Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Responds to Thierry Henry and Gary Neville Criticism

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes he's silenced early season critics with his performances since moving from Arsenal.

As Chris Burton of Goal noted, following the England international's switch from Arsenal to the Reds last summer, Gunners legend Thierry Henry said "I still don't know what he's good at." Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said the north London club had got a "great deal" in securing £35 million for the player.

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed a new lease of life under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. And while he admitted there are improvements to make in his game, the midfielder said the pundits' comments were a little harsh.

"When you have watched someone long enough, you know what they can do," the Liverpool man said, per Burton. "If it was aimed more at the end-product side of things and doing those things that lead to scoring a goal or setting up a goal, then fair enough. I will take those comments on the chin. Saying you don't know what I do, when you have worked with me, I think is a bit stupid."

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Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to be in a comfort zone at Arsenal, having arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2011 from Southampton as a 17-year-old with a big reputation.

However, through a combination of injury issues, inconsistent form and no set position, he never quite lived up to expectations in north London. In the summer, with under a year remaining on his Arsenal contract, it made sense for the player to embark on a fresh challenge.

It's worked out well for Oxlade-Chamberlain. While he's not a key man at Liverpool, Klopp has handed him a defined role, and he is playing a style of football better suited to his attributes.

Per statistician Andrew Beasley, the 24-year-old is making more contributions in the final third, too:

For Liverpool, he's a handy player to have in the squad. Oxlade-Chamberlain can fulfil a number of different roles to great effect.

The exciting thing for Reds supporters is he has the potential to improve. While he's impressed in a central role this season, it's a position he's still learning.

While there's no doubt the England international has made some progression, Charles Watts of Football.London believes some of the praise has been a little excessive:

Oxlade-Chamberlain's challenge is to find a consistent level in his game, cement his place in the Liverpool side and continue adding goals and assists to his game. He appears to be on the right track.

Plus, in relation to Henry and Neville comments, he is beginning to define himself on the pitch. Liverpool supporters will say that, in the current market, a £35 million transfer fee for a valued member of the squad represents excellent business.