Leadership and mentality
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A player willing to give his all for the team, one who has previous captaincy experience and is a vocal presence on the field – Lallana is all of this in one package deal.When asked about his new role in midfield for the Reds, Lallana said:
"I'm enjoying it and [this is] a squad full of great players. If you look around, there are a lot of players that can play in two or three positions, which definitely helps. It's a different role but one I'll embrace and I'll play wherever the manager wants me to play as long as it benefits the team."
In an era where players demand to play in favoured positions, throw tantrums and force moves to have their way, the midfielder’s attitude to put the team’s cause ahead of his own is refreshing.
Of his captaincy at Southampton, former teammate and now Arsenal defender Calum Chambers said:
"I was a bit young when Bale and Theo were in the team, but Lallana is really helpful. You can speak to him about anything. He will give you advice and tell you things that he went through when he was in the academy."
His current teammates speak of him with equally high regard. Reds vice-captain James Milner is an ardent admirer of Lallana’s technique and ability while also heaping praise on his dressing room presence.
“He seems to take everything in his stride, no matter how bad the pass is or how bobbly the pitch is or any situation really – he’s that sort of character. He’s great around the dressing room; he’s a big character and an experienced player as well. He’s great for us as a team on and off the field and I can only see him getting better and better. I think it’s going to be a big season for him.”
For a team that is constantly berated for lack of leaders, Lallana’s skills will surely be welcome.
The numbers game
It is just 9 games into the season but Lallana’s scores confirm the improvement and underscore his impact.
As much as his passing accuracy is commendable, his attempted take-ons and interceptions are as critical for Liverpool. Also very important to note are the possession metrics which indicate how difficult it has been to take the ball off of him.
Conclusion
Over the course of the 12 months that Klopp has been in charge, Lallana has adequately justified the gaffer’s faith.
Klopp’s reign has reinvigorated the player and the manager’s style suits him to the T, thereby also getting the best out of him. The German’s coaching and style has certainly underlined Lallana as the key cog who makes the Reds’ system function at its optimal best.
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