New role for Lallana at Liverpool could be a masterstroke from Klopp

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Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Adam Lallana could be deployed in a new ‘Jorginho role’ going forwards.

The Englishman featured against Bradford City on Sunday in an unfamiliar holding midfield position, where he was tasked with picking the ball up from deep and recycling it in the style of the £50 million Chelsea man.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, it was certainly a new experience for Lallana, who has struggled to feature regularly for the Liverpool first-team over the past couple of years thanks in-part to injury.

Speaking after the 3-1 win, Klopp said (Quoted by Liverpool Echo): “Adam is the kind of player he can play that and he enjoys this ‘Jorginho’ role – I hope Maurizio Sarri doesn’t see the games or he will make an offer!

“It is about getting Adam rhythm, bringing him in early and doing things he is naturally good at: small spaces, passing the ball, and then from time-to-time offering the runs in behind as well and together with Milly that is possible.”

TBR’s view

Letting Lallana get to grips with such a position could be a masterstroke from Klopp.

Realistically, the former Southampton man has it tough to play his normal position regularly with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xherdan Shaqiri, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita his competition.

So him being able to play ‘the Jorginho role’ gives the manager another option, especially if Fabinho gets injured.

Many expected £110,000-a-week star Lallana (Spotrac) to be moved on this summer, but maybe this could end up prolonging his Anfield career against the odds.

It is often forgotten how good technically Lallana is, and his vision and skill could see him flourish at the base of a midfield three.