Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Adam Lallana could feature in a deeper role next season.
A brace from James Milner and another first-half goal from Rhian Brester gave Liverpool their second consecutive pre-season victory, but an almost forgotten man in Adam Lallana earned tons of plaudits while playing in a new position.
The former Southampton man started in an unusual deeper role on Sunday and his performance seemingly impressed his manager.
Klopp spoke about Lallana’s ability to play in a deeper role alongside someone like James Milner, and he even compared him to another deep-lying midfield maestro at Chelsea.
“Adam is the kind of player who can play that and he enjoys this ‘Jorginho role’ – I hope Maurizio Sarri doesn’t see the games or he will make an offer,” Klopp said.
“It is about getting Adam rhythm, bringing him in early and doing things he is naturally good at: small spaces, passing the ball, and then from time to time offering the runs in behind as well, and together with Milly (James Milner) that is possible. For us it is another option.”
Lallana had a torrid time with injuries last season which saw him make just 13 appearances in the Premier League. The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order with Liverpool’s plethora of options in midfield, but a new role in the centre of the park could open an unlikely door for him.
The Reds are well-stocked with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain among others in the centre of the park but, with Lallana’s vision, he could turn out to be a wonderful option for Klopp to use him as a creator from a deeper role.
The Englishman’s ability to find his teammates with a killer pass would help unleash Liverpool’s frightening front three and, with another potential 50-game season ahead of them, his availability in multiple positions could be hugely beneficial to the Reds.
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