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Cape Town - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to feature in the middle of the park this season.
The 24-year-old completed a £35million transfer from Arsenal at the start of the season, partly due to his desire to play in a more central midfield role, but has struggled to establish himself at Anfield.
Klopp has used the England international on the wing more often than not, and has stated that he will continue to do so because the player needs more work before staking a claim for a midfield spot.
"At the moment it is more the wing than the (number) eight," Klopp said.
"At the moment it is clear but I know it is a long-term thing and so without training and playing in the middle of the park it doesn't make sense.
"For now it makes more sense to pick him in the more offensive positions - but it is not fixed for the next five years.
"Obviously it is a different style to Arsenal and a different role to the wing-back role he played in his last games for Arsenal.
"Then he plays for England and they all come back from their national teams not confused, but with different plans. That is not too simple.
"I would say there has been no consistency until now. We let him run so far, let him do what he is naturally good at, and it will take time but it's all good. He is obviously powerful and that is what we need."
