Lallana still a goal-getter
ADAM LALLANA has been tipped to help Brighton end their goalscoring problems – with manager Graham Potter insisting the former Liverpool man is still a major goal threat.
Lallana is yet to score for Albion since signing on a free transfer from Anfield in July and is desperate to break his duck against bottom side Sheffield United at the Amex today.
In fact, the 32-year-old hasn’t scored at all since grabbing a vital late equaliser for champions Liverpool at Old Trafford in October 2019.
If you are going to score only one goal in a title-winning season, then an 85th-minute strike against Manchester United isn’t a bad choice.
But when you take into account that Lallana didn’t score at all in 2018-19 or 2017-18 for Liverpool then it has been a frustrating few years.
However, Potter, whose Brighton team are searching for their first home win of the PL season and are now perilously close to the drop zone, isn’t concerned.
Potter said: “I think the last couple of years at Liverpool he didn’t play so much and that probably affects his goal record.
“But Adam has got the quality to score.
“He brings a lot more than that to the team, but I’m pretty sure if you ask him he’d like to chip in with some goals too.
“That’s what we need from other areas of the pitch as well. It’s not just one area, it’s all of us as a team. We must find a collective solution.”
Brighton have managed 15 goals in the Premier League this campaign, with Neal Maupay currently top scorer on four.
Lallana came close to chipping in during the goalless draw at Fulham in midweek but his effort was disallowed for a handball by Danny Welbeck in the build-up.
Albion hope he will be celebrating for real this time, especially with flying right-back Tariq Lamptey (below) back in the squad.
The former Chelsea youngster has just been named Brighton’s player of 2020 in a local newspaper vote by fans.
Potter said: “I’m not surprised. Tariq’s one of those players who if I was a supporter I would like to watch. He gives you that enthusiasm for football and that excitement. You are never quite sure what’s going to happen but there’s always something happening.
“He’s a great lad, wants to learn and wants to get better. He has attributes that are really exciting even at the Premier League level. He’s been a real bonus for us.”
Brighton may have an opportunity to boost their goalscoring options in January if striker Glenn Murray returns early from a loan spell at Watford. He has been left on the Hornets bench and Potter says he’d be welcome back. He said: “My respect for Glenn is huge, he’s a top guy and a fantastic servant for this club.”