'Tweak in mentality' Adam Lallana lays down exactly what Brighton players must do to achieve top 10 goal

Brighton's new arrival Adam Lallana is determined to help Brighton achieve their goal of being an established top 10 club in the Premier League
Adam Lallana completed his medical with Albion yesterday (By Paul Hazlewood)Adam Lallana completed his medical with Albion yesterday (By Paul Hazlewood)
Adam Lallana completed his medical with Albion yesterday (By Paul Hazlewood)

Lallana, 32, joined on a free transfer from Liverpool and agreed a three-year deal after completing his medical with Albion on Monday.

During his six years on Merseyside, the former Southampton midfielder scored 22 goals in 178 matches for Liverpool and won the Premier League, the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

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Lallana was seen as a key part in establishing the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield and help set the standards required in order for Liverpool to return to the very top of domestic, European and world football.

Adam Lallana lifts the Premier League titleAdam Lallana lifts the Premier League title
Adam Lallana lifts the Premier League title

Albion have signed Lallana not only for his ability on the pitch but for his know-how and professionalism which they hope will inspire a talented group of youngsters such as Aaron Connolly, Steven Alzate, Tariq Lamptey and Alexis Mac Allister.

"A lot of it comes down to belief," said Lallana who won the last of his 34 England caps against Italy in March 2018. "To have the belief and the confidence in their own ability.

"I have seen Brighton play and watched them very closely post lockdown and they have had some fantastic results.

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"They played well against Liverpool and on a different day they might have got a result. It might just be about tweaking the mentality of the players and believing that you can be there .

Adam Lallana with England manager Gareth SouthgateAdam Lallana with England manager Gareth Southgate
Adam Lallana with England manager Gareth Southgate

"The top six teams, it's fine margins at this level as all the lads know. We will keep working hard under the stewardship of the boss.

"He (Graham Potter) has not been here long, so he is creating an infrastructure and an environment that he wants the players to thrive in. I hope I can contribute towards that.

"I have been fortunate in the last six years to go to major international champions, play in European finals and domestic finals and winning the Champions League and the Premier League.

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"It's a lot of experience I have gathered and if I can help in anyway, especially the younger lads and help guide them, nurture them and improve them, I would really like to do that.

"There is some fantastic young talent here and the boss gives them a chance and it's a perfect club for young players to thrive.

"So with the balance of experience and younger players, you can get great success.

"I have got a lot of experience playing in the Premier League and at a high level – I know what’s required and how we can improve."

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Lallana made just 15 appearances for Klopp's title winners and scored once in the Premier League before the season was suspended in March.

He suffered with injuries during his time at Anfield. Lallana admitted he had a conversation with Liverpool and it was decided not to play any matches for the Reds after the restart in case of injury which could have jeopardised his move to Albion.

"It was the best idea not to be involved in any games post lockdown," he said. "It was not worth it to factor in the risks.

"There is a three week break now and I'm quite happy with the quick turnaround now. I just can't wait to get going and put on the shirt and contribute to this fantastic football club.

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“I cant wait to get started,” he said. “It’s a breath of fresh air coming here – having my medical, everything is new. It’s a challenge I am looking forward to.

"It was a pretty easy choice for me in the end. I think it is a perfect match."

Victory at Burnley last Sunday saw Brighton conclude their Premier League campaign with a record points tally of 41 and secure their top flight status for a fourth consecutive season.

Lallana received offers from elsewhere in the Premier League but the security of a three-year deal at the age of 32 - alongside the infrastructure and ambition of the club - were key to securing the deal.

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“Brighton are on an upward curve," he added. "I have played against them a lot, and remember seven or eight years ago when Southampton and Brighton were both in League One, so they have been progressing for years now.

“I look how ambitious the chairman is to start with and how highly the manager is regarded since he has come into the club.

“He has changed the dynamics and the staff and to do that whilst keeping the team in the division shows he has done a fantastic job.

“I looked at all those aspects, the squad, the training ground facilities, the stadium and it was a perfect fit really.

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"They are a great crowd with passionate fans and Brighton as a football club should be really excited by the future.

"If I can help just a little bit in that journey to improve Brighton as a whole, and as a squad, then I will be very happy.”

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