Liverpool Star Has ‘Shades of Graeme Souness About His Game’

Charlie Adam's performance during Liverpool's 2-1 victory against Chelsea on Sunday had 'shades of Graeme Souness about' it according to BBC Football pundit Garth Crooks.

The former Blackpool captain was one of the most in demand players during the summer following his stunning debut season in England's top flight. Liverpool subsequently paid the Tangerines, who were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season despite Adam's heroics, £8 million for the Scottish international's services beating the likes of rumoured suitors Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old has since cut an increasingly impressive figure in the heart of Kenny Dalglish's richly assembled Liverpool side this season. His arrival at Anfield in July was perhaps overshadowed somewhat by the lucrative signings of players such as Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, but he has been one of the club's most effective performers this season.

The Scot has set up 25 shots on goal this season, more than any other of his Anfield teammates, and he was at his very best during Liverpool's well-earned victory against Chelsea at Stamford on Sunday.

Garth Crooks was so impressed with Adam he compared the former Rangers midfielder with Liverpool legend Graeme Souness; a player widely regarded as one of the finest in Anfield's rich history.

"This player is growing into a real Liverpool gem, with shades of Graeme Souness about his game." Crooks wrote in his column for the BBC.

"Adam won the ball for Liverpool's first goal against Chelsea, saw off Ramires, then provided a sensational pass for Glen Johnson to weave his way past a bewildered Chelsea defence for the winner.

"An outstanding performance."

In his post-match press conference Kenny Dalglish praised a number of his players for their performance against Chelsea, and Adam was one of them.

"There are a lot of good performances out there today." Dalglish said on Sunday. "Charlie [Adam] was one of them. Yeah, he's a good footballer. The fact that Charlie won it and set us off on the attack was the most important thing."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously lavished praise on the former Blackpool star last season, suggesting his delivery from corners alone made him a hugely valuable asset.

In the aftermath of United's 3-2 victory, the Scot said of his compatriot: "We couldn't handle Charlie Adam, his corner kicks are worth £10 million alone."