Adam Lallana backs Rickie Lambert to succeed at Anfield, despite his slow start…
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has backed misfiring striker Rickie Lambert to find his feet at Anfield after a slow start to life at the club since his summer move from Southampton, the Daily Express reports.
The pair both made the move from the St Mary’s Stadium to Anfield in the same transfer window, though neither have quite managed to reproduce their best form for the Reds this term.
Lambert was brought in for £4m after impressing for the Saints, but is yet to get off the mark for his new club after struggling to establish himself as a regular in the starting lineup, which Lallana feels may be affecting his confidence and stopping him from reaching his top form.
Lallana knows his fellow England colleague well from their time at Southampton and with the national side, and feels a good run of form could be just around the corner for the 32-year-old.
“We knew it was never going to be easy moving clubs. We’ve come to a team that people expect a lot from,” he said.
“We can assure you we’re working hard all the time and, when Rickie gets his chance, I’m sure he’s going to take it. There is a goal or two around the corner for him.
“It’s the same with any striker, you want to be on the pitch as much as possible. When you’re not, people start to judge you on scoring goals but it’s hard when you get 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there.
“Sometimes it’s tough to be sharp enough straight away. He’s used to playing week in and week out. He’s a massive asset for Liverpool and he’s got a lot to give still.”
Liverpool have struggled in general this season, with a number of players looking off-form despite a strong run last season that saw Brendan Rodgers’ side come agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title.