Topic: Adam Lallana

[redmark]

CM is a very good position for him. He got a goal and an assist but that isn't demanded of him anymore. As a CM he only has to do what he is really good at, which is press the opposition and use his technical ability in tight spaces to keep the ball and move it upfield. Playing Lallana as a CM goes a long way towards making up for not signing a CM like Dahoud.

He's perfectly capable of that - but needs to maintain his focus at times. He can get too casual, too many touches, show too much of the ball to an opponent. That's frustrating midway in the opponents half when he's playing further forward; it's dangerous in CM and led directly to the opening goal.

[SwordInYourGut]

He's perfectly capable of that - but needs to maintain his focus at times. He can get too casual, too many touches, show too much of the ball to an opponent. That's frustrating midway in the opponents half when he's playing further forward; it's dangerous in CM and led directly to the opening goal.

This is true. Its a risk, but there is also a reward to it. If teams try to press a player as technically gifted as Lallana in our half, and he spins away, they'll have all kinds of problems with the counter-attacking ability of Mane, Firmino, Coutinho bearing down on their exposed defensive line.

[redmark]

This is true. Its a risk, but there is also a reward to it. If teams try to press a player as technically gifted as Lallana in our half, and he spins away, they'll have all kinds of problems with the counter-attacking ability of Mane, Firmino, Coutinho bearing down on their exposed defensive line.

Agreed, but perhaps it's about all of the players being aware of what's going on around them and the context of specific individuals. On the first Arsenal goal for instance - either Lallana has to be much more certain of retaining the ball (and not immediately attempt quite such a tight turn), or other players (and particularly Moreno) needed to not assume possession was secure and start breaking quite so quickly. In that situation, the spin wasn't as high-reward as it might be in more general buildup play, because the space was already there as a result of the breakdown. If Lallana had laid the ball off and spun, he and (by then) Moreno would have been running at speed either side of a single Arsenal defender for a ball over the top.

[-Willo-]

He's fast becoming my favourite player

[SwordInYourGut]

Agreed, but perhaps it's about all of the players being aware of what's going on around them and the context of specific individuals. On the first Arsenal goal for instance - either Lallana has to be much more certain of retaining the ball (and not immediately attempt quite such a tight turn), or other players (and particularly Moreno) needed to not assume possession was secure and start breaking quite so quickly. In that situation, the spin wasn't as high-reward as it might be in more general buildup play, because the space was already there as a result of the breakdown. If Lallana had laid the ball off and spun, he and (by then) Moreno would have been running at speed either side of a single Arsenal defender for a ball over the top.

Yup, some fine-tuning is needed to get  the required levels of co-ordination and understanding, but if we can do that with Lallana, it really compensates for Henderson's and to a lesser extent Can's inability to turn on the ball. All of us were craving that Dahoud-type signing for exactly this reason - beating the high press. Klopp has bought 2 CBs and a GK, all comfortable on the ball, and IMO played something of a master stroke by fielding Lallana as a CM. Beating a high press will be a very big feature of our build up play this season IMO.   

[DanA]

Lallana is an attacking option and that comes with some down side. I think we saw both sides in the Arsenal game, he gave up possession attempting an ambitious bit of skill in our own half for Walcott's goal and then together with Clyne was beaten for Oxlade's. But equally we saw the benefits with his goal and assist. Most teams won't be as good as Arsenal and both he and the team will get better. It's definitely something worth persevering with.

[SlowRap]

A lot of people overlooking his leadership skills, always organising and motivating his teammates.

[thelinnen]

I gave up on him at Christmas, thought after a season and a half of not showing very much he would be gone in the summer. Fuck sake.

[Shepnois]

Big fan of Lallana, you won’t see many players with better technique then him he's so talented with the ball at his feet. Off the ball he works his socks off. It’s just his numbers that are lacking. He started on the front foot yesterday, more of that please and he'll change a lot people opinions.

[RyanBabel19]

He took that goal briliiantly, if thats a sign of things to come in his choice of finish then i'm excited

Instead of lashing at the ball and ending up fluffing his lines he took his time, remained composed and chose the right kind of finish

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

I gave up on him at Christmas

Not very festive of you!

Played great yesterday, one mistake aside. Pleased for him.

[clinical]

I gave up on him at Christmas, thought after a season and a half of not showing very much he would be gone in the summer. Fuck sake.

Same, if he can sort out his end product he'd be up there with Yossi in his prime. And i say that as a huge fan of Benayoun. Very under rated at his peak.

[youll never walk alone it]

I will forgive him giving the ball away occasionally if he scores a decent amount of goals.

[reddebs]

With the exception of possibly Cou and Mane all our players who play from DM forwards will be in and out of the starting 11.  It's no disgrace, it's not through lack of talent it'll be tactical and fitness based.

All fans have favourites, all fans see qualities that others refuse to see and all fans want their preferred choice to play every week but for once we actually have a lot of different options for those front 5 positions and all of them will have to be at their absolute best to get in the 11 and maintain their absolute best to stay there.

I'm so happy that at last we have genuine quality and genuine competition for our attacking places.

[Miltonred]

He had a mixed game yesterday. Some genius and some amateur. He got caught on the turn in midfield for the first goal, and made a terrible error in going in for Chamberlain when Clyne was jockeying him for the second goal. If you are going to help in defense, help, don't hinder.

That said there isn't a finer sight in football than seeing him take a ball down from the air.

[Robbo1980]

Don't think it was Wijnaldum who got to close to Clyne allowing the ox thru, thought it was Lallana or hendo

[alonsoisared]

Same, if he can sort out his end product he'd be up there with Yossi in his prime. And i say that as a huge fan of Benayoun. Very under rated at his peak.

I too was a big fan of yossi but I think Lallana could be better. His all round game is stronger I think but yossi had a real knack of getting big goals. If Lallana can start doing that then we really have a great player on our hands.

Great way for him to start the season. Fair play to him, he's had a very good year so far.

[Almo]

A lot of people overlooking his leadership skills, always organising and motivating his teammates.

I've thought the same, he's definitely a voice on the pitch

[GregCharrua]

Thought he looked pretty solid in that role, though yes he does seem to lack a bit of awareness yet and that's something he is going to need if he's to be playing there. Gets caught from behind too easily and is guilty of taking an extra touch here or there that sees him caught out. But I think the other parts of his game make it easier to forgive him those errors and hope that with time and training he will improve in his weaknesses.

[GregCharrua]

I've thought the same, he's definitely a voice on the pitch

Well he was captain at Southampton. His 'hunter' mentality is a good example for the rest of the squad. Future liverpool captain?

[elsewhere]

He is becoming a big part of what we do. Now the fee we paid for him looks absurd.

[diegoLFC7]

Klopp has reignited Lallanas potential. He's such a hard worker under klopp, and has so much more confidence. Just look at that goal, he took his time and finished it as cool as you'd like. Its going to be a fun season for sure.

[Curtisinho]

I've always liked Lallana but was often frustrated with his lack of end product and his penchant for slowing down chances that didn't need to be.

I think in a midfield 3 Klopp has really found Lallana's best position. He's very technical and can move the ball up the pitch neatly before making a pass or a late run ala the goal from Wijnaldum. I really like him and Wijnaldum beside eachother with a defensive midfielder behind.

[Funky_Gibbons]

Not really sure where to put this, but it's a short video on The Echo websire with Lallana, Clyne, Ings and Klopp being questioned about pressing.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-gegenpressing-liverpool-stars-share-11771425

I found Lallana's comments interesting that it's his job to wait for the right moment to come forward and trigger the press.

[ZeusMetallica]

Not a midfielder.

2 goals on him against Arsenal (giving the ball away for the first, letting Chamberlain walk past him for their second), poor at Burnley and again tonight.

[Yorkykopite]

Boy, this fella puts in a shift doesn't he? A wonderful game, linking pay beautifully, quickly closing down the opposition. No wonder the coach loves him.

[Halewooder]

Not a midfielder.

2 goals on him against Arsenal (giving the ball away for the first, letting Chamberlain walk past him for their second), poor at Burnley and again tonight.

Strange player for me. Doesn't create much, scores nowhere near enough either. Yet he's supposed to be a creative player.

[SerbianScouser]

So much more suited to playing in the center circle rather than the final third. I wanted him pushed back to CM the entire last season and he`s even better there than I imagined. It`s an absolute joy having a player there who lives on the half turn and almost guarantee us an edge with his superior technique.

The only question mark I have of him in that role is whether for example he has the ability to make a last ditch tackle right in front of our box when needed to. Saturday will be a massive test and I hope he continues to play well as I enjoy immensely watching him as a link-up player in the center circle area.

[Red-Soldier]

Boy, this fella puts in a shift doesn't he? A wonderful game, linking pay beautifully, quickly closing down the opposition. No wonder the coach loves him.

Yeah, he always works his socks off!

You can tell the boss loves him!

[Red-Soldier]

Not a midfielder.

2 goals on him against Arsenal (giving the ball away for the first, letting Chamberlain walk past him for their second), poor at Burnley and again tonight.

Strange player for me. Doesn't create much, scores nowhere near enough either. Yet he's supposed to be a creative player.

Fecking turn it in! 

[Halewooder]

He's not really a creative outlet on a regular basis is he, lets be honest. If he broke his leg in the Spurs match you wouldn't be thinking, oh shit, that's all our creativity gone would you.

[James55]

I dont rate lallana, he cant pass,tackle,turns his back on ball everytime.cant shoot.. Sum see him as a presser..have u ever seen him tackle anyone.

[Lone Star Red]

He's not really a creative outlet on a regular basis is he, lets be honest. If he broke his leg in the Spurs match you wouldn't be thinking, oh shit, that's all our creativity gone would you.

I wouldn't even think that if it was Coutinho or Mane instead. 

Weird statement.

[Yorkykopite]

He's not really a creative outlet on a regular basis is he, lets be honest. If he broke his leg in the Spurs match you wouldn't be thinking, oh shit, that's all our creativity gone would you.

No, because we have Firminho, Coutinho, Can etc etc. But after getting over my initial thought at the broken leg (horror) I'd be devastated. Klopp would be too. Lallana is a wonderfully creative player. Anyone who doesn't see this is probably not watching hard enough.

[Phil M]

I dont rate lallana, he cant pass,tackle,turns his back on ball everytime.cant shoot.. Sum see him as a presser..have u ever seen him tackle anyone.

Can someone translate this?

[Halewooder]

I wouldn't even think that if it was Coutinho or Mane instead. 

Weird statement.

Not really. Considering he's a number 10 type player, he's not what you would call an overly key player when it comes to creating clear cut chances.

[Lone Star Red]

Not really. Considering he's a number 10 type player, he's not what you would call an overly key player when it comes to creating clear cut chances.

Was more of an 8 than a 10 tonight, no? And looked pretty good doing it.

[Funky_Gibbons]

Not really. Considering he's a number 10 type player, he's not what you would call an overly key player when it comes to creating clear cut chances.

Last season he created the same number of clear cut chances as Coutinho.

[Red-Soldier]

Not really. Considering he's a number 10 type player, he's not what you would call an overly key player when it comes to creating clear cut chances.

I think he meant the part about him breaking his leg against Spurs is weird.

I agree with him, it's a very strange thing to say.

[Dan6times]

I dont rate lallana, he cant pass,tackle,turns his back on ball everytime.cant shoot.. Sum see him as a presser..have u ever seen him tackle anyone.

http://giphy.com/gifs/goal-liverpool-lukasz-OnM56uYhXdaE