Adam Lallana could well be at a critical stage of his tenure at Liverpool. The next few months could well determine his long-term future at the club.
Having performed extremely well during Jurgen Klopp’s early time in charge, Adam Lallana has had a troublesome time since.
It appears clear that the Reds manager regards Lallana highly, he’s seen first hand the qualities he can bring to the high pressing style of play. However, at some point there comes a time when the team simply develops beyond a player.
Having had a rough time with injuries, Lallana has struggled for game time. The midfielder amassed just 15 appearances (3 starts) throughout last season.
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During this time, Liverpool arguably kicked on another gear under Klopp, finishing 4th again and making the Champions League final.
What will be of concern to Lallana is that players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have stepped into the void left by his injuries. In addition, Liverpool have also signed the likes of Naby Keita and Fabinho to bolster their midfield.
If you were to ask Liverpool fans to name their preferred starting midfielders it is unlikely many would pick Lallana. However, timing and good fortune may well be on his side right now.
Thanks to a combination of lengthy World Cup runs, injuries, and the period of acclimatization Klopp likes his players to undergo, Lallana finds himself with a window to impress.
Liverpool are unlikely to start the season with Jordan Henderson due to a lack of pre-season. Oxlade-Chamberlain is also expected to be out until at least November. As a result, they are essentially starting two light in midfield.
Adam Lallana will see himself operating mostly in the more advanced of the three central midfield positions. Unless Liverpool sign a player such as Fekir, his direct competition in Klopp’s current systems is Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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The former Southampton captain needs to take the chances he’ll get in pre-season and through August. Perform well, and Klopp has decisions to make on systems, rotations, and reintroducing players.
If he cannot perform and show that the team have not already left him behind, the window will likely close as new players become accustomed to Klopp’s style and return from injury.
At 30 years old, Lallana doesn’t have all too long left at the top-level. If he sees himself dropped to the bench and rarely featuring come November, he could well look to move on in January.
Having captained a club in the Premier League and enjoyed regular first team football throughout his career, he may decide he simply needs games at this stage. Klopp is not a manager likely to promise this to any of his players.
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The best scenario for Liverpool is that he steps up to the task in pre-season. The club face a tough start to the season with players returning late and others new to the system. If an in-form Lallana can see them through the early stages, he earns the right to compete for a regular space going forward.