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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

On the back of signing a new long-term contract on Thursday – as well as the opportunities he has been handed by manager Jurgen Klopp in the team so far this term – Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks all set up to have his biggest season with the club yet.

The 26-year-old impressed in his debut campaign with the Merseyside outfit following his move from Arsenal, scoring five goals and providing a further eight assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.

One of his best games came in the 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win against Manchester City at Anfield, when he scored a stunning goal.

However, things went pear-shaped against West Bromwich Albion in April 2018 when he suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury, which kept him on the sidelines for 12 months.

When you are out for that long there is always a worry whether you can get back to your best, and his performance on the left wing against Chelsea in the Super Cup was hardly ideal as he was sacrificed at half-time having been given a 5/10 rating by The Liverpool Echo, with his manager admitting he had made a "mistake".

However, Klopp kept the faith with the former Southampton youngster and started him in central midfield against his ex-employers next time out, and he impressed in the absence of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at St Mary's.

Seemingly back in favour with the German and with the most attacking role in the central trio potentially up for grabs with his competition coming from the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to have a big opportunity to re-establish himself and nail down a regular spot.

The 2017/18 season may have seen the England international impress, but this term could be far more important in terms of his development and showing that he can be a key player for a club that wants to challenge for another Champions League and a first Premier League title.

Klopp certainly seems to believe in him, so he is one step of the way there already.

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