In the aftermath of anotherMerseyside derbyvictory at Anfield, so routine they have started to feel ritualistic,Jurgen Kloppsped over toAdam Lallanaand doffed his cap to the midfielder, before engulfing him in two giants hugs.
Curtis Jones was Liverpool’s matchwinner in the FA Cup third-round tie against Evertoncourtesy of his chef’s kiss of a curler from the edge of the box, But it was the – year-old who underpinned their triumph.
In the advent of James Milner’s injury-enforced substitution inside minutes on Sunday, Lallana assumed the armband but he has never needed a piece of material to exhibit the qualities of a captain.
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Jordan Henderson has persistently credited him as a sounding board, while Klopp labeled the England international “a natural leader who is very important within our team and the dressing room”, so his commanding display in challenging circumstances was no surprise.
Lallana was Liverpool’s lighthouse againstEverton, superbly guiding a young side that featured seven players aged 29 and under in the (following Milner’s withdrawal.)
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