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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

As he bids to enjoy an Anfield career rid of any more injuries, Adam Lallana's change in position in pre-season this summer could well be the making of the Liverpool midfielder.

On the chalkboard

Despite having the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on his books, Jurgen Klopp has intriguingly redefined Lallana's role this summer. The former Southampton midfielder has predominantly been an attack-minded midfielder during his career, whether that be as a traditional number one or someone dovetailing from in off the flanks.

In the Reds' opening two pre-season games however, Lallana has been used in a much deeper role; a number six position so to speak. Whilst he may not possess the kind of defensive attributes that may be commonly associated with the position, the technique and skills he brings from his time further forward could give him a rather defining advantage.

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The England international has always operated at his best in tight spaces, manoeuvring the ball around with his quick feet and control. As Liverpool's deep-lying midfielder, Lallana would be more than comfortable when sides decide to press the ball, and even have the skill and technique to potentially bypass the press with his dribbling - he completed eight of the 11 he attempted in the Premier League in 2018/19 - and completely open the game up.

Indeed, speaking after his second performance in the role against Bradford, Klopp remarked: "Adam is the kind of player who can play that and he enjoys this 'Jorginho' role – I hope Maurizio Sarri doesn't see the games or he will make an offer.

"It is about getting Adam rhythm, bringing him in early and doing things he is naturally good at: small spaces, passing the ball, and then from time-to-time offering the runs in behind as well and together with Milly (James Milner) that is possible. For us it is another option."

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And that's precisely why Lallana could thrive in this new role. In games where the Reds are expected to dominate, using Lallana as the deepest-lying midfielder could allow Klopp to get an extra attacker in and really take the game to the opposition. The 31-year-old could carry the ball forward with ease and dictate the tempo, and would offer the player himself a greater opportunity at making the starting line-up.

So whilst it may not be his natural position, Lallana's injury-blighted Anfield career could be set to take off in the most unfamiliar of circumstances.