OPINION
Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Liverpool’s Adam Lallana is still one of England’s best players despite only making 12 appearances for the Reds this season.
The German manager heaped praise on the 29-year-old midfielder’s ability and revealed that he would be 100% fit to play in his nation’s World Cup warm-up games next week.
“Adam had probably the most difficult season so far of his career but he is still [one of the] top three or four players of England, 100 per cent,” Klopp said, as quoted by Liverpool’s official website.
“I told Gareth that I don’t know what we’ll do for the weekend but he will be fit next week 100 per cent, so if he wants to invite him, you’re welcome, if you want to play him, you’re welcome.”
Klopp went on to admit that he has struggled to avoid the temptation of playing him, as while he has overcome his recent injury, the Reds manager believes he still needs time to recover in order to be able to perform to his best.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has been on the the fringes of the Reds’ squad since returning and has only completed 90 minutes once this season.
The midfielder’s 90 minutes came against Porto in the 0-0 draw on March 6.
Lallana was far from impressive in that game, with him merely being a passenger as the match passed him by.
Klopp would have no doubt put his poor display down to rustiness after not featuring regularly, but it appeared to be more than that.
The 29-year-old has done okay at Anfield since arriving from Southampton in 2011, but he has never made himself vital to the team.
When the star was out injured, it was easy to forget that he was still under contract at the club.
This is the same story for his country as there are many players who made you forget that Lallana was even missing for his nation, so it’s bizarre that Klopp believes he one of the best England have to offer.
The German clearly sees more of the midfielder day-to-day when watching him train, but it’s time Lallana justified his manager’s praise.
The 29-year-old can prove Klopp’s huge claim about him right in England’s friendly games against Holland and Italy by standing-out, and his performances could lead to him breaking back into the Reds’ first-team.
Therefore when England play next week, Lallana must prove Klopp’s comment about being one of England’s best right in order to force his way back into the German’s side for the rest of the season.