Moving Target – Joe Allen
Filed under: Moving Target, Scout Reports - Posted by: Paul
After a summer-long chase, Liverpool have finally confirmed the purchase of Joe Allen from Swansea City in a deal rumoured to be around £15m. The 22-year-old moves to Anfield on a long-term contract and his acquisition is a significant step in Brendan Rodgers’ rebuilding of the Merseyside giants for the season ahead:
Allen’s arrival continues his manager’s policy of turning to former players as Rodgers looks to implement his 4-3-3 system at Liverpool, with the midfielder following Fabio Borini to the club. Having admitted on Thursday evening that the deal was “imminent”, Rodgers was full of praise for what the new boy will bring to the club this upcoming season:
This boy, when you see him play, you would think he was a European player. He is a unique player in that he is a British player who doesn’t give the ball away. You will see when he comes into this team the difference he can make. He’s incredible on the ball. His body work and intelligence for a 22-year-old is frightening. His game understanding is very good, and he is in love with the football. He wants the ball all the time, and he has so much courage to get on the ball and play. I think he will fit in really well with all the other clever players we have at the club.
The Statistics
Snapped up by Swansea at the age of nine, Allen made his way through the club’s youth system and was handed his debut for the club at the age of 16 by then-manager Kenny Jacket . His first couple of seasons at the Liberty Stadium saw the youngster make just seven league appearances and he was subsequently sent out on loan to Wrexham in the 2008-09 campaign – returning to his parent club, he made 23 appearances over the campaign after injuries to others promoted him to the first XI.
Although he has also played under Roberto Martinez, it was Rodgers who finally afforded Allen a chance to cement his place as a regular for the Welsh club. The Irishman arrived in July 2010 and immediately identified Allen as a crucial component of the midfield three; over the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has missed just five league matches, scoring six times and providing nine assists over 76 games. Allen has represented his country from Under 17 to Under 21 level on 28 occasions and found the net three times and has eight caps for the senior side.
The Prospects
With Lucas already installed in the heart of the Liverpool midfield, Allen’s ball-winning ability and intelligent possession game looks a dream partnership for Rodgers’ patient passing approach. His arrival will surely place question marks against the future of a number of Reds’ midfielders; Charlie Adam, in particular, looks at risk, with his propensity for “Hollywood” passing somewhat at odds with Rodgers’ approach, while the likes of Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey also seem set to tumble down the Anfield pecking order.
In terms of Liverpool midfielders, however, this move could promote Steven Gerrard in our thinking. With Lucas and Allen sitting deep and shielding the back-four, the Reds skipper looks set to be handed a more attacking role in Rodgers’ system – tucked in behind Fabio Borini, he could, potentially, scale the heights of previous seasons, with spot-kicks and a major portion of set-pieces in his locker, too. Currently, Gerrard has just 3.6 ownership in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) compared to Luis Suarez’s 13.6%, despite both players costing 9.5.
A return of four goals and four assists over 36 appearances last season suggests Allen’s contribution won’t have too many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers rushing to snap up his services – coming in at 5.5, there are surely better options available for a similar price. His appeal in the Sky Sports game, however, is another matter entirely; the new bonus system, which rewards players who make 60+ passes and/or 4+ tackles in any given game is set to boost his potential – a valuation of 5.8 is more than budget-friendly.
Liverpool’s start to the season is likely to deter many from investing in their assets, though. Rodgers welcomes City, Arsenal and United to Anfield in his first three domestic home games in charge of the Reds; the Irishman could hardly ask for a more difficult opening schedule in his quest to improve upon the dire eighth place finish under Kenny Dalglish in 2011/12. With trips to West Brom and Sunderland also on the agenda by Gameweek 5, it’s no real surprise that only four of their players currently have over 5% ownership in FPL. Investment will no doubt leap from Gameweek 6 onwards when the fixtures look far more appealing and if Liverpool can get off to a strong start, plenty Fantasy managers will be scrambling to grab a piece of the action.
Further Reference
About The Author
paul
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August 11 at 6:56 pm
Djerbil (aka) Calcio Catania says:
The German side raced into a two-goal lead at the break through goals from Christian Gentner and Vedad Ibisevic, but the home side hit back early in the second period as Danny Graham slotted home.
The Swans then levelled the scores as Graham netted from the penalty spot, before Nathan Dyer’s deflected cross flew in at the far post to give Laudrup’s men a deserved lead.
Doh
August 11 at 7:04 pm
nomar says:
Apparently Swans fans are not very confident about their defence.
August 11 at 6:57 pm
jelly.john says:
i need 2 mids i had : lambs, bale , allen ,
and neeed twooooooo cost 11.5 M
MY forwards : ageuero ronney , pog
advice me plzzzzzzzzzzz
August 11 at 6:58 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
Haven’t you just asked that?
August 11 at 6:59 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
Torres
August 11 at 7:01 pm
D1B says:
Sorry i can’t advice you.
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Football is Life says:
Noble/Maloney and Michu/Pienaar
August 11 at 6:57 pm
Lil Hundred says:
Back three guess for Wigan? Is Ramis nailed on?
August 11 at 7:00 pm
Sarnab says:
I think so
August 11 at 6:59 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
Thoughts on Yaya? I’m not sure which 2nd heavy hitter to have I’m my midfield alongside Bale. Chelsea mid looks dodgy, and the same goes for Man U’s mid. Should I just punt on Kagawa?
August 11 at 7:00 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
I have yaya and am quite happy
August 11 at 7:00 pm
He's an entertainer, Borinis not his style. says:
Wouldn’t class Yaya as a big hitter and as you say Kagawa is a doubt. I think so long as Sinclair stays at Swansea he’sll score big again with pen duty and being their main creative player… + fixtures are amazing.
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
Does your link not work or is it just me?
August 11 at 7:05 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
That page won’t exist until gw15
August 11 at 7:05 pm
nomar says:
Except he’s not staying by the looks of it.
Swansea fan on Planet Swans forum said Sinclair gave a goodbye wave to the crowd when he was subbed today.
August 11 at 7:14 pm
Manamongst says:
Doh.
Nomar, I have a feeling that Rangers will score loads of goals this season, but won´t really be into cleansheets. I´m banking on Taarabt and Fabio as early stat stuffers…
Am I insane? I have feeling they will beat the breaks off of the Swans GW1…and this was before the Citeh-Sinclair business.
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Bob Vrabkab says:
Disagree. Yaya is a big hitter and Sinclair isn’t so great – did you watch the Olympics?
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Manamongst says:
For someone (Sinclair) that is supposed to be so ¨creative¨I never hear of him playing a part in any of the goals.
August 11 at 7:02 pm
D1B says:
Valencia over kagawa. Second hitter slot is a bit tricky, with the big teams additions and rotation risks.
August 11 at 7:03 pm
manehi says:
I’m temped by Yaya, think he could do well and not convinced by any of the Chelsea/Man U mids either. Main issue for me is that it’s much easier to start with a 9.0/9.5 and switch to whoever hits form than with a 8.0.
August 11 at 7:00 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
How many are starting with Bent in their teams?
August 11 at 7:01 pm
Beavis - Manager of SC Bastia says:
I’d like to but I can’t take out either Rooney or Aguero so he will have to wait til GW4 when I will be getting rid of Aguero.
August 11 at 7:01 pm
nomar says:
No thank you. Prefer Jelavic at the same price. Everton will be better than Villa.
August 11 at 7:01 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
I drafted him in but Graham and Petric look better options for their prices.
August 11 at 7:01 pm
Duffman91 says:
He’s in my team now.
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Die Wölfe! says:
Possibly. It’s between him and Torres for me.
Aren’t you supposed to have left for holidays?
August 11 at 7:03 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
In few hours
can’t wait
August 11 at 7:05 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Die Wölfe! says:
Where to?
August 11 at 7:05 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
Where you headed boom?
August 11 at 7:07 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
Spain
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Die Wölfe! says:
Cool! Enjoy
August 11 at 7:11 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
Enjoy!
August 11 at 7:12 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
Thanks guys
August 11 at 7:13 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Whereabouts?
August 11 at 7:15 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
Benalmadena. Really looking forward to relaxing in the sun.
August 11 at 7:26 pm
Manamongst says:
Malaga??
August 11 at 7:16 pm
Manamongst says:
Cheers, I´m in Mallorca, wife dragged me to Arenal today, for those of you that don´t know…the place is little Germany…literally.
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
I’d like to but i want Rooney and kun. I’ll hopefully have him later instead of graham. Will take a while to build that kind of value though
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Jack(off) says:
Currently have him.
August 11 at 7:03 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
I can’t afford it without destroying my team.
August 11 at 7:01 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Reina Man?
August 11 at 7:06 pm
ReinaMan - Un Mondo In Giallo E Blù says:
Jamaica post coming below in 3
August 11 at 7:07 pm
ReinaMan - Un Mondo In Giallo E Blù says:
2..1..now
August 11 at 7:02 pm
Wild Rover says:
Tevez and Bent is the same price as Aguero and Petric/Graham…. Just sayin’…
August 11 at 7:03 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Die Wölfe! says:
In other news,
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-3575163
August 11 at 7:06 pm
Wild Rover says:
Ta
August 11 at 7:07 pm
nomar says:
You can keep saying it too for all I care. Not for me thanks.
August 11 at 7:07 pm
Jack(off) says:
What are you “just saying”?
I wouldnt say the first one is better given the circumstances.
August 11 at 7:08 pm
Wild Rover says:
Lot’s of peeps saying they can’t afford Bent but most have Aguero and one of the other two so I’m saying it’s an option. Don’t you have Bent and Tevez anyway?
August 11 at 7:11 pm
Jack(off) says:
Not Tevez.. I ditched the idea of doubly City a few days ago.
Not saying that the first one isnt just as good, or potentially better. I iust personally feel safer with Aguero in there.
August 11 at 7:03 pm
godfather42 says:
a) bent and tevez
b) 6 mil and aguero
August 11 at 7:03 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
ok last idea, for now.
after the first couple of GWs, villa and swansea have a nice home/away split for about a 10 week stretch.
im looking at petric dyer and ireland as my cheap rotating attack players, with petric starting every gw except gw2 (mun) and 6 (MCI).
Just so happens villa and swansea are both at home gw2, so petric easily benched.
leaving me with bale, lamps, yaya, torres and aguero as every week heavy hitters, an eye to move lamps out for most attractive utd mid gw2, and best toon forward for torres gw3. Brilliance? or everyone hates the players involved?
August 11 at 7:06 pm
manehi says:
Interesting but too much of a punt for me personally. Mostly unsure about Ireland and Villa in general.
August 11 at 7:09 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
im not 100% confident in villa either, but thats why i like investing 5.5 vs 6.5 for nzog or 8.5 for bent. makes it much easier to bench.
it could wind up terrible, but there are backup options if im not happy after a few gws.
August 11 at 7:08 pm
Garcks says:
I’ve gotta say, I’m liking this. I’ve been deliberating over Ireland myself too.
August 11 at 7:04 pm
Jack(off) says:
Kagawa playing CM? Will be interesting to see how he goes.
The guy is class, and can play in both of Fergies formations, he will be rotated but so will the rest of em.
Think I will take a punt. Needing every 0.5 with the team I want anyway.
August 11 at 7:06 pm
Evs says:
Jack, I am game if you are?
Well hold hands and jump in the deep end
!
August 11 at 7:08 pm
Jack(off) says:
Oh why the hell not, eh?
August 11 at 7:08 pm
Djerbil (aka) Calcio Catania says:
I don’t think Kagawa will play CM in the away games..probably only @OT
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Jack(off) says:
Away games SAF could go with a 4-4-1-1 with Kagawa in behind Rooney though.
August 11 at 7:11 pm
Djerbil (aka) Calcio Catania says:
yes that is what I mean..
August 11 at 7:31 pm
Manamongst says:
Unless Welbz plays behind Rooney; unfortunately that cat won’t go away.
August 11 at 7:09 pm
Duffman91 says:
Mata > Kagawa in GW2 for me.
August 11 at 7:13 pm
Jack(off) says:
You might want to keep Mata after he scores in both games and gets 4 assists
August 11 at 7:15 pm
Sarnab says:
that 16/17 points last season from Mata in the DGW made me lose my ML. (most out here said mata won’t start the second game, but what he did in the 1st game was more than enuf)
August 11 at 7:22 pm
Duffman91 says:
August 11 at 7:12 pm
Sarnab says:
I thought I being thin would be slaughtered in the PL due to the body strength of other players..
But I find Kagawa similar to my body stature and shape. Hope he’ll be able to cope up.
GGMU
August 11 at 7:14 pm
Djerbil (aka) Calcio Catania says:
Benayoun is thinner than you
August 11 at 7:06 pm
ReinaMan - Un Mondo In Giallo E Blù says:
EpicFail requested it and now you’ve got it, here are three pictures from around the small island nation of Jamaica.
This first picture is of The Pelican Bar, 5 minutes off the coast near black river, Jamaica: http://i.imgur.com/sZFis.jpg
This is a picture of Winifred beach: http://i.imgur.com/AwQjB.jpg
And this last picture is an unidentified location on the coast of Jamaica: http://i.imgur.com/zAEWC.jpg
August 11 at 7:09 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Excellent. For some reason picture 2 makes me want a drink of Lilt.
And I now have new wallpaper. Cheers.
August 11 at 7:39 pm
Back on the horse ..¦. says:
Lilt
August 11 at 7:09 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Die Wölfe! says:
Epic!
August 11 at 7:09 pm
nomar says:
Beautiful, man.
August 11 at 7:09 pm
ReinaMan - Un Mondo In Giallo E Blù says:
For reference, apparently beer is only $3 at The Pelican Bar
August 11 at 7:41 pm
Back on the horse ..¦. says:
good stat!
We should have FFS end-of-season drinks there!
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Beavis - Manager of SC Bastia says:
Awesome!
August 11 at 7:10 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
A bit ropey tonight, Pepe. Must be the rum
August 11 at 7:11 pm
ReinaMan - Un Mondo In Giallo E Blù says:
Did you see the first post?
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-3575659
August 11 at 7:12 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
Oh…. I’ll get me coat. Stunning!
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Bowstring92 - Torino FC representing from Dublin says:
So beautiful, I was in the Dominican Republic before (right next to Jamaica) and its a postcard come to life. Amazing place
August 11 at 7:12 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
Brilliant!!
August 11 at 7:34 pm
Manamongst says:
Great camera work Reinaman!
August 11 at 7:06 pm
Football is Life says:
Choose 1 of these options
1. Defoe/Michu
2. Petric/Y.Toure
August 11 at 7:09 pm
Djerbil (aka) Calcio Catania says:
2 )by some million light years
August 11 at 7:12 pm
tangtastic says:
2
August 11 at 7:12 pm
Declan- Getafe's Newest Manager says:
2
August 11 at 7:14 pm
Sarnab says:
are u joking?
August 11 at 7:07 pm
Portsmouth Bubblejet says:
Debuchy starts for Lille tonight, so any transfer looks to be a while away yet.
Looking forward to the new French season this year.
August 11 at 7:17 pm
Daniel.mf - SSC Napoli Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli says:
Any news about Schurrle to Chelsea?
August 11 at 7:36 pm
Manamongst says:
Chelsea is not refined enough to utilize German players…
I hope I’m kidding.
August 11 at 7:09 pm
kimoo says:
torres can’t score at DGW and i will change him with other striker ?
agree
not agree
August 11 at 7:10 pm
tangtastic says:
semi agree
August 11 at 7:11 pm
Garcks says:
Well you have tomorrows CS and the DGW to make up your mind. Think we’ll all know more by then.
August 11 at 7:13 pm
Bob Vrabkab says:
I’m not too sure what I’d be agreeing/disagreeing with there. Sorry.
August 11 at 7:09 pm
Corrigan says:
Nomar, please can we have some insight on Ryan Nelsen?
August 11 at 7:10 pm
Evs says:
Doos you about?
Got a nice red on the go here…
August 11 at 7:12 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
I’ve got a dodgy one, but it suits
August 11 at 7:12 pm
Evs says:
Chilean Shiraz … Quite smooth.
Wifey out, lads on Xbox, Evs on couch with the bottle and my bitch
August 11 at 7:14 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
I’ll be round
August 11 at 7:16 pm
Evs says:
I got some of those Chilli Hearwave Dortios too
Hurry up then, Mo on soon
August 11 at 7:39 pm
Manamongst says:
Heartburn waiting to happen…
I’ve got a nice Rioja that I spent about 4.50 euros on…unbelievable how cheap wine is here.
August 11 at 7:15 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Hic … o0o … Soave …
What was that?
August 11 at 7:15 pm
Evs says:
Luis Fellini Edwards
Shiraz Carmenre
Chile 2011
Half price jobbie
!
August 11 at 7:17 pm
Evs says:
* fellipe
August 11 at 7:18 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Very good. Love the grape, not sure of the producer …
August 11 at 7:20 pm
Evs says:
Co-op
August 11 at 7:22 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
I know where it IS, I just don’t know where it’s BEEN!
August 11 at 7:41 pm
Manamongst says:
You probably don’t wanna know.
August 11 at 7:11 pm
Football is Life says:
Has the Man U game started yet?
August 11 at 7:12 pm
4vets - Die Rothosen says:
19.20 uk time, apparently.
August 11 at 7:18 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Sponsored by Michelin …
August 11 at 7:14 pm
He's an entertainer, Borinis not his style. says:
new post
August 11 at 7:14 pm
On The Up says:
Done!
Jaask Fed
Hughes Fabio Cuellar Lichaj Fonte
Silva Lamps Pienaar Noble Guthrie
Torres Tevez Rooney
3m in bank to allow flexibility to bring in RVP Bale Siggy etc
any thoughts?
August 11 at 7:18 pm
Bob Vrabkab says:
Poor. Back 7 can’t be completely budget. All 4.5 and under – crazy! Somehow with all that freed up cash you had to get noble and Guthrie in? Ditch Torres and tevez, get aguero and spend the rest bulking out the defence and budget striker (6m tops).
August 11 at 7:21 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
Anyone know the score in the Villa game?
August 11 at 7:23 pm
Evs says:
3all
Bent 2, clark
August 11 at 7:23 pm
Evs says:
Will bbc1 just stick with athletics or switch do Tom Daley and boxing final when on?
I don’t wanna move !
August 11 at 7:27 pm
Dynamic says:
Come on Mo Farah!
August 11 at 7:47 pm
Dynamic says:
Farah legend
August 11 at 7:53 pm
Back on the horse ..¦. says:
+1. That was amazing
August 11 at 8:42 pm
magman says:
1) Michu vs Sinclair vs Ramires?
2) Hazard vs Mata?
August 11 at 8:45 pm
ninja says:
Any opinions on this team, feeling quite settled, criticise away.
Jussi frederici
Cole lescott cuellar fabio barnett
Lampard bale yaya larsson noble
Torrez graham tevez
August 12 at 12:33 am
Mind over Mata says:
Hey all, please let me know what you think of this squad:
Freidel / Federici
Lescott / Cole / Cuellar / Demel / Fonte
Lampard / McClean / VDV / Noble / Ireland
Aguero / Rooney / Graham
Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
August 12 at 12:37 am
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
If I am not very much mistaken, you are on the wrong thread …