Subbing Lallana

[SuperMikey]

Any ideas on why Lallana keeps getting subbed off around the hour mark? His stamina doesn't seem to be an issue, because we've seen him play 90 minutes every week for some years now. Is it that Pochettino doesn't rate him? Or does he see him as expendable in a tactical switch-up?

[Smirking_Saint]

Its obviously his fitness, the same as why Ramirez was subbed at that time too

[Roger]

He's rubbish.

[capitalsaint]

Also strange that Osvaldo ran off the pitch the second the whistle went.

[Stepgar]

Also strange that Osvaldo ran off the pitch the second the whistle went.

 

Doesn't like not winning and that's how he deals with it. Bit toys out of pram stuff.

[bowers-sfc]

A friend of mine spoke to Adams dad a few times last season at away games, and was told even though he was playing games, he was not training properly due to an ongoing injury problem.

 

the only reason I can see is that he can not last 90 minutes because of it.

[1576]

At this level you can't afford to have the touch that Lallana had today. That should have been a goal as should the Osvaldo effort. Does Lallana flatter to deceive? in this league I think he does. Too many times the performance is just not there.

[Roger]

A friend of mine spoke to Adams dad a few times last season at away games, and was told even though he was playing games, he was not training properly due to an ongoing injury problem.

 

the only reason I can see is that he can not last 90 minutes because of it.

 

But he's been pretty poor for nearly a year. He's an attacking midfielder who doesn't score or make enough goals.

[Red]

But he's been pretty poor for nearly a year. He's an attacking midfielder who doesn't score or make enough goals.

 

This - I think were he not a product of our youth set up, and "a shining example" of the Southampton way, he would be keeping Billy company! Also why he is captain in my view. I would dearly love for him to work out, but just can't see it.

[DuncanRG]

Also why he is captain in my view.

 

You'll have to explain that one for us

[Saint_Randell]

Any ideas on why Lallana keeps getting subbed off around the hour mark? His stamina doesn't seem to be an issue, because we've seen him play 90 minutes every week for some years now. Is it that Pochettino doesn't rate him? Or does he see him as expendable in a tactical switch-up?

 

Someone told me its do with this recurring heart problem he's had which has been getting worse recently, no idea how reliable, prob bull****, but I do always wander why he doesn't look more upset when poch takes him off.

[70's Mike]

Only player in side with ability to go past a defender, we are full of workman like players but little flair

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I think at best both Lallana and J Rod are not top half of the table Premiership players. Both showed a poor touch in front of goal yesterday that cost us 2 points.

[david in sweden]

Any ideas on why Lallana keeps getting subbed off around the hour mark? His stamina doesn't seem to be an issue, because we've seen him play 90 minutes every week for some years now. Is it that Pochettino doesn't rate him? Or does he see him as expendable in a tactical switch-up?

 

We ought to remember that Adam is now is his SIXTH season as a first team regular, and will (I think) play his 200th game next weekend.

 

Few people would deny that (on his day) he can be top class - but being amongst the shortest (5' 8") and probably lightest in the team, it's easy for opposing players to " take him out of the game " as we saw on Sunday on at least one occasion. He's had his share of (past) injuries and looking forward to a long season, there's little point in having him play 90mins.every game just for the sake of it.

 

Statistically speaking, (aside from injuries) midfielders work harder, and are subbed more often than any other players.

In our case, we also have £12 million sitting on the bench (Ramirez) who must also get some playing time, but MP is unlikely to play both of them from the start as they are too similar in style.

 

It's a Catch 22 situation, because if " the plan " isn't working, then it's good to sub. him and put on some fresh legs ..and if we are winning (not so often) then we can safely put someone else on anyway.

 

I think it's a sensible tactic, just as much as changing out a " non-scoring " striker, although we don't have many alternatives at present - and in this league one goal every three games is a GOOD ratio.

[RobM]

I think at best both Lallana and J Rod are not top half of the table Premiership players. Both showed a poor touch in front of goal yesterday that cost us 2 points.

 

To be fair to JRod, some of the balls that were put through to him were pretty desperate. Second half especially they were all too heavy and often aimed at the far post, leaving him no chance of doing anything useful.

[Roger]

To be fair to JRod, some of the balls that were put through to him were pretty desperate. Second half especially they were all too heavy and often aimed at the far post, leaving him no chance of doing anything useful.

 

His first touch resembled a conference player. He was pretty much thru on goal before half time but again his touch was terrible.

[Chez]

No idea why some fans seem to want to get on Lallana's back on here. He is exactly the sort of player we would want us to sign if we didn't already have him. You need players that can dribble and retain the ball under pressure.

[Roger]

No idea why some fans seem to want to get on Lallana's back on here. He is exactly the sort of player we would want us to sign if we didn't already have him. You need players that can dribble and retain the ball under pressure.

 

Because he's been v poor for a long long time and constantly gets picked. He's an attacking midfielder who doesn't score or make many goals. People tell me puncheon wasn't up to the next level, no way Lallana is.

[beancounter saint]

I thought Lallana did OK yesterday. I think Pochettino has a bit of a dilemma over the midfield slots though as, whilst Lallana looks far more creative and attack minded than Ward-Prowse, it seems to me Ward-Prowse's set piece deliveries are consistently more dangerous than Lallana's. Of course he can drop Rodriguez for Ward-Prowse as last week but then you lose the genuine pace. If he could somehow morph the three of them into two players combining the best characteristics we'd be laughing!!

[Lord Duckhunter]

I find the guy frustrating, he's obviously got talent but flatters to deceive. Too many little 5-aside passes and touches. Sometimes he needs to be more direct and shoot. Lack of pace is a problem and he does dive, which winds me up. Obviously captain because he came through the ranks and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, provided other show leadership on the pitch. Personally I'm surprised he never seems to get dropped.

[Smirking_Saint]

His first touch resembled a conference player. He was pretty much thru on goal before half time but again his touch was terrible.

 

Wanyama, lallana, J Rod, Morgan, Lambert, Osvaldo all had a very poor touch at times last night.

 

Atleast J Rod drove at the defence at times instead of slowing play, letting them reposition and then attempt to break them down. For that reason Id keep him in there.

 

For all his ability Lallana is slowing frustrating me, yes he can beat a man but doesnt know what to do when he does, his game slowing tactics irritate me aswell. Lambert looked ok yesterday but he is at times guilty of slowing things down too but his ability on the ball and better decisions save him from my wroth.

 

I dont get the criticism of J Rod so much though, works hard and is always involved in the action whenever Ive seen him this season.

[ringwood]

I find the guy frustrating, he's obviously got talent but flatters to deceive. Too many little 5-aside passes and touches. Sometimes he needs to be more direct and shoot. Lack of pace is a problem and he does dive, which winds me up. Obviously captain because he came through the ranks and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, provided other show leadership on the pitch. Personally I'm surprised he never seems to get dropped.

 

 

This, but why is he captain if he's gonna get subbed at 70 mins? at the moment I think AL is wasted and that he maybe better used when sides are tiring, personally rather see JWP start or Cork and win the battle for midfield first and make Dejan the captain.

[beatlesaint]

I think at best both Lallana and J Rod are not top half of the table Premiership players. Both showed a poor touch in front of goal yesterday that cost us 2 points.

 

You can say that again. The Jay Rod one in the first half was terrible, it was like a four year old seeing how far he could kick it in front of him !

Osvaldo must wonder what the hell he has come to !

[Chez]

Because he's been v poor for a long long time and constantly gets picked. He's an attacking midfielder who doesn't score or make many goals. People tell me puncheon wasn't up to the next level, no way Lallana is.

 

that is your opinion. Mine differs completely (not the Puncheon part as I backed him when he was but a boy in dark trousers).

[Chez]

This, but why is he captain if he's gonna get subbed at 70 mins? at the moment I think AL is wasted and that he maybe better used when sides are tiring, personally rather see JWP start or Cork and win the battle for midfield first and make Dejan the captain.

 

just what the side with 5 goals in 9 games needs, another central midfielder.

[Saint-Beer]

Chaz, spot on. The amount of people giving Lallana stick is a joke. If he played for another team people would say what a talent he is. Seems to be our scape goat, who h is laughable. GET OFF HIS BACK PEOPLE.

[LostBoys]

This - I think were he not a product of our youth set up, and "a shining example" of the Southampton way, he would be keeping Billy company! Also why he is captain in my view. I would dearly love for him to work out, but just can't see it.

 

Ouch I think this is spot on but at least we were spared the double step overs that he kept screwing up at Norwich. I think he should stop being captain and concentrate on his game and of he is injured rest for as long as it takes.

[Saint Charlie]

Roger - take a bow mate. WOW.

 

Some other very bizarre comments here too. Worth reading so you can disregard the opinions of these posters on other matters.

[brmbrm]

Go back more than a month, Charlie, and to be honest Lallana was not playing anywhere near as well as he has been the last few weeks. Its called form, Charlie

[lordswoodsaints]

Lallana has been on form in the last few games,his confidence is high and he's back to his best,but previously he was a bit of a liability,lots of tricks that didn't amount to much and a bit lightweight.

It's just form,it happens to all players we've just got to hope it is a sustained period of form.

[Saint Charlie]

Of course its form, but many people saying he is rubbish etc, get rid when thats just not true. Was he ever really that bad?

[mitch01]

Go back more than a month, Charlie, and to be honest Lallana was not playing anywhere near as well as he has been the last few weeks. Its called form, Charlie

 

It's not as simple as that, though. I honestly think it has always been obvious that he has warrants a place in the first team, even when things aren't quite going for him. He has a very rare ability - to beat players with his first touch, going left or right. His final ball hasn't always been top class, but if it was we'd probably be looking at a player who had already left us for better things. He is growing with us almost seamlessly, stepping up to the next level time and again. Frustrating sometimes, sometimes for a couple of games in a row, but it would take a hell of a lot more than that for me to lose faith in an inspired youth player who has shown great loyalty and endeavour to go from exciting in L1 to adapting to the PL in less than three years. He is exactly what I love about our club at the moment - talent and hard work.

[david in sweden]

Despite being named team captain, Adam would surely admit that last season's crop of minor niggling injuries and his subsequent less than 100% fitness was a major contribution to a disappointing (personal) season for him.

 

However, he does put in a shift whilst he's on the pitch - even if he's not always there for 95 mins. a game.

 

There's no point in flogging a dead horse, and keeping any player on an extra 10-15 mins. when he's done more than his share, and unwise if he can subbed. with a pair of fresh legs.

 

In the last few games, Adam has shown even better levels of skill and involvement and yesterday he looked as good as I've seen him all season....I see no problem with subbing someone who 's done well in a game for 60-70 mins. - especially if (as with Jay Rod yesterday)... they can leave the pitch to a standing ovation. Adam has deserved that many times in the past.

 

Maybe now .....we'll see Adam's name popping up again on "Woy's " next squad list for the upcoming " friendlies " .

[trousers]

Go back more than a month, Charlie, and to be honest Lallana was not playing anywhere near as well as he has been the last few weeks. Its called form, Charlie

 

If it's all down to "form" then it's foolhardy to write someone off

[niceandfriendly]

Lallana has taken his performances to another level recently. He's flying

[Dig Dig]

Lol, another example of depth of knowledge and rationale thought which is the corner stone of this forum.

 

I wonder if Duncan wrote in his book that Lallana isn't a top half premier league player?

[Noodles34]

Lol, another example of depth of knowledge and rationale thought which is the corner stone of this forum.

 

I wonder if Duncan wrote in his book that Lallana isn't a top half premier league player?

 

Jesus, people like you! Its like anyone who says anything that constitutes an opinion, whether it be the form of a player in this case, is told that they know **** all about football.

I was debating last year with friends etc. in that was Lallana PL standard, I wasn't sure if this was one step too far, because his form (BY HIS STANDARDS) was not up to it, if you believe that was not the case, then so be it, but I think the majority would agree. And tbh, maybe he wasn't going to be good enough, maybe he was carrying a long term injury, I don't know, you don't know, but because someone has been great for us in the lower divisions, doesn't mean he can step up, which is not a criticism, just a fact.

I am so glad to say how wrong I was, he's probably player of the season so far (though there are too many to choose from depending on your own angle), and as a Saints fan, I am ****ing pleased.

If you have been saying he will come good all along, well done you, but don't come on here giving it the big ****** about 'how you lot don't know anything' blah, blah, I always thought MS was class, even when he was pretty ineffective in Div 1, but I don't really want join the 'I saw Oasis at The Joiners when they were 10' brigade.

[kwsaint]

He's rubbish.

 

Have to say that made me chuckle.

[trousers]

Jesus, people like you! Its like anyone who says anything that constitutes an opinion, whether it be the form of a player in this case, is told that they know **** all about football.

I was debating last year with friends etc. in that was Lallana PL standard, I wasn't sure if this was one step too far, because his form (BY HIS STANDARDS) was not up to it, if you believe that was not the case, then so be it, but I think the majority would agree. And tbh, maybe he wasn't going to be good enough, maybe he was carrying a long term injury, I don't know, you don't know, but because someone has been great for us in the lower divisions, doesn't mean he can step up, which is not a criticism, just a fact.

I am so glad to say how wrong I was, he's probably player of the season so far (though there are too many to choose from depending on your own angle), and as a Saints fan, I am ****ing pleased.

If you have been saying he will come good all along, well done you, but don't come on here giving it the big ****** about 'how you lot don't know anything' blah, blah, I always thought MS was class, even when he was pretty ineffective in Div 1, but I don't really want join the 'I saw Oasis at The Joiners when they were 10' brigade.

 

I think all that's being highlighted is the fact that some people will write-off a player altogether rather than expressing an opinion in a more pragmatic way.

 

In other words, rather than say: "Lallana is rubbish. He'll never be good enough for this league", instead say: "Lallana's not on top form at the moment but hopefully he can come good as he's got the underlying talent"

 

Two different ways of expressing the same observation: one destructive, one constructive.

[Dig Dig]

Jesus, people like you! Its like anyone who says anything that constitutes an opinion, whether it be the form of a player in this case, is told that they know **** all about football.

I was debating last year with friends etc. in that was Lallana PL standard, I wasn't sure if this was one step too far, because his form (BY HIS STANDARDS) was not up to it, if you believe that was not the case, then so be it, but I think the majority would agree. And tbh, maybe he wasn't going to be good enough, maybe he was carrying a long term injury, I don't know, you don't know, but because someone has been great for us in the lower divisions, doesn't mean he can step up, which is not a criticism, just a fact.

I am so glad to say how wrong I was, he's probably player of the season so far (though there are too many to choose from depending on your own angle), and as a Saints fan, I am ****ing pleased.

If you have been saying he will come good all along, well done you, but don't come on here giving it the big ****** about 'how you lot don't know anything' blah, blah, I always thought MS was class, even when he was pretty ineffective in Div 1, but I don't really want join the 'I saw Oasis at The Joiners when they were 10' brigade.

 

Don't get angry mate, Sunday is a day for chilling.

[Saint Martini]

Lallana looked absolutely knackerd after 80 minutes yesterday and should have been subbed instead of Rodriguez in my opinion. Rodriguez has not played as much as Adam has this season and should be more rested. He played very well and perhaps "deserved" the full 90 mins but why risk injury if the game is pretty much won. For me one of the reasons our performance dropped the last 10 mintues was because Lallana din't have enough running left in him to be thelink between midfield and attack. There's no shame in being subbed in this situation.