I think we need to talk about this ‘square pegs’ thing. It’s become a bit of a truism that needs challenging
Footballers are not fixed, unchangable things. And football positions are not set in stone, with codified, defined aspects to them. We’re actually talking about putting plasticine pegs in variable shaped holes.
If Klopp is looking at Lallana in the six role, it’s not because he is making the best of a shit situation. It’s because because he sees something in him that he thinks would be an attribute in that position.
I’d say that might be Lallana’s ability to receive the ball, turn quickly and get on the front foot. In that respect, he is probably better than Fabinho. Klopp might be eyeing him up to do that in games where we’ll be needing less of the defensive shield that Fabinho gives.
A defence of
Lallana
Robertson Fabinho Gomez Trent
Alisson
Would be really interesting to try against the bottom teams, and gets a rest for Van Dijk.
So, I have no problem selling Lovren. In all honesty it was going to be tough to convince him to hang around as fourth choice. He is too good for that, and obviously wants to play. The only issue I have is the fee, although that might be reflective of his awful attendance record.
I don’t know what this club/manager has to do to help people understand the way we work know. We expect Klopp to sit down Lovren, look him in the eye and say
You’re not going, you’re under contract, so shut the fuck up and get back on the training pitch.
It doesn’t work like that. If a player wants out, Klopp will let them go. He won’t risk a discontented player in the dressing room. Especially not in a position we are reasonably well stocked.