Joe Allen

Joseph Michael Allen is a Welsh footballer who plays for Liverpool and the Welsh national team as a midfielder. Allen was part of the Swansea City youth set-up before he was featured as an unused first-team substitute in a 3–0 away win over then Premiership side Sheffield United in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. In April 2009, Allen came on as a substitute to score his first goal for Swansea in a South Wales derby away at Cardiff City. At the end of the season, he signed a new three-year contract until 2012. A string of impressive performances prompted manager Brendan Rodgers to play Allen in the South Wales derby in November 2010, with Allen receiving the man-of-the-match award in the 1–0 win. On 10 August 2012, Allen signed a long-term contract with Liverpool in a deal worth £13.5 million. He made his Premier League debut on 18 August 2012, starting in a 3-0 loss against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. During his time with the United, he won the Standard Chartered Player of the Month for August 2012. Allen played for Wales in a 2–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group G match against Switzerland at the Liberty Stadium and was awarded \'Welsh player of the year\' in 2012.