Nigel Adkins: Adam Lallana is 'the best player in the league'

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins believes that Adam Lallana is the best player in the Championship.

The midfielder was on the scoresheet as the Saints climbed to the top of the table with a 4-0 victory over Derby County this afternoon.

"You can see our confidence shining through. It was a good win, with four excellent goals at home," said Adkins.

"It was an outstanding goal from Adam Lallana. One word sums him up - class. For me he is the best player in the league. He is top drawer."

Jos Hooiveld, Aaron Martin and Tadanari Lee were also on target as Southampton jumped above West Ham United and into first place.