Pundit says 28-year-old was making runs just like Mane and Salah do for Liverpool on Sunday

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Danny Murphy has praised Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for his goalscoring performance against Brentford. The BBC pundit thinks the 28-year-old’s ability to stretch the defence was key to getting himself on the scoresheet.

“What I liked about Oxlade-Chamberlain was his willingness to run in behind Brentford’s defence, which is something Mane and Salah always do so well,” Murphy said.

“There were several occasions when he made that kind of run and if you do that when Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson have got the ball at their feet, they are going to find you – as we saw with Liverpool’s second goal.”

That is definitely part of the reason why the two full-backs create so many chances. Mane and Salah are masters of running towards the goal at pace while the ball is on the other flank.

It is also part of why they are so difficult to replace. Oxlade-Chamberlain has a very different skillset to say, Salah, who’s position he took up yesterday.

He is primarily right-footed for a start. That instantly changes what kind of ball Robertson can play to him.

But Liverpool’s full-back is a master of finding his man. As Murphy points out, if you get yourself in the right position, Robertson will pick you out.

Ox adds another string to his bow

It’s credit to Oxlade-Chamberlain for adapting to the role having been used mainly as a midfielder this season. There was some surprise that he was included instead of Takumi Minamino. But Murphy says Jurgen Klopp’s decision paid off.

“Bringing him in for Takumi Minamino was the only change Klopp made to his attack following Thursday’s disappointing 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal, but it worked,” the former Liverpool midfielder said.

Unfortunately it looks like Klopp will be forced to change it again on Thursday. Ox rolled his ankle late on yesterday and had to come off. Liverpool haven’t confirmed if the injury is serious. But it’s unlikely that he’ll play any part against his former side.