08 Jul 2017 14:49:41
Hello Eds and Reds,

I used to go by the alias 'Red-Rum' but I haven't posted for a couple of years. Anyway, I just thought I'd share my thoughts on Liverpool's current situation, and hopefully bring a sense of calmness to the forum.

Firstly, I want to analyse where I believe we fell short last season, and for me our number one problem was our inability to break down defensive teams. We would go all out attack often leaving only Matip and Lovren back, resulting in us being vulnerable to the counter. The reason for this was primarily because we did not have the pace up top to get in behind (especially when Mané became injured) and therefore had to throw our fullbacks forward to assist in the final third. However Clyne and Milner weren't very effective either. Milner often had to cut in on his right in order to get a ball into the box and Clyne's final ball was often abysmal.

In order to fix this problem Klopp either has to a) replace his fullbacks with wing-backs who can get in behind and put a decent ball into the danger area, or b) bring in wingers allowing our fullbacks to stay back and concentrate on the defensive side of things. And with the signing of Salah it would seem that Klopp is opting for option a.

This is the better option in my opinion. It means Klopp can now move Coutinho central allowing Salah, Mané and Firmino to use their pace in order to get in behind the opposition. Something we haven't had since the Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling days. We also have Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Emre Can and even Ejaria vying for the other two midfield positions; assuming Klopp will go with his preferred 433. Therefore, I believe we are very strong in this department going into next season. Do we really need Keita? I wouldn't be surprised to see another winger join before the transfer window closes though in order to give us the depth we need going into a Champions League season (the Ox maybe? ), however I'd be content with Milner providing backup for Mané and Salah.

As for the defence, I'm quite happy with Clyne at right back if he only has to concentrate on defending. If we are struggling to find a decent left back, we have Gomez and Flanagan who were excellent there before their long term injuries, and would relish a fresh start to get back into first team football. If we can bring in a solid left back though I'd look at the likes of Alex Telles of Porto who is excellent defensively and can also put a decent ball into the box when required. We would also benefit from bringing in a decent centre back to take the strain off Matip and Lovren in a fixture riddled Champions League season. As for our goal keeping situation I believe Mignolet has improved greatly and I have no concerns in this department. One of Karius or Ward could benefit from a loan move though whilst the other deputises.

Finally, my two cents on Keita and Van Dijk. For the cost reported I wouldn't bother with either of them. I don't believe we need Keita anyway and could only see us signing him if Coutinho is sold, which I hope does not happen.

El Maestro.

{Ed002's Note - Welcome back.}

1.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 15:13:53
Thanks Ed! "Klopp is opting for option b" - that was supposed to say as well.

2.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 18:08:28
Great post Red Rum. I had missed your posts mate. Agree on literally every point!

3.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 19:15:16
Good to see you back rum! Good post I don't quite agree on milner being our back up winger and would (if no more come in) like to see ojo used as back up and milner probably more to be included as back up utility player similar to Lucas covering midfield and full back positions.

4.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 20:45:09
Thanks Lads!