"I hadn't played in the Premier League until last season and people judged me on how I performed for Blackpool," Adam said. "But I want to show that I can be a Premier League player on a consistent basis, and that I'm good enough to play for Liverpool."
The 25-year-old Adam took a roundabout route to playing for a big club in the English Premier League. He started his career Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, establishing himself in the team in the 2006-07. It would take four years for him to play his first EPL game and another before he joined another big club.
He earned then lost a place in Rangers' starting 11 between 2006-09. He joined Championship club Blackpool — initially on loan — in February 2009. His performances were impressive enough for the Seasiders to make the move permanent during that summer.
Adam was the catalyst for Blackpool's promotion to England's top flight in the 2009-10 season. His play during its lone EPL campaign impressed Liverpool enough for it to splash £7 million ($11.1 million) to bring him to Anfield.
He says there is no comparison between playing at Blackpool and Liverpool. The pressure to win every game fits his competitive nature.
"The expectation levels here are really different to what they were at Blackpool," he said. "We are expected to win every week, whereas that wasn't always the case last season. But having that kind of challenge is something I really look forward to."
Adam was beaming with pride at playing for a historic club like Liverpool. His family is proud of what he has achieved in his career, but he takes the most satisfaction the road he has travelled to reach this point in his career.
"My family and my mum and dad are proud, but no one is as proud as me to be a Liverpool player," he said.
"Not many people can say they've had the chance to play in front of the Kop every week with over 40,000 fans behind them. I come in every day with a smile on my face, and when you're sat in the dressing room watching all the top players walk in, you realise what you're a part of."
Photo via Flickr/kong niffe
