U21 call-up a potential Lallana skin

Last updated : 02 October 2008 By Chris C
Lallana had previously featured for the England U18s and U19s, but the U21s are a big step up both in terms of standard and profile. He has been the standout youngster for Saints this season, after his impressive cameos for the first team, most memorably the crucial strike in the 1-1 draw with West Brom.

He now looks physically and technically up to the challenge of Championship football and beyond. Indeed despite so few first team games under his belt he was the subject of a late bid from Fulham, that thankfully Saints rejected.

His form has seen him linked with a move to the Premiership, with Spurs rumoured to be interested in a £5m bid, although if he continues his development they will need to pay considerably more for a player that has just signed a three-year contract.

While it is good to see a Saints player gaining international recognition, there is concern about the effect that this will have on his form and his profile, especiallly as local boy Drew Surman's form dipped measurably after his U21 call up last season.

Lallana remains young and inexperienced and it is hoped that playing alongside several Premiership regulars will not turn his head as he gets to understand their profile and considerably higher wages.

The other concern is that with Saints remaining in financial trouble that he will be lured away in the January transfer window. Money talks for player and club alike and we have to hope that Lallana recognises that the best place for his continued development is at Saints.

In time a move to the Premiership will come, but he needs a full season behind him to establish himself. With so much emphasis now placed on the academy it would be disappointing to see him leave like Walcott after barely half a season.

If the Premiership is inevitable that he should at least follow the example of Gareth Bale and see out the season giving his all for the club that nurtured him.