'Unbelievable': Is this the most ridiculous Liverpool transfer statement of all time?

During the Roy Hodgson era, outgoing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insisted that Joe Cole is basically better than Lionel Messi, an idea so ludicrous that its risible inaccuracy will probably haunt Gerrard for the rest of his days. In the annals of nonsensical public pronouncements, Gerrard's assertion is on a par with Sean Dundee's contention that he was 'quicker' than Michael Owen, but Adam Lallana has now bested both of them with an even more preposterous claim.

After the ill-advised signing of Cole back in 2010, Gerrard raved:

"[Lionel] Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe [Cole] can do as well, if not better"

Urgh. Gerrard probably winces when he reads that now, but that comment is nothing compared to the fawning claptrap spouted by Lallana this week. When asked about the signing of James Milner, Lallana gushed:

"He [Milner] is a fantastic player. He's got unbelievable ability. Left foot, right foot, got a goal in his locker and always fit. He's a complete role model. He's the perfect player."

'Unbelievable ability' and the 'perfect player'? Lallana should be embarrassed and ashamed to spout such overwrought, sycophantic nonsense. He makes it sound like Liverpool are signing Lionel Messi - for whom those labels are more accurate - but that's not the case at all.

It's hardly surprising that Lallana is channelling his inner-Rodgers here - the manager sets the example, and he is the master of servile, irresponsible, grossly exaggerated overpraise.

If Milner has such 'unbelievable ability' and is the 'perfect player', why is he a bit-part player at Man City, and why are Liverpool the only club seemingly interested in such an amazing, world-class performer?

Lallana's eulogy also highlights his damaging small-club mentality, which last season impacted his ability to consistently perform. If he sees a player like Milner as 'perfect' and 'unbelievable', then he clearly has little ambition, and is happy to accept comparative mediocrity.

Would Luis Suarez like a One Direction-loving schoolgirl over the signing of James Milner? No, and that's one of the reasons he's no longer at Anfield.

Lallana's egregious, boot-licking ego-massage is also bad for Milner as it places intolerable pressure on him to perform. Fans will read these testimonials and start believing the hype, and expectations will consequently go through the roof.



As an experienced, Premier League proven international, fans should expect Milner to hit the ground running and make a consistent impact, but hyping him beyond recognition is counter-productive, and it's clearly impossible for him to live up to Lallana's overblown billing.

I know I'm harsh on Milner, but I still want him to succeed, as that means Liverpool will probably be doing well, which is the most important thing. However, labelling him a 'perfect player' with 'unbelievable ability' is just ridiculous in the extreme.

I've said it once and I'll say it again: FSG seriously need to get a grip on the club's embarrassing penchant for gross overpraise. Rodgers' unctuous fawning is already out of control, but as Lallana's statement proves, his players are now following suit.

As a matter of urgency, Henry et al should institute an internal policy specifically prohibiting exaggerated public praise (especially for teenagers/young players), and a set of fines should be put in place for breaching the policy.

Why can't Rodgers and his players just keep their mouths shut, focus on the job at hand (which is massive), and then reserve praise for when the club has actually WON SOMETHING?

Author: Jaimie K