Why Liverpool Should Look to Retain Joe Allen Amid Watford Interest
As Jurgen Klopp moulds and remoulds his squad this summer ahead of his first full campaign in charge of Liverpool in 2016/17, there will no doubt be casualties among his current crop, with Welsh midfielder Joe Allen one of those tipped to leave Merseyside at the end of the season.
Back in January, the former Swansea City midfielder was linked with a move back to the Liberty Stadium, but Klopp rejected the Swans' enquiry, with the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce confirming "the Reds have informed them that Allen is going nowhere during the current window."
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However, Pearce continued to suggest "unless Allen becomes a first-team regular between now and May, a move away from Anfield this summer looks increasingly likely," and interest continues to mount.
According to Andy Hunter of the Guardian, Watford are exploring the possibility of a double bid for Allen and fellow Reds squad player, Jordon Ibe, and are set to test the pair's "resolve to remain at Anfield."
Having signed a new five-year contract in May, the 20-year-old Ibe is unlikely to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis this summer, but Allen's future is more uncertain.
Despite interest from Watford and Swansea, however, Klopp would be unwise to let the Wales international go.
As the Express' Paul Joyce reported at the beginning of March, Klopp's summer is set to be a busy one, with the German preparing "a rebuilding programme in the hope of orchestrating a lasting revival in the club's fortunes."
This is likely to see a number of players come and go on Merseyside, adding to a pair of signings already in place for the start of the 2016/17 campaign.
Joel Matip and Marko Grujic will join up with Klopp's squad for pre-season, with the Schalke centre-back arriving on a free transfer having impressed the manager during his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund, and Grujic having spent the rest of the season on loan with Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian Superliga.
Joyce said Alberto Moreno, Simon Mignolet and Christian Benteke are players whose futures are "swathed in doubt," while Kolo Toure, Joao Carlos Teixeira and Jose Enrique could all leave on the expiry of their contracts.
As the likelihood of a move for Mario Gotze increases, with Hunter confirming Liverpool's interest in a £20 million move at the end of March, Empoli's on-loan Empoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski has also emerged as a summer target.
It is Zielinski's arrival that will cast doubt over Allen's future at Liverpool, as the Poland international could well take his place in Klopp's midfield ranks.
Zielinski has spent the past two seasons on loan with Serie A side Empoli, joining the likes of Riccardo Saponara and former Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone in an ambitious outfit led by manager Marco Giampaolo, who is looking to secure a top-half finish in 2015/16.
A progressive, box-to-box midfielder, Zielinski has scored three goals and assisted on a further five in 28 league games so far this season—though his main strengths are as a ball-carrier, knitting attacking moves together before Saponara plays the killer pass.
Speaking to Polish outlet Futbolfejs.pl (h/t the Liverpool Echo's Kristian Walsh) during the international break, Zielinski hinted at a move to Merseyside this summer, saying "some people say these are just the rumours. I know a little bit more about it."
Zielinski also expressed his admiration for Liverpool No. 10 Philippe Coutinho, and it is likely that if he joins Klopp's squad this summer, he would be linking up with the Brazilian in attack.
Former Poland striker Dariusz Dziekanowski providing a welcome summary of his talents at the end of March, as relayed by the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle:
"He is an offensive player, he likes to play forward especially with [Robert] Lewandowski, [Arkadiusz] Milik and [Grzegorz] Krychowiak by his side.
Zielinski likes to take the responsibility like he does in Empoli.
Piotr is a positive person and he is not a type of player who looks for a backpass. He prefers to play forward.
When the ball is in the middle he doesn’t see a problem to hold a ball for a while or exchange the passes and cross the ball through the field.
"
Remarkably, this description bears many similarities with a player already in Klopp's squad: the soon-to-be outcast Allen.
So should Klopp be looking to replace Allen with a like-minded talent, or just hold on to the accomplished, experienced 26-year-old this summer?
Recovering from a thigh injury in the first weeks of 2015/16, Allen has made just three Premier League starts for Liverpool so far this season—all coming under Klopp—and just 24 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.
Allen has seen 1,121 minutes of action, fewer than 35-year-old centre-back Kolo Toure (1,198), third-choice striker Divock Origi (1,299) and fellow summer doubt Ibe (1,741), and less than half that of another Liverpool midfielder, Lucas Leiva (2,315).
With major question marks over Lucas' overriding quality, it is understandable why Allen could be looking to leave Liverpool this summer.
But despite his peripheral role, when called upon this season, the Wales international has invariably performed, particularly throughout an eventful January, which saw him score twice and lay on another in six appearances, as well as captaining the Reds against West Ham United in the FA Cup fourth round and scoring the decisive penalty in Liverpool's shootout triumph over Stoke City in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
"It's right up there with the best moments I've had in a Liverpool shirt, no matter what happens in the future," he told reporters after that victory over Mark Hughes' Potters, via the Mirror's David Maddock.
"It's a big moment not only for me but also for this group."
Ever selfless, despite providing further hints as to his summer plans, this evaluation served as the encapsulation of Allen's spell on Merseyside so far: the ex-Swans man has been one of the most diligent and quietly effective players in the Liverpool squad since his move from south Wales in 2012.
Starting in place of Jordan Henderson in March's 3-2 defeat away to Southampton, Allen showcased his talents, playing a key role as Liverpool overwhelmed the Saints in the first half at St Mary's Stadium.
His finesse, tactical intelligence, understanding of space, defensive contribution and the ability to cover ground quickly will make Allen an excellent signing for an upwardly mobile Premier League side this summer—as it is highly likely he will leave Anfield.
But as Klopp looks to overhaul his midfield ahead of 2016/17, he may need to reconsider Allen's position; as he is a valuable option and far less of a risk than the untested Zielinski.
Statistics via Transfermarkt.co.uk.
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