'Lallana gives us great options'
Gary Gillespie insists the signing of Adam Lallana is an exciting capture that will give Brendan Rodgers plenty of options in attack.
In following Rickie Lambert in making the move from the south coast to Anfield, the England international sealed his dream move on Tuesday.
As a regular pundit for LFCTV, Gillespie has always been impressed when watching Lallana in action, and he is certain our new No.20 will be an instant hit in front of the Kop.
"Lallana will give Brendan plenty of attacking options and it's a really good addition for the club," Gillespie told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I thought he was a little bit unfortunate maybe not to have had as much game time as he did in the World Cup, because I think he's a talented individual who can make things happen.
"He can play just behind the striker, he can play in wide areas and I could even see him playing in central midfield, maybe even a bit deeper as well - I think he's that talented.
"His work ethic is good as well, he looks very much a team player and he also has that individual brilliance because he can beat people.
"I've said all along when you look at the top sides, and even when you look at the top sides in the World Cup, they have players that can do something and create something by beating players. Lallana has that little trick up his sleeve and he has got good vision.
"Lallana fits the player model that Brendan is looking for. He is young but he has had enough experience as well at Southampton and overall I feel he will be a fantastic signing for Liverpool."
Gillespie, who was part of the last Liverpool team to win the title in 1990, believes Lallana has made the move to Anfield at the right time in his career and has backed him to settle into his new surroundings quickly.
He added: "It's always difficult when you come to Liverpool because this is a big club and expectation levels are always great at Liverpool.
"I remember when I moved from Coventry City and it was a big step for me signing for Liverpool.
"I do think he has moved at the right time because he is at the right age, he has enough experience and he has certainly learned his trade well at Southampton.
"In the last couple of years arguably he has been one of the best midfield players in the country but I still think there is room for improvement - there always is - and coming to Liverpool is the next stage in his career, and hopefully for Liverpool the next stage in building on what we achieved last season with the success in finishing second.
"Overall, I think it's an exciting prospect for both parties - for Liverpool and Lallana."
With the added bonus of a return to the Champions League this season, Gillespie admits strengthening the squad was always going to be a priority this summer for Rodgers.
He said: "So much was made of the fact we didn't have European football last year but we have certainly got that this season with us being back in the Champions League.
"There are a lot of fixtures to be played with the FA Cup and Capital One Cup as well, and if anything you looked at Liverpool's squad last season and yes we had some good youngsters on the bench, but nobody would be in any denial that we needed to strengthen the squad."