Joe Allen’s Performance Against Russia Invites Praise All Around – Should Liverpool Keep Him? [Best Tweets]

Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey took home the plaudits for a breathtaking Welsh display but it was Liverpool’s Joe Allen who did all the dirty work and got due attention for it as well, as people took to social media to commend the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ on a phenomenal performance against Russia.

It was a historic night for Wales as Chris Coleman’s side put out a display that Craig Bellamy aptly summarized as “the best Welsh performance he has seen in his lifetime”to send them through to the knockouts of the Euros. It was a performance unbecoming of a side that was seemingly making it’s first major tournament appearance in 58 years as they brushed aside tournament regulars Russia by an emphatic 3-0 margin. The victory also put them top of the group over neighbours England who could only salvage a draw against Slovakia at Saint Etienne.

Wales' coach Chris Coleman reacts to Wales' midfielder Joe Allen as he leaves the pitch during the Euro 2016 group B football match between Russia and Wales at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse on June 20, 2016. / AFP / Pascal PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)
Wales’ coach Chris Coleman reacts to Wales’ midfielder Joe Allen as he leaves the pitch during the Euro 2016 group B football match between Russia and Wales at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse on June 20, 2016. / AFP / Pascal PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have been the face of Wales’ fairy-tale campaign so far, however after turning in two man of the match performances against Slovakia and Russia, Joe Allen has re-affirmed his transition to the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ and has had fans raving about him. Allen’s cult status at Liverpool has infectiously spread over to the large faction of Wales supporters in France and back home as they sung praises of the 26-year-old midfielder for his remarkable contribution towards his side’s unlikely progress through to the knock-outs.

Liverpool fans call for Joe Allen to remain at Anfield

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Joe Allen of Liverpool and Craig Gardner of West Bromwich Albion compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at The Hawthorns on May 15, 2016 in West Bromwich, England.
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Joe Allen of Liverpool and Craig Gardner of West Bromwich Albion compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at The Hawthorns on May 15, 2016 in West Bromwich, England.

The midfielder has been sparingly used in his time at Anfield but over the past year, he has turned in some good performances for Liverpool whenever called upon to do so. His transition into a calm, composed and versatile midfielder, along with his bearded-looks, have helped him adopt a cult status among the Kopites. However, Liverpool fans fear that Jurgen Klopp’s interest in midfielders like Piotr Zielinski and Mahmoud Dahoud could signal the end of Allen’s Anfield career.

Should Liverpool sell him?

In Klopp’s first summer of transfer activity, the Reds are being linked with a number of players in various areas of the park with midfielders crowding the German’s supposed ‘wish-list’. There is no guarantee of a regular first team spot at Liverpool and hence the Welshman was touted to leave the club along with many others this summer. However Allen, before jetting off to France along with national side, stated that he’ll have a look in to the Reds’ transfer activity this summer before he decides his future.

Liverpool's German head coach Jurgen Klopp gestures during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Liverpool FC and Sevilla FC at the St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, on May 18, 2016. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s German head coach Jurgen Klopp gestures during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Liverpool FC and Sevilla FC at the St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, on May 18, 2016. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

On the one hand, with every accurate pass, tackle, dribble and nutmeg (just ask Wayne Rooney) Allen’s price will continue to rise. But it will also only remind Liverpool of what Allen is capable of on his day – and that his form is no joke like his exaggerated comparisons to Xavi and Andrea Pirlo. Consider the calibre of midfielders Allen has been up against this tournament – Rooney, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Marik Hamsik – it is one thing to do it against Cyprus or Israel, another entirely to do it at the highest level. If he can continue this run against bigger opposition, Klopp may want to rethink his pursuit of an unknown entity like Piotr Zielinski.

In most of Liverpool’s dealings this summer, the absence of European football seems to hurt their prospects of snapping potential targets. Having said that, Klopp must consider holding on to Allen for another year knowing what he’s capable of. The protective role he has played for the Welsh back-line aside his normal midfield duties is one aspect of his style of play Klopp could look to exploit in his bid to add more stability in-front of Liverpool’s often leaky defence. The German has been forced to let go of many priced assets at his former clubs, and with Joe Allen he has the potential of creating another one but as it stands, there is every chance he could lose him as well with former club Swansea hot favourites to bring him back in the summer.

WATCH : [VIDEO] IS JOE ALLEN THE WELSH XAVI OR THE WELSH PIRLO? – LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER REVEALS ALL IN VAUXHALL INTERVIEW

 

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