Jamie Carragher doubts whether Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will play in Liverpool's midfield

Jamie Carragher believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may struggle to command a position in Liverpool's midfield this season.

The England international joined the Reds on transfer deadline day after they finalised an initial £35m with league rivals Arsenal. The 24-year-old was used as a regular wing-back in the final months of his Gunners stay, and it was one of his prime reasons for pursuing a fresh challenge away as he wanted to establish himself in central midfield.

Premier League holders Chelsea had initially agreed on a transfer sum for the former Southampton graduate, but their advances were knocked back by the Ox, who was reluctant to accept a similar wing-back role at Stamford Bridge. As a result, the attacker sealed his switch to Merseyside with manager Jurgen Klopp having closely watched his progress since the 2014/15 season.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Carragher does not think Oxlade-Chamberlain will be a regular in the starting lineup as the Reds have quality in both midfield and the attack, he said: "He talks a lot about wanting to play in central midfield, so that will be interesting to see how that one plays out because Liverpool have got five or six really good central midfielders. I am not sure if Oxlade-Chamberlain would get in that midfield three if everyone is fit. You still have [Philippe] Coutinho and [Adam] Lallana to come back to the players who performed so well at the weekend."

The Liverpool legend added that the Ox would be perfectly suited to play backup to the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, although Klopp may have other thoughts in mind. Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six long years at the Emirates where he was always in and out of the starting lineup. The attacker also has a dismal record in front of goal with just nine strikes in over 130 league appearances, and he may have to improve on this record in order to become an established member in the Reds setup.