielders combined (Keita second at 2.66) implying that Oxlade-Chamberlain offers something unique compared to Klopp’s other options.

In tight-knit contests like the Fulham clash, sometimes it takes an individual moment of magic to take the lead when Plan A doesn’t go as planned.

Possible game changer

This is exactly what Oxlade-Chamberlain offers. His emphatic strike against Manchester City in January 2018 vindicates that particular notion.

Thiago’s imminent return could also add another dimension to the Oxlade-Chamberain game.

The Spaniard’s wide range of passes is capable of punching holes through even the most determined and organized defensive units. This, in turn, will free Oxlade-Chamberlain to find space and continually attack the opposition.

With Henderson and Thiago pulling the strings together in the middle of the park, Klopp will require a more offensive option that can inject enough quality into the final third.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is arguably the best option available to the manager amid Liverpool’s injury crisis. He scored eight goals from midfield last season, more than any other Reds player at that position.

Plus, with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino currently enduring a sterile streak, Klopp needs to identify other ways to find the net, and fast.

Liverpool have relied too heavily on their attack for answers this season, and against Fulham, all three tried and tested forwards fell short. Trying something new from an attack perspective makes sense.

Perhaps then, Oxlade-Chamberlain, could be Klopp’s salvation in the coming weeks.

Josh is a sportswriter from the South who has previously reported on the Reds both at home and off the press box. His idol is Joel Matip, while Madrid 19 to this day remains a blur to him.