Why Adam Lallana could be an excellent stop-gap solution for Everton
According to the Daily Star (h/t Daily Express), Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing a shock summer transfer for Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana.
Attacking midfielder Lallana’s current contract at the Anfield is set to expire this summer and the Reds are yet to pen down a new deal despite having the option to extend his stay for another year.
With such a situation prevailing at the moment, many rival clubs including Everton have shown an interest in the 32-year-old Lallana. Moreover, the absence of an asking price has made him a cheaper option given the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
That said, Everton’s interest in Lallana makes complete sense as they are in need of reinforcements to strengthen their attack next season. Ancelotti’s Toffees are in real need of some firepower after managing just 37 league goals from 29 league outings that saw them slip down to a lowly 12th in the table.
Moreover, Everton lacks depth and creativity in their attack, with veteran Gylfi Sigurdsson being the lone attacking midfielder within the side at the moment. Sigurdsson, on the other hand, has had a poor season so far, having managed just one goal and two assists despite featuring 26 times in the league.
Most of Everton’s goals this season have come from the boots of in-form strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, who have together scored 23 of the team’s 37 league goals. With Sigurdsson’s form taking a sudden dip and the side clearly in need of a new face in its attack, an attempt to sign Lallana seems like a welcome sign for the Toffees.
In Lallana, Everton will have an experienced player in midfield
Lallana is a proven customer who has 22 goals and as many assists from a total of 178 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. The 32-year-old seasoned campaigner was a regular feature in the Liverpool line-up until the 2016-17 season after his move from rivals Southampton in 2014.
However, a series of injuries following that period put his starting place under contention with the player ultimately falling down the pecking order under manager Jurgen Klopp.
With the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, and many others dominating the Reds midfield, Lallana has found it increasingly difficult to nail down a spot in the first-team line-up.
Despite that, Lallana has managed 22 appearances for Klopp’s side this term, giving a clear idea of the talent that he is. Also, having made 196 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Southampton and Bournemouth, he is full of experience.
He has also scored 30 goals and provided 31 assists in the Premier League altogether, meaning his inclusion will definitely help a struggling midfield like Everton. Hence, Ancelotti should sign Lallana.
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Verdict
Everton just have Sigurdsson in the attacking midfield role and considering his poor form at the moment, Lallana’s arrival will only make them stronger. Moreover, his experience will be a valuable asset for a struggling midfield like Everton.
