2011/2012 Season Liverpool New Arrival: No.26 Charlie Adam

Position: CMF

Age: 25

Previous Club: Blackpool FC

2010/2011 stats: 34 games 12 goals 8 assists

International Cap: Scotland- 11 Caps

Transfer fee: 9M

Although Blackpool FC only spend one season in the premiership before they quickly relegated to the Champship Division, many fans had been impressed with Blackpool's entertaining exciting attacking football. Their captain Charlie Adam has been particularly impressive for his leadership in the heart of the midfield as Adam has been sensationally nominated as top 6 candidates for the 2010/2011 Premiership Player of the Season by PFA!

Before 2010/2011 season, Adam was a unheard Scottish midfield who has spend majority of his young career with Scottish premiership giant Rangers and Blackpool FC in the England Championship Division. However, 2010/2011 premiership season has provided a perfect platform for Adam to display his quality as the midfield general in the top level. Adam has great long-range pass, dangerous free-kicks, accurate corner-kicks/penalty kicks and powerful long-range shot.

In fact, Adam can be a perfect replacement for Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso, whose departure 2 seasons ago was never a coincidence for the start of the club's downfall. Without Xabi to direct traffic in the central midfield, Gerrard was forced to drop deep and reduced his chance to play in the advanced AMF role which has gradually proved to be his most ideal position. Now, with the arrival of Adam, Gerrard can be featured in AMF position again.

To me, Adam can be the difference maker for Liverpool FC in the new season. His playmaking ability and set-piece skills can open up an extra dimension in attack. However, due to Adam's lack of speed, he can be vulnerable in defending if he has to be used as a DMF. Like Alonso, Adam probably needs a more defensive minded midfield like Lucas to play alongside with. 4-2-3-1 five midfield formation could be most suitable to fit both Adam and Gerrard in the same starting 11, which could ironically restrict King Kenny from starting 2 strikers in his starting 11.