Klopp lays out Oxlade-Chamberlain challenge after highlighting "new quality"

Jurgen Klopp has called on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to maintain his current performance level, claiming this is the best he's seen the midfielder.

The 28-year-old is into his fifth year at Anfield, but much of that has been hampered by injury.

As a result Oxlade-Chamberlain has been unable to enjoy a consistent run of games, thus allowing him to become a regular.

This term is the first in which the Englishman has not been dealt any major setbacks.

As a result he has been able to greater influence games, operating in midfield but also in the forward line.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was a winger early in his career, but through age has become more of a rounded player, which has made him even more of an asset for the Liverpool boss.

"It's pretty much the best Oxlade since I'm here," said Klopp.

"I know he was more spectacular in moments and scored wonderful goals against City and stuff like this, really good goals for us, last year Burnley, all these kinds of things.

"But it's a completely new quality, like calming the game down, being not only the sprinter with the ball or the shooter, stuff like this, but really being involved in all the different things we do on the pitch.

"It's a massive step. I'm really happy with Ox in the moment and hopefully it stays like this."

Oxlade Chamberlain, who signed from Arsenal for £35m back in 2017, has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

His most prominent campaign was the title winning campaign at Anfield.

He scored eight times in 43 outings but is looking to have even more of an impact this term.

Liverpool are aiming to regain their Premier League crown in an incredibly competitive three-horse race alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.

Oxlade-Chamberlain claimed earlier this season that the lack of consistent game time had been an issue, but was determined to underline his value.

"In terms of myself, I don't remember a consistent enough spell where I felt like I was on fire," he told the club's website.

"I think it was a good season in terms of what I'd come back from to get back to that level and play and be back away with England and stuff as well. But I knew there was more to come, more goals and just more consistent performances.

"I feel like it's just a chance for me to kick on and put down a really good season of consistent performances and hopefully some good numbers as well in terms of goals, assists. But I guess that's all to come."