We actually have more penetration with Allen. Cue the Brendan Jokes. He plays angles that Lucas doesn't and it's continuous throughout the game, not just the odd one or two. I'd play him from here on against teams that sit deeper as he offers us more going forward. Can't believe I just said that!
Gerrard should be used in our FA cup run, if BR displaces any of our current 11 with Gerrard then he's foolish.
Allen's first time passing in on point, that really helps us get on the front foot early when you can get the ball in to Coutinho/Lallana early. On top of that he's not afraid to carry the ball, basically he's the foundation of building attacks. Tbh he gets stick for not getting goals or assists but that's not what he's being asked to do. Modric didn't get many either but what a player he is.
Let's say we end up playing Arsenal or Utd in the final. We all know Gerrard would take away from this team, what does he do? Could be the difference between winning and losing.
Think there's some harsh comments on Allen. He was a key member during our run at the end of last season. When on form, he's very good in midfield - his ability to pick up the ball and pick a pass which bypasses lines. Similar to Sakho - his passing is penetrative and it creates space. The problem with Allen is that he is injury prone, and then he takes a few games to get back up to speed. Once we sign better midfielders, he'll be on the bench. When he comes off the bench, he will need to step up straight away - he won't be able to play himself in for 4-5 games. Along with Hendo, they are both very good squad players.
Gotta say, his ball control was incredible last night. If that's a fully fit and inform Allen then he starts every game imo.
For me I'll go as far as I'd rather Allen than gerrard now But he gave the ball away far too much yesterday
The whole team were poor in the first half with Skrtel, Allen and Migs having decent performances. But Allen certainly grew into the game and was dominating. Won't get the credit because of his size, much like Sakho won't get credit for his ability on the ball because of his style.
please log in to view this image Joe Allen: Liverpool midfielder proving his class says Neil Taylor Midfielder Joe Allen is showing the form that earned him a move to Liverpool, says former Swansea City team-mate Neil Taylor. Allen left the Swans for Liverpool in 2012 but his time at Anfield has been hampered by injuries. The 24-year-old played in his side's 1-0 win at Swansea and Taylor said: "I've always known he was a great player, we know in Wales what a good player he is. "He just needed to be fit. He's a key player and he's in great form." Taylor added: "He's had problems with injuries which he couldn't have helped, like when he got smashed in Andorra. Allen has just over two years left on his current Liverpool deal but revealed he has opened talks with the club. please log in to view this image Allen (left) and Taylor were also team-mates in the Great Britain men's team for the 2012 Olympics He has been in impressive form for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side of late and Taylor says Allen goes about his role in a quiet and effective manner. "Unless you are a real football person and know the game and see the game like we do, because we're in it, then you may not see the nuts and bolts that Joe does so well," left-back Taylor added. "It's massive. Look at Leon [Britton] down here over the years, he doesn't spray the passes like [Steven] Gerrard but the nuts and bolts to make your team tick, that's what Joe does. "That's why Brendan took him there for a lot of money." Allen and Taylor are set to be included in Wales' squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel in Haifa on 28 March. Wales manager Chris Coleman will announce the squad on Wednesday with his unbeaten Wales side facing the Group B leaders. "We all want to be in the team and we all want to qualify," Taylor added. "These next few games are massive towards that. They're all big but now we feel we've really got a http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31930033chance and we don't want to let that go."
