Charlie Adam

Adam became one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League after his performances for Blackpool in their single season back in the top flight.

Beginning his career in the Dundee youth set up between 1999-2003, he moved to Rangers to start his professional career and spent a lot of time out on loan.

Ross County and St Mirren took the midfielder on loan in successive seasons and Adam was part of the team that won both the Scottish Challenge Cup and First Division in 2005-06 with the latter. Upon his return, he played under managers Paul Le Guen and Walter Smith at Ibrox and reached the 2008 UEFA Cup final, but fell out of favour the following season and joined Blackpool on loan.

Helping the club to seal promotion, he was snapped up the following summer for a fee of £500,000 and his performances in the Premier League earned him widespread praise. After such interest, it was not long before Adam attracted the attention of Liverpool, who made two bids in January 2011 but finally got their man in July.

Strengths: His range of passing is his greatest strength, while his vision and dead-ball skills mark him out above his peers.

Weaknesses: Adam has not been consistent in his career to date and can drift out of games if his focus is not 100%. Not the greatest tackler, as Gareth Bale can attest.

Career high: His 12 goals in 35 games for Blackpool in the 2010-11 Premier League campaign launched him into the spotlight and helped seal his move to Liverpool.

Career low: After a series of loan spells, Adam fell out of favour again at Rangers in 2008 despite having just signed a new five-year deal.

Style: Incisive, direct, classy, a midfielder who can dictate the tempo of the game.

Quotes: “I think they’re mad not to buy him off us because he could replace Xabi Alonso, which they’ve not done with the greatest of respect. They haven’t got that passer - Charlie’s the man. If I was the Liverpool manager I’d have him in my team because I would have come up with the money because I rate him.” Blackpool boss Ian Hollloway talks up his player in January 2011.

Trivia: Adam’s brother, Grant, is a goalkeeper and plays for Rangers’ Under-19s team.