Adam Lallana's Deteriorating Form

After an opening win against Stoke, and another 1-0 win eked out after an equally unconvincing performance coupled with a healthy portion of luck, it could be 2013 all over again. Indeed, with a third week win against top 4 rivals Arsenal the Anfield hopeful could really begin to drive comparisons with that fateful season, and in turn pedal the eternal optimism Liverpool fans are all too capable of. However, amidst these encouraging signs of “grit and determination” there are clearly many red flags raised being by Liverpool’s performances of late.

Most noticeably, while many fans are keen to point out Gerrard’s replacement has come readymade in the form of Jordan Henderson, few have suggested who will actually fill the attacking midfield role that Henderson vacates.

Adam Lallana is the most obvious candidate, possessing a delicate touch, a handy pass and a bullish manner off the ball not too dissimilar to Henderson’s utility in seasons past. Yet, Lallana’s suitability and more obviously popularity, has waned in recent weeks to say the least; as many note the slow realization of a player perennially working below top performance yet remaining a mainstay of an unconvincing midfield.

Before Lallana’s acquisition Brendan Rodgers called for “multi-functional” footballers that “can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work”. Lallana is certainly that, from filling in at wingback to working behind the striker or in central midfield, the 27-year old is noticeably versatile, and yet this attribute has largely been unsuccessful in producing tangible results. Instead, this has perhaps concealed Lallana’s failure to convert good performances into results.

Last season the Ex-Southampton player entered somewhat of a purple patch having missed the start of the season due to a knee injury. A brace against Swansea City at Anfield and a number of remarkable performances encouraged optimism after a hefty price tag. And, having scored 4 goals Lallana targeted double figures in February, what would be a healthy contribution to a team lacking firepower. However, Lallana managed just 2 more in the campaign, totaling just 6 goals and 4 assists from 41 appearances, hardly reassuring statistics for a player who played largely in the central attacking midfield role.

Obviously, a player of his type cannot be judged purely by these statistics. Yet, Brendan Rodger’s championing of the player, as a “leader for Liverpool” might be contested by his failure to actively stake a claim in the first team midfield following an inability to influence matches (what Liverpool leaders of late have become somewhat renowned for). As leaders must first assure their place in the team, Lallana’s recent performances are worrying, especially when Henderson himself requires better performers around him in order to dictate the game. And, though we know all to well Rodgers’ preference to start players during bad patches, rather than take them out the firing line, a fit Roberto Firmino will surely replace Lallana after a lively, but brief substitute performance.

Although this argument may well be made irrelevant by Henderson’s injury, against Stoke and Bournemouth Lallana appeared to fall into the same pitfalls, bringing about fair criticism from the fans. His ability to turn and move out of trouble was negated by questionable passing decisions and a noticeable lack of concentration. Moreover, while Milner worked hard across the park and Can’s introduction was reinvigorating, forging a link between defense and midfield; Lallana appeared a bystander in comparison.

In recent times Lallana’s ineffectiveness has been more noticeable in crowded areas, or when chased down as he appears lightweight and disappointingly wishy-washy. Unfortunately Lallana’s dribbles also lack impetus where Coutinho’s are direct and decisive, perhaps a sign also of his lack of a physical presence on the ball. Perhaps the most worrying sign of recent performances can be surmised by this: when Lallana picks up the ball how often does he put the team in a better position for having received it?

Surprisingly, after Henderson’s substitution Lallana appeared somewhat revitalized, having been infinitely frustrating, the midfielder pressed well and looked to work the ball into space before playing the simple pass. Yet, whether this suggests a realization of poor form, or the difficult transition of Lallana’s role following Gerrard’s departure is unclear.

Last season Lallana hardly hit the ground running, but after a continued spell in the side he managed to form an excellent attacking force with Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge, becoming adept in exchanging short and incisive passes creating space and damaging opponents. Although having scored an excellent goal in preseason, the fluidity between both Lallana and Gomez, and our attack was clearly lacking compared to the previous campaign. Whether Lallana will be afforded the time to recreate such a partnership remains uncertain, especially with the likes of Firmino waiting in the wings.

Undeniably, Lallana is a hardworking player with an abundance of talent, who has become an excellent technical player. Additionally, drawing conclusions from recent performances off the back of last season where few excelled may not be a fair assessment. In time, there is no reason why he can’t recapture the brief surge of form he found last season, and it will be easy too root for such an amiable player.

But, it is clear he will have to act fast to prove the skeptics wrong, having been a part of the first team set up for long enough now to produce more at the highest level. And, although Lallana is immeasurably far from being consigned to the annals of history with also-ran midfielders touted as the next big thing like Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam; a better performance in the coming matches, together with a goal or assist might go a long way for his confidence in his own abilities, and ours.