Newly appointed Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says he expects great things from Adam Lallana as the attacking midfielder prepares for his second season at the club.
Following his £25 million move from Southampton last summer, Lallana’s first season at Anfield was effected by injury, although he did make 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals for the Reds.
But with an injury-free summer behind him and impressive performances on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, Henderson believes the best is yet to come from Lallana.
“It was hard for Adam,” Henderson told LFCTV. “Last pre-season he got an injury so he didn’t really have a good pre-season under his belt and when he came back he was always trying to fight and get back fit and he then picked up one or two niggles during the season.
“I felt a bit sorry for him last season but Adam is a top, top player. He’s got great quality and he’s got great knowledge of the game.
“He’s a good lad as well and I’m sure he will work really hard this pre-season and come the first game of the season I’m sure he will be flying.
“I’ve told him that I’m expecting big things from him this season!”
Lallana faces high quality competition for games at Liverpool this season with the likes of Lazar Markovic, Jordon Ibe, Philippe Coutinho and new signing Roberto Firmino also vying for those attacking midfield spots.
But Henderson is confident his club and country teammate is up to the challenge, with Liverpool having a lot of work to do to recover from last season’s disappointing campaign.
“Deep down he knows this is big season,” Henderson added. “It’s a big season for everyone, not just Adam, and it’s a big season for the whole team.
“I know he feels as though he can show people a lot more in terms of getting into a rhythm of playing every week. There’s big things to come from him I’m sure.”
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