24 Dec 2017 12:51:49
I’ll start with the obligatory “long time reader, first time poster” introduction.

It’s been interesting reading what others have to say about our possible transfer targets, so just thought I’d put my two cents in. Sorry if I ramble!

Firstly, in regards to Max Meyer. He is being talked about as an attacking midfielder and a possible replacement for Coutinho. This season he has actually been converted into a pretty successful centre mid/ defensive mid so I’m not sure he would be a direct replacement as such.

Secondly, my Dad is a Southampton fan and I have watched them and VVD a lot over the last few years. Overall I think he has the potential to be a very good addition, but it comes down to whether he can make the mental step up.

I wouldn’t judge his footballing ability on performances this season, quite obviously our ridiculous antics over the summer have had a damaging effect on both him and Southampton.

He definitely has all the physical and technical attributes to be a top defender. Quick, strong, good on the ball and tackles well etc. Some of his performances, mostly before his injury, have been immense. In games during Southampton’s time in the Europa League (against Inter Milan comes to mind) he was simultaneously their best defender, play maker and attacker. If Klopp can get his head right he also has some of the leadership our team is possibly lacking. He was their captain before the summer, and from what I saw was quite good at it.

I do think criticisms of laziness are valid. Getting back quickly from advanced positions and positioning seem to be the weakest parts of his game, though this may well be down to attitude rather than a lack of understanding and reading of situations (not sure which is worse really! ) .

To me it has shades of the Mane transfer, there was plenty of criticism and concern regarding consistency and attitude before he signed and with a combination of Klopp and playing at a ‘bigger club’ and he has become a superb player. If VVD makes the move, I hope he can make the same progress.

On a wishful note, if Coutinho goes to either Barcelona or PSG and there is any possibility to get Sergio Roberto or Thomas Meunier as part of the deal, we should. I think they both would fit very well and be a significant improvement over Clyne. A quality right back with TAA as understudy (I’m presuming Clyne will leave fairly soon) would also enable Gomez to play centre back next season.

Merry Christmas all.

1.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 13:07:36
Good read, I'm not to sure we will go back in for vvd
But I do think he will become a great addition to which ever team he joins.
Merry Christmas to all.

2.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 13:38:51
Excellent post, well thought out and argued.

3.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 13:51:22
Great post and fully agree. Watched him a lot in Scotland and yes not great level but he just stood out in every aspect. And watching him last season before his injury he was brilliant and so dominant in the air especially in set pieces which is a huge issue with us and has been for sometime.

4.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 14:56:16
VVD is nailed on. KFC, I mean Indy kalia has gotten the secret texts confirming this.

5.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 17:15:20
The pros of VVD are that he is a leader, he's good in the air and has the pace and ability in a one on one situation. I'm sure there are "better" defenders than him out there, but are they available, would Liverpool interest them and are Liverpool interested. Answer is probably not.
Whoever we sign we must support and back them. Whatever happens we can not influence. I personally feel vvd would be a great addition and would bring a lot to the club.

6.) 24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2017 22:13:12
VVD has his flaws and they should NOT be ignored. He also has attitude issues which predate his injury and transfer saga. He is not the leader people claim he is cos at Saints, Fonte was the glue that held the defence together (he made Lovren look good like he did VVD, mind you) . He is supremely talented BUT he seems not be arsed about actually improving his game which is why he keeps being dragged out of position, is lazy and has a poor attitude. Watch our game at Anfield this season and you will see how he goes walkabout several times, leaving his defenders high and dry. He was doing this way before now BUT Fonte was there to cover for him. Fonte is gone and the errors are glaring. If Klopp wants him tho, who am I to dispute him.

7.) 25 Dec 2017
25 Dec 2017 12:08:45
Koulibily?