Lallana: I am performing at my highest ever level

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Midfielder delighted with early season fitness.

Charlie Hanson

2022-08-16T11:00:00Z

Adam Lallana has started both of Albion's opening Premier League matches.

Adam Lallana has been delighted with his start to the campaign and believes that he might be playing the best football of his career.

The 34-year-old has started both of Albion’s opening two Premier League games and has played a standout role as we’ve secured a win against Manchester United and a draw with Newcastle.

"I'm playing at a high level at the moment, a really high level – I've been fit all through pre-season,” Adam said. "The head coach is great with me. I can play anywhere in the midfield, whether it's number six, number ten. I've got a lot of belief to alter my attributes, depending on whether I'm playing deeper or forward.

“I'm just frustrated that I couldn't get a goal for the boys [against Newcastle]. I had a couple of chances and the keeper made a good save."

On whether he can maintain his fitness for a prolonged period, Lallana said it was impossible to answer.

"It's been the million-dollar question through most of my career. “If it wasn't for injuries… It's hard to look at it like that, these things happen. I feel that I've achieved a lot in my career. I'm 34 and I'm arguably performing at the highest level that I have throughout my career.

"I feel like I'm contributing, I've got rhythm, I feel fit. In the last couple of games I've shown my fitness levels are high. I'm versatile, I can play in in different positions, and I feel as though I'm contributing towards the team.

"That's nice, because first and foremost I'm here as a football player. It's exciting."

The midfielder's header was well saved by Nick Pope in the second half.

Despite being in his mid-30s, Lallana looks to the likes of Real Madrid’s Luka Modric as the perfect example of players who can maintain their incredible levels even at a late stage of their career.

"You've only got to look at Luka Modric, who turns 37 next month. I look at players like that and see the longevity. I don't see why I can't emulate that, because I've never been blessed with pace.

"But I think you can see when I'm performing at the minute the qualities that I have and what I bring to this team."