Joe Allen

So Joe Allen has returned to Swansea City training today and alongside, Neil Taylor and Scott Sinclair will have a part to play in Saturday's last friendly against German opposite Stuttgart. But where does his future really lie, that's the puzzling thought.

We all know how good a player he really is but the problem is that so do many others around the country. Swans manager Michael Laudrup has already illustrated the fact that he wants a 22 man strong squad. There is no room for sentiment with the likes of Garry Monk and Alan Tate already told they might have to look elsewhere despite their significance to the club. This points to the fact that Laudrup wants competition for places and not players standing in just to make up the numbers, but alas we move on.

Joe Allen is the kingpin in that Swansea midfield alongside Leon Britton last season who was just as effective at disrupting play and spreading passes and covering maximum yardage, A list of objectives the duo get through. His significance to Swansea is so strong that the manager stated this morning that if Liverpool want him then they will pay to the club's demands and not their own. Downing and Henderson both signed for 20 million and ML added this morning that he thinks Joe is on another level.( http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Swansea-City-boss-Michael-Laudrup-Joe-Allen-s/story-16660635-detail/story.html

So the question remains why is Joe Allen who has only one season of top flight football underneath his wing rated so highly. Well he made his debut v Blackpool in the championship at an end of season dead rubber match and went on to make plenty more appearances in the seasons after, he even had the temperament and coolness to score what he thought was a winner against bitter rivals Cardiff although that strike was chalked out. He has also played for Wales on countless occasions which is the equivalent to top flight football as it is. 

His ability to improve himself and continually prove doubters wrong are his trademarks. His physical attributes include the fact that for a small player he can still possess enough strength to not be bullied off the ball. His agility and balance make him very tricky and easier to get difficult passes through the air that bounce awkwardly. His drive and determination throughout the season is also apparent, the only weakness would be his lack of goals although that's not a distinguished feature of his in the position of holding midfielder. 

Liverpool know that to get the style that Brendan wants they will have to bring in a player like Allen and that's why Swansea know they can haggle the price they want because they wear the trousers in this relationship. If Swansea do manage to retain the services of Allen to at least next summer you can bet another successful season is expected from the Welsh midfielder and his asking price would still remain high to the next moment. Just have to wait and see what he really wants to do but another season learning under Laudrup isn't a bad choice is it?

Much Appreciated for Reading

D.John