When it comes to midfielders, Liverpool have a stock of them. Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Marko Grujic, all are fighting for a place in the starting eleven. Emre Can was Liverpool’s best central midfielder last season and so he can be assured of his place in the starting eleven. Also, Lucas’ future at the club is uncertain. Joe Allen, popularly known as “Welsh Xavi”, also seems to be on his way out. According to BBC, Liverpool have accepted an offer worth 13 million pounds for Joe Allen from Stoke City.
Joe Allen was brought to Liverpool by Brendan Rodgers in 2011. But Allen could never replicate the performances he gave for Swansea City and found it difficult to make a place for himself in the team. Last season was no different until Jurgen Klopp took over as Liverpool’s head coach. Allen couldn’t find a place in the starting eleven under Brendan Rodgers and was behind James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva in the pecking order. Under Klopp, players who hardly got a chance in the starting eleven became very important players. Allen was one of them. Allen had the potential but he could never prove it. Injury to Henderson meant that Allen got opportunities and he did not waste them.
Allen is a hard working central midfielder. He can defend as well as attack equally well. Allen can propel attacks from the centre of the midfield. He plays short passes and links up well with the attacking midfielders. Also, he presses well and wins back the possession from opponents in dangerous areas. That is why Allen took less time to adapt to Klopp’s high pressing style of play. Allen provides good support to the attacking midfielders and is very threatening on counters. Allen fulfills his defensive duties equally well. He does not hesitate to go into tackles. He makes crucial interceptions and clearances. Allen ended the season high on confidence and was in top form. He carried this form into the European Championships. Allen was Wales’ best player and was named in the team in the tournament. On an average, he made 2.3 interceptions per game and managed 1.5 successful tackles per game.
Allen is in top form and will be an asset for any team that he plays. His stakes have become high after his impressive displays in the European Championships. Allen needs proper game time under his belt if he wants to develop into a world class midfielder. At Liverpool, the competition is very stiff and it is quite possible that he might not get his chances. The majority of Liverpool’s fans don’t want Allen to leave the club. He is in great form and will be vital to the team next season. He still has 1 year left on his contract and fans would hope that he stays for another year atleast. But if Stoke City do complete Allen’s transfer, they will get a gem of a midfielder in 13 million pounds.