MR SOUTHAMPTON BY OLA ADETOYE(1/04/14)

Southampton's academy is famed across the land for the conveyor-belt of talent it seems to churn out almost every season. A list of names include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, and finally the guy I've dubbed 'Mr Southampton and the current captain of their squad Adam Lallana. Joining their academy at the early age of 12 years old it was already apparent to those in charge that they might have a gem in their possession. During his early years from 2004 to 2006 he was involved in their Youth squad, but made the leap to the senior team at aged 18 and since then he hasn't looked back.

After becoming a first team regular in the 2008/09 season Lallana went on to score 20 goals, the highest tally for any 'Saints' midfielder since Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier notched 30 in the 94/95 season. Season after season this player grew in capability and was eventually made team captain in 2012 at 23. As of this year Adam Lallana is not only one of the first names in Pochettino's starting line-up but also someone who almost certainly has booked their place on the Plane to Brazil with the England's World Cup squad. He has proved himself to be a player that can not only create goals but also score them, he is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and almost at times appears to glide on the pitch, everything just seems effortless. He plays with a style befitting of many of Spain's talented players. Which is hardly surprising as he has a little Spanish in his blood via his grandfather.           

In his albeit brief  appearances for his country Lallana has turned up and shown everyone just exactly the kind of creative flair he will bring to the squad, and I have no doubt that he will be an important player for England now and in the future. Unfortunately with all that talent and the displays he's put in this season, it's inevitable that bigger teams will come for the player. Having been lined to Manchester United Adam Lallana's move to one of the bigger English teams is fast approaching. A move that will be a step in the right direction for a player who will be wanting to take his football to the next level, to prove he can cut it with the very best.