Lallana: Liverpool learning to thrive without Coutinho

If any Liverpool fans feared Philippe Coutinho’s injury would have derailed their Christmas then they would have been buoyed by the Adam Lallana-inspired victory over Middlesbrough.

And man-of-the-moment Lallana believes the Reds have got more than enough attacking talent within their ranks to cover for the Brazilian’s loss.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Coutinho sustained an ankle injury against Sunderland last month, but is due back for the New Year’s Eve clash with Manchester City after scans revealed it was not as severe as first feared.

Liverpool have had no trouble scoring in his absence – scoring ten goals in four games – but most importantly kept a clean sheet in Wednesday’s 3-0 win away to Boro.

And England international Lallana, who scored a double and created the other goal for Divock Origi, was left licking his lips over Liverpool’s attacking stocks.

“Any team is going to miss Philippe – he is one of the best players in the world,” said Lallana. “He is working hard at Melwood to get back as soon as he can to help the team.

“But [Roberto] Firmino, one of my favourite players, was brilliant, putting the team first and sacrificing things that he likes to do when he plays in another position. The team comes first all the time. I thought he was brilliant again.

“The manager wants fluidity throughout the team. When you’ve got [Sadio] Mane and [Georginio] Wijnaldum making selfless runs… Firmino, Divock, [Jordan] Henderson and myself – it is very fluid.

“We’re still learning and we’re learning to play without Philippe. But the sooner we can have him back, the better.”