14 Nov 2013

'He's amazing' - LFC chase 'unbelievable' attacking midfielder. Hendo/Allen at risk...?

Last week, multiple reports claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton attacker Jay Rodriguez, and in the latest example of opportunist rumour-mongering, reports suggests that the Reds are also interested in Rodriguez's Saints team-mate - and club captain - Adam Lallana.

According to the Express this week:

"[Adam] Lallana is a target for Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers plots to bolster his midfield.

"The Reds are contemplating a move if they secure Champions League football, which would [give] them a financial windfall to tempt [Southampton] into a sale"


Like Rodriguez, 25-year old Lallana recently received his first call-up to the England team, and he is expected to make his debut against Chile on Friday.

Having spent his whole career at the club, Lallana is Southampton through-and-through, and he's highly thought-of by his boss, Mauricio Pocchetino, who last week praised the attacking midfielder for his form this season. He told the Daily Mail:

'The one person who deserves all the praise for his improvement is the player himself [Lallana]. His performance has been amazing over the last few games.'

After Southampton's 4-1 demolition of Hull City last week, Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert raved:

"Adam put in an unbelievable performance. He has played well quite a lot this season but that is the best I have seen him play. He is frightening".

Lallana's stats for the last five seasons:

* 2009-10: 20 goals/5 assists in 56 apps.
* 2010-11: 11 goals/13 assists in 41 apps.
* 2011-12: 13 goals/11 assists in 43 apps
* 2012-13: 3 goals/5 assists in 30 apps
* 2013-14: 3 goals/2 assists in 12 apps (so far)
* TOTAL: 50 goals/36 assists 182 apps.
* Goal every 3.6 games | Assist every 5 games
* Goal/Assist every 2 games

Note: 2009-2012 = Championship stats.

Excellent stats overall, but it's clear that Lallana finds it harder to consistently score/create in the Premier League, as evidenced by the significant drop in output during his maiden season in the Prem (2012-13)

In any event, I don't believe there's any real truth to this rumour. Just like the Rodriguez story, it smacks of transparent media opportunism. Moreover, why would Lallana want to leave Southampton right now? He's captain of the club; practically guaranteed to play every week, and he's managed by one of Europe's top young coaches.

If, however, there is truth to the story, where would Lallana play? With Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva seemingly automatic starters, and Rodgers-favourite Jordan Henderson not far behind, the midfielder definitely wouldn't get the same amount of game time he's granted at Southampton.

Having said that, Lallana would admittedly be great competition for Henderson, but only if Liverpool continue with 433 (or variations thereof). If Rodgers plays 352 persistently, it's hard to see where Lallana would fit in. Hendo is playing well this season, but his goals/assists return is still not up to scratch.

LFC may be a step-up (in terms of moving to a bigger club), but why move just to sit on the bench and/or risk falling foul of a rotation system. If Liverpool make the Champions League this season then that will be a massive attraction, but at this stage, Southampton have just as much chance of achieving that as the Reds.

Ultimately, if LFC do sign another central midfielder in January, where does that leave Joe Allen? If Rodgers has faith in the Welsh midfielder, why would he need to sign yet another midfield man?



Author:


69 comments:

  1. Seems to me the Southampton players have the same hyping illness you've complained that LFC players have.
    Unbelievable. Amazing etc etc . They've played well for less than 1/3rd of a season.
    We need TOP quality, or we might as well forget it and play the youngsters we have.
    Good player, but watch out for the Papiss Cisse/ type hyped up one season wonder syndrome...

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  2. For goodness sake, you have NO chance of signing our Adam!
    Or my one else from St Mary's!
    Please wake up to the fact that we are no longer a selling club and that just a whim by a club like Liverpool will no longer be realised just by the addition of cash.
    It's changed.
    Get real,we are no longer a selling club

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  3. Unlike you're faltering and unpredictably formerly successful club OUR players have been playing like this for three seasons, just getting better each year!

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  4. Are you a Southampton fan by chance? :)

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  5. Ha? You're right, but u guys under estimate us at your peril

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  6. Not sure about you, but I find it hard to underestimate a team that beat us 1-0 on our home field and are currently ranked near the top of the table.


    In the future, well that's a different discussion that's yet to be seen.


    But for the present moment, anyone who underestimates your boys will be in for a rude awakening.

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  7. Touché! And what a gracious response, thank you. We get SO touchy because the media outlets all speculate endlessly about our boys moving on, as they used to in droves. We'll see what happens this season.
    I also must say I have the hugest love and respect for Liverpool, having first visited as an away fan in January 1971 when we lost to a Chris Lawler goal in the FA Cup, and having been lucky enough as a very young and green journo, to interview the great Shankley and meet Paisley, Fagan, Moran, plus most of the great teams of the eighties, I can only really wish Liverpool well at heart. What a club.

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  8. If Lallana signs for Liverpool and we reach top 4 he will go to Brazil with England for sure

    I really hope Hodgson brings unfashionable players to World Cup. Hungry players like Lallana and Rodriguez could be the difference

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  9. I find the Lallana story completely implausible and the Rodriguez story as well. Southey is doing so well why on earth would they even THINK of changing anything? Seems pure nonsense........

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  10. Just to add, if we go for anyone from Southampton, it should the French young man Schienderlin (!!##%%). Whatever Southampton has achieved this year, this man had been the unsung hero & had he been English would have got 20 caps by now & would have been priced 35mn by the Saints.

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  11. I think Paul Ince is right. His son is 21, should have another 10 years of professional career. I think for his next best 10 years 20mn as wage & 5mn as transfer fee, seems to be fair deal.

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  12. Its all business Ian and Liverpools money spends just the same as anyone elses never say never.

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  13. Bad advice from his father and i only see greed from them!
    Yes he's playing regular 1st team now but remember its a small club and worst in the lower league! If you want to be the best, play with and for the best! This only show one thing certain in this youngster! Lack of confident and hunger to fight and outshine the rest of the youngster in Liverpool academy. When you're ready, you're ready! Overly-rated winger.... time will tell and I'm afraid you will fade off just like many had! Good luck

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  14. I think any player we sign will take a very advanced role, so someone who can play the 10 role but also be part of a front 3. Essentially it's what Moses offers right now but when you look at the quality of player we chased previously (Mhkitaryan, Costa and Willian) then I'm not sure Lallana is up there. But honestly I haven't seen enough of him to really know. He seems to have the right qualities in terms of an ability to dribble at players and make good passes in traffic, not to mention an eye for goal. Combine that with the right attitude that Rodgers seems to crave and maybe he's exactly what we're looking for. It's not a totally crazy story.


    The three midfield positions behind any attacking front three will probably remain with Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson and Allen. Allen has to fight his way back into that mix and if he does I would question if we really need more depth there.

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  15. HA HA HA...well said jaimie...but why did LFC sell him in first place??

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  16. Southampton will not sell their best players especially when they are challenging for a place in Europe. If they did decide to sell him his price would be through the roof.

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  17. Right now Rodgers favours Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson BUT that does not mean that Allen is going to be tossed to one side. He has been a bit unlucky with being on the injury list for quite some time.


    Just like Skrtel who was way down the pecking order since last season got his chance due to injuries and took it with both hands.


    What we do need is competition/cover for Lucas. Jorginho would be an excellent buy and offers versatility which is what Rodgers is after. We were heavily linked with him in the last window so he could still be one of our targets for January.

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  18. cause hes shit at football, next question

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  19. so Y does LFC want him now if they really need him?

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  20. I'm a Liverpool fan. Goes without saying I'm delighted with the season so far. I'm doing everything I can to stop myself from getting too excited. For me the real test comes at the end of December. Our last 4 games include AWAY trips to Spurs, Man City and Chelsea. If we get through them and are still there or there abouts I'll be delighted. Only then can we determine if we're genuine title contenders.

    As for Southampton - bravo Saints! You're just what the Premiership needs. They're doing a lot that we can admire. Football being played the right way, and a club being managed the right way. I still worry for them being able to continue their form over the entire season.

    Here's my poser. If the Saints had the SAS, would they be top of the league? I think so, I think they would also be title favourites. The rest of their team is considerably cheaper than the rest of our team. I think Rodgers is doing a brilliant job, so once again, hats off to the Saints.

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  21. Jamie stop twisting your headlines 25 million star? why don't you just say tom ince? you are a waste of time. You carry on blagging the masses you fake

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  22. What ever Jaime. Why are you so much of a scammer?

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  23. Twisting the story again

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  24. Good comment mate. I think depending on our results from Everton up till Jan we shall know where our level is. I think we will surprise a few people.


    I still think we should drop Gerrard. He does not need to play every game, on top of that if what the rumours are saying is true (that he will have an injection to play for England on a fruitless friendly) then he definitely needs to be rested.


    Everyone was overreacting after Gerrard had a fabulous game vs Fulham, but they were so poor it was actually embarrassing. We need a replacement for him sooner rather than later.


    Soton are doing well. I hope they make it to the CL along with us.

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  25. I think it's lazy journalism by the media to be honest.

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  26. I agree! Soton are on the up!

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  27. Tbh I'd wish you the top 4 spot so much!

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  28. Did you know that Barry Hunter (our chief scout) and Brendan Rodgers know each other from their days at Reading together.


    Egg in the face.

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  29. If we are looking at anyone from Southampton it has to be Luke Shaw, Morgan Schneiderlin and Adam Lallana. These three players would give us better options at full back, a DM that is better than Lucas and a Midfielder who can pass, create and score goals. Plus would fit into the Rodgers and FSG category of young players hungry to play at the highest level. Not sure on Rodriguez though.

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  30. Yeah, Schienderlin would be my pick of the players from Southampton but there is no way they are going to sell him to us...

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  31. chelsea, manu or city

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  32. That would be a massive push but Southampton are playing very well. Let's see if they can keep it up.

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  33. Is he even better than Zaha? Is Zaha even any good? If he is not better than Young then it seems have been done like.....well.....us.

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  34. If Ince is that good with 6 goals, does that mean Ross McCormack is almost twice as good with 11 and playing for a team further down on the table? Where does all this Ince hype percolate from?

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  35. Liverpool didn't choose to sell Ince.
    He chose to leave the club, in search of obtaining first team football.

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  36. That whole 'knows the league' argument is what saw the club splurging on the likes of Downing and Adam.


    Talent is transferrable, regardless of the level at which a player is found (which is not the same as saying that their individual achievements necessarily are also...)

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  37. the argument is that Zaha sold for £15m and Ince played in the same position but just did a better job than Zaha, therefore should be more highly valued. Nobody would really expect Ince to be sold for anywhere close to £25m.

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  38. Oyston would have cashed in if he had been offered half of that figure. And he did indeed attempt to cash in for a far lesser fee than that headline figure. Ince just decided that it wasn't in his best interests to agree a transfer to Cardiff (rightly or wrongly), and so remained at Blackpool.


    And a transfer of Tom Ince wouldn't see Paul Ince join Liverpool also. In fact, I don't remember Paul Ince talking out much, if at all, while he had his son playing in our reserves, so that argument is just the usual nonsense.

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  39. When was Paul Ince 'demanding' first team football for Tom Ince while he was at the club??

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  40. If it was going on behind the scenes, it was well concealed. There was nothing of the sort revealed in public until Tom Ince was ready to move on.

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  41. Where has Tom Ince claimed to be a big star??

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  42. In my opinion, if your form stays as is and you keep playing well, you're biggest obstacle will be to keep your manager next season.

    What he's done since he's gotten there is nothing short of amazing. I hope he stays with you, especially if you qualify for a European competition.


    Having managers like that in the premiere league with a club like Soton is good not only for the team, but the league in general.

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  43. Greed? Our top reserves likely get paid equally, if not more than many Championship level players. In the short term, Ince would have had a more comfortable life in our reserves/on our bench.


    He decided to go and fight for a first team place elsewhere for the sake of his long term career. Ince should be applauded for taking such decisive action, instead of getting all these ignorant comments about his attitude.

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  44. Exactly, Jay. All this stuff about Ince Sr. interfering etc is manufactured nonsense.

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  45. He never did. It's all rubbish. In fact, in January this year, LFC's head of youth football, Frank McParland, had only good things to say about Ince:

    "He [Ince] did great when he was here, he's a really good kid and we wish him well wherever he's going to be."

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  46. £25m? come on, he is worth about £3m at best. Zaha isnt worth £15m and hasnt settled in Manchester. Too many young players being overpriced and given stupid amount of wages and then they dont perform. Look at Raheem Sterling, on about £2k a week, plays really well, some whispers Spurs were going to offer him big money, then he starts in a LFC jersey, has a few good games, scores against Reading and then gets offered a bumper deal probably around £30k a week. Where is his motivation to suceed when he earning £1.5m as a 18 year old? It's like Andre Wisdom, what the hell has he achieved to be driving a £100,000 porsche? I'm not jealous of the players, its the clubs that pay them all this cash but they are seriously overhyped.

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  47. You're right. As long as nicola Cortes, a man of his word if ever there was one, keeps his side of the bargain AND we keep going as we are, then I think only a really big club would tempt him, as he's creating his won story with us.
    Fingers crossed.
    Also at the moment it's just woncpderful for us at StMarys to be so popular again with other genuine football fans, and of course not to be playing shite football like the Evil Sauron Allardyce and his Smegel Nolan!

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  48. You say you don't pick on BR then in the tiltle you ask if he should re-sign

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  49. He doesn't really know how the league is though. He's never played in the premier league however I do agree we should take the risk and possibly agree a deal with Blackpool making sure we sign him when his contract is up instead of any other teams. Some of the teams are after him surprised me. Ajax and AC Milan. If i was Tom Ince I'd join Ajax above any other team as they are a big leap up from Blackpool but not as big as say Liverpool or Milan.

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  50. It's the sewage I mean sea water that's what's happening. Just look at girls from Blackpool...

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  51. I watched a interview about that and he didn't exactly tell people to call it him. It was when he was at West Ham and apparently every time they did something amazing in training they shouted "who' the Guv'nor" and when he joined United he shouted it out of habit and it stuck. So he didn't really call it himself in an egotistical way. Me and my mates do something similar when we're playing football/rugby.

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  52. The problem is these reserve players rarely get a chance ad even the ones with a lot of potential have faded into obscurity despite the potential. I applaud Tom Ince for leaving. It was a very brave decision and IMO the right decision. Also how are you saying Blackpool are the worst in the Championship when they are 4th?

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  53. ...Than Thomas has to be worth 25...
    Did we read the same article?

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  54. A fee paid in the region of 3m is nothing compared to that paid for Downing & Adam so read before you post.

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  55. 3m is the right price to take a gamble on him and that is what he'll come for or even less because he might go for free in the end otherwise.

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  56. Somehow or other I do not believe any of the Southampton players would want to leave their club this season. The club is doing well at the moment.

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  57. I do agree with the pricing though, I'd say he is maximum £8m if his contract wasn't coming to an end. The £25m will come from Paul just being proud of his son and overpricing him because he is his son. Also I don't see how it is greedy like a lot of people are saying as a club has their own right to say how much they think the player is worth even if it's not a reasonable amount. Truthfully I wouldn't want him as I think we should sign a player who would probably improve the team and I doubt he would.

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  58. Another head line to lure people back to this website and read another crap article

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  59. Well, who knows he might do a Coutinho which actually is a possibility as Coutinho did for Milan!!! I for one want LFC to make a gamble on him and see how it turns out.

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  60. its great to see the sacking of adkins completely vindicated.. what ashrewed piece of business by the southampton board.. adkins was an absolute joker, in my opinion

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  61. I didn't say anything about a any particular fee being comparable to any other, so make sure you comprehend what you read before you post anything under my name.

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  62. I'm assuming that we both read the article to which we are posting here. It just seems that you didn't read my comment before responding to it.

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  63. It's just pretty irritating to see so many ppl just jumping on bandwagons to make comments about particular players and their personalities/attitudes/private lives, based on pretty much nothing at all

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  64. SPLURGING!!! That's what you wrote right? 3m isn't in that bracket and yeah do read before you post again!

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  65. Yes, I wrote "splurging on the likes of Downing and Adam". I did not say anywhere that spending £3m would be a case of splurging.
    Try again, mate.

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  66. Knock it off! I am way upset with this Hull result now.

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