Adam Lallana has yet to play for Liverpool this season. And he has been missed. Nursing a thigh injury that he sustained in August, the talented midfielder has been forced to watch Jürgen Klopp's squad in the early going. But when he returns, his manager will face a difficult decision.
Lallana has been an important part of Klopp's side, and the manager values the former Southampton captain. In case there was any doubt, Jurgen Klopp inked Lallana to a new deal this year. Lallana joined the Reds in July 2014 and has since demonstrated his attacking ability. Last year Lallana added eight goals. More importantly, his attacking ability and pressure provided many more chances for his teammates. Lallana is a strong finisher who also excels at quick, short passes. In addition, he provides value defensively, mainly by applying constant pressure on the opposition. There is no doubt that Liverpool have missed him in the early part of this campaign.
Which explains why it was such big news today that he was training outside with his teammates today. When he was injured in the beginning of August, it was stated he would miss "a couple of months." We are in the later part of the second month so perhaps his return is closer than people realize.
But, what will Klopp do when he returns? Who will lose playing time when he's on the pitch? These are the difficult questions that Jurgen Klopp will have to answer.
The midfield is already crowded with Jordan Henderson, Gino Wijnaldum, and Emre Can seeing the bulk of the action early. Then add Philippe Coutinho who is working his way back to full fitness. Plus the addition of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain further crowds the midfield. And then there is the secondary captain James Milner who has yet to see significant time. And we won't even go into the younger players wanting to crack the lineup. While it is true that Coutinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain could see some time in the front three, for the most part Klopp is set with an attacking front of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah.
So that leaves Wijnaldum, Henderson, Can, Coutinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, and Lallana to fight for 3 spots. Seven players. Three positions available.
What will Klopp do? He does not often reveal his thinking ahead of time so it's really anybody's guess. But he has seven players to juggle. Perhaps he will rotate them with a busy schedule. Probably so. But what will be his ideal three?
None of the seven are particularly defensive in nature, perhaps outside of James Milner. So, if Klopp was interested in providing more protection for the back four, Milner you would think would get the nod. However, Klopp has not looked to do so and instead has used Henderson as the holding midfielder. Henderson's form this year has not been good. Saying he's been average is probably being kind. Still, he is Klopp's captain and I expect Klopp will allow him to play his way into form. I expect Milner to see some time there but Henderson to see the bulk of the action.
That leaves two spots left, more attacking in nature. Philippe Coutinho is the obvious candidate for one of them. He is Liverpool's best playmaker. The other spot should go to Lallana, who combined with Coutinho will provide a serious threat to defenses. Neither Coutinho nor Lallana are regular 90 minute players, so Wijnaldum, Can, and Oxlade-Chamberlain could see time coming in during the second half. Plus, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be used to spell Salah or Mane.
To me, Klopp's best option would be Henderson as a holding midfielder with Coutinho and Lallana playing in front of him. Do you agree with this strategy and like that midfield? What changes, if any, would you make? And what do you think Klopp will do? Time to react. Comment and let me know your thoughts. If you enjoyed the read, please share the story.