Photo: £35m player made Liverpool’s captain during friendly, despite claims he could leave in January

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed the captain’s armband for Liverpool in their friendly with Lyon on Sunday.

As per the player’s Instagram page, he was the on-pitch skipper as the game concluded with a penalty shootout.

With Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk away, James Milner was the senior man at the beginning of the game. Ox didn’t arrive until half time, coming in for Melkamu Frauendorf.

As a result of Milner’s substitution just after the hour, Ox was handed the armband. Alongside Naby Keita, the 29-year-old was comfortably the most experienced outfield player left out on the pitch.

Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t inspire Liverpool to a decent result. The glut of changes didn’t help things, with Lyon’s more experienced side putting two late goals past Adrian, before winning the shootout.

Probably the last time we see Ox as captain, as he looks set for a departure from the club in the near future.

Oxlade-Chamberlain still hanging on in there

There has been a sense of inevitability about Ox’s Liverpool departure for around two years now. He played a big part in the title winning season of 2019/2020, but hasn’t been a regular too often since then.

And yet, the former Arsenal man is still here. With a contract running out in the summer, it doesn’t feel like he’ll be given another reprieve, though.

Regardless, there is still plenty of time left to sign off in style. With over half of the season left to play, Oxlade-Chamberlain appears to be in good shape.

Liverpool are still in all four competitions this campaign. That should leave the No.15 with a decent amount of opportunity to play before he leaves Anfield.

Where he will go, that’s still unclear. AC Milan have been suggested as a possible destination and that would represent a brilliant option for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Beyond that, you can’t help but think the former England international will struggle to find himself a top club. He has had flashes in his five-and-a-half years at Anfield, but injuries have taken their toll. Still, nice to see him given the nod for his service to the club here.

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