Liverpool Agree Charlie Adam Deal: But Is Kenny's Midfield Already Full?

Liverpool Football Club have officially announced an agreement has been reached with Blackpool over the transfer of their captain, Charlie Adam.

Pending a successful medical and the agreement of personal terms, the long-winded transfer saga finally looks to be completed.

Many supporters seem happy about the imminent capture of the 25-year-old Scot, but there appears to be a small few who would rather see Adam ply his trade elsewhere next season.

Seen in some quarters as an unnecessary target and lacking the star quality needed to win the league, fans are suggesting the size and ability of Liverpool's current midfield roster would mean there is little need or room to shoe-horn him into the squad.

So, as the players transfer looks likely to be finalized by tomorrow, is there space for Charlie Adam in the team, and what will he bring with him to Anfield? 

Ultimately the answer is yes, there is definitely room, and what he brings is a much needed left foot to a vastly unbalanced Liverpool squad.

It was a rare sight during the campaign last year to see a consistent natural left-footed player on the field, not to mention the squad only contained right-footed players in the center of the park.

That alone may suggest there is a gap for Adam tactically within the current setup.

Not only does his left foot bring balance to the side and provide more attacking options for Dalglish to utilize, but the quality of that left foot, coupled with a clever footballing brain, ensure Liverpool have a much stronger bench if the system requires either Raul Meireles or Adam to play alongside Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva.

Quality squad depth can be a necessary factor Liverpool will benefit from next year because Europe is not a distraction from the title race, and the proven Premier League player is a definite upgrade on some of the misfits who graced the bench last season.

So if it's as a regular starter or just a good quality squad player, the signing of Charlie Adam at any price under £9 million should be considered good value that brings with it many more positives than just a sweet left foot and strength in depth.

With more sporadic appearances expected from Fabio Aurelio if he remains at the club this year, Adam should take over the Brazilian's free kick responsibilities with more than enough quality to make a difference to our attacking set pieces options.

The dead ball specialist can also hopefully relieve Gerrard of his corner duties—which haven't always been of the highest quality—and get the captain back in and around the penalty box, where he is at his most dangerous.

Still a couple of years away from his prime, the player does however come with his faults. Hopefully the step up in quality of his coaching and management will improve his negatives and mold him into a much better all-around contributor.

Last term, Adam was one of the biggest foulers on the pitch, so maybe having the league's best tackler in Lucas alongside him sharing the responsibility will help with that side of his game.

Playing alongside the seasoned Brazilian also introduces the potential for Adam to grow into the role mastered by Alonso, confirmed by Dalglish himself.

So the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Adam is British, settled and proven in the league, accustomed to the country and has shown many times already the strength, passing range, vision and quality on the ball that caught Kenny's eye to begin with.

Coupled with the added tactical advantages, the long awaited acquisition of Adam is a definitely a positive one.

Yes, he shone in a largely unflattering Blackpool team, but there is no doubting the quality of the manager's new addition and the potential to perform even better with quality players around him.

But some have been asking how will Dalglish squeeze Adam into the side? 

Despite very strange bemoans across forums about Liverpool already having eight central midfielders, it's highly likely that Christian Poulsen will not feature next year and will be sold on or released.

One or maybe even both promising young players Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey could be loaned out, and there is still the strong possibility that the unsettled Alberto Aquilani will get his desired transfer.

Even if reported moves away from the club for Meireles, Aquilani and Spearing don't happen, Liverpool have long since craved quality players fighting for positions, so the addition of Charlie Adam to an already decent midfield should be considered a positive step toward regaining the league title.

With two months left of this summer's transfer activity still to unfold, it's far to early to believe there will be no more movement in and out of Anfield before the first of September.