Former Liverpool star Adam Lallana has claimed that he is now performing at the highest level of his career.
Speaking to The Athletic, Lallana suggested that he has found another level with Brighton since leaving Liverpool in 2020.
“I’m 34 and arguably performing at the highest level that I have throughout my career,” said the midfielder. “I feel like I’m contributing, I’ve got rhythm, I feel fit. In the last couple of games, I’ve shown my fitness levels are high. I’m versatile, I can play in different positions, and I feel as though I’m contributing to the team. It’s exciting.”
Lallana has started both of Brighton’s two Premier League games so far this season. Now entering his third season with the Seagulls, he has played 58 times in blue and white.
Liverpool never saw the best of their number 20
Most Liverpool fans would probably agree with the assertion that they never saw the best version of Lallana.
There was a time during 2016/17 when he was perhaps both Liverpool and England’s best player. But that period didn’t last long enough, and then injuries took hold.
All in all, he probably underachieved after arriving for £25m from Southampton in 2014. Yes, he played his part in a successful time for the club, and Jurgen Klopp loved him. But he was a bit-part player in the Premier League and Champions League wins.
If not for his contributions as one of the leaders of the dressing room, he could easily have been let go a couple of years before he was.
Lallana showing Klopp what he’s missing
Regardless of his eventual departure, Lallana remains a popular figure at Liverpool. As seen by his presence at Andy Robertson’s wedding, his legacy within the current squad still remains. For his part, he’s clearly still a Liverpool fan, too.
As a result, it’s nice to see that he has been given a new lease of life on the South Coast. At one stage it had looked as though injuries could curtail his career. That now doesn’t look to be the case as he takes on a big role for Graham Potter’s side.
Lallana also seems to have given his new club the inside track on his old one. Since his move to the Amex in 2020, Liverpool have only beaten Brighton once in four attempts.
The Reds could still do with a versatile midfielder. Had Lallana not pursued a move two years ago, perhaps Klopp would still have him around now.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
