‘It’s so beautiful… eight out of 10 don’t even think about it, one of the two can’t even do it’: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s delightful chip in Liverpool’s win at Genk leaves Robin van Persie purring
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a stunning goal in Liverpool’s 4-1 win
- The midfielder scored in both halves as the Reds made light work of Genk
- Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second was a 20-yard effort with the outside of his boot
Robin van Persie lavished praise on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after he scored a stunning goal in Liverpool’s 4-1 win Champions League win over Genk.
Oxlade-Chamberlain put Liverpool in front in the first half but it was his stunning second goal, which made it 2-0, that earned the praise of Van Persie.
The midfielder bent Roberto Firmino’s pass into the top left-hand corner with the outside of his right foot from the edge of the box.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a stunning goal to put Liverpool 2-0 in front of Genk
The midfielder curled the ball into the top left-hand corner with the outside of his right boot
The goal was Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second of the night after he’d earlier scored the opener
The second, third and fourth goals were all amazing, especially the second,’ Van Persie said to BT Sport. ‘It’s so beautiful.
‘Most strikers don’t imagine it, eight out of 10 don’t even think about it, two who actually think about it, one of the two can’t even do it. The way he executed that goal is so beautiful.
‘I’m so happy for him, I used to play with him at Arsenal, I saw that ability. He has potential to be a top player, if he can do those type of goals he can become that type of player. That goal is like one you will score once in your life.’
Sadio Mane made it 3-0 with a well taken finish as Liverpool romped to victory in Belgium
Mo Salah scored Liverpool’s fourth to add gloss to the scoreline before Genk’s consolation
Sadio Mane and Mo Salah also found the back of the net late on to add gloss to the scoreline, before Genk scored a late consolation.
Despite winning Van Persie’s praise, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Oxlade-Chamberlain can improve on his overall performance.
‘The goals were brilliant but he can do so much better,’ he said. I’m not too critical, a long time out, lack of rhythm. The goals were incredible, I’m really pleased for him, a big step.’
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old revealed his delight at returning to Champions League action after missing most of last season with a serious knee injury.
‘I’ve definitely missed it [the Champions League]. It’s nice to be back out there, a special tournament to play in. Seeing the boys do so well in it last year, I was lucky enough to be back on the bench for the final. It’s nice to be back in the starting lineup and put in a performance to help the team. [But] We’ve got to do a lot better if we want to go far in this competition.’
The result leaves Liverpool second in Champions League Group E on six points, a point adrift of leaders Napoli who beat RB Salzburg 3-2.