Community Submissions

Time To Consider Adam Lallana

In my view, this season is the most exciting yet with so many great options emerging. The resurgence of Fantasy greats of yore is particularly pleasing with Raheem Sterling, Theo Walcott,  Jermain Defoe and the man I will be discussing – Adam Lallana – all in a rich vein of form in 2016/17.

Lallana plays for a team that has scored an average of 2.67 goals a game. With goals and assists spread over the Liverpool team, a key question this season is – which of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Lallana should we be considering? In my view, the best option in the Liverpool team  is the 12.7% owned England international. Here are the reasons why:

Improvement

To me, the standout player in England’s failed Euro 2016 campaign was Lallana. Finally we saw why Liverpool forked out 25m for his services a few years back as his invention and slick passing attempted to paper over the chasm like cracks in the England team.

Comparing the Lallana of 15/16 with the Lallana of 16/17 highlights the vast improvement he has made in nearly all aspects of his game.

Involved in 28% of Liverpool’s goals, when on the pitch last year, he has already been involved in 40% of Liverpool’s goals this year.

His average touches per match are up from 53.8 last year, to 71.8 this year and crucially his goal attempts are up from 1.5 a match to 2.5 a match, with an attempt on goal happening every 33 minutes compared to every 50 minutes last year.

These stats are better than players such as Payet of 2015/16, who scored a whooping 172 points in his debut year

On current form Lallana looks to be a 12 to 15 goal a season player barring injury, which could bring in around 180 points. This would be an incredible return for a player that started the season with a 7.0 price tag.

Manager’s backing

Crucially, Lallana has the full backing of Jurgen Klopp, who after the Hull game singled him out for praise.

Honestly, since I am here Adam is the player you saw against Hull. He likes to train, he likes to work, he was like this from the first day. This is now the credit he takes from the work he did… it’s all about playing the game and creating the spaces you need. We knew how Hull would defend so he did really well and his most spectacular thing apart from his goal was his counter-pressing, and that was really impressive. – Klopp

His recent record-breaking distance covered by a player in the Premier League in 2016-17 (13.1km against Leicester) also highlights just how instrumental he is for Liverpool’s high pressure, high intensity play. From looking at comments  from the community, I have seen a few  concerned over his pitch time.

From what I have seen, Firmino, Lallana and Mane are so integral to Liverpool’s style that there is simply no way they can be dropped and with no European commitments, his place looks very secure.

While Sturridge and Coutinho will get game time, in my opinion it will be a battle between these two potentially explosive players for a spot in the team.

Midfield minefield

The most kindly priced out of the four key Liverpool midfielders mentioned (7.2) may also trick Fantasy managers into thinking that he will struggle to match his counterparts. The stats simply do not back this theory up.

Members can view a table of stats comparing these players here.

What really jumps out to me in this table is just how close all four players are in terms of many of the stats I have identified.

While Countinho may lead the way with regards to goal attempts – the rest of the stats paint the picture that Lallana is more active in the penalty area than the Brazilian and has taken more shots in the box (which in my view, are the most likely shots to end up in the back of the net).

Lallana’s touches in the box are nearly on par with Mane and Firmino too – indicating that the Enlgishman is getting the ball in all the right areas. Lallana boasts the highest goal involvement of all four players and also more goal attempts than Mane and Firmino.

Price

A quick note on price. Currently, Lallana is 1.0m cheaper than Coutinho, 1.2m cheaper than Firmino and a massive 1.8m cheaper than Mane. These funds are crucial to ensure the rest of your team is as strong as possible in all areas. The difference in price could be the difference between owning Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil for example.

Conclusion

I was lucky enough to bring in Lallana last week, so I have had immediate returns with his 15 point haul. This has  reaffirmed my belief that he is the best Liverpool midfielder to bring in. With Klopp’s comments, the stats and the prices of Liverpool’s other key targets considered, I would advise anyone considering a Liverpool midfielder to go for Lallana.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

41 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Looking to get him GWK 9 for a Liverpool double up. Sensational Southampton-days-esque form.

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for editing the submission Jonty - looks much neater 🙂

  2. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Mentioned this back in gw3/4.

    Not sure he's the best option for pure points, but the best value of the 4.

    And seems to be nailed, certainly moreso than Coutinho

  3. brianutd-why always we? 20
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Agreed, good post thanks

  4. Samurai Blue
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Nice article. Will surely consider Lallana. I'm already double on Pool mids with Bobby and Mane, thinking of swapping the latter with Lallana to free up funds for my defence.

  5. Miami Monkey
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Can't decide between Lallana and Walcott. Also can't decide whether to bring one of them in this week for Mirallas or wait to watch what they do this weekend. Problem is prices may force my hand early

  6. BbBb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks Az, I think he's a really good option and, like Jonty, I'm considering a double up after the Utd game but, with Coutinho not Firmino

  7. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Great article!

    Please add 'starts' to your table.

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm a bit limited by room (max of 10 stats per table)bbut I'll look into it!

  8. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Good read!

    Do think Mane & Firmino is still the way to go even despite prices.

    Top of creativity, shots ITB, touches in the box & chances created.

    It really is a minefield though!

  9. 404_FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    who should double liv with lallana ?

  10. Basil1977
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Food for thought as i've already doubled up on Liverpool midfielders Mane and Firmino. Might down grade one for Lallana and save the dosh

    1. Gegenpress
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I've got firmino and mane too.. I'm going to stick with them, I think overall they'll be the two who get the most points from this Liverpool midfield.

  11. Dokdok666
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hmm...
    Apart from his conversion rate, which is at a (probably) unsustainable 28.6%, and his number of goals (2), I don't find his numbers especially enticing.

    Actually, Looking at these stats have only reinforced me in believeing that Firmino and Mané are the only real options at 'pool.

    1. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Whilst I think Mane and Firmino are likely to get more goals than Lallana, his play is suggesting a good number of assists to bump up his value. At his price I think the point per pound argument is heavily in his favour.

  12. L S P
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    i was on Lallana all week on my WC and ended up going with Firmino at the relative last minute. Partly because I was laughed off the site with my Lallana inclusion. Oh well.

    Though I fully expect Firmino to now tear it up for the next few as I expect that will be the LIV MID pattern this season: ever-rotating hot streaks with all four of them ending up with the same relative point total for their relative value.

    But I'm still a bit bummed for not sticking to my guns.

    1. flipthebuzzard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      So true - to be honest i have half considered ignoring LIV totally for the meantime - i know i will miss some hauls but might find consistency elsewhere....not pulled that trigger yet mind, they are on fire after all!?

      1. L S P
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        there's going to be so much point chasing around LIV mids this season with them all being in the 7-9m range.

    2. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You should have asked me then, he was one I was recommending last week. People get too carried away with coutinho shoot on site, (or off) and firmino false nine. Lallana advantage is he makes the run at right time for goal scoring pass. Much prefer that to a coutinho one special goal every 20 wild shots

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I've been championing Lallana too. I only held off getting him last week because it would have meant a hit. Wish I had ignore my own inner vouce now.

    3. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't have laughed (if it helps!) 🙂

  13. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I brought him in last week in time for his haul, but just on a hunch. Many thanks for confirming my thoughts with the stats. I will give him a run now.
    Good work AZ.

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Best of luck to us both! Let's hope he brings in the points.

  14. flipthebuzzard
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    OK, thinking of....
    Firm > Llanalla - (to free up funds mainly but also Firm is getting frustrating)
    Antonio > Walcott
    Stuani>Rashford

    for -8 (bear in mind im a good 28/35points clear in my leagues atm)
    Have Sterling, Sanch, Kun, Kaku all in....

    Worth it....???

    Thanks chaps

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think so, too risky in my view. Firminos stats are still nice and Antonio has Middlesborough. Wait a week and see next week for a -4 🙂

  15. John wick
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Antonio to lallana? Looks tempting....or wait till boro

    1. L S P
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      i'd keep Antonio for these next few good fixtures and then reassess. Could easily be in the points in the next 5 fixtures.

    2. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Personally I'd do it (for a FT)!

  16. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Great article!

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Recently did Mane, Snoddy and Ibra to Lallana, Sanchez and Rashford myself.

      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Nice moves, best of luck!

  17. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks.

  18. A.T
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks AZ. He was great for me at Southampton and he's definitely back on the radar at that bargain price now.

  19. jesperdalagersuri
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Great article thank you. I bought him during the game so I saved 0.1 compared to his current price. Here's hoping he'll do better than Lamela whom I sacrificed

  20. Green Thunder
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Lallana? I'm thinking he is a good option for a cheaper Liverpool coverage. Surly he will still get games.