Joe Allen dismisses comparisons to Modric

The 22-year-old who signed for Liverpool this summer for £15million, something which ha also admitted only added to the mounting pressure of expectation for the young Welshman.

He said,

“Modric is some player. I think he showed me that I have still probably got a lot of work to do in order to get anywhere near his level.”

His comments came in the wake of Wales’ 2-0 defeat by Croatia in last Tuesday’s World Cup 2014 qualifier.

Modric also moved in the summer – swapping North London for Madrid – much to the disappointment of Tottenham Hotspur fans.

For Spurs Modric was their star playmaker and was undoubtedly very difficult to lose for the club when his four years there came to an end – a £35million offer from Real Madrid proving too good to resist for his former club.

Allen continued,

“He’s a top player, but for me personally it was disappointing because he controlled the game and was comfortable throughout.”

Wales’ disappointing defeat comes off the back of a disappointing start to the season for Allen’s new club Liverpool. They currently sit 14^th in the Premier League after a poor run of results under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Allen conceded that he’s been feeling the pressure but understands that it’s a part of being a professional sportsman.

“It’s all very new to me. The price tag is going to add pressure, that is something you come to expect as a footballer.”

Allen who featured in Great Britain’s Olympic Games team this summer, has made 10 appearances since signing for Liverpool from Swansea City.

He was brought in by Rodgers who formerly managed him at the Welsh club where he was voted Wales’ Player of the Year for 2012. Rodgers has high hopes for the young man as do the fans of both his club and country.

But the player insisted his feet are planted firmly on the ground and stated his intention to prove himself worthy of comparison with the Croatian.