Adam Lallana has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get too far ahead of themselves despite a positive recent run.
Since the League Cup Final defeat, we’ve lost just one match, throwing away a two goal lead against Southampton, but have beaten Manchester City, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
The playmaker’s form has been especially good during this period, proving many of his doubters wrong. Lallana cost £25m back in summer 2014, but is only now starting to consistently prove his worth to the side.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves – we’ve achieved nothing yet,” the former Southampton man told the club’s official website.
“We are starting to perform a little bit more consistently and the manager is running the changes and lads are coming in and performing well.
“I think it shows what a big squad he’s got here and he can trust all his players.”
Lallana’s traits suit Klopp’s all-action style very well. He’s relentless off the ball, which reduces the opposition’s time on it, but he also makes clever runs which create space for his team-mates. In possession, Lallana is technically superb, although he sometimes doesn’t use it to best effect – as his goals and assists stats (five and seven in all competitions) – are average.
The manager sees him as integral though, and you can expect the 27-year-old to return to the starting lineup for the Merseyside Derby tomorrow, having been rested for the Bournemouth win at the weekend.
The playmaker will need to continue impressing until the end of the season, with Mario Gotze continually linked (such as here in the Guardian) with a potential Liverpool transfer in the summer.
If the German does arrive, Lallana’s place could be under threat with Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and upcoming youngsters such as Jordon Ibe and Sheyi Ojo competing for places.