Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has said that he was happy for duo Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as they’ve both recently put in match-winning performances for the Reds.
Lallana came off the bench at Old Trafford to earn Liverpool a draw and Ox put in an incredible shift against Genk as he secured himself a brace.
Henderson and Lallana have always been shown to be very close – on and off the pitch – so it’s no surprise that the skipper is made up for his mate.
“The truth is we’ve seen [Lallana’s] quality day in and day out at Melwood for a very long time. He’s as fit and as strong as I’ve ever known him. If anything he’s getting quicker in mind and that is reflected in how influential he can be in games,” Hendo is quoted as saying by the club’s official site.
“Those of us who’ve seen Adam over the past 18 months specifically know he’s been fit, available and contributing through the quality he brings to our squad every day in training.
“And on Ox: two goals midweek and the second of those was a ‘wow’ moment. I was warming up on the touchline when he scored it and after I picked my jaw off the floor, I couldn’t do anything but clap. That’s such a difficult technique to pull off, but it is typical Ox.
“Those goals will give him a big boost I’m sure, not that he really needed it though. He’s a massive personality and someone whose quality is going to be so valuable.
“I’m buzzing for both of them and I’m sure there is so much more to come as this season develops.”
This kind of insight is brilliant for fans – sure, we see these players making the impact when they’re given a chance in the team, but it’s nice to know they’re putting in the graft behind closed doors.
There’s no doubt that players like Lallana and Ox put in 110% for their team, but it’s not always so easy to remember that when we don’t get to see it.
If Ox can stay fit, I’d tip him to play an important role this season and go on to establish himself as one of our best attack-minded players over the next couple of years.