We are not a one man team, but I disagree with your points above. Last season we missed Lallana when he didn't play. This year we have played really well without him and been very creative. It is not just Lambert's goals and assists that we'd miss, but equally as important his presence and his contribution to our style of play. Without him, we have no real out ball when under pressure. The last 20 mins on Tuesday proved that. I don't think we have another target man in the squad.
Thats not what I meant. Lambert is a class above the other options for the job he is there fore. With the other options we have to play differently. That doesn't mean the other options are not good enough, just that they are different options however they are options. On the other hand with Lallana there is no such cover. If he is not available we have to change style a huge amount and often scrap for the points. The difference being that if lambert is there we can play the ball to him as a target man if required (how often do we use that option?) If it were Barnard or Guly the play would have to be much shorter and on the ground. If Lallana is there it more often than not means that 2 players are on him at most times making space for others. If he is not there then that option means the opposition gain some more time for themselves by not having to 'waste' an extra player doubling up on Lallana. I regard Chaplow very highly. I think he has been awesome this season however when Lallana is there Chaplow is superb at using that extra space as is Fox. When Lallana plays and draws players inside it is Chaplow and Fox who take advantage of that space. If you watched the Brighton game, Lallana was pretty quiet hoever he had 2 players all the time on him and that meant we had loads of space on that left side or when he stayed left on the inside. Just because he doesn't star in those games doesn't mean he is not playing a part. If Lambert was out we owuld miss the power however to champion him as a talisman is a little OTT. I am sure most of the Saints squad get more of a lift from Lallana being on the team sheet however they are all a unit and all the players regard each other as equally important. I would be quite happy to see Lamber rested for a game here and there. He can't play 46 games this season and 46/38 next season etc. Would be useful to see Barnard/Guly up front for a game here or there or even Barnard up front with Lallana and Guly behind.
Its not how many £££££, its how many lbs. Think Lamert is someone that would quite easily put weight on, if he can't train, meaning its going to take longer to get match fit. Tbh, can't see anyone catching you now
he is out on loan, not sure if there is a recall option though but tbh i had actually forgotton about him untill u mentioned him
Has anyone seen a very recent photo of Rickie..? He's tiny compared to when he played for Bristol Rovers. I would say he's about 20lbs lighter. I also noticed, that during his hat-trick against Brighton, he beat a couple of defenders for outright speed..!
