Joe Allen has revealed how leaving Liverpool has revitalised his career.
The Wales midfielder was one of the key figures in his country’s surge to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and maintained that form during the opening World Cup qualifiers this season.
Allen has also been the inspiration behind Stoke’s City’s climb upwards from the bottom of the Premier League table with a streak of four goals in three matches.
That goal-scoring role, says Allen, was not available to him during his time at Anfield before his summer £13m move.
“At Liverpool, the role I had was to provide a platform for the special players like Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge, Sterling and Lallana – the list goes on,” said Allen.
“The onus was on them to score the goals. For that reason it’s sometimes disappointing to come in for criticism, but since I’ve come to Stoke I’ve had that role and responsibility.”
The 26-year-old was also on the scoresheet for Wales in their 2-2 draw away to Austria at the start of October, as well as in the opening 4-0 victory over Moldova.
He missed the draw at home to Georgia through injury, but his six goals for club and country in 13 matches so far this season contrasts sharply with seven goals in 132 appearances at Liverpool.
His former club are currently third in the table, level on points with leaders Manchester City and appear to be thriving under manager Jurgen Klopp.
But former Swansea City youngster Allen – who was a target for his first club before he opted for Stoke – says he saw no future under the German.
“I wasn’t in his initial team and it was clear I wasn’t going to be a first-choice player, which was disappointing.
“But at a club like Liverpool, that can happen. From my point of view, I didn’t want to be sat around and be a bit-part player.
“There were no hard feelings about the situation, but it was time to move on.
Any player will tell you regular football makes tonnes of difference to the way you perform and the way you feel out on the football pitch.
“It comes to a certain stage in your career where if it’s not happening then you have to go and seek it out.
“In the last few years at Liverpool I have played more as a holding player. But I feel there are a few types of positions and roles I can do.
“It’s a good string to my bow to be able to do different things for the team.”
Allen scored twice in his most recent game for Stoke – their 2-0 victory at Hull City – and is set for a recall by Chris Coleman for Wales’ next qualifier against Serbia on November 12.
