Adam Lallana was one of the stand-out players on Saturday as Liverpool claimed a crucial victory over Queens Park Rangers at Anfield. Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard took the headlines but Lallana was excellent on his first start in almost two months.
SEE MORE:
The comprehensive Liverpool transfer list – rating 46 players linked with the Reds
Five things we learned from Liverpool’s win over Queens Park Rangers, including Lallana analysis
Liverpool transfer news
The £25m man has endured a difficult first season on Merseyside, one that has been plagued by variously niggles and minor injuries that have just prevented him from building up any sort of momentum. But now we’ve seen what he has to offer – the running, the energy, the pressing – perfect for the way we play.
We’ve certainly had to struggle along with our fair share of bad luck this season, so with that in mind we’ve taken a look at each of last summer’s signings and taken a stab at predicting how they’re going to get on next season.
Read our predictions below…
9) Mario Balotelli
It’s been a miserable season for the Italian; just four goals in all competitions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League, it’s hard to see him having much of a future on Merseyside. He’s not been given many chances – with just two top flight starts since the turn of the year – but part of the reason for that is the fact that he simply doesn’t fit into our system. He needs an out-and-out strike partner and he’s unlikely to get one any time soon.
2015-16 Prediction: Sold
8) Rickie Lambert
It was good to see Lambert given a rare chance to shine against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. He did well too, laying on the first goal for Philippe Coutinho. Did he do enough to buy himself another season at Anfield? It seems highly unlikely. He’s not an impact player. He’s not going to come on for ten minutes and make a huge difference. He needs time on the pitch and a team built around him, as it was at Southampton. He’s simply not going to get it.
2015-16 Prediction: Sold
7) Javier Manquillo
It’s been an uninspiring start to the Spaniard’s loan spell. He’s barely featured since the turn of the year. However, it seems nonsensical to send him packing with a year left on his deal, especially after the injury to Jon Flanagan. With Glen Johnson also out of contract come the end of the season, Manquillo is currently our only recognised right-back. That should be enough to ensure that he stays put, even if it’s just in a stop-gap back-up role.
2015-16 Prediction: Back-up