VERDICT: Signing Adam Lallana, 32, from Liverpool is a risk worth taking for Brighton

We take a look at Adam Lallana's background, strengths and weaknesses and how he can help Graham Potter’s side on and off the pitch.
Adam LallanaAdam Lallana
Adam Lallana

Background: The attack-minded midfielder’s dynamism, dribbling and eye for goal meant he was a vital cog in the Southampton machine which won back-to-back promotions from League One all the way up to the Premier League for the 2012/2013 season.

After some standout performances as Southampton captain under Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino, fast forward two years and Lallana secured a £25 million move to Liverpool, joining up with the up-and-coming Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2014.

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In his six years at Anfield there have been many ups and downs for the Englishman.

Overall, it appears he made a big impression on the Liverpool fans, staff and players judging by their emotional farewell, and it is fair to say Lallana played an important role in getting the club back into the Champions League, which has proved a catalyst for their recent successes.

Under Pochettino, Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp, Lallana has played as an attacking central midfielder in three fairly similar systems: high-pressing, possession-based, building from the back, counter attacking football.

At the end of the 2016/2017 season Lallana looked like he might play his way into becoming the Liverpool captain - if not for injuries - after he became the poster boy for Klopp’s heavy-metal, gegenpressing style.

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Graham Potter’s ‘Potterball’ style of play lends itself to Lallana’s abilities and he should be able to adapt quickly. Sounds like a good fit - if he can stay fit.

Strengths: Lallana’s Cruyff turns and overall dribbling ability is a joy in itself - it is an art.

The man’s Cruyff-esque playing style - although he has cited Zinedine Zidane as an idol previously - means he can wriggle out of the tightest of spaces, twisting and turning his marker inside out, and open up huge swathes of pitch to run into.

On his day he can raise your eyebrows and make your jaw drop. An exciting, total footballer, who has the ability to knit together defence into attack in one smooth, quick, clever motion.

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Experience: The player has been promoted from League One; promoted from the Championship; been in relegation dogfights; won the Champions League; won the Premier League; represented his country at the 2016 European Championships. He’s been there and done the lot.

With these experiences must come a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and fighting spirit. A winner’s mentality.

To have Lallana on the pitch and around the dressing room has got to be a positive thing for Potter’s mix of young and senior pros.

Professionalism: Jordan Henderson recently praised Lallana in a tearful interview after Liverpool’s Premier League trophy lift.

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He said: “Whatever club he goes to, they are getting an amazing player and person.”

Lallana’s close friendship with James Milner and Jordan Henderson is telling as to what type of character he is. Those three are top professionals, who all have natural footballing ability and married it with a hard work ethic.

The former Southampton man has been seen numerous times getting in extra training sessions and forcing his way back into the Liverpool squad after injuries.

I can see him mixing well with the likes of Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy, Dan Burn and Maty Ryan in terms of setting the standards expected by Potter.

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And I can also see him keeping the young lads grounded and being a teacher-like figure to them. Time will tell.

Weaknesses: Since joining Liverpool, Lallana has missed 67 games and spent a total of 382 days injured.

On average, he has played 21 games a season during his time in the north west, with a total of 128 appearances and 18 goals.

But it was a hamstring injury which really stopped him in his tracks after an impressive 2016/2017 campaign.

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He picked up the injury in July 2017 during pre-season, which put him out of action for 117 days, missing a total of 21 games.

A 29-year-old at the time, at the peak of his career, unfortunately let down by his body.

It is a shame considering the lack of cultured, technically gifted players England produces in midfield. The other similar comparison would be Jack Wilshere, both in ability and injury troubles.

If Lallana can stay fit he could add some magic to this evolving and ambitious Brighton team.

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To turn a negative into a positive, however, having someone like Lallana around to help lads recovering from knocks could be beneficial too. He’s been there and can provide the support needed to his teammates.

Age: A tough one as his age is also a strength due to the experience that comes with it.

But, Lallana turned 32 this year which begs the question, how long has his legs got left at the top?

He must think he can still do a job, but it is hard to get a real understanding of his sharpness after the player has only made cameo appearances for Liverpool this season.

Other thoughts

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Lallana has worn the number 20 shirt every season over the last decade - that shirt belongs to Solly March at the moment. Will March still be at the club next season? Or will Lallana have to settle for a different number...

Verdict: it could turn out to be a great bit of business by Brighton. It is certainly a gamble worth taking.