Don't normally like too big up a signing before he's even kick a ball for but I think he'll be great for us, really do. For me our midfield for past two years has been crap, for too long Lucas has been doing a two man shift in midfield, while he's good enough to do it he shouldn't have to do it. Allen from what I've seen will help ease Lucas of this burden, defensively and positionally as well in his movement in the midfield. He seems to read the game well, both offensively and defensively. You can see it in the way he kills the ball with his first touch and looks to bring in front of him to make the next move and already have the pass put in motion. Lucas does this remarkably well and Allen seems to possess this quality, it means the ball is always moved on quickly and it means the player receiving the ball well be under just a tad less pressure than he would if the midfielder took that extra touch it also means will probably have better penetration in the final third (problem we obviously had last season).
It this particular reason I think Brendan pushed hard for this move due to the midfield being the most important component of his team and the way the team is able to enforce his philosophy on the pitch. It's why the Sahin move also makes so much sense, Brendan loves his ball players(mentioned it in the press conference with regards to Agger as well). An the more ball players we have especially in midfield the better. Can Joe playing the role Jonjo played against Gomel, but too much greater effect as he has a better appreciation of the RIGHT pass rather than the most ''creative''.
This signing probably means we won't see Gerrard in the deeper two slots of midfield as well which for me is the biggest bonus as we know how good he is elsewhere.
Anyway, welcome Joe hope you can cement yourself as a top player for years to come at Anfield.
