Southampton FC: Why Fans Should Cheer Adam Lallana
For the first time since the end of last season, Adam Lallana will return to where it all began. The 26-year old English international is quickly becoming one of the best youth players to ever come out of the Southampton FC youth system.
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Joining Southampton’s youth ranks at the age of 12, Lallana progressed his way up the ladder leading the youth side to back-to-back FA Youth Cup semi-finals. Six years after joining the club, Lallana made his first team debut in a League Cup match against Yeovil.
Leading the squad back to the Premier League from both League One and the English Championship, Lallana turned down countless offers to join Premier League clubs. He instead opted to remain with his boyhood club. Southampton would finally return to the Premier League in 2012.
Last Season, Lallana not only broke into the English national team on a full time basis, but lead Southampton to their best Premier League finish since 2002-03. Lallana was named to the PFA team of the Year as well as being Southampton Players and Fans Player of the Year.
His great form for Southampton did not go unnoticed. During the World Cup, Liverpool made three attempts to purchase the star midfielder. At the urging of Lallana, Southampton accepted a deal that would send the side’s longtime star to Liverpool.
Out injured for Liverpool’s opening match against Southampton, this will be the first time Lallana will line up opposite his longtime club. The former Saints captain denied he forced a move away from the South Coast, saying he asked the board to consider letting him leave for Liverpool.
However, Lallana does expect a mixed reaction in his return to St. Mary’s stadium.
"“I’m not stupid enough to think the way I left didn’t leave a sour taste in a few people’s mouths. I regret the way I left. I regret bits and pieces of how it happened and it got nasty. It was sad the way it happened.”"
Out of respect for his former club, Lallana also stated that he would not celebrate should he score a goal against his former side.
"“Of course not. I’ve got huge respect for the club, part of me doesn’t even know how I’m going to play. I’ve got too much respect to celebrate.”"
However, no true Southampton supporter should boo Lallana. He joined the club in his youth, and led the club during their climb from League One to the Premier League. He spent 12 years at Southampton, more than enough to secure his legacy.
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Choosing the leave the South Coast this past Summer could not have been an easy decision for the captain. The pull of Liverpool is too much for most any player to resist. Lallana did not force a move from the club, he requested to join Liverpool, and the board accepted.
Adam Lallana is one the brightest stars Southampton has ever produced, and though his production has not been there this season, he is too good to not improve his play at Liverpool.
Who knows, Lallana could one day return to Southampton. Over the twelve years he spent at St Mary’s, Lallana has earned the respect of many supporters, and could one day be considered one of the greatest Southampton players ever.