36-year-old Adam Lallana made his long-awaited second Southampton debut in the 5-3 win over Cardiff City on Wednesday night, ten years after leaving the Saints to sign for Liverpool.
Adam Lallana came through the youth system at Southampton before making his first Saints debut in a 5-2 win over Yeovil Town in August 2006.
A muscle problem kept the midfielder out for the entirety of pre-season, but it was a very similar scoreline as Lallana made his second debut for the club as Southampton ran out 5-3 winners against Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.
Russell Martin rang the changes in Cardiff, with ten of the XI that have started both Premier League games so far left at home; Alex McCarthy only travelling to take up a place on the bench.
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Martin has already spoken up the importance of Lallana off the pitch, but after he came on in the 64th-minute we also saw what he can still offer on it.
Russell Martin reveals Adam Lallana ‘loved’ second Southampton debut vs Cardiff City
Lallana immediately looked so composed as he entered the fray in a chaotic encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium.
His close control, neat turns and vision were a real privilege for the travelling Southampton fans to witness and he looked to play the first couple of minutes after his introduction almost entirely with his weaker left-foot.
The scores were level at 3-3 when Lallana came on and the experienced head helped calm Southampton before they scored two late goals to progress to the next round, where they face an away trip to Everton.
Martin was keen to highlight Lallana as an example to his young players, as he told the Daily Echo post-match: “They have such an opportunity to maximise what they’ve got and show what they’ve got and to have a career like Adam Lallana has had.
“I really believe that but he’s the benchmark, he came on the pitch and just did everything right. So calm, so composed. Brilliant detail.”
The Saints boss then revealed what Lallana said to him after the game, adding: “I just spoke to him. He absolutely loved being back on the pitch, that was a big bonus for us.
“He’ll help us a lot.”
Lallana showed why Southampton signed him with Cardiff City cameo
When Southampton secured the free signing of Lallana following the end of his Brighton contract there was a worry that this was a move based purely on nostalgia.
However, Martin clearly feels the veteran midfielder has plenty to offer and his influence in the dressing room should not be understated.
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Lallana is a keen learner and looks destined to head into coaching; something he may have already done had Southampton not offered him a one-year deal.
Against Cardiff, though, the 34-cap England international showed his class as he got on the ball and made Southampton tick.
Arguably the best player on the pitch following his second-half introduction, Southampton fans should now be far more enthused by the prospect of seeing Lallana in the side more regularly.