The ‘most influential’ tag has been applied to a number of Liverpool players this season and Danny Murphy has highlighted one man in particular who he feels has stepped into this role.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day, the former Reds midfielder turned his attention towards the standout performance of Adam Lallana in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Arsenal.
“He epitomised what was good about Liverpool,” he said as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com.
“He has added everything to his game this season. He has had a little lull, like all of the team have recently, but he had a point to prove.”
“His pressing and his willingness to win the ball back in the opposition half and get the team on the front foot was incredible. He was sensational.”
“In those central areas, with his energy and ability to play with both feet, and he can see the whole pitch, he’s becoming – at the moment, for me – Liverpool’s most influential player.”
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Lallana was magnificent in leading Liverpool’s pressing play, in offering his defence support and both initiating and joining in with his side’s attacks.
It was a complete performance at a time when Jurgen Klopp needed one from him given the absence of captain Jordan Henderson.
He played as a leader in his own right, setting the tone for a high intensity, aggressive and ambitious Liverpool display.
His day was summed up by a remarkable late run that saw him see off two Arsenal defenders before sliding in Divock Origi who went on to set up Georginio Wijnaldum’s winner.
Central midfield is where he thrives and where he has stepped up his game in terms of goals, assists and also the impact his work rate has.
Like so many of our attacking stars, he is an absolute joy to watch when he has the ball at his feet.