Southampton star Rickie Lambert is currently undergoing a medical ahead of his proposed £4m move to Anfield, but what is it about the striker that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers rates so much?
Prior to Liverpool's defeat to Southampton in September, Rodgers lavished praise on Lambert, and revealed some insight into why he's now signing the 32-year old. He told reporters:
"He [Lambert] is one of those players who never got the recognition for what a good footballer he is.
"People are now starting to focus on his qualities. He’s one of the most accomplished footballers I’ve seen.
"He’s been outstanding. Look at his touch; and the different types of goals he’s scored over his career, and he’s a specialist on penalties as well. He’s a terrific footballer, and he’ll be a handful"
Rodgers is often effusive in his praise for players, but to call Lambert one of the most 'accomplished' players he's 'ever' seen is rare praise indeed. LFC's boss basically outlines three main reasons he's signing Lambert:
* Great touch.
* Ability to score different types of goals.
* Penalty specialist (100% record)
* Imposing ohysical presence
I suggested in September that Rodgers might pursue Lambert at some stage, but it's hardly a leap to predict that given the level of praise lavished upon the striker.
Rodgers is not the only one who rates Lambert. Speaking to the BBC last night, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler hailed Lambert as a 'magnificent' player, and a 'perfect fit' for LFC. He further enthused:
"for £4 million you're getting a recognised striker who score goals and who can hold balls up. He's what Liverpool need, he's got a little bit of everything."
Anfield hero Alan Hansen doesn't appear to rate Lambert, though, and in his column for The Telegraph in November, he made the following prediction:
"Rickie Lambert has scored a couple of goals for England this season, but you cannot see him playing in a World Cup finals"
In my view, Lambert is a much better option than Danny friggin' Welbeck, who only gets into the team because he plays for Manchester United. If Welbeck played for a less fashionable team, he'd be nowhere near the England squad.
Lambert at Liverpool's Spire hospital earlier today:
Author: Jaimie K
Prior to Liverpool's defeat to Southampton in September, Rodgers lavished praise on Lambert, and revealed some insight into why he's now signing the 32-year old. He told reporters:
"He [Lambert] is one of those players who never got the recognition for what a good footballer he is.
"People are now starting to focus on his qualities. He’s one of the most accomplished footballers I’ve seen.
"He’s been outstanding. Look at his touch; and the different types of goals he’s scored over his career, and he’s a specialist on penalties as well. He’s a terrific footballer, and he’ll be a handful"
Rodgers is often effusive in his praise for players, but to call Lambert one of the most 'accomplished' players he's 'ever' seen is rare praise indeed. LFC's boss basically outlines three main reasons he's signing Lambert:
* Great touch.
* Ability to score different types of goals.
* Penalty specialist (100% record)
* Imposing ohysical presence
I suggested in September that Rodgers might pursue Lambert at some stage, but it's hardly a leap to predict that given the level of praise lavished upon the striker.
Rodgers is not the only one who rates Lambert. Speaking to the BBC last night, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler hailed Lambert as a 'magnificent' player, and a 'perfect fit' for LFC. He further enthused:
"for £4 million you're getting a recognised striker who score goals and who can hold balls up. He's what Liverpool need, he's got a little bit of everything."
Anfield hero Alan Hansen doesn't appear to rate Lambert, though, and in his column for The Telegraph in November, he made the following prediction:
"Rickie Lambert has scored a couple of goals for England this season, but you cannot see him playing in a World Cup finals"
In my view, Lambert is a much better option than Danny friggin' Welbeck, who only gets into the team because he plays for Manchester United. If Welbeck played for a less fashionable team, he'd be nowhere near the England squad.
Lambert at Liverpool's Spire hospital earlier today:
Rickie Lambert arrives for his medical ahead of his move to Liverpool pic.twitter.com/sGkJyMRBJl
— Vinny O'Connor (@VinnOConnor) May 31, 2014Author: Jaimie K
I guess there is a Gary Mac feel to the transfer. Lambert should be good for a minimum of two seasons. If anything, it's another home grown player for the CL. It suggests that BR has no confidence in Yesil or Aspas. Aspas will definitely be on his way out now. I hope Borini gets a few chances next season though.
ReplyDeleteI never knew Danny Wellbeck's middle name. Is it an old family name do you think?
ReplyDeleteI hope Lambert is a great buy for Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteOnly I've been suprised by the signing because, all we have been
Told by liverpool all last season was,
New players must fit a strict profile,
Of young up & coming talent,
Or young top top big talent?.
Lambert fits our playing style perfectly. Even Mauricio Pochettino will tell you the same.
ReplyDeleteFor 4m, it is brilliant signing. For our money we get a big physical striker that knows how to play in a team that wants to play quality possession football and not rugby (Carroll). Yes he is 32 but we might be able to get about 2 decent seasons of out of him.
ReplyDeleteLallana is a very good player, but I would want a real speedy wide player, as in attack the pace is only coming from the Sterling and Sturidge. Suarez is quick over 5 yards and is mentally 2 yards ahead of other players, but we need more players that are good on the ball and can out pace the opposition over 10-15 yards. Hope we can Konoplyanka as Sanchez might be very unlikely, and hope we can add Shaqiri also. But if we get Lallana, than we need someone like Kono.
Hope we also get Moreno and Emre Can. Then the emphasis will be to get rid of the deadwood in the squad, and depending how successfully we do that I think we will go in for Caulker, perhaps a RB, and another CM, I do hope the CM is Kovacic.
Welcome, Ricky.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to not that Yesil has been injured for most of his time at Anfield and still is injured. 2 ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in one season. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteI know, worst case scenario for the guy. Was it the same knee both times? I've had knee tendonitis and that was bad enough, couldn't imagine two ACL's! Regardless, I've never seen much of a future for Yesil. Just doesn't look the part but I can obviously be wrong.
ReplyDeleteI should have mentioned Ibe as well. I really want to see these youngsters come through, Ibe and Rossiter especially. Hopefully Lambert doesn't impact too much on Ibe's development but I think I'm probably being too impatient. It would definitely be a low though, if Borini had his chances significantly reduced.
I'm delighted with this transfer, as a third striker you really can't go wrong with Lambert.
ReplyDelete...via his interpreter.
ReplyDeletediame is a no brainier at the figure mooted
ReplyDeleteLambert has scored boatloads of goals at every level but he has only been in the PL since 2012. He is 32. Jordan Rhodes has scored boatloads of goals at every level. He is 24. I don't get why Lambert is a superb choice but Rhodes doesn't even get serious consideration.
ReplyDeleteWhy is he only 5-7M? Why is his value so much lower than other seemingly world class midfielders? I saw his match against Chelsea and I was totally underwhelmed. Sorry, I don't think he's the player we need.
ReplyDelete£4m for Lambert. I do not see us getting better value for money anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteI really don't see that he's an upgrade over Lucas or Allen. He's a decent player from a lower table team, nothing more. Lucas is a much better passer and a far more intelligent midfielder. We don't need a midfielder who uses strength to barge his way up the pitch, we need players who will work with the team, make a high percentage of passes and allow play to build up properly from the back. Diame indeed has that ability to drive himself up the pitch with the ball at his feet but we don't need that from our defensive mid. It leads to a greater turnover of possession and doesn't get the ball to the players further up.
ReplyDeleteWe also don't need our defensive midfielders to score more goals, it's entirely redundant. We need them to control the game from the back, protect the defensive line and make sure the ball gets to guys like Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling or Coutinho. We scored 100 goals this season without Allen or Lucas needing to contribute. West Ham had scored 40. That tells you everything you need to know about how effective Diame was.
Home, by the way...
ReplyDeleteLambert, Lallana, Moreno and Diame or Can. Javi Martinez would be the best choice, but it is too much money probably. No cb.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more about wellbeck. Pure bloody average player. Tom cleverley is the same. Wouldn't even be in the conversation for an England cap if he wasn't at United.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think lambert for 4 million is a good bit of business and it's very clear what his role in the team will be. Sensible signing and one I'm personally very happy with
25m for Lallana is ridiculous. We should pay this for Firmino instead. And Parejo please - would do it for me.
ReplyDeleteInstead of Saqiri Lallana Can = Can Firmino Parejo
But is he competition for Suarez Sturridge. Lack of competition can be harmful. We need to get Firmino instead of Lallana which can play as striker AND attacking midfielder.
ReplyDeletejohnso, skrtel, lovern, moreno
ReplyDeletecan
parejo henderson
firmono
sturridge suarez
with coutinho and sterling also options is a great team.
Domestic players are always more expensive(except Lambert obviousley), but this one is actually one of the few that is worth it. It's been a while since I've seen a player playing it safe and risky, simple and complicated in the same game, but almost always right. Plus I heard he overrun Hendo this season... After WC he'll be worth even more..
ReplyDeleteCompetition for Sturridge rather than Suarez. Suarez doesn't need competition, he'll turn up every week regardless.
ReplyDeleteWho is this Firmino?
ReplyDeleteThat is his best quality. Lambert will surely be inspired for every minute he gets, Sturridge is just a bit worse than Suarez, we will go for another 100 next season...
ReplyDeletehad an amazing season with hoffenhaim, questionably brazils future AM. 22. and we were linked with him for a while. also durtmund chelsea atletico etc but no one makes a move for him. valued at around 18m if im not wrong. you can see some videos of his season highlights.
ReplyDeleteHe is more of a Suarez buy while Lallana is good but not that talented.
ya alright i agree for sturridge. Sturridge came good when he had something to prove and he needs REAL competition for which Lambert is not the best answer, in order to raise his game. Also gets injured and CL next term etc. Also i think i rather have Ibe on the bench rather than Aspas Borini anyday. him and Lambert can do it for me somehow for next season and attacking options.
ReplyDeleteI understand the idea but the midfield you are proposing and taking into account who we actually sign will only be able to come into effect in another 2 seasons or so. Gerrard is not packing it in yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, will look at him. Here is good explanation of why 25 for Llalana is not too much..
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lfclive.net/click.php?url=http://www.thisisanfield.com/2014/05/liverpool-can-justify-paying-25m-adam-lallana/&lfcliveid=357171
As for England team- Wellbeck out with even Milner before him. And Rooney out for Barkly..
ReplyDeleteall i will say is if i was the manager Gerrard would also know sitting the bench. he had good moment this season and great deliveries but he is not the real deal DM and thats reality.
ReplyDeletewere consistently linked with AM's. 25m for Lallana. And to be honest we need another quality AM. Firmino worth's the money we have just bid for Lallana. Lallana worths 20m max. And he can also play as ST if Sturridge or Suarez are injured or not preforming. perfect solution. He also plays wings so he can be thought as a replacement for Moses. we get him parejo and can and we are sorted. no need for Saquiri Lallana imo.
ReplyDeleteBut Gerrard is not acting as a defensive midfielder. That is not what he is. The two midfielders playing ahead of Gerrard do all the leg work and 'carry' him allowing Gerrard to do what he does best = dictate the play.
ReplyDeleteWe are not signing Firmino.
ReplyDeleteAre you satisfied with our new striker?
ReplyDeleteNeither did Lambert before 2012. So by your logic, you can't play in the PL unless you have played in the PL before?
ReplyDeleteHow about he stays at Anfield and plays LC and FA Cup games for experience and is available to play PL matches if we need him?
ReplyDeleteSterling, Lambert, Suarez, Sturridge, Borini plus another signing will not even see Ibe make the bench. Loaning him out to gain experience would be the best option.
ReplyDeleteHim again? This ship has sailed long time ago...
ReplyDeleteWith that match I won 150 euros to pay the mortage on my house.. I will not forget it neither. plus I will never forget my girlfriends' question- why is Livpool so slow? We've come a long way since that match...
ReplyDelete'TheDribblemeister' ? No......
ReplyDeleteThanks, will look at that. On This is Anfield there is a good article why 25 mill for Llalana is not too much..
ReplyDeleteHopefully nobody can fill Moses' boots.There is no such thing as a Moses replacement.Globally there isn't an individual so dreadful.
ReplyDelete4 different seasons next year. Those guys can't play 59 matches and stay healthy. We need bench players. We have other position players we need to buy: Left Back, CB, more MF (can't really have too many) and DM. We should focus money on those positions and use talent we have already paid for.
ReplyDeleteWE DO NOT NEED CENTRAL DEFENDERS.
ReplyDeleteWe do, only one though. One who can lay down the law.
ReplyDeleteLay down the law?
ReplyDeleteTell or the other 3 defender what to do.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one like that for Liverpool on the market, I would say yes. But I don't think Carra is coming back from retirement...
ReplyDeleteAnd I just don't understand how Agger is not that one.. I will never forget Carra running 50 yards to pick Sterling up after a tackle, and to tell couple of things to the ref against Chelsea. At the and he made that perfect assist to Suarez.. What a player, what a man..
ReplyDeleteProblem with Agger is he cannot stay fit!
ReplyDeleteI seriously laughed my ass off LMAO ;)
ReplyDeleteA darn shame!
ReplyDeleteI agree JK, having Diame in our squad would benefit the club. Would you go for Diame or Can, though? I like the look of Can, I really do, and he's got time on his side. Diame has played regularly in the PL.
ReplyDeleteGood call, dude.
ReplyDeleteWhat are we using a 32 year is man for in attack. #Thumbsdown for lambert signing.
ReplyDeleteWhile the signing doesn't seem spectacular, the reason Rodgers has signed Lambert is to diversify the forward line. If Suarez and Sturridge are the exact polar opposite of Andy Carroll, then Lambert probably sits somewhere between the two. Physically he is comparable to Carroll, but he is much more comfortable with the ball at his feet and will suit our style of play far better, giving us something different to help break down those defences (Chelsea, I'm looking at you) that will not let us counter attack.
ReplyDeletewould get him for 3 Million if Can deal fails
ReplyDeleteThis year LFC 'll be in CL & 'll need a big squad. I think, BR 'll clear out some home grown players this year (Johnson, Jones, Kelly, Wisdom). May be BR wants to increase the stock of English players, & at 4mn, an English International, albeit 32 is a bargain. Besides, he can be a very good option at bench for last 20 mins. to ram around, against teams who parks bus.
ReplyDeleteNo. I still don't understand why anyone thinks he is any good. It should take more than one or two games against us.
ReplyDelete