"He has contributed massively" - Adam Lallana on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this season

Former Red Adam Lallana has said that it has been a "tough few months" for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, as cited by the Liverpool Echo, Lallana said that despite Oxlade-Chamberlain's lack of game time, he has still contributed "massively" this season.

"It has been a tough few months for Chambo," he said. "Not being involved... I have been there myself. It’s hard to manage your own ego at times because you want to be playing.

"You feel sorry for yourself. At times, you do have to act. When you are down, you have to put a brave face on to support your teammates. And you can be proud of doing that.

"Come the end of the season, he has contributed. When the lads were at AFCON in January, he put in some unbelievable performances. He scored some important goals, so he has contributed massively.

"It was great to see him on the bench and celebrate with his players (after Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Southampton)."

Anfield Watch Verdict

The last time Oxlade-Chamberlain played for Liverpool was in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup back in March. Use NEWBONUS to get a free bet with Betwinner.

Since then, he hasn't stepped foot on a pitch for Liverpool, being relegated to the bench when he has featured in the matchday squad.

Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for the Reds from Arsenal for a reported fee of £34 million back in 2017. He came into Jurgen Klopp's team hoping to be a mainstay in the midfield.

Unfortunately, due to injuries and other factors, the 28-year-old never managed to do so.

With it also being reported that Liverpool are looking to sign a midfielder this summer, it could be the end of Oxlade-Chamberlain's five-year spell at Anfield.

After the mid-week clash against Southampton, Klopp said that he 'hates' himself for not playing the Englishman.

"I hate myself for not bringing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on tonight. He is such a good player but you have to figure out how it works together."

With Oxlade-Chamberlain's contract set to end in the summer of 2023, I'm fully expecting Liverpool to part ways with him this summer.