Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain increasingly looks like the best transfer to never happen at Chelsea FC. His performances for England and his reasons for choosing Liverpool show the Blues are better off without him.
Tucked into a rollicking report on Chelsea’s transfer window, The Times revealed why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain traded one red jersey for another instead of wearing Blue. Oxlade-Chamberlain transferred to Liverpool because Jurgen Klopp promised him consistent time in the position he inexplicably likes, rather than competing for time in his strongest position on the flank.
Antonio Conte told the Englishman he would compete with Victor Moses for the right wing-back spot. Chelsea’s needs for reinforcements on the flank were well-known throughout the transfer window. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s play on Arsenal’s right flank attracted Chelsea’s attention. His desire to leave Arsenal and Arsenal’s typical handling of his contract situation – let alone their ambition – made Chelsea a strong contender for his signature.
Oxlade-Chamberlain should have known that he would not walk into Chelsea’s starting XI. Antonio Conte demands that every player earns his place in the lineup. Conte offers no guarantees without proof of performance. If Oxlade-Chamberlain wanted a promise of immediate, tenured playing time, he should never have looked west across London.
Must Read: Chelsea acknowledge Diego Costa's existence at the bare legal minimum
Moreover, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s insistence on playing central midfield is at odds with his performances. Over the international break, Oxlade-Chamberlain repeatedly made strong runs that ended in nothing. He did not have the final moves to convert the play into a chance from the centre. His passing showed that he is not the playmaker nor pivot-man that any fast-moving team – particularly Chelsea – need in the centre. He showed plenty of guts, but none of the guile necessary for a central midfielder.
That adds another layer of puzzlement. If Oxlade-Chamberlain was not interested in competing for a wing-back spot against Victor Moses, what did he expect if he arrived at Chelsea hoping to play central midfielder? Oxlade-Chamberlain could have turned up the heat on Moses. Moses became one of Europe’s best wing-backs last season, but still has plenty of vulnerabilities.
That is not the case for N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Oxlade-Chamberlain would be, at best, a distant third behind the two Frenchmen. He would also have to compete against Cesc Fabregas and Danny Drinkwater for substitute and cup appearances.
Oxlade-Chamberlain should have looked at Fabregas and Victor Moses to understand what lie ahead at Chelsea. If Cesc Fabregas spends half a season on the bench while hustling his way back to the lineup, then any player can be on the bench. The former Gunner is Exhibit A for Conte’s philosophy on how little one’s past accomplishments (which, mind you, Fabregas has and Oxlade-Chamberlain does not) count when he writes his team sheet.
Likewise, Victor Moses shows what is possible when Antonio Conte recognizes potential in a new player. One year ago today, no one would have foreseen Moses’ emergence at wing-back. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s insistence on playing central midfield rather than trusting Antonio Conte – a trust with a firm record of success – shows either a stubbornness or unwillingness to develop that Chelsea do not need.
Next: Chelsea's 3-4-3 alternatives: Analyzing the 3-5-2 formation
Danny Drinkwater came to Chelsea knowing he will have to fight for every minute. That is exactly the mentality Antonio Conte demands. It is even more impressive given that this is a World Cup year and club minutes are more valuable than usual. Drinkwater wants to be at Chelsea and wants to be part of Conte’s club. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain clearly does not. At least among these two players, Chelsea made the right calls in the transfer window.