Brighton Hove & Albion announced the signing of England international Adam Lallana last week. The midfielder, who ended an eight-year-long stay in the Merseyside, became the first signing of the season for the Seagulls after agreeing on a three-year contract.
Following the appointment of Graham Potter last year, Brighton’s change in their style of play has been very evident. The Englishman has ushered in an attacking first approach rather than the defensive approach of former manager Chris Houghton. Now into his second season at the Amex, Potter will be hoping to further perfect his style of play this season.
But, is a 32-year-old Adam Lallana a good signing for the Seagulls? Is he a player capable of playing the ”Potterball”?
Why Adam Lallana Could Prove Pivotal for Brighton & Hove Albion
Premier League Experience
Over the years, the Premier League has proven to be tough on players without any experience in the league. The fast-paced and physical nature of the league has seen many players struggling to adjust to it. Being a veteran of close to 200 Premier League games, Adam Lallana would need no further time for adjustments.
Comparing the midfielder’s stats with the current Brighton squad reveals a lack of Premier League experience in the team. Only three players – Lewis Dunk, Matt Ryan, Davy Propper have over 100 league appearances. While further inspections reveal just around thirteen players with 50 or more league appearances in the squad.
Adding a player like Lallana indicates Graham Potter is looking to address that issue.
Suited for the System
Graham Potter’s ‘Potterball’ and Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal style of football have more things in common than not. Both of these managers use a high-pressing and possession-based game with an emphasis on building from the back. The differences in both systems have been the quality of players in both squads.
Lallana was a key player in Klopp’s system. He was the first poster boy of Klopp’s Gegenpress before injury hampered his progress. With Potter implementing a similar style, the 32-year-old should ease into his new life at the Amex.
Having moved away from the bright lights of Liverpool, if Lallana can rediscover his old form, he could be one of the best signings for this season.
Quality Addition
At 32, he is just past his prime. He may have lost a chunk of his pace, but the Englishman is still one of the best technically gifted players in the league. His ability to score in important games, creative skills and his dribbling ability make him a valuable addition to any side.
Despite being on the fringes, Lallana still managed to play a vital role in the Reds’ squad. The Englishman, despite his loss in form and injuries, managed to make fifteen appearances in the league and even pop up with a crucial goal against Manchester United.
One of the issues for Brighton this season has been their lack of quality in midfield. Due to this, the Seagulls were forced to use the same midfield on several occasions. Now, adding Lallana could improve and increase their midfield strength. Moreover, he could also ease the pressure on the other midfielders in the team.
Another issue for Brighton has been their lack of goals. Their midfield, in particular, have been a failure in front of goal, with just Aaron Mooy and Pascal Gross having two or more goals in the league. Lallana, despite making only three starts, still managed to score a goal. The Englishman could be one of the answers for Brighton’s lack of midfield goals. It was just a couple of seasons ago when the midfielder scored eight and provided seven assists.
The former Liverpool star would versatility could also help Potter provide much-needed depth and quality to the Brighton squad.
Mentor
Lallana is a player who has played in the first three tiers of the English game. He has suffered relegation, achieved promotion and won the Premier League. Along with that, he is one of the few players to have been named in the PFA Team of the Year in three different tiers of the English system. Adding the Football League trophy, Champions League, Super Cup and the Club World Cup, you get a player who has won quite a lot in his career.
Brighton, being a relatively inexperienced squad, could use the wealth of experience provided by the midfielder. Having suffered long-term injuries himself, the England international could be the perfect player to help the younger players during their injury rehabilitation period. His winning-mentality also could play a vital role during the crunch games in the next season.
With Brighton offering a coaching role in the contract, the Seagulls provide a perfect platform for Lallana to start the next phase of his career.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
