Liverpool have defied everyone's expectations this season and are still in this title race. Liverpool were undone by the stalwart and quite frankly, annoying Chelsea defense on Sunday. Mourinho exploited Liverpool's weaknesses, forcing them to try and break them down around the 18 yard box. Liverpool are very much a counter-attacking team, not usually ones to score from great distances. Gerrard, Coutinho and even Allen took shot after shot, all of them straight at Schwartzer. Liverpool's midfield has greatly improved this season thanks in large part to Rodgers' great management, but there still needs to be more tact and skill in our midfield ranks. In my opinion Liverpool needs to sign one more midfield player in order to mount another title challenge next year, and that player is Adam Lallana.
Lallana was impressive last season, but even more so this season. He is the long standing captain of Southampton, his boyhood club. He is nearly 26 years old and is in the form of his life, scoring a total of 10 goals this season. He has a very good claim to be named in Hodgson's World Cup squad. He has been named in the Team of the Season for his performances.
Lallana plays in a number 10 role, as an attacking midfielder, but is able to be deployed in multiple midfield roles. He plays much like Coutinho, but more effectively in my opinion. His passing and shooting is superior to Coutinho's and I would like to see him take his place in the starting lineup. We must remember that Coutinho is only 21 years old and has a long way to go yet. He will continue to improve under Rodgers but I believe that improvement is needed immediately in order to succeed next season.
Lallana is the main reason for Southampton's great form this season. Their style of quick,attacking football is very similar to that of Liverpool's. He will fit in perfectly with Rodgers' squad and be a success for many years for the Reds. He will cost a pretty penny, probably in the region of 20 million pounds, but that should not be a problem as Liverpool will be due a big payout for reaching next season's Champions League, which will also help to convince players of Lallana's quality to join.
