Adam Lallana Shows Promise, But He’s No Kroos

Toni Kroos was recently unveiled by Real Madrid for a price that was believed to be in the region of £24 million.

Similarly, after having an excellent season with Southampton and also gaining success at the international level , Adam Lallana, the 25 year old midfielder, completed his move to Liverpool FC for £25 million.

Comparing the two players, you’d find that Toni Kroos is a central midfielder who learned his trade at Bayern Munich, having joined their youth team at the tender age of 16. His performances at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups have helped show the occasional football fans just why he’s so critical to the national team.

With a meagre return of 13 goals in 130 matches for Bayern Munich, one might argue that he hasn’t been consistent enough at club level. However, we shouldn’t forget that that’s not his stock in trade.

2013/2014 Statistics:

Appearances: 42
Goals: 5
Assists: 9
Yellow Cards:9
Red Cards:0

Adam Lallana is an English central attacking midfielder, who will start the new season for Liverpool FC after his transfer from Southampton. He joined the Saints’ youth team at the age of 12.  He was visibly gifted, and made his senior debut in 2006. At club level, Lallana has enjoyed 238 appearances with a return of 48 goals.

For the naive football supporter who bases all facts on statistics, Lallana seems like a clear winner, but we must take into consideration that even though he is a midfielder too, he is stationed far further up the pitch compared to Toni Kroos.

Also, it’s important to note that Lallana is Southampton’s go-to man, he gets the ball more than anyone in the team, and is the pivot around which the team’s success is based. Kroos, for however good he is, has had to play at a club where talent comes by the bucket-load.

2013/14 Statistics:

Appearances:38
Goals:9
Assists:6
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards:0

Verdict:

Toni Kroos just comes across as a more complete footballer, and has somehow cost Real Madrid a pretty reasonable fee in today’s inflated transfer market.