James Milner’s past comments about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s dribbling ability should be very interesting to Leeds United now

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Leeds United have been linked with a shock move to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before the end of the January transfer window, with Leeds battling two Premier League clubs for his signature.

A 35-time England international, 31-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently in Turkey with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s new side Besiktas. He has entered the last 18 months of his contract with the SuperLig side.

Indeed, Oxlade-Chamberlain has only made six appearances for Besiktas this season. Solskjaer is keen to see what Oxlade-Chamberlain can offer, handing him only his second start of the season on Sunday.

But it appears he is keen on a return to England before the end of the January window and Leeds are said to be in the mix for Oxlade-Chamberlain, alongside Premier League clubs Wolves and Leicester City.

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James Milner’s verdict on Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2019

Elland Road legend James Milner played alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool. A spell that saw the best and worst of the versatile midfielder, starring under Jurgen Klopp but suffering numerous injuries.

Speaking to TNT Sports as per TeamTalk in 2019 after Oxlade-Chamberlain scored against Genk in the Champions League, Milner said about Oxlade-Chamberlain: “He’s got a great strike on him.

“He’s good in those pockets. With his dribbling ability so it’s great to have him back and it’s another option for us in that midfield where there’s great competition for places,” Milner said, six years ago.

James Milner’s verdict proves Oxlade-Chamberlain ideal for Leeds

He might be struggling for game time over in Turkey, but as Milner says, his ability to find space and take the game to opponents is that kind of attacking spark Leeds need in the attacking midfield role.

Brenden Aaronson is good, yet inconsistent and lacks competition. Farke has made it clear that Leeds need a no.10 and in the Championship, Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide that magic behind a striker.

There are difficulties with such a move. His wages in Turkey are likely to be large and of course, his injury history needs to be taken into account but Oxlade-Chamberlain’s quality and versatility could be crucial.