Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's view on Liverpool playing time after rare start

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has promised Liverpool fans there is still more to come from him, as he finally returns to his instinctive, natural best.

The midfielder impressed with a mature performance against Atletico Madrid, where he reproduced the sort of driving display from midfield that made him a Kop - and Klopp - favourite a few years ago.

Injury and a lack of starting opportunities have deprived him since then, with the England man - incredibly - completing a full 90 minutes just TWICE in his last 77 appearances.

Even more incredibly, he's started just three Premier League matches in a year and a half, despite making more than 30 appearances in total in that time, and being fit for much of the past year.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain runs with the ball under pressure from Kieran Trippier ( Image:

Getty Images)

Now though, he seems to have convinced his manager he has returned to his peak level, with Klopp describing him as "outstanding" against the Spanish champions.

And the 28 year old - who only has a year and a half left on his current Anfield deal - believes more game time has helped him rediscover his form.

"A player like me who sometimes does risky things like run with the ball and drive with the ball, rhythm helps that," said Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"Rhythm helps all players, but especially for me the way I play. With game time and more games, it all becomes a bit more natural and I don't have to think about these things as much."

The next step for Oxlade-Chamberlain is to persuade Klopp to start him, when all the midfielders at the club are fit.

Klopp has nine midfielders, including Taki Minamino, to choose from, plus talented youngster Tyler Morton, but a current injury crisis in this area has restricted his options.

And the former Arsenal man said: "It's getting better (for me), but obviously at the minute we have got a few injuries in midfield. Hopefully soon we will have everyone back and the competition starts.

"As long as I can be absolutely ready and be able to perform well when needed, I need to make sure I am doing that. Games help and I felt better, but definitely can improve even more for sure."

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Fabinho was drafted straight back into the side following his injury as the anchor in Liverpool's midfield as they eased past Atletico, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.

Thiago Alcantara was also back in action following a short spell on the sidelines in what is a huge boost for Klopp.

The Liverpool boss has lost Naby Keita to another injury though, with the Guinean international ruled out with a hamstring problem while youngster Harvey Elliott continues his rehabilitation from his gruesome ankle injury sustained vs Leeds United at Elland Road in September.

Oxlade-Chamberlain now looks well-placed to be involved in Sunday's tricky clash away at West Ham as Liverpool look to carry on their unbeaten run.