Steve Nicol has claimed Adam Lallana is not good enough to represent the Reds any more – saying the team have moved past the England international.
He told ESPNFC: “I don’t think Lallana is good enough for where Liverpool are now. I think when he starts or when he comes on, there’s a clear drop-off. That’s not where Liverpool need to be.
“Liverpool need to be filling the squad out with players who are going to push the starting eleven players. For me, Lallana doesn’t push anyone in the starting eleven.”
Clearly, Lallana is no longer the first name on the teamsheet, as he once was under Jurgen Klopp, but that seems very harsh. The number 20 is more than good enough to take his place in the squad, playing sporadically as and when he is needed.
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The real issue with Lallana is his injury troubles: when he has been required at times, he’s been unavailable through small muscle issues that were enough to stop him from playing.
As squad options go – for someone who is probably about the seventh choice in the Reds’ midfield – Lallana is a more than worthy player to have.
He’s also great in terms of leadership and being a role model for his teammates, which is never a bad thing to have around the training ground. Jurgen Klopp absolutely loves him – and not without good reason.