Adam lallana......not much change?

[lordswoodsaints]

If he is going to be a big player in pardews new setup he has to improve on that display today.

 

He was too lightweight,too easily knocked off the ball,went down far too easily and wasn't very quick getting back to his feet.

Opposition defenders will look at that display and realize they will have a quiet 90 minutes taking him out of the game.

 

Also his haircut makes him look like a Romanian orphan:-)

 

But on a serious note he really needs to up his game otherwise we might as well send 10 men out.

Rant over.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

If he is going to be a big player in pardews new setup he has to improve on that display today.

 

He was too lightweight,too easily knocked off the ball,went down far too easily and wasn't very quick getting back to his feet.

Opposition defenders will look at that display and realize they will have a quiet 90 minutes taking him out of the game.

 

Also his haircut makes him look like a Romanian orphan:-)

 

But on a serious note he really needs to up his game otherwise we might as well send 10 men out.

Rant over.

 

Made a couple of cracking challenges today!! Don't forget he was shifted out onto the left hand side after Fish pulled out yesterday. Also put some cracking reverse balls and crosses in.

[sentry]

I like the hair cut! But then i like romanian orphans!

 

But on a serious note, he was a little light weight, agreed.

[Greenridge]

You weren't too keen on him then! I'd agree with some of your points but with the right guidance and coaching he will become a very good player indeed. It's the first game of the season, give AP the chance to work some magic.

[forever a red and white]

hes not a left midfielder

[S-Clarke]

The problem with Adam is that he doesn't really have a 'position'.

 

Playing him on the flanks forces our game narrow straight away - he's not the sort of player who's going to get to the byline and cross it, he'll want to come in and run at defenders. (thus often not having the strength to get through and falling over, or running into a crowd)

 

He needs to be given a position and then learn the trade - I'd say an attacking forward, just behind the strikers - floating in between the midfield and the front players. He has got a ability to pickup pockets of space...and a pass.

 

He has immense ability - he just needs to find his solid position on the pitch and once he does he will excel.

[Faz]

I thought he put in a shift on the left today. He tracked back, tackled and made some positive contributions. MOTM he wasn't, but neither was he gash.

[lordswoodsaints]

You weren't too keen on him then! I'd agree with some of your points but with the right guidance and coaching he will become a very good player indeed. It's the first game of the season, give AP the chance to work some magic.

 

I do rate the lad but he needs to get tough otherwise he's going to get a serious injury,he sh1t out of a couple of tackles today which is not a wise thing to do.

 

I have been a bit critical of the team lately but I was pleasantly surprised today,keep up the good work.

[Stepgar]

I personally tought he had a good game today got stuck in when he had to and tried his best to get involved in attacks.

[MOSaint]

I thought Lallana was an attacking midfielder, I don't know why he isn't played there.

 

Maybe he will get a go in his best position when Mills recovers from his injury.

[lordswoodsaints]

The problem with Adam is that he doesn't really have a 'position'.

 

Playing him on the flanks forces our game narrow straight away - he's not the sort of player who's going to get to the byline and cross it, he'll want to come in and run at defenders. (thus often not having the strength to get through and falling over, or running into a crowd)

 

He needs to be given a position and then learn the trade - I'd say an attacking forward, just behind the strikers - floating in between the midfield and the front players. He has got a ability to pickup pockets of space...and a pass.

 

He has immense ability - he just needs to find his solid position on the pitch and once he does he will excel.

 

I'd agree with that,I think he is more effective just behind the front two,picking up a few loose balls and running with it.no doubt he has the skill he just needs to use them to his advantage.

[S-Clarke]

I thought Lallana was an attacking midfielder, I don't know why he isn't played there.

 

Maybe he will get a go in his best position when Mills recovers from his injury.

 

Possibly. I think the selection today was forced, with Mills out and Holmes not 100%

[Arizona]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Lallana is not a wide man. Supporting striker or attacking midfielder maybe, but he cuts inside regardless of which flank he plays on.

[JustMike]

he was switched to the left where he clearly wasnt comfortable, all of his better stuff came when he switched to the right or came through the centre.

[Saint Charlie]

Leave him alone. He will have better games but he worked bloody hard for the team! We just need to get him involved in areas where he can be dangerous ie further up the pitch!

[revolution saint]

I thought lallana did OK but none of the forwards read his passes. For this div, in an unfamiliar role he was alright. Saganowski though? He played like he has a contract sewn up at another club - I hope he does because on that performance I'd never play him again. Pay up his contract and get rid - I can take players who have motivation but not skill. Saga has limited ability and by today's showing zero inclination to put in a shift.

[Causer]

I thought lallana did OK but none of the forwards read his passes. For this div, in an unfamiliar role he was alright. Saganowski though? He played like he has a contract sewn up at another club - I hope he does because on that performance I'd never play him again. Pay up his contract and get rid - I can take players who have motivation but not skill. Saga has limited ability and by today's showing zero inclination to put in a shift.

 

That is complete rubbish. Saganowski spent the whole game running from channel to channel to chase hopeless punts into no mans land.He was left up front on his own with no support against four tough defenders who spent most of the game kicking him and yet continued to work hard.

[Arizona]

I thought lallana did OK but none of the forwards read his passes. For this div, in an unfamiliar role he was alright. Saganowski though? He played like he has a contract sewn up at another club - I hope he does because on that performance I'd never play him again. Pay up his contract and get rid - I can take players who have motivation but not skill. Saga has limited ability and by today's showing zero inclination to put in a shift.

 

I think anyone who singles Saga out from todays game is just looking for a reason to moan. He didn't exactly bust a gut, put he put himself about enough and worked well with Paterson.

 

I rate James and Lallana, but neither delivered today in terms of a quality final ball.

[revolution saint]

That is complete rubbish. Saganowski spent the whole game running from channel to channel to chase hopeless punts into no mans land.He was left up front on his own with no support against four tough defenders who spent most of the game kicking him and yet continued to work hard.

 

Nah, he showed nothing to me. I'll agree he had little service though but was rubbish when he did get the ball. As for running around? Must have missed that but surely we can get someone better to run around and achieve the square route of f**k all?

[Arizona]

Nah, he showed nothing to me. I'll agree he had little service though but was rubbish when he did get the ball. As for running around? Must have missed that but surely we can get someone better to run around and achieve the square route of f**k all?

 

He had a decent header from a standing possition first half, just wide of the left post.

He had two efforts disallowed. The first half one was wrongly disallowed IMO, the second half one was offside, although the 'keeper had stopped.

 

Though he worked well with Paterson, even though both had to deal mostly with long hoofs up the field.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Nah, he showed nothing to me. I'll agree he had little service though but was rubbish when he did get the ball. As for running around? Must have missed that but surely we can get someone better to run around and achieve the square route of f**k all?

 

Brett Ormerod anyone?

[revolution saint]

He had a decent header from a standing possition first half, just wide of the left post.

He had two efforts disallowed. The first half one was wrongly disallowed IMO, the second half one was offside, although the 'keeper had stopped.

 

Though he worked well with Paterson, even though both had to deal mostly with long hoofs up the field.

 

I've not had the benefit of video replays but any chance he had looked tame to me. Actually i don't blame him for that but i do blame him for poncing around and looking like he couldn't give one. As for chasing down channels, i didn't see enough of it it but isn't that what a centre forward is supposed to do?

[derry]

Lallana is all potential and no deliver. He never seems to get into dangerous positions and seems to float around without causing problems.

 

He is not delivering enough to be given a position such as one of the main strikers or central midfield. He does nothing wide.

 

I think along with a few others he should go back into the reserves and sort their games out in their proper positions and then take it from there.

 

If we sign four or five players that is going to have to happen. Schneiderlin couldn't be left out for Lallana.

[beatlesaint]

I thought he had a decent game today.....unlike the stupid old git sat next to me who slagged him off everytime he got the ball.....in fact he slagged every Saints player off for something or other today................there is gonna be a row long before this season is out if he carries on like that

[derry]

The main problem for the strikers was nothing coming from James and Lallana in the way of crosses or support. Until we get proper wide players we won't get the width, crosses or enough chances/goals.

 

The goal came from a long throw from Murty that Saganowski challenged for, which fell kindly for Paterson to take well.

[lordswoodsaints]

I thought he had a decent game today.....unlike the stupid old git sat next to me who slagged him off everytime he got the ball.....in fact he slagged every Saints player off for something or other today................there is gonna be a row long before this season is out if he carries on like that

 

Was it rupert lowe?:-)

[Arizona]

I've not had the benefit of video replays but any chance he had looked tame to me. Actually i don't blame him for that but i do blame him for poncing around and looking like he couldn't give one. As for chasing down channels, i didn't see enough of it it but isn't that what a centre forward is supposed to do?

 

As I said, I just don't see a case for singling him out as not putting the effort in. He is no Brett Ormerod, but he put a decent shift in IMO. A couple of decent headers, two disallowed for offside, and if I remember the goal correctly, technically it was his assist (Murty's throw in, Saga and his marker jump for it, Saga just gets the nod and it falls kindly for Pato to stab in.)

[Thedelldays]

I just dont think he is that good

[beatlesaint]

Was it rupert lowe?:-)

 

No he was wearing a Saints shirt.....Lowe never put any money into the club

[THEVMAN]

Lallana is all potential and no deliver. He never seems to get into dangerous positions and seems to float around without causing problems.

 

He is not delivering enough to be given a position such as one of the main strikers or central midfield. He does nothing wide.

 

I think along with a few others he should go back into the reserves and sort their games out in their proper positions and then take it from there.

 

If we sign four or five players that is going to have to happen. Schneiderlin couldn't be left out for Lallana.

Derry you really are like a broken record we all know you dont like Lallana but maybe leave it at that and start getting behind the team, you come across as being a real sour puss at times reeling out the same old ****e as last season.PS Are you a headmaster or a PE Teacher.

[derry]

Derry you really are like a broken record we all know you dont like Lallana but maybe leave it at that and start getting behind the team, you come across as being a real sour puss at times reeling out the same old ****e as last season.PS Are you a headmaster or a PE Teacher.

 

I tell it like it is. I have no feelings for Lallana, he isn't delivering and until he does his underperforming is reducing our efficiency. The back 5 is decent, Schneiderlin looks a class act except for his bad pass leading eventually to the penalty, Wotton was pretty inneffective, The wide players non existent, but the two up front tried hard with no real support.

 

Getting behind the team is one thing, being objective about players performances is entirely another. I don't view the team through red and white tinted spectacles.

 

No I'm neither but I have been lucky enough to complete FA coaching courses. I have supported Saints for 55 years and the football of the last three years is as bad as it gets.

 

I fully expect the team that finishes the season to have very few of the existing team in it which may well exclude Lallana.

[krissyboy31]

Actually thought Lallana did better than James did today and James was in his favoured position, whereas I doubt if AL has played LMF in his life. That said he is not a wide player and certainly couldn't understand why he wasn't pushed up front when Paterson was taken off.

[saintstr1]

I have only just logged on but after watching the game and thinking about it all afternoon, I have to say that I am in Total agreement with the original Poster. For my money Lallana was Poor today , To lightwieght and no real penatration, If clubs are prepared to pay a million for him I would say take there money and buy a couple of good players that will be effective in this league. I also thought James was not in the game today but overall the team performed OK.

[LostBoys]

I agree that Lallana was poor today but he would have have to go some to beat Lloyd James' inept performance. Could not head the ball could not pass could not cross could not tackle and watched while his midfield counterpart scored against us with an unchallenged header. He may have been an improved player last season but only from 100% rubbish to 50% rubbish. What a joke.

[Lets B Avenue]

Ah. Nice to see the Lallana love-in has started up again. A couple of nice step overs last season, after 1 goal at WBA seen by most on here on TV and he is the new messiah.

 

Well, news flash! He's cack.

 

Derry has summed up his many flaws and if Beatlesaint would like to come and sit in my row, I will gladly have a reasoned debate (or a row) about his constant inability to contribute to the team.

 

For those that say he's not a wide player, nor was their centre forward (no.20) who was shoved out to the right after our goal and gave us no end of trouble.

 

The final straw for me, was when we won a corner right at the death and when Thomson was ready to take it, Lallana wasted precious time by demanding to take it and then couldn't reach the near post and the game was over. This happened so many times last year that I cant believe he's allowed near them.

 

Sell him. Soon.

[Legod Third Coming]

He needs to bulk up and get stuck in. Leaping out of the way of tackled is how you get your legs broken!

 

The kid has talent but he's got to get bigger and stronger.

[lordswoodsaints]

Some on here suggested that lallana will be used by pardew in the same way as alan ball used letiss...... 'when you get the ball give it to Adam' but I think that pardew will be making a big mistake by doing this.

The boy undoubtedly has a bit of skill but he ain't no letiss,Matty never allowed himself to get pushed around and if he did you could bet your life that the next time he got the ball he would make that player look silly by turning him inside out.lallana spends too much time running into trouble and falling over.

Overall I think a lot of the younger players,including Adam, were chucked in at the deep end last season and I think a few of them need to take a step back to improve themselves and gain a bit of confidence.

[dellgirl]

I think some of his problem is that he has the swagger of a young lad who was told too early that he was something special and a cut above the rest. I hope AP will sort him out this season and he can get to the standard that he thinks he has already. I also think we should support our young players this season,because they need confidence to succeed for us. Schneiderlin looked gutted after making a bad pass,they are kids trying to get better..help them by getting behind them. Ps I watched the match back when I got home and Saga did put the effort in as I thought he did while watching the game.

[Andy_Porter]

We need proper widemen, it's clear for everyone to see. James and Lallana aren't wingers and shouldn't be played there. We would have been better off playing the Wotte diamond yesterday, would have been far more effective.

 

Either that or play Gobern and Thomson on the wings so we can actually threaten in midfield. If we had someone high up the pitch in a wide area Schneiderlin would be able to find them every time he got his head up and we'd be on the attack, as it was yesterday we where far too one dimensional and it didn't help that we took of Patterson and went with five in the middle and still no width, we should have stuck Lallana up with Saga if Paterson had to come off. Playing for a draw yesterday was the wrong thing to do, we should never be doing that at St Marys.

[Chez]

We need proper widemen, it's clear for everyone to see. James and Lallana aren't wingers and shouldn't be played there. We would have been better off playing the Wotte diamond yesterday, would have been far more effective.

 

Either that or play Gobern and Thomson on the wings so we can actually threaten in midfield. If we had someone high up the pitch in a wide area Schneiderlin would be able to find them every time he got his head up and we'd be on the attack, as it was yesterday we where far too one dimensional and it didn't help that we took of Patterson and went with five in the middle and still no width, we should have stuck Lallana up with Saga if Paterson had to come off. Playing for a draw yesterday was the wrong thing to do, we should never be doing that at St Marys.

 

Agreed. We need pace and dribbling ability. A threat going forward and someone that will keep the ball.

[Saint_clark]

Thought he looked very good to be honest.

Better than most of last season, anyway.

[JonnyLove]

If he is going to be a big player in pardews new setup he has to improve on that display today.

 

He was too lightweight,too easily knocked off the ball,went down far too easily and wasn't very quick getting back to his feet.

Opposition defenders will look at that display and realize they will have a quiet 90 minutes taking him out of the game.

 

Also his haircut makes him look like a Romanian orphan:-)

 

But on a serious note he really needs to up his game otherwise we might as well send 10 men out.

Rant over.

 

What game were you watching I though Lallana worked very hard and got stuck in and won most balls he challenged for personally would of preferred him to be up front with saga as MP looked more light weight.

 

Some people are just never happy

[lordswoodsaints]

What game were you watching I though Lallana worked very hard and got stuck in and won most balls he challenged for personally would of preferred him to be up front with saga as MP looked more light weight.

 

Some people are just never happy

 

What game were you watching?

 

He definatly didn't get stuck in,he jumped out of tackles and pulled his foot out of at least 1 tackle.he was too easily pushed off of the ball and spent a lot of time on the deck,after losing the ball and getting pushed over,rather than jumping quickly to his feet and chasing to get the ball back he just stayed down and the play moved off.

 

Perhaps my standards are too high,and I expect too much from him but if I was pardew I would have to think long and hard about his best position and how he can be used more effectively.

[Thedelldays]

if i was a full back..i would dread having lallana playing in front of me

[saint_ed]

I've always said the one thing that will hold Adam back in his career is the fact that he doesn't seem to have a specified position. He totally goes out of games when he plays out wide and a player in the hole is a luxury that is often difficult to accommodate effectively, particularly in the lower leagues.

[SuperSAINT]

The best place to play him at the moment (with out lack of strikers) is just in the hole, behind a lone striker.

 

4-4-1-1. Think that's the way to get the best from him.

[krissyboy31]

The best place to play him at the moment (with out lack of strikers) is just in the hole, behind a lone striker.

 

4-4-1-1. Think that's the way to get the best from him.

 

Agreed! But we would have needed to keep a hold of Stern John or sign somebody similar to play that system. We don't have a player on the books (Rasiak included) that can play upfront alone and hold the ball up for a 'hole' player and/or the midfield to join in.

[derry]

The best place to play him at the moment (with out lack of strikers) is just in the hole, behind a lone striker.

 

4-4-1-1. Think that's the way to get the best from him.

 

His performances just do not justify playing one up front with him as the second striker.

 

We have to mainly play two up front and the only reason most people talk about a withdrawn striker is they know he couldn't cope with the big defenders piling in.

 

We saw yesterday how difficult the centre backs made it when we only had one up front and anyway Lallana hardly threatened from anywhere.

 

He needs to return to the reserves and build his confidence plus coming off the bench in the first team.

 

I'm still not convinced that he isn't thinking of a move away from this league.

[eurosaint]

The problem with Adam is that he doesn't really have a 'position'.

Playing him on the flanks forces our game narrow straight away - he's not the sort of player who's going to get to the byline and cross it, he'll want to come in and run at defenders. (thus often not having the strength to get through and falling over, or running into a crowd)

 

He needs to be given a position and then learn the trade - I'd say an attacking forward, just behind the strikers - floating in between the midfield and the front players. He has got a ability to pickup pockets of space...and a pass.

 

He has immense ability - he just needs to find his solid position on the pitch and once he does he will excel.

 

100% Spot on !

So far nobody has identified exactly where he could be most effective and for sure (after yesterday) wide left of midfield is not the place !

He has ability, but it needs to be channeled in the right direction to get the best out of him and the team !

With a bit of luck AP will find a niche for him and then we'll reap the benefits, until then he will still frustrate the hell out of us !!!!

[crouchi]

Looks like he could create chances and do something different, but also looks very awkward on the ball, gets it under his feet and very prone to being caught in possession. Very difficult to justify giving him a start if we have 2 up front. Might be OK coming off the bech away from home.