I personally think that the fans who have already shut the door on Allen being a top Liverpool player will all look a bit stupid in 12 months time. He was one of our best players for the first 2 months of the season. He had a wobble mid-season, lost form and confidence and should have lost his place a little sooner than he did. However, he now seems to be playing himself back into a bit of form and I remain confident that he will be a very good player for LFCfor a number of years. I agree that he doesn't quite suit the CAM role but with Stevie playing so well in a deeper role (i'm not sure BR would have originally intended for Stevie to play in this spot) he might have to bide his time to get playing time in his favoured spot. If you watch some of his highlight reels for Swansea last season (I watched em all when we were being linked with the lad) he often travelled with the ball and provided the link between defence and attack so I believe he should be able to play the role at LFC.
He does do his best work in tight areas, playing in triangles, at high tempo etc and the lad has a fantastic touch. I don't think anyone can argue with this? Rodgers just needs him to be looking to play forwards a little more often and I think we will see this from the player as his confidence improves.
As for Hendo, he was doing very well in the 10 role (somehow!) but seems to have fallen out of favour somewhat in the last few matches. His attributes don't really lend themselves to playing at 10. He isn't particularly creative or blessed with vision and he isn't the greatest dribller BUT (as has been pointed out) he does play with tremendous energy, he moves the ball quickly and he is an intelligent player who often makes and creates space for others with his running.
Of the two, I'd fancy Allen to have the longer LFC career and it wouldn't surprise me too much too see Hendo (along with Shelvey) moved on in the summer if any decent bids come in from other clubs.
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