For all that Adam Lallana appreciates the playing talent of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it was a moment off the pitch that told him everything he needed to know about the new Liverpool No.21.
“I remember him coming in and it was quite a grown-up thing to do, he was only 17 or 18, he said in front of all the lads ‘Listen, I’ve had a great opportunity,’” recalls the midfielder, referencing an occasion in 2011.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was set to move to Arsenal, from Southampton, after teaming up with Lallana as the south coast club began their rise through two divisions to the Premier League.