New Liverpool signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made an instant impact on Jurgen Klopp when the German saw him action for the first time in 2014.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sealed a reported £35million move to Anfield on Thursday, played for Arsenal against Klopp s Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League three years ago.
It was the first glimpse Klopp had of the England international live and he was impressed by what he saw.
I remember the first time I saw him play live – it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact, Klopp told Liverpool s official website.
He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.
We won that game, but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn t need to think twice.
Our new signing in a nutshell.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
It remains to be seen where Oxlade-Chamberlain – who is thought to prefer a central midfield berth – will fit into Klopp s plans, but the Reds boss lauded the 24-year-old s all-round quality.
I hear a lot of talk about positions, but let s talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team, added Klopp. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen.
He may still be young, but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better – and that excites me.
This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.
He didn t make an easy decision, but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.
