'Adam's derby debut proves he can shine'
John Aldridge has hailed the sheer diligence demonstrated by Adam Lallana during his impressive Merseyside derby debut, insisting the display can kick-start the midfielder's Liverpool career.
Lallana was 'everywhere' during the 1-1 draw, according to Aldo, who watched from his usual vantage point in the Anfield press box as the Reds went agonisingly close to victory against Everton.
Since signing from Southampton in the summer, Lallana has seen his playing time curtailed due to a knee injury he sustained during the club's tour of the United States.
As a result of the knock, the England international was consigned to a watching role as Brendan Rodgers' side began their 2014-15 Barclays Premier League campaign.
However, since earning his debut against Aston Villa in mid-September, Lallana has racked up four starts in five appearances for the club - and Aldridge insists the 26-year-old's probing performance against the Blues was the pick of the bunch by far.
"There's nothing like a derby to get a player's Liverpool career up and running, and I felt Adam Lallana did exactly that on Saturday," he wrote in his weekly Liverpool Echo column.
"He will have been as frustrated as anyone at having to wait to make his debut, but I think he has looked very promising over the last few weeks.
"Against Everton, he was everywhere, working hard, looking to play forward and create, and showing a lot of quality on the ball.
"We know he is a good player. And as he gets fitter and more in tune with his teammates, I think he will develop into a cracking signing for the club."