Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's first few weeks as a Liverpool player have been difficult ones.

Ever since making his Reds debut in the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in September, the Englishman has struggled for game-time for his new club, only starting once in the Carabao Cup loss at Leicester.

But after some impressive cameos off the bench in recent weeks - including scoring against Maribor in the 7-0 win in Slovenia - he's been handed a first Anfield start by Jurgen Klopp for the return game against the same opposition.

The former Arsenal man is likely to line up in a front three, and Klopp seemed happy to give him his chance.

It hasn't exactly gone to plan for Oxlade-Chamberlain so far (
Image:
Andrew Powell)
Klopp has thrown him in from the start against Maribor (
Image:
Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I do want to specifically mention Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain," he told the Liverpool website before the game.

"He has shown his class each and every time he has had the opportunity on the pitch, and the weekend was another example.

"He is like dynamite when he comes on, aggressive in the most positive way, looking to attack and create.

The midfielder netted in Slovenia (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

"He has the highest quality in everything he does. Sometimes I think he is the last to realise this.

“[It’s] a team which played together already. The only really new player is Ox, who is in. He deserved it 100 per cent and can help us tonight hopefully. That’s all.”

Plenty of Liverpool fans were happy to see him start on Wednesday, and took to Twitter to herald his inclusion.

Will he take his chance?

poll loading

Has the reaction to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's start to life at Liverpool been harsh?

4000+ VOTES SO FAR