Topic: Adam Lallana

[dogeibbor]

Pretty much. Even I started having doubts about him repeating his Southampton form for us after a couple of underwhelming seasons but luck brough Jurgen to Liverpool and it changed him dramatically. A manager who knows how to utilise him to the fullest at the correct position was the only difference between the one who frustrated most of the time and the one who is currently enjoying his football and making things happen midfield. It's like he's been unshackled of any limiters and were told to just let rip, come what may.

He was never this good at Southampton.

[Ken-Obi]

He was never this good at Southampton.

He played well below his Southampton standards in the beginning for us.

[dogeibbor]

He played well below his Southampton standards in the beginning for us.

Yes, but he has taken it to another level this season.

[Euskadi]

Superb player, people bemoaned the fact that he previously didn't contribute to the stats sheet. He always contributed in other ways, I guess it took for him to bang in goals/assists for people to finally notice him. I love players like him, who contribute even when they aren't scoring, they don't let it affect their overall game. Had a few arguments on here with people who just couldn't see it, now they do even though it was always there in the first place.

[Cormack Snr]

Had a brilliant game, needed that good win tonight.

[Fordy]

I think I have a new love.

It's always hard dumping someone at Christmas but looks like I might have to dump my Charlie.

[the good half]

The players perhaps we needed more than others to have a great game all did: Lallana, Origi, Mignolet and to a lesser extent, Klavan.
All brilliant.

[TepidT2O]

I think I have a new love.

It's always hard dumping someone at Christmas but looks like I might have to dump my Charlie.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Couldn't care less about these individual awards. Its shit anyway.

I still couldn't believe Giggs winning it during the 2008/2009 season when Nando and Stevie was banging goals for fun

Very true (Vidic was a monster that season as well), but it's always nice to see our boys represented and rewarded for good form. Currently, I think Phil and Adam would both be in that six with Costa, Hazard, Sanchez and probably Kante. If they can sustain that form it's only good for Liverpool.

Plus that was the players' player award, personally I pay more notice to the football writers' award, even if they did once pick Scotty Parker 

Superb player, people bemoaned the fact that he previously didn't contribute to the stats sheet. He always contributed in other ways, I guess it took for him to bang in goals/assists for people to finally notice him. I love players like him, who contribute even when they aren't scoring, they don't let it affect their overall game. Had a few arguments on here with people who just couldn't see it, now they do even though it was always there in the first place.

Agree with that. But equally, as much as some of us have always highly rated Lallana and always seen him as one of our lesser problems in the first eleven, you can't pretend scoring at a rate of 1 in 2 from midfield doesn't take him up a level. It changes him from being the facilitator he was previously into a facilitator and a match-winner. That's a special talent.

[clinical]

He's finally got end product!

Amazing turn around.

[Dubred]

I think I have a new love.

It's always hard dumping someone at Christmas but looks like I might have to dump my Charlie.

F*ckin hell Lallana must be that good 

[jepovic]

Superb player, people bemoaned the fact that he previously didn't contribute to the stats sheet. He always contributed in other ways, I guess it took for him to bang in goals/assists for people to finally notice him. I love players like him, who contribute even when they aren't scoring, they don't let it affect their overall game. Had a few arguments on here with people who just couldn't see it, now they do even though it was always there in the first place.

Nah, he wasn't contributing that much before. He used to have a pure attacking role, and then the goals and assists are very important. Ok numbers last year, but very poor before that. It's interesting how he now has a role where his numbers actually are less important, yet he's racking up about twice as much as last season. Maybe it's the lack of pressure to produce that has made him more relaxed in the critical situations?

The lessons learned here is not so much that we had a player that was underrated, but that we had a player who hadn't found his proper role in the team. Even mature players can develop, suddenly, if they get the right role and find their confidence.

Another example is Joe Allen, by the way.

[-HH-]

Nah, he wasn't contributing that much before. He used to have a pure attacking role, and then the goals and assists are very important. Ok numbers last year, but very poor before that. It's interesting how he now has a role where his numbers actually are less important, yet he's racking up about twice as much as last season. Maybe it's the lack of pressure to produce that has made him more relaxed in the critical situations?

The lessons learned here is not so much that we had a player that was underrated, but that we had a player who hadn't found his proper role in the team. Even mature players can develop, suddenly, if they get the right role and find their confidence.

Another example is Joe Allen, by the way.

The lesson is that fans aren't always the best judge of when a player is a bad player and when they're a good player being mismanaged or in an underperforming team.

No grey areas for a lot of people, though of course I am perhaps blinkered the other way when it comes to Lallana.

[slaphead]

He was never this good at Southampton.

He didn't have Klopp handing out the advice there though
Absolutely love his attitude and his work rate - and to think they used to say he couldn't play a full game ? 
He's cool as fuck too isn't he

[Euskadi]

Nah, he wasn't contributing that much before. He used to have a pure attacking role, and then the goals and assists are very important. Ok numbers last year, but very poor before that. It's interesting how he now has a role where his numbers actually are less important, yet he's racking up about twice as much as last season. Maybe it's the lack of pressure to produce that has made him more relaxed in the critical situations?

The lessons learned here is not so much that we had a player that was underrated, but that we had a player who hadn't found his proper role in the team. Even mature players can develop, suddenly, if they get the right role and find their confidence.

Another example is Joe Allen, by the way.

We were in a pretty poor position when he joined, tale end of Rodgers era where Gerrard was our top goal scorer in the league with 9 goals we were very poor going forward that seasons, he also suffered a fair few injuries as well throughout. Sure he could have scored more and assisted more but he most certainly contributed to our overall play. My last post was more aimed at those who wrote him off as a footballer as opposed to those who thought he should be doing more without doubting his actual ability.

Agreed on Allen.

[Giono]

He played well below his Southampton standards in the beginning for us.

He had played well under Pochettino's tactics. In hindsight, it is not surprising that after flourishing under Pochettino, he would regain his form playing under Klopp. I have to admit I had my doubts after being subbed early all the time by Rodgers that he'd have the stamina necessary for Klopp's tactics. Another surprise from Klopp.

[jooneyisdagod]

We were in a pretty poor position when he joined, tale end of Rodgers era where Gerrard was our top goal scorer in the league with 9 goals we were very poor going forward that seasons, he also suffered a fair few injuries as well throughout. Sure he could have scored more and assisted more but he most certainly contributed to our overall play. My last post was more aimed at those who wrote him off as a footballer as opposed to those who thought he should be doing more without doubting his actual ability.

Agreed on Allen.

To put it briefly, I think he was mismanaged by Rodgers. It wasn't that he wasn't as good back then. The player I saw at Southampton was a constant menace and he created chance after chance. Yet, at Liverpool, he looked a shadow of his previous self and I didn't think that was because Adam was having an atypical season at Southampton previously. I think the lack of motion ahead of him hurt his play as much as it hurt Coutinho's and the shift from a fast paced and dynamic team to a slow, ponderous team ultimately hurt him more than anything IMO.

[Redcap]

To put it briefly, I think he was mismanaged by Rodgers. It wasn't that he wasn't as good back then. The player I saw at Southampton was a constant menace and he created chance after chance. Yet, at Liverpool, he looked a shadow of his previous self and I didn't think that was because Adam was having an atypical season at Southampton previously. I think the lack of motion ahead of him hurt his play as much as it hurt Coutinho's and the shift from a fast paced and dynamic team to a slow, ponderous team ultimately hurt him more than anything IMO.

I think our midfielders play a lot closer together and move much better than we ever were under Rodgers, post-Suarez. I remember often thinking Lallana was always a bit isolated, with too much distance between him and the next player. For a pass and move player like him, it must have been difficult for him to play at his best level with the team set up that way. It makes a huge difference now that we have Lallana, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Firmino and Mane all buzzing around each other and interchanging positions.

[Yiannis]

To put it briefly, I think he was mismanaged by Rodgers. It wasn't that he wasn't as good back then. The player I saw at Southampton was a constant menace and he created chance after chance. Yet, at Liverpool, he looked a shadow of his previous self and I didn't think that was because Adam was having an atypical season at Southampton previously. I think the lack of motion ahead of him hurt his play as much as it hurt Coutinho's and the shift from a fast paced and dynamic team to a slow, ponderous team ultimately hurt him more than anything IMO.

Agree with that but some people behave like he was completely blameless for his struggles.

Anyway, he's a very good player and if he wasn't scoring that much this season, his impact would still be out there for everyone to see.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

He used to have a pure attacking role, and then the goals and assists are very important. Ok numbers last year, but very poor before that. It's interesting how he now has a role where his numbers actually are less important, yet he's racking up about twice as much as last season. Maybe it's the lack of pressure to produce that has made him more relaxed in the critical situations?

I think the 'arriving later in the box' thing he can now do as a midfielder is better for him, rather than being there all the time. Also his confidence, or how he relaxed he is, as you say, must be a contributing factor. Tie the two together and now we have a real player on our hands.

[Didi_ram]

This could very well have been his most complete game in a Red shirt, and he has had a lot of great games this year. His close control has always been superb, but now he spots the pass and uses the ball much more wisely without running in circles. Dribbles are crisp, and decisions are quick. The assist was a brilliant piece of movement from him. But what has really stood out this season for him is his late ghost runs into the box unmarked. Dare I say it, Fat Frank did this for a living and scored 200 goals. This can be very very vital for us, and help us when tight defences like Boro mark our faster players and leave space for others.

[saoirse08]

This could very well have been his most complete game in a Red shirt, and he has had a lot of great games this year. His close control has always been superb, but now he spots the pass and uses the ball much more wisely without running in circles. Dribbles are crisp, and decisions are quick. The assist was a brilliant piece of movement from him. But what has really stood out this season for him is his late ghost runs into the box unmarked. Dare I say it, Fat Frank did this for a living and scored 200 goals. This can be very very vital for us, and help us when tight defences like Boro mark our faster players and leave space for others.

Agree. Great again last night. Think at the start of the season he was a bit overshadowed - and as a consequence his great form went a bit unnoticed - because of Mane, Coutinho & Firmino combining so well and so quickly, but he really does service that front 3 brilliantly, as well as scoring and assisting. Has scored some crackers, too, this season. Even his goal against West Ham was superbly taken. Possibly the only player in the league who can score that type of goal.

Also, in our house, it's now known as the Lallana turn. Sorry Johan!

[rafathegaffa]

I was so so wrong about this guy.
I didn't think he had it in him but he has been magnificent this season.
Best humble pie I've ever had to eat.

[Mumm-Ra]

Agree. Great again last night. Think at the start of the season he was a bit overshadowed - and as a consequence his great form went a bit unnoticed - because of Mane, Coutinho & Firmino combining so well and so quickly, but he really does service that front 3 brilliantly, as well as scoring and assisting. Has scored some crackers, too, this season. Even his goal against West Ham was superbly taken. Possibly the only player in the league who can score that type of goal.

Also, in our house, it's now known as the Lallana turn. Sorry Johan!

The Lallana turn can be used to describe his signature double-Cruyff

[Yorkykopite]

His gorgeous technique was always there. No Liverpool player since Beardsley has been so utterly comfortable in possession of a ball in a tight spot. There are few players across the entire sport who look so welded to the thing. The Spanish know that. It's why Barcelona's Xavi commended him at a time when many Liverpool fans just couldn't see it.

What's changed is his confidence, the understanding of the players around him who now know what he's capable of, the fact that they are better players than Liverpool had 2 years ago and.....above all Klopp. Lallana is being asked to do more and is clearly inspired by the knowledge that his coach sees him as Liverpool's key player.

Don't get injured.

[sinnermichael]

Wonderful footballer.

[BER]

Don't think anyone seen this coming, not really, maybe even Klopp. Sure some have rated him more highly than others but to have him down as our most important central midfielder? Nah. Why Klopp deserves so much credit, how many managers would have even tried? Cazorla for Arsenal is the only comparison i think.

[the_red_pill]

Don't think anyone seen this coming, not really, maybe even Klopp. Sure some have rated him more highly than others but to have him down as our most important central midfielder? Nah. Why Klopp deserves so much credit, how many managers would have even tried? Cazorla for Arsenal is the only comparison i think.

A few weeks after Klopp was unveiled, he said how impressed he was with Lallana at Southampton, when he was still at Dortmund.

He was deffo a long-term target or object of admiration for Klopp, so you could just see him rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect of having Lallana.

That last sentence should be read like any adult would and not for the way it sounds..

[Crosby Nick]

I think I have a new love.

It's always hard dumping someone at Christmas but looks like I might have to dump my Charlie.

Think of the comfort eating he can do at this time of year.

[Lasardine]

What a player. Probably the most talented English player, along with Sturridge and Wilshere. With goals added to his game, I'd say he's becoming almost complete. Top 5 in PL this season.

[dmorgan]

Is he single?

[rowan_d]

What a player. Probably the most talented English player, along with Sturridge and Wilshere. With goals added to his game, I'd say he's becoming almost complete. Top 5 in PL this season.

Southgate's an absolute mug of he doesn't build the team around him for the time being. In an era where the England team is massively short on talismanic players (probably for the better given the last 20 years), he has Lallana playing brilliantly in a role that also provides a platform for everyone else to impress.

He's boss.

[Lone Star Red]

He is football goals and hair goals, all wrapped up in one package.

[ThePeetmix]

Southgate's an absolute mug of he doesn't build the team around him for the time being. In an era where the England team is massively short on talismanic players (probably for the better given the last 20 years), he has Lallana playing brilliantly in a role that also provides a platform for everyone else to impress.

He's boss.

Southgate will play him from the left or right and play Alli or Rooney through thevmiddle.

[Gifted Right Foot]

I didn't realise he had the ball on the half way line seconds before he scored the first goal.  Pretty much impossible to track someone like that. 

[Kenny's Jacket]

Im in the camp that thought Adams celling wasnt verh high. Fuck me hes brilliant.  I mean really brilliant.

Goals, assists, anything. Everything.

[AaronSingh25]

For all the goals and creativity he brings to the team - his hard work, pressing, tackling means so much to the team and formation.

Any time a Boro player got the ball yesterday in the middle, bang he was on their arses.

I was suggesting at the start of the season if he could play the Modric role, and it was rubbished by many. But that's the exact role he is playing. Without him, our midfield lacks any creativity.

[So… Howard Philips]

He is football goals and hair goals, all wrapped up in one package.

Not having the luxury of hair to sculpt, so I might be jealous, I thought he had a shaven part half way around his head and it  continued into his beard.

[Lone Star Red]

For all the goals and creativity he brings to the team - his hard work, pressing, tackling means so much to the team and formation.

Any time a Boro player got the ball yesterday in the middle, bang he was on their arses.

I was suggesting at the start of the season if he could play the Modric role, and it was rubbished by many. But that's the exact role he is playing. Without him, our midfield lacks any creativity.

One poster disagreed with your assertion that Lallana should play in midfield and that same poster in the same post suggested that Lallana is a squad player at best sooooo there ya go. Many more suggested he'd be better off in MF than the front 3, so let's all calm down.

[Angelius]

Between Lallana and Firmino, are there any other players better in the squad in epitomizing the Klopp way and the destruction it is capable of causing?