Adam Lallana has returned to training for Liverpool and will be launching an attempt at reclaiming a place for himself in the team. The player was out of action for a long time and is yet to start in a single match in the new season since recovering from a thigh injury. However, with the Reds set to welcome Southampton next week, Lallana will be hoping to feature.
Earlier in the season, the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho were one of the strongest attackers in the league. With Lallana expected to return, it will be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp manages with the changing dynamics. Known for being an energetic presence up front, the return of Lallana will undoubtedly strengthen Liverpool’s attack further.
In fact, he is known for playing a high-pressing game while making incisive runs ahead. These are two aspects Liverpool have lacked at times in their midfielders, so the Englishman’s return will be a boost.
Sadio Mane has also recovered from his injury, and if he can stay on the pitch Coutinho and Lallana will have to compete for the one midfield spot. While it wouldn’t hurt to have two quality players like Lallana and Coutinho competing, it will be a challenge for Klopp to get Lallana and Coutinho into his starting lineup without moving the Brazilian to the front three.
Klopp has no easy way of doing it, but just having them available all at once makes Liverpool stronger, even if they don’t start together. So far, Klopp has not been able to rotate the team, especially when it comes to the attack. That will be likely to change over the coming weeks with Lallana’s presence.
Klopp fielded a 4-4-2 formation last weekend at West Ham and the change worked as Liverpool looked solid for most of the game while attacking relentlessly. They comfortably recorded a 4-1 win, and the tactical change allowed Klopp to add more solidity at the back. However, even with that change, it is difficult to see where either Coutinho or Lallana would fit. In Klopp’s regular 4-3-3, though, it is possible to include both in the midfield with either Jordan Henderson or Emre Can.
While that could strip them of defensive power, it must be noted that most of their opponents at Anfield have often shied away from attacking. Thus, if they opt to strengthen their attack by adding both Coutinho and Lallana, it could be a good idea. Klopp is yet to deal with the change but considering the situation, it is most definitely a welcome change for the manager.
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