26 Jul 2017 10:58:47
Hi eds and reds

I like most of you get swept along with the silly season that is the transfer window, excitement at big names linked and despair when supposed targets are missed, but when taking a step back from the nonsense I've had a look at our squad and wondering were these supposed targets will fit in.

Goalkeeper: Its looking like Mignolet to start the season with Karius and Ward to fight him for the number one shirt so we look quite strong in that area.

Defence: Matip seems to be first choice and there still seems to be a slight hope of VVD to be brought in as his partner. If this happens then with Lovren, Gomez and Klavan we have ample centre backs. With Clyne, TAA, Robertson, Milner, Flanagan and Gomez again I think full backs also look sorted.

Midfield: I think we also look strong here too. We usually play with 3 so as it stands we're going to have Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Gini, Can and Gruic fighting for those 3 places, I'm not sure we're Kieta would fit in. I know Gruijic isn't ready yet and Henderson has injury worries but I still feel we are well stocked especially as Milner can also fill in there.

Attack: Again another area we have a lot of riches in. Mane, Salah and Firmino with be first choice with Sturridge, Solanke, Origi and Ings as back up. Coutinho and Lallana can also play in the front 3. We also have youngsters like Wilson, Kent, Woodburn all in or around the first team.

I know we all clamour for big money transfers and want to see fresh faces in but personally I think we're not too far off. I think if we can get VVD in, get Can sorted a new contract and make sure Coutinho stays then I think we're going to have a good season. We will obviously sell Sakho, Markovic and Moreno and as the eds have said we can't buy endless players without selling. Can anyone see any of the above squad being sold this summer? I can't so I think maybe Kieta should be left until next season especially if this rumoured buy out clause comes into effect. For once I'd rather make minimal changes in the squad than go out and buy 6-7 players every year and start again.

1.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 11:31:16
Its not about quantity its quality. We haven't purchased good for the last few years. We have some very good players and then just squad fillers. Our starting 11 are good but then the option from the bench is not so great. For example Clyne and Milner at FB are ok players nothing great m, so instead of having ok players we should have good or very good players. We r LFC we should aim higer, i still feel we r looking at the wrong places to strengthen.

2.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 11:49:16
Not sure Keita would fit in? Considering he's better than all of them I think we could maybe find a way. Agreed on the other points though.

3.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 12:00:07
I agree and disagree crazyhorse. I think the players we have are good enough and we have bought well over the last few years. Mane, Lallana, Can? I just feel under Klopp the players we have are getting better all the time and successful sides in the past have gained success by tweaking their squads and letting them grow together rather than making wholesale changes. I think TAA will replace Clyne this year and I think Milner has done a good enough job at LB and hopefully Robertson can prove shrewd business. No team has 25 world class players. I do agree though we are looking in the wrong areas. As much as we are rich up top for strikers I would of maybe like to have seen Origi moved on and a more proven striker brought in, but that is just my personal preference.

4.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 12:18:12
I completely agree JohntheRed. When you look at our squad it certainly is decent and should be competing for the league. Klopp is definitely a manager that players improve under as opposed to a Mourinho type figure that depends on buying in players.

I think the only significant area of concern was in defence last season, and judging by pre-season (Slimani goal) that still may be an issue. We need a centre-back for sure.

5.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 12:19:56
To be fair HXRed how much have any of us seen of Kieta? Yes he's had a great season in the German league. I just think Emre Can is improving, Coutinho is first name on team sheet, Gini worked very hard and played well last season, Henderson looked like he was loving that new holding midfield role before injuries and looks like he's back at it during pre season, Lallana has been one of our most successful performers over the past 2 seasons and I think Grujic is showing signs of becoming a good player. I see the point that Kieta might be a better player but sometimes bringing in such player could upset the valence of what you already have.

6.) 26 Jul 2017
26 Jul 2017 12:34:54
Well said John! can't wait for the first game of the season!