Liverpool, United Kingdom: It was a description meant as much in jest as a glowing tribute to Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen, but in retrospect has become something of an albatross.
“Here he is. The Welsh Xavi,” said Brendan Rodgers, caught on camera in the now notorious Being: Liverpool documentary as he welcomed his priority signing of two years ago. Even then, there was evidence Allen was not entirely comfortable with the eulogy as he declined the vacant number six jersey — the shirt Xavi made his own in Barcelona.
In the filmed discussion, Allen opted for the less conspicuous 24. Throughout his two years, there has always been the feeling Allen has not been entirely convinced of his ability to justify the £15 million (Dh93.5 million) fee paid to Swansea City.
It is an appealing, yet also disconcerting, trait in the 24-year-old, who has spent plenty of time with the club’s resident psychiatrist Steve Peters, presumably in an effort to reinforce the view he is exactly where he belongs.
The fee and comparison with the Spanish midfield maestro, he admits, have been used a stick to beat him as much as a compliment. “For some people it probably is,” Allen said.
“It is some player to be compared to. I don’t take things like that too seriously. Some people have maybe used that in a negative way but from my point of view you have to look at it as something that should flatter you. It should inspire you to become as good as someone like that.
“I wouldn’t know what people talk about but I certainly felt the performance levels last season were getting back up to what I expect from myself and a level I can perform at. I might not have played as big a part as some of the guys, but I was part of a great season. I’m proud of that and things like the price tag are for other people to focus on.”
Allen is certainly not short of backing internally and externally. The Kop took to him after a promising start and it was injury rather than non-selection denying him a regular starting place last season.
There are many who believe — if he can stay injury-free — that he will be an essential component in a restructured formation post-Luis Suarez.
Rodgers is far more likely to play a single striker rather than accommodate a pair, ensuring the proliferation of midfielders in his squad will get plenty of opportunities, not least because of the additional workload of Champions League football.
During his recovery period, Allen has heeded advice to add strength to his technique with prolonged gym sessions. “It has been a process over the last season. I have been much more focused in that department,” he said.
“When you have a few injuries, you get more into a routine in the gym but it was something that I needed to do. I have improved on that. I definitely feel the benefits of it and I think there is a bit more to do. It is about getting those marginal gains, speaking to the conditioning team and the nutritionists. You have to realise how much of a difference it can make.
“You always want to stamp your authority on the team. It is a big year personally of course but every year is at a club like this. With the team having really good momentum, back in a quality competition like the Champions League, it is up to me to really make my mark and be part of a success story at this club.
“There is massive competition for a place in the side but it is up to me. I have got to put my head down, keep working hard and do everything that I can to make sure I am selected. It’s not just in midfield, it’s throughout, but that is what you want. We are competing at the top end of the table. You want strength in depth, you want quality throughout and that naturally brings out the best in players.”
After two years, do not be surprised if the next 12 months prove Allen’s most consistent on Merseyside. “I think I’ve always felt part of it,” he said. “You can always look back and there are certain aspects you wish went better at times during the season. But since day one I’ve been made to feel a part of this club and I’m privileged to represent this club and I look forward to coming in every day and working for it.
“The club wanted to bring me in so from day one I knew they wanted me and I wanted to perform for this club.”
