Ever-present Adam aiming to reward Klopp's trust
Featuring in every single game under Jürgen Klopp so far has allowed Adam Lallana to produce what he believes is his most consistent form for Liverpool to date – but the attacker knows even more is required moving forward.
The No.20 has started 10 of the 14 games overseen by the manager since his appointment in October and been introduced as a substitute in the other four, making for the kind of run that fortune has previously denied.
Niggling injuries and setbacks have been a source of regular frustration for Lallana in preventing the England international – such a skilled user of the ball when fit – from showing his talents more often for the Reds.
Happily, his luck now seems to have turned, but he is not prepared to leave anything to chance. Instead, the 27-year-old is plotting improvements in his own game that can help the team in any way possible.
Lallana told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’ve been playing more consistently, but the big thing that has coincided is me being back to full fitness. I’ve had a good run of games under my belt now, I feel as fit as I ever have at the club.
“It was disappointing that I started the season off with a slight injury that kept me out for two weeks, when I thought I had put that behind me last year. I’m delighted to be fit now and contributing to the team.
“It’s always good to get a run of games. Any player will tell you that when you get a good run of games, you feel naturally fit. I just feel good on the pitch. I want to be contributing more on the goals front – that’s something I’m working on, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
“The manager tinkers his team more or less for most games, which I think is a good thing – especially when you’ve got a big squad and lots of games. It keeps the squad together and you always feel a part of it; you never feel you’re in the team but you never feel you’re out of the team.
“With all that combined, it brings good feeling among the group. I’m looking forward to the next game and hopefully achieving something special this season.”
That next game involves a trip to Watford this weekend to face a side who have contributed to the unpredictable nature of the Barclays Premier League by rising to seventh with three consecutive victories.
Lallana and co have recorded a number of sensational results on the road already under Klopp – putting three, four and six past Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton respectively.
But he acknowledged the Reds may need patience if they are to claim maximum points at Vicarage Road and recover from a run of three games without a win in all competitions.
“Leicester have had all the plaudits for being so consistent throughout the year and finding themselves at the top of the league, but Watford are in seventh and are on a good run at the minute,” said the Englishman.
“[Odion] Ighalo and [Troy] Deeney have formed a ruthless partnership, so it’s going to be a very tough game but one we’ll hopefully get back to winning ways in. Each game is a different game.
“They have got a good defensive record so we might have to be a bit more ruthless. Scoring goals away from home has not been a problem of late but Watford are a different opponent and we have to go there and hopefully put on a good performance and the goals will come.”
The clash with Watford kicks off a run of four festive fixtures for Liverpool, with Leicester City to visit Anfield on Boxing Day and further journeys to Sunderland and West Ham United.
Lallana added: “It was this time last year we started a good run. It’s always important if you can be consistent in your results, you’ll always find yourself galloping up the table.
“It’s a great chance with all the games coming thick and fast to gain some momentum, use the squad and pick up some good results.”