Recently, on Anfield Alive’s twitter account I posed a question. Would you rather see Arda Turan or Adam Lallana represent Liverpool Football Club? The response to this question was outstanding and the voting ended in a deadlock between the two playmakers. This made me wonder on who I would rather welcome into the club. My choice ultimately went to the Southampton man and here is why…
Firstly, lets have a look at the man that missed the cut. The talented Turkish man currently plays for Atletico Madrid but has a long history of transfer speculation regarding Liverpool. In 2009 Rafael Benitiez made a 10 million move for Turan but that failed to materialize as he made the move to Spain. On numerous occasions Turan has been quoted as saying he would like to play for the club and has even been seen in the kit on social media sites leading many people to think that this big money move could happen. Still, five years on he has not set foot onto Anfield Road and, with summer approaching and agents deliberating, whispers of the Turk coming to the club have resurfaced again.
In terms of what he could bring to the project that Brendan is installing is experience and a cool head. Also a proven quality in the champions league as one of the key members of his sides sudden rise to prominence. Our manager has installed youth into a side lacking goals and creativity but Brendan will know how hard it will be next season. Having to deal with the Premier League, two domestic cups and Champions League football will be no easy task. You need proven stars who can handle playing that often and know the physical demands a champions league campaign will demand. If Arda doesn’t fit the bill for a player possessing all of that and more then your expectations are too high. This will be the main reasoning as to why Brendan will want him aside from the fact that Liverpool are long term admirers.
Arda Turan: Statistics
This season, 39 appearances: Goals- 9
Assists- 6
Provided, these stats are not standout but he is a natural leader. A tactician in the centre of the park that teamates look for when they are in trouble. Always relied upon and very hardly fails, this is why he demands a hefty price tag of 40 million euros. When you have someone like this in your team it provides a calmness, a Steven Gerrard type figure in a less obvious way as he is not the main leader for his club – a side note as to why Atletico are able to achieve the great things they have this season. Lots of leaders surrounded by talented players with ego’s to match can only do well.
Adam Lallana
Next, we have a look at my pick. Adam Lallana has begun a rapid rise to stardom with the youthful set-up that is currently in place at Southampton. Captain of his club and a potential starting 11 place on the biggest stage with his country, the world is his oyster. At 26 he cannot be considered a upcoming talent but can certainly not be put into the bracket of your average Premier League player. This season he has been at his best, and the best attract the best, therefore Liverpool are now after him. Competition is said to be in the form of Manchester United but it is said he is willing to risk losing the status he has gained at Southampton for Champions League football. Unless you switch first with seven (ironically that is what has happened this year ) Manchester United cannot offer him this and the relationship within the LFC camp that is being portrayed to onlookers is an appealing one to players like the 26 year old.
The Englishman provides experience that will count over the majority of the season, PREMIER LEAGUE EXPERIENCE! Adjusting to this country is a daunting task as many talented men have found out. Who is to say Turan will not be the same, many players come from various leagues with great records in various departments and in England, he is your average Danny Welbeck. The same cannot be said for this playmaker as he has shown the league what he is capable of. Numerous times this season he has shown why big clubs are courting him. He knows the physical demands of the Premier League and this will impress the Liverpool hierarchy. Adding this English talent will have Rodgers licking his lips.
Adam Lallana: Statistics
This season, 34 Premier league games: Goals- 9
Assists- 6
In five less appearances than his opponent he has as many goals and assists. Let’s all remember the quality of the sides they are playing in. Southampton with their beautiful passing football and deadly counters have impressed many but they are no Atletico. The difference in the two teams is visible to anyone with a football brain, so Lallana in a worse team in a harder league has the same statistics. To add to this the difference in games is five in favour of the English lad.
Conclusion
Both players have a lot to offer the club but the choice is simple. Stats do not lie and the price tag speaks volumes. Liverpool do not need to strengthen the attack in comparison with other positions so the less the spent the better. My man is rumoured for £20m whilst Turan is double that. Turan has a buy that will turn heads but is not needed. Also, if Manchester United want Lallana I urge Liverpool to do their best to make sure he wears the colours of (hopefully) the newest league champions!
Here were the opinions we received. Follow these fans!
@dersnickricco: “no difference in age, Will Opt for Turan”
@ChillaVid: “#Lallana has Premier League experience… I think he’s a better choice”
@callummmlfc: “lallana Anyday great dribbler on the ball, has great vision and can smash one top corner!”
@RileysLiverpool: “Turan and his beard all day”
@Jasonbranagan79: “Arda Turan all day long mayb both!!!”
@HAMED_THE_REDS: “Turan for sure. Lallana wont have more than a good season in a lifetime and that is already finished”
@MattyJared: “he’s had two good ones already. Turan would be great, but Lallana already pl proven.”
@consey4real: “lallana all day long”
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