Midfield creativity has been a huge issue for Liverpool this season as their over-reliance on their fearsome front three has seen them stumble in recent weeks in the Premier League.
Following the departure of Phillipe Coutinho last year to Barcelona, boss Jurgen Klopp has used the money recuperated to bolster the club’s defensive options by signing the likes of Alisson Becker, Fabinho and the excellent Virgil Van Dijk.
As a result of these purchases, the Reds have clearly shown a marked improvement at one end of the pitch yet in doing so have sacrificed a fair share of their attacking abilities. The failure of securing a deal to bring in Nabil Fekir last summer from Olympique Lyonnais has left Klopp’s side clearly lacking a spark at times in the Premier League this season.
Goalless draws on their travels at Everton and Manchester United in the last month has emphasised the chasm in midfield options between Liverpool and Premier League leaders Manchester City. Whereas Guardiola’s side has the luxury of choosing between the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, the Reds’ lack of squad depth may make all the difference in this year’s title race.
In order to address this issue next season, Klopp has to give up on the failed project of trying to get Adam Lallana back to his best.
Having moved to Anfield for a fee reported to be in the region of £25m by the Guardian in 2014 following an immensely successful spell with Southampton, the midfielder seemingly had all the hallmarks of becoming a world class talent.
Yet despite impressing initially in his first two seasons at the club, Lallana’s development was hampered by a myriad of injury problems which saw him miss 18 games for the Reds. The England international’s habit of spending far too much time sidelined has continued in the last three years as he has been unavailable for selection for a further 49 matches.
However, even when fit and playing for Liverpool, Lallana has been very inconsistent with the play-maker only producing glimmers of his talent during his five year spell at Anfield.
In terms of this season, it is clear that Klopp has a decision to make in the summer as the former AFC Bournemouth star has been incredibly underwhelming having yet to register a goal or assist in 15 appearances in all competitions.
If the Reds are to build a squad that can dominate both in the Premier League and in Europe over the next five years, they simply have to get rid of some of the deadwood in their squad. Unfortunately for Lallana, his form this season means that he has to be one of the players to depart in the upcoming transfer window.
The sale of the midfielder could suit both parties as for Liverpool, they can use some of the funds to bring in a young, exciting creative player whilst Lallana could also benefit from a new start elsewhere which could allow him to re-build his career.
What do you think Liverpool fans? Should Klopp give up on Lallana? Or does the England international still have what it takes to perform at the top level? Let us know below.