Adam Lallana warned about Liverpool FC signing ahead of comeback
John Aldridge warns Liverpool FC midfielder Adam Lallana about increased competition for a starting spot
John Aldridge has warned Adam Lallana that he is facing a battle to get back into the Liverpool FC team.
The England international has been sidelined since the start of the season with a knee problem to continue his injury-hit Liverpool career following his move in 2015.
Jurgen Klopp signed Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a £40m deal on transfer deadline day after the 24-year-old opted to move to Liverpool ahead of defending Premier League champions Chelsea.
Lallana scored eight goals and made four assists in 31 appearances in the Premier League last term to help Klopp’s men secured fourth spot in the Champions League.
Oxlade-Chamberlain made a slow start to his Liverpool career but the England midfielder made back-to-back starts against Slovenian side Maribor and West Ham United.
The ex-Southampton midfielder scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium in their last top-flight fixture.
Former Liverpool striker Aldridge warned Lallana that he could struggle to secure a first-team spot amid competitions from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Philippe Coutinho.
“It’s great to hear Adam Lallana is close to a return because it’s all about options with Jurgen Klopp,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.
“Adam being fit gives us an option, and he’ll know he has to fight to win his place back.
“He’s been injured far too much and it’s unfortunate, but he’ll be under no illusions he has more of a fight than ever to hold down a place in this midfield with Philippe Coutinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also available there.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a headache for Klopp, but it’s a good headache. If he goes three up front with the three you expect him to, where does he fit in? You’ve got to consider Gini Wijnaldum and Emre Can in that central midfield position too.”
Liverpool are 12 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City to leave their title hopes in tatters.
The Reds have never won the Premier League title.
