Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana believes that the clubs preseason tour of Australia and Asia has them on track for a flying start to the new season.
The Reds Arrive back in the U.K. on Saturday following a brutal match in the humidity of Kuala Lumpur in which they drew 1-1 with a Malaysia select XI.
All in all the trip racked up 28,000 miles in which the Reds went from the jungle temperatures of Asia to the cold of winter in Australia, with Lallana saying It was hugely beneficial in making new boys James Milner, Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez feel a part of the team.
“The conditions were testing out there both weather wise and with the pitch,” Lallana told the ECHO.
“We would have liked to have won. We created a lot of chances and we’d liked to have taken a few more, but ultimately it’s more minutes under our belts.
“It’s been a long tour with four different games, in different countries and different temperatures. But they’ve been good tests for us.
“The new lads have come away and we’ve bonded and got to know their games.
“Clyney has settled in brilliantly as have all the others. James Milner has been tremendous. He has slotted straight into the fold and his experience is going to be vital for us this season.
“There have been some great positives from the tour. Now we’re looking forward to getting home and spending a few days with our families.
“Then it’s back into work on Tuesday to continue our preparations for the first game of the season.”
The Reds standout performer was arguably Jordan Ibe, whose stunning single effort left-footed goal against the Malaysian team left everyone speechless.
“Jordon has been very impressive,” Lallana said.
“We’ve been saying to him to get his shots off and it paid off – from his supposedly weaker side.
“That shows what great ability the lad has got. He’s got a great attitude and wants to work hard. He will be a great asset for us this season.”
When the team reconvenes for training at Melwood on Tuesday, there will be new signing to welcome to the fold with Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino ready to meet their new teammates, and Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can waiting to welcome the tourists home after being excused from the tour following international commitments.
“That’s three world class attacking players to go on top of what we’ve already got,” Lallana said.
“Then there’s also Emre Can, who is another massive player for us.
“These are really exciting times. They probably won’t be up to speed yet fitness wise but they will be great additions to the squad.
“Benteke’s a big presence and he’s going to be a massive signing for us.
“He scores all kinds of goals. He can score them out of nothing and he’s dangerous in the air.
“From set-pieces, both for and against, he will be important. He’s one of those players you want to have in your side.”
