Euro 2016: ‘Wee Joseph’ Allen is Wales’ most important player, says LFC teammate

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Gareth Bale? Not bad, we suppose – but he’s no Joe Allen!

That’s according to Danny Ward anyway, who plays with our diminutive midfielder for both club and country.

Ward, who is a backup goalkeeper for Liverpool and Wales, joked to the Express that it’s actually Allen and not the world’s most expensive player who’s most crucial to Chris Coleman’s outfit.

He was replying to James Milner and Adam Lallana, who were partaking in a Q&A about the upcoming clash between England and Wales. Potentially, seven Liverpool players could take the field – five from England, two from Wales – although Allen and maybe Adam Lallana are the only guaranteed starters.

“Bale hasn’t had a full season either. He’s rested himself at important times,” Lallana began, before Ward reminded his club team-mate that: “But our most important player is wee Joseph!”

Allen comes alive for Wales, because he’s given an integral centre-midfield role and is allowed to dictate tempo. He excelled against Slovakia in Wales’ opening 2-1 win, and we hope he has a brilliant tournament.

Coleman recently claimed he wish he had two Allens – one to sit in front of the back four and one to create – but at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp isn’t sure if he wants the 26-year-old at all.

Allen has a year remaining on his contract, and you’d assume if he isn’t offered an extension, he’ll be sold this summer so we can recoup some of the hefty transfer fee once spent on him.

Swansea are keen, and with Piotr Zielinski expected to arrive, it sadly looks like Allen may be set for pastures new come 2016/17.

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