Adam Lallana: The engine behind Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool

From being an ineffective wide man under Brendan Rodgers to the leader of Liverpool’s pressing game, Lallana has come a long way. While most players tend to hit their prime at an age of 24 to 27, the former Southampton man has defied the trend elevating his performance to a whole new level at an age of 28.

“Whatever he has done different to me, I think he has done to everyone. It isn’t just myself. As a team we are performing to a high level. I am enjoying working with him, I feel I have really good relationship with him and that he trusts me. I trust him as well and when you have that connection, he can say stuff to you that you don't want to hear and it doesn't feel negative or personal. It's always just business-related and wanting to win.” the 28-year-old was quoted saying.

Simply put, the Englishman is in form of his life.

Often used as a wide man under Brendan Rodgers, Lallana proved to be a  weak link in the front line, his lack of pace acting as a constant hindrance in the final third. After Klopp took over, he was employed in a much-deeper role playing as a midfielder. Many eyebrows were raised in the beginning of the season watching Lallana starting in an unfamiliar midfield position. It is, however, proving to be a masterstroke from the German. The 28-year-old has been smooth as silk in midfield. The midfielder is now arriving in the box late, timing his runs to perfection and finding spaces to score and create goals. With his nimble feet and football intelligence along with pressing ability and work rate, Lallana has become one of the most influential member of the team. 

Also, he has the record of covering more ground than any other player in a match this season, his mammoth 13.7km run against West Ham a point in this case. The run outdistanced the previous record of 13.1km, set by Lallana himself in the 4-1 victory against Leicester City.

Lallana has been pivotal for Liverpool this season, stats proving the same as Liverpool’s win-rate with Lallana in the playing eleven is 77% with ten wins in thirteen matches. Without him, the winning-percentage drops to 25%, with just one win in four matches. Also, Liverpool has scored 44 goals in 16 appearances when Lallana started for the reds while they managed only 2 goals when the former Southampton was out due to injury.

While Mane, Firmino, and Coutinho have often been named as Liverpool’s best player this season from many pundits, there is substantial evidence that Lallana has been in fact, more influential and crucial for Liverpool this season.

Playing under a manager who trusts him and thinks highly of his talents has given Lallana the confidence which he has taken on to the field. The Englishman is relishing the new midfield role as his influence in the team grows. Liverpool’s number 20 looks set to play a decisive role for the reds as they look to overhaul Chelsea in the Premier League title race in coming days.