Adam Is Going Backwards

[Crab Lungs]

This really is a board riddled by mongs.

[Elmore]

I know that I am risking the wrath of many on here by daring to criticise one of our very own hero's but Adam Lallana has not progressed since the middle of last term IMO. He looks disinterested and has been giving the ball away far too easily for my liking. He will be given a lot of slack by most on here because he is one of our hero's from the day but he does need to show a lot of improvement from what he has shown during the friendlies as far as I'm concerned.

 

Couldn't disagree more. he looks like he is in tip top condition. Watching him in the friendlies his technique is outstanding and he even seems to have found / added an extra bit of pace over short distances. He did not look out of place against any Udinese player.

[Cheese on Toast]

Dunno about Adam, but some people on this forum are definitely backwards

[The9]

didnt Lambert have more assists?

 

Possibly, I didn't realise the big target man's knock-down was such a prized asset in the Premier League over skilful footwork and beating players though. Mind you I wish Lambert would teach Lallana how to hit a ball.

[Le Timmier]

Probably best to play pre-season games behind closed doors I think.

 

Absolutely

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

£7m may be a bit cheap, but certainly wouldn't go for more than £10-12m. And I think that's cos I overrate him cos he plays for us.

[Jonnyboy]

Adam was on the radio a few weeks ago (tea interval at the Rose Bowl) and I think they said he is due to become a father for the first time soon. From what I remember they said between manure and arsenal, so it is probably a stressful time for him.

 

Fairplay Adam.

 

I'd stalk his Mrs anyday.

[S-Clarke]

I didn't think he had the best game on Saturday, a bit sloppy with his touch and retention, but he was awesome against Ajax I thought, awesome enough to have their manager single him out for praise.

 

Stop trying to find problems where there aren't any.

[Saint Malc]

This really is a board riddled by mongs.

 

What a fantastic, well reasoned, reply. You substantiate your very own statement perfectly.

[Turkish]

This really is a board riddled by mongs.

 

This.

[Crab Lungs]

What a fantastic, well reasoned, reply. You substantiate your very own statement perfectly.

 

Ok, fair enough, I'll give you the courtesy of a reasoned reply.

 

 

Yes, your opinion is valid, as is Noodles, as is mine and everyone else's. However, some of the comments and bedwetting on here is absolutely incredible. I responded in amazement because I was dumbfounded as to how anyone could make an assessment on Lallana without a competitive ball being kicked. IMO, Lallana has been and continues to be a great asset and servant of this football club and whilst that doesn't absolve him of any criticism, some of the crap I read on here is ludicrous.

[derry]

I don't think he is influential enough in the centre of midfield. He was much better on the left in the last ten minutes against Udinese. A big concern is the midfield's lack of pace.

[Verbal Kint]

I don't think he is influential enough in the centre of midfield. He was much better on the left in the last ten minutes against Udinese. A big concern is the midfield's lack of pace.

 

I disagree. He was outstanding against Ajax and has always looked as if playing centrally in a 3 with a license to roam would suit him perfectly. Pace out wide (being able to support the lone striker) is still a problem, but i don't see the central midfield area as being weak.

 

With Morgan, Cork, Davis, Hammond and the promising emergence of Ward-Prowse to compliment Lallana i think we're well stocked there

[Cheese on Toast]

I don't think he is influential enough in the centre of midfield. He was much better on the left in the last ten minutes against Udinese. A big concern is the midfield's lack of pace.

 

Ahem Steve De Ridder

[Saint Fan CaM]

I think Lallana's issue(s) are as much about the position he is being asked to play as about his basic ability. Same with JayRod. To have 2 players not performing to the top of their game is one thing, but add into the mix Lambert and pretty much 3/4 of our attacking capability is failing. This new system may be the way forward, but it's far too early to switch with the current players in the squad AND expect to suddenly start winning games.

 

Having said all that, Lallana used to strike some impressive goals from outside the box - when did that get coached out of him? Rickie and Guly have hit some belters, but how often do we see that now? Simple fact is we don't have the pace through the middle of the field to allow such attacks to take place - it's always going out to the wings to either cross or cut-in. The prem opposition are going to be too quick and canny to allow us to gain advantage that way most of the time (as demonstrated by Udinese).

[SFC Forever]

To try putting this into perspective why not try comparing him to Drew Surman who when he left was regarded in much the same vein by lots of us as to his prospects.

[up and away]

I don't think he is influential enough in the centre of midfield. He was much better on the left in the last ten minutes against Udinese. A big concern is the midfield's lack of pace.

 

The worrying thing is that this is just a continuation of his lesser form that we saw in the run in for the NCP. The other point is that none of our forwards look like they can take up the slack to make a difference. We still did it last season with our brand of pass and move but that is lost for the moment or just not effective enough at this higher level.

 

We need a far more mobile forward line of something like Lallana, Sharp and Jrod but no guarantees we can get that to work. Maybe even Lallana, Chung and Jrod could be that combo, I don't know. All that I do know is that I have not seen it yet.

[Thedelldays]

The worrying thing is that this is just a continuation of his lesser form that we saw in the run in for the NCP. The other point is that none of our forwards look like they can take up the slack to make a difference. We still did it last season with our brand of pass and move but that is lost for the moment or just not effective enough at this higher level.

 

We need a far more mobile forward line of something like Lallana, Sharp and Jrod but no guarantees we can get that to work. Maybe even Lallana, Chung and Jrod could be that combo, I don't know. All that I do know is that I have not seen it yet.

 

Christ

You make out that we have Been struggling to score goals and create chances!!!!

 

We were one of the highest scoring teams in the country weren't we?

 

What's got into people

[Viking Warrior]

Do my fellow fans on here deliberately find fault in our team . I was looking forward the season but from being optimistic I'm now queing for the it hen bridge jump off finals . This forum should be renamed saints pessimism forum

[jimbojones10]

WOW. worst thread of the summer, and thats saying something. THE SEASON HASNT STARTED YET, PRE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING MATCH FITNESS!!!!!

[NickG]

I know that I am risking the wrath of many on here by daring to criticise one of our very own hero's but Adam Lallana has not progressed since the middle of last term IMO. He looks disinterested and has been giving the ball away far too easily for my liking. He will be given a lot of slack by most on here because he is one of our hero's from the day but he does need to show a lot of improvement from what he has shown during the friendlies as far as I'm concerned.

 

Don't know you so don't want to get personal.... but its hard when responding to such crap!

 

In summary, a player isn't playing as well or as committed, in your opinion, in pre-season as he did in the middle of the season when we were top of the league and going for back to back promotions??!!

 

Friendlies are crap, so not bothered with any this season - I can't judge then...but neither can anyone else particularly!

 

I did hear the end of the Ajax game on C5 and their manager raved about him. Guess he is just a Saints fan who can't criticise Lallana!

[The9]

WOW. worst thread of the summer, and thats saying something. THE SEASON HASNT STARTED YET, PRE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING MATCH FITNESS!!!!!

 

Yes, but preseason matches aren't JUST about that.

[The9]

I think Lallana's issue(s) are as much about the position he is being asked to play as about his basic ability. Same with JayRod. To have 2 players not performing to the top of their game is one thing, but add into the mix Lambert and pretty much 3/4 of our attacking capability is failing. This new system may be the way forward, but it's far too early to switch with the current players in the squad AND expect to suddenly start winning games.

 

Having said all that, Lallana used to strike some impressive goals from outside the box - when did that get coached out of him? Rickie and Guly have hit some belters, but how often do we see that now? Simple fact is we don't have the pace through the middle of the field to allow such attacks to take place - it's always going out to the wings to either cross or cut-in. The prem opposition are going to be too quick and canny to allow us to gain advantage that way most of the time (as demonstrated by Udinese).

 

To be fair he only ever used to cut inside and scuff a bending shot into the inside netting, they were never that "impressive". Fair comment about lack of pace through the middle, assuming you mean Lambert.

 

Sharp, Lee, De Ridder, Rodriguez are all fast enough to get onto a through ball, though we don't generally play them - and that criticism is fair enough.

Edited 13 August, 2012 by The9

[Noodles34]

In response to the OP, I cant comment as i havent been to any friendlies.

 

I would like to know, how many people, honestly, four years ago, were so impressed by Lallana that they thought he wouldn't be here now?

 

I dont think the OP is suggesting he is crap, and i am certainly not. I appreciate reasoned argument, but people saying 'mongs' etc, well, if that is their argument, says it all really.

 

Its funny, you can have a debate at work or down the pub etc. and everyone is fine with each other, even if they disagree, on here, you are just ridiculed or abused, because you dont have to look them in the face. Take Alpine Saint, some of the abuse he lays out to people when they dare to disagree or question his tactics (changing headlines to suit etc.) is pitiful, and if he was in the company of others he just wouldn't say these things, because he would get a smack.

[krissyboy31]

FFS. This time last year, some were questioning whether he was good enough for the Championship. Now because he got overran by an Italian Champions League qualifier in a preseason friendly he's no good! Christ on a bike!!

[aintforever]

I think you can read too much into pre-season games. We've had some shockers in the past and still gone on to have a good season.

[Ohio Saint]

The season started and I missed it!? Damn!!!

[Leicestersaint]

Adam is our best player.

[saint_stevo]

FFS this thread can **** right off. Some saints fans are bigger ****s than i imagined

[dronskisaint]

I know that I am risking the wrath of many on here by daring to criticise one of our very own hero's but Adam Lallana has not progressed since the middle of last term IMO. He looks disinterested and has been giving the ball away far too easily for my liking. He will be given a lot of slack by most on here because he is one of our hero's from the day but he does need to show a lot of improvement from what he has shown during the friendlies as far as I'm concerned.

 

This must just be attention seeking...please take a pill or something?

[Noodles34]

Adam is our best player.

 

thats an opinion, not a fact. i would rather see lambert and even morgan in the team ahead of him, thats my opinion

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

The OP is talking nonsense, but Lallana is such a important player for us that moving him from his customary left side position is itself something of a gamble. I've only seen him once this pre season (v Wolves) and based on that very limited evidence AL didn't look at his most effective playing behind the striker.

 

I seldom talk about formations because (after the debacle of Jan Poortvliet and the 2008/9 season) the prospect of arguing 442/433 ... etc again makes my brain ache to be frank, but if the players can't adapt to the formation then the manager will have to adapt the formation to the players - or face the consequences. It may not be too much of a exaggeration to say that his job, and more importantly our survival prospects, depend upon NA getting the best out of our better players - included Adam Lallana of course.

 

Dr Chapel End Charlie MA, renowned expert in the bleedin' obvious.

[Saint Malc]

FFS this thread can **** right off. Some saints fans are bigger ****s than i imagined

 

Fans can be a bit one dimensional. It's OK to have your hero, put your hands in your ears and shout la-la-la so you can't hear anyone else's view but the fact of the matter is; Adam has not played to his best since the middle of last season. I'm not just talking about pre-season friendlies, I'm talking about competitive matches. I love Adam to bits and I'm just looking for a bit of an improvement that's all. You can call me all the names you like, I'm old enough and ugly enough to take it, but that's my opinion and the above post does very little to suggest to me that everyone can discuss this with a sensible counter-view.

 

Thank you CL for a well put reply.

[Noodles34]

Funny, tonight my Mrs caught me on here, "on that Saints forum again, eh?" "he's a better player, nah, nah, nah, you're w anker if you think that blah, blah, I know more about football than you, yabba, yabba, yabba!"

 

Blimey, I didnt realise she read it as well!

[Monk]

Adam is fine. leave it, lock this thread.

 

Have a fiddle.

[saint_stevo]

Fans can be a bit one dimensional. It's OK to have your hero, put your hands in your ears and shout la-la-la so you can't hear anyone else's view but the fact of the matter is; Adam has not played to his best since the middle of last season. I'm not just talking about pre-season friendlies, I'm talking about competitive matches. I love Adam to bits and I'm just looking for a bit of an improvement that's all. You can call me all the names you like, I'm old enough and ugly enough to take it, but that's my opinion and the above post does very little to suggest to me that everyone can discuss this with a sensible counter-view.

 

Thank you CL for a well put reply.

 

Ok, so if someone started a thread of 'Hitler was on to something and the Jews had it coming' you would accept that as opinion and discuss in a rounded fashion? Even though any argument agreeing is so obviously wrong. Forums are about expressing your thoughts but when they are clearly utter BS you deserve all the abuse under the sun. End of

[The9]

Tch, Godwin's Law, you lose, Stevo.

[saints1988]

This is crazy why is anyone questioning Adam lallana? I for one think Adam is without doubt our best player. Every pre season review has had lallana as our star man and people our questioning his abiltiy? Take a long hard look at yourselves if you doubt Adam we have no chance in staying up. FFS GET A GRIP!!!

[Noodles34]

Ok, so if someone started a thread of 'Hitler was on to something and the Jews had it coming' you would accept that as opinion and discuss in a rounded fashion? Even though any argument agreeing is so obviously wrong. Forums are about expressing your thoughts but when they are clearly utter BS you deserve all the abuse under the sun. End of

 

what a pathetic attempt at an anology, A footballer arguably not playing to his potential and a man who killed 6 million people, very clever mate.

 

Maybe that entitles you to all the abuse under the sun.

[Amazing Hangover]

Not to be pedantic, but Gniog is Going backwards.

[derry]

The OP is talking nonsense, but Lallana is such a important player for us that moving him from his customary left side position is itself something of a gamble. I've only seen him once this pre season (v Wolves) and based on that very limited evidence AL didn't look at his most effective playing behind the striker.

 

I seldom talk about formations because (after the debacle of Jan Poortvliet and the 2008/9 season) the prospect of arguing 442/433 ... etc again makes my brain ache to be frank, but if the players can't adapt to the formation then the manager will have to adapt the formation to the players - or face the consequences. It may not be too much of a exaggeration to say that his job, and more importantly our survival prospects, depend upon NA getting the best out of our better players - included Adam Lallana of course.

 

Dr Chapel End Charlie MA, renowned expert in the bleedin' obvious.

 

This is the blindingly obvious conclusion that sums up the successful use of players, whose interrelationship needs to be blended together in a way that suits them and brings out the best in the team. Picking a system and shoehorning in players, who for whatever reasons, do not seem to perform well, however talented and successful they have been playing in a way that suited them previously, is a recipe for failure. It is a pointless exercise neutering talented players by asking them to fit in to a more technical system. Adkins has been noted in the past for getting the team to perform better than the sum of the parts. Unfortunately the team isn't really performing better than the sum of the parts at the moment.

 

Only Sharp seems to be able to score and doesn't look like first choice. Failure to score against both Ajax and Udinese where we didn't create anything much at all, looks more a failure of the system rather than the players.

[Thedelldays]

This is the blindingly obvious conclusion that sums up the successful use of players, whose interrelationship needs to be blended together in a way that suits them and brings out the best in the team. Picking a system and shoehorning in players, who for whatever reasons, do not seem to perform well, however talented and successful they have been playing in a way that suited them previously, is a recipe for failure. It is a pointless exercise neutering talented players by asking them to fit in to a more technical system. Adkins has been noted in the past for getting the team to perform better than the sum of the parts. Unfortunately the team isn't really performing better than the sum of the parts at the moment.

 

Only Sharp seems to be able to score and doesn't look like first choice. Failure to score against both Ajax and Udinese where we didn't create anything much at all, looks more a failure of the system rather than the players.

 

Let's give it a few games yeah. Before we write off the team for not performing!!!

 

 

Exactly the same was said last pre season

 

Last season, you kept going on about the system not being right because of the lack of width. Did alright though didn't we

[goneawol]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190328/Southampton-midfielder-Adam-Lallana-Just-surviving-real-bonus-us.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[Jonnyboy]

Funny, tonight my Mrs caught me on here, "on that Saints forum again, eh?" "he's a better player, nah, nah, nah, you're w anker if you think that blah, blah, I know more about football than you, yabba, yabba, yabba!"

 

Blimey, I didnt realise she read it as well!

 

I think she's having an affair mate.

[Crab Lungs]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/18/southampton-adam-lallana?newsfeed=true