Will Lallana prove an Anfield success…?
SEE ALSO: The top 10 best Liverpool goals.
Liverpool have already made a bid of £20m for Southampton captain Adam Lallana, but the Saints are reportedly holding out for £25m, following the Englishman’s excellent Premier League campaign.
If the Reds gave in, and paid the asking fee, he would become their second most expensive signing, behind the £35m deal in 2012 for Andy Carroll.
As a result, CaughtOffside has analysed whether the potential deal is indeed a sensible one for Liverpool.
Is Lallana the type of player Liverpool need?
Jordan Chamberlain:
As a priority? No. They already have Joe Allen and Coutinho who are technically gifted central midfielders, and Jordan Henderson’s ability on the ball is very underrated. With Champions League football imminent though, Lallana could be crucial in adding quality to a thin squad – although the Reds should spend their money on defenders instead.
Mark Apostolou:
Yes a move for Lallana is a wise one to consider, not least as Steven Gerrard is getting on in years and appears to enjoy a more withdrawn role now.
Robert Summerscales:
He’s a great talent, but Liverpool have a more pressing need for a player who can really dominate midfield physically. Nevertheless, Lallana would be a decent addition to the squad and he would suit Brendan Rodgers’ preferred style of play.
Richie Morgan:
No, they should be concentrating on strengthening their porous back-line instead.
In three words, what can Lallana can offer the Liverpool squad?
JC:
Depth. Goals. Spark.
MA:
Midfield-attack bridge.
RS:
Depth. Fluidity. Assists.
RM:
Much the same.
How much is Lallana worth, and are Liverpool getting value for money if they end up paying £25m for his services?
JC:
English players are always, always overpriced. Lallana’s had a good season, but time and time again big clubs have been stung on price when buying British. (Milner, SWP, Carroll, Downing, Lescott…) The Saints skipper is worth £15m, tops.
MA:
If Liverpool feel £25m is too much they’d do well to consider the sums wasted on Carroll/Downing. The price for Lallana is more than fair by today’s inflated standards.
RS:
British players always seem to go for inflated prices, but, with Liverpool back in the Champions League, Lallana’s nationality does come with added value, because he will be able to contribute to the Reds’ homegrown quota. £25m is a tad much, but far from ridiculous.
RM:
£20m, and no, they will end up having to pay over the odds for him.
Where will Lallana fit in the Liverpool lineup?
JC:
Probably alongside Gerrard and Henderson in central midfield.
MA:
In the short term he could negate the need for Joe Allen or Jordan Henderson but in the long term he would act as like for like replacement for Gerrard (in his attacking pomp).
RS:
One of Lallana’s many talents is his versatility. He could literally operate anywhere in midfield.
RM:
On the left-hand side of their midfield diamond.
Which current Liverpool player will Lallana likely replace?
JC:
Well in terms of Rodgers’ starting XI, it has to be either Allen or Coutinho. Henderson and Gerrard have guaranteed places, and with Sterling, Suarez and Sturridge also sure to start up top, there’s only one spot left.
MA:
If Lucas is unfit (i.e frequently) then Rodgers can elect (for home encounters at least) to use Gerrard in a deep lying role, Lallana ahead and Henderson in the mix, i.e dump Allen.
RS:
Hopefully Steven Gerrard in the long term. However, I don’t think Liverpool will be adopting a ‘one in, one out’ policy this summer. Lallana’s arrival would be about strengthening the squad, rather than improving the first XI dramatically.
RM:
Coutinho.
If a deal is completed, will Lallana be a success with Liverpool?
JC:
Hard to say. Lallana has thrived as a big fish in a small pond. Judging by the success of Liverpool’s other big money English buys, i’m going to say no – although I’d love to be proved wrong.
MA:
In a word, Yes. Lallana is perfect combination of potential/experience. He has the grounding of a number of years learning his trade and as this season proves, he is now capable of making an impact at the highest level.
RS:
Yes, but don’t expect immediate fireworks.
RM:
A qualified success.