15 Jan 2016

Molby insists: 'Outstanding' £20m Liverpool star must start vs. Man Utd 'because he's mobile' and 'understands' football

Last week, Liverpool legend Jan Molby suggested that Joe Allen 'still has a future' at Anfield, and after his recent performances, Allen has probably improved his chances of landing a new contract. Many fans called for Allen to start against Arsenal, but Jurgen Klopp went with James Milner instead, but after his game-saving goal on Wednesday, it's surely time for Allen to retain his place for Sunday's crunch-clash with Manchester United?

Molby definitely thinks so, and discussing possible Man Utd starters in his Liverpool Echo column this week, he mused:

"Joe Allen made a big impact when he came on and that was on the back of playing extremely well at Stoke. I think he's a player Klopp might like because he's mobile and understands the game".

In my view, Allen should absolutely keep his place for Sunday's game:

* I'm no great fan of the allegedly 'outstanding' Welshman, but it's a question of merit, and personal bias should not be part of the equation.

* It's simple: if a player performs consistently well, he should keep his place in the team, and Allen has done enough in recent games to warrant a starting berth.

* For me, that principle applies to everyone in the team, including Adam Lallana (!) If Lallana did his job and scored/ created goals on a regular basis, I'd be the first to demand his inclusion in the team, but he continues to fail on almost every attacking level.

* The opposite also applies: any player who consistently fails to fulfill his primary role should be benched.

Allen has 18 months left on his contract, and in a recent interview, he admitted:

“That [contract talks] has gone very quiet. I’ve only made one league start this season, so I want to play more. Now, it’s about giving my best, which is always what I do.”

Irrespective of Klopp's future plans, Allen is in the shop window right now, so if Liverpool do decide to sell, then his current form may ensure that the club claws back the bulk of his £15m transfer fee.

Last season, Manchester United reportedly considered an improbable £20m bid for Allen, but there's no way Liverpool will get that sort of transfer fee...right?



Author: Jaimie K


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