OPINION
Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has been in blistering form recently, so it is easy to see why he has been on the receiving end of mountains of praise.
However, one player that must not be brushed aside just because Shaqiri is impressing is Adam Lallana.
He is approaching his best form after a nightmare last 15 months, and the only thing that can help him progress is if Jurgen Klopp gives him regular game time.
Playing regularly means that he will start to get into his rhythm once again, and when he is on form, Lallana really does blow everyone away.
The attention this season would have no doubt been focused on the summer recruits – including Shaqiri – but it would be a shame to oust Lallana, as he contributes positively towards the team when he is in it.
Shaqiri took a long time to get going with Liverpool and Klopp will no doubt continue to utilise him for the time being to ensure that he maintains his form – but that will come at a cost for Lallana.
All the time the Swiss international is playing and is on form, Lallana will continue to diminish.
There is no denying the work rate of the 30-year-old, and there is one thing for sure – the team would be a whole lot worse off without his contribution.
He is not at his best and he no doubt recognises that, but his light should certainly not flicker out.
In order for the Reds to achieve their dream of winning the Premier League, Klopp needs high-quality options – and that is exactly what the £65,000-a-week [Spotrac] player is.
Just because Lallana is entering his thirties and has suffered with injury problems in the past, that does not mean that his best playing days are past him.
Shaqiri may be impressing, but that does not mean that Lallana is fading into the background – if anything, he can now prove to Klopp why the manager loves having him in his team.
