Fantastic read Babu. Can someone put it in the quality posts you might have missed thread?
I fully agree about Oxlade-Chamberlain, think he's got the exact skillset that we need for both now and the future. One area that I haven't seen mentioned is his first touch, which at times can be elite level. There's one in the Southampton video in the OP where he's plucked it out of the air with such ease. In itself it might not seem significant but I have always appreciated the importance of a players first touch and control of the ball. In so many aspects of the game it's important; playing in tight spaces, taking in passes on the move, constructing attacks - Nothing more frustrating than a 5 plus pass move breaking down at the last pass due to a bad first touch - A bad touch can cost you possession, goals for and against (Bellerin at the weekend). Elite level control/ first touch can create chances and goals in itself. Think Emre Can's touch and cross for Salah vs Arsenal, his first touch on the move was perfect, the second just as good, but without the immediate control of the ball the chance would have either been blocked or reduced in quality.
I watched the Arsenal Stoke game, and thought that it highlighted his dribbling, and more importantly the quality of his dribbling, but not in the right areas of the pitch. His first touch on the move in a couple of them were perfect, taking his man out of the game instantly. That split second control that pushes the ball into space, that quickness of mind that is a common trait in so many of the best footballers.
I think he's very good at rondos too. I think that's one area he will show that his best position probably is in a midfield three, especially against low blocks, when we are having a good percentage of territorial possession. Quick one touch passing in and around the box, coupled with with his pace could be goals for us, especially if we can improve the quality and timing of his runs. I think in a midfield 3, it will immediately lend to him finding better positions in which to assist/score as opposed to wing back, or even on the wing in the system Wenger used him in.
Also he bridges the age gap between Lallana and Woodburn about as perfectly as you could hope for. Its a small detail, but an important one, squads are cyclic but with forward planning and a bit of luck you can minimise its impact. Klopp is assembling his squad for the next 5/6/7 years. Most of its here already, especially in midfield if we can get Emre to sign a new deal and with Keita in next season.
Another also; he's come at about as perfect a time as he could hope for, due to Lallanas injury and Coutinho waiting to be reintergrated. It gives him a better chance of starting and in a team that is playing very very well, I'm really hoping he can hit the ground running and push Lallana/Coutinho as hard as he can for a starting spot.
Final also! Our bench is going to be disgusting. Disgusting and filthy when everyone is fit. We could see a something like this vs City:
Karius, Klavan, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coutinho, Sturridge, Solanke
That's real depth with potential match winning options, different skills sets and strengths for Klopp to change the game. Not sure I've seen much stronger benches for us down the years. All good signs for me. Think we are really gonna challenge this season, on all fronts and I think Oxlade-Chamberlain knows it too.