01 Apr 2019 21:18:48
What does ed001 think about the summer will their be a lot of investment or will it be a couple of signings and in what position do you think is most needed?

{Ed001's Note - a lot depends on who goes. Full-backs are the priority, we are going to need one for each side. A back up keeper. Then midfield replacement for Milner, if he goes. Other than that, we need someone who can cover the wide positions up top and really push the three forwards.

I expect a fair bit of investment but probably not the huge sums spent last summer.}

1.) 01 Apr 2019
01 Apr 2019 21:45:04
Brilliant Ed
as mentioned do you expect to see TAA move to midfield and do you see moving bobby back as an AM with a traditional cf up front an option as I think that’s his most natural position.

{Ed001's Note - I think Trent will have to stay at right back, as we do not have many options there and Gomez is too good a centre back to keep shifting him out there. Probably another season, at least, before Trent's role can be looked at, depending on if he can develop the defensive side or not.

As for Firmino, he has shown himself to be far better further forward, so why move him back again?}

2.) 01 Apr 2019
01 Apr 2019 22:04:52
I’d like to see him in that position with someone ahead of him as I think he would have more of the ball and more influence . Just a thought although I do agree he has grown as a player in the role he’s in . Either way I think he’s quality and could play anywhere . Thanks for the replies let’s hope we can get over the line and go into the summer as league champions . c'mon the REDMEN.

3.) 02 Apr 2019
01 Apr 2019 23:30:53
Why do people think that Firmino should be an AM or #10 when he plays best for us, and we play better as a team, when he starts up top and goes roaming from there?

4.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 01:24:46
Do you think Matip will stay Ed?

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

5.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 05:30:39
Hi ed001

Would you prefer 1 full back who is able to play both left and right back and then use the academy and the versatile players in our squad if need be? Feels like a waste of a wage to sign both unless we bring in cover for both unless of course we bring in 2 solid fullbacks to rotate with TAA and Robertson. I admit the amount of running the modern fullback makes would actually make this viable but then again good fullbacks are hard to find and teams just end up going with wingers who can defend a bit.

{Ed001's Note - good question, and yes that would probably work out better. We defo need cover for both players, though it would need to be someone actually good enough to offer them competition, not a back up.}

6.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 05:41:31
Morning Ed, just out of curiosity, if let's say money wasn't an option, who would you personally have come in to cover the wide positions? the only reason I ask is right now (maybe because I'm half awake) I can't think of one off the top of my head. Or not one I'd be REALLY excited about anyway, be interested to know who you'd have in mate.

If I had to chose someone it'd be Asensio for me but I haven't seen him play this season once so I have no idea how he is doing.

{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't touch Asensio, never seen the fuss about him, he is a headless chicken. We missed out on Pulisic but I think Brandt would be as good an option as the American.}

7.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 05:55:05
Shows how awake I am, I didn't even think about Brandt lol he would indeed be a great option. Thanks mate.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure there are a few others about if I sat and thought as well, but Brandt is all that comes to my mind.}

8.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 06:01:48
Thanks a lot Ed001

Do the club have an idea on Brewster, Hoever, Lewis, Wilson and Jones' roles for next season? Will they be given a chance to win a place in next season's squad during pre-season? I hope they are able to get Premier League loan moves if they do go on loan as this would give us a better idea of where they are instead of the lower leagues but it might be too early for some.

{Ed001's Note - it is not fully clear yet. Usually the decision comes down to transfers, what loan offers are on the table and how they get on in pre-season. Brewster is expected to be in and around the first-team squad. Hoever is most likely going to go on loan. While Wilson is most likely to get his shot in pre-season. Not sure on the other two at all sorry.

At these ages it is really difficult to plan ahead, which is where so many clubs go wrong. They set up a plan and stick to it, not taking into account the players themselves and the changes they undergo physically and emotionally as they grow up. You only have to look at someone like Gerrard, who was set to make his first team debut a long time before he did, only to have a growth spurt which caused an injury setback as his body adjusted. So nothing can really be fully set in stone, no matter how much clubs try to do so.

These are kids, they are immature and need a lot of work and guidance. To my mind clubs fail them by simply farming them out on loan constantly when they really need to be worked with internally by the best mentors and coaches. They need the carrot of a first team place dangling in front of them, while knowing that the club will support and back them if they have a few struggles along the way.}

9.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 06:40:23
Thanks a lot Ed001

It is true that a lot of young players don't realise that talent isn't enough. So many talented players not realising their potential.

Managers are also a lot more cautious to throw in a teenager. Sterling being a premier league regular at 17 seems so long ago. Gomez at 18 (before inury) and Trent at 18 have followed (both at fullback) .

Hopefully the improvements in the academy and the incoming set up will help things and save the club millions in transfer fees.

{Ed001's Note - it will do if the club shows faith in them.}

10.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 07:44:46
Or maybe a full back in the mould of arbeloa who can play both sides?

Def need strengthening on the left side.

11.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 09:50:04
Max Aaron’s would be a great signing, he can play both sides and let him bed in for a year then move Trent to cm.

12.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 09:56:27
Very good info thanks ed. Brandt would be my first choice. Brooks also appeals. Full backs I really have no idea, to find someone who can play both positions, attacked and defend to a high level might be impossible.

13.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 10:16:54
I know Origi was a player Klopp was looking to offload but do you think he might reconsider as Origi has impressed wide left?
Also all's gone quite on Van Dijiks injury so any update.
Thanks for you time Eds.

{Ed001's Note - I have already pointed out that Origi has forced his way back in and is not likely to be sold now, unless he wants to go.

As for van Dijk's injury, it will be today we should get some news.}

14.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 10:48:08
DHFC--I totally see your point about TAA, putting him in Midfield as its there he would get more influence on the game. I used to agree with this completely. However, with the way we play nowadays. the full backs are seeing a lot of the ball. It seems we rely on them for more creativity then the Midfielders. Would you say this is right Ed001? Its become a vital role for us now which may be why Klopp is looking to purchase one or two more.

Also Ed001, you briefly mentioned Milner leaving. Is there any update on this or should we not expect to hear anything until the season is up?

{Ed001's Note - getting into space and playing in a cross is hardly creativity mate. So no I disagree completely and any half decent full back should be capable of fulfilling the role. It is more about having the pace and fitness to get up and down the pitch.

How can I update you on Milner's personal choice whether or not to leave? I doubt even he could tell you what he will do yet.}

15.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 10:50:48
Fingers crossed for Origi, I think he's got more to offer I really do. Sturridge is a different matter but Origi I think is capable of doing well in this team. Having said that, if he wanted to move on elsewhere I'd understand and wish him the best of luck.

16.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 11:15:02
Thanks Ed001. I know how you all hate repeating yourselves as it's so time consuming. I've been on this site regularly but missed that somehow. Keep up the good work.

{Ed001's Note - no worries mate.}

17.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 11:32:48
Need a creative mid for sure. We are lacking one for first team.

18.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 11:51:09
Okay Ed, cheers.

{Ed001's Note - sorry I can't help on Millie, I would love to know, but it is one of those big decisions in life that he has. There are still a lot of things that can change it, anyway. I mean if Leeds come up, that would be a big pull to him to go back, but would he be so keen if they somehow let promotion slip through their fingers?

Also, would he be more or less keen to leave if we did win the title? There is an argument that can be made for both, but only he will actually know which is true.}

19.) 02 Apr 2019
02 Apr 2019 12:17:47
No worries Ed001, don't expect you to know everything! Especially something as vague as that.

I agree with you about the league being a deciding factor. The same must be said of the Champions league I suppose. I believe that's the only trophy that has evaded him in his club career? Has a better chance of winning that with us than almost anyone else in England. As you said with the league, I'd imagine if we won the Champions league he'd be more keen to leave because there he'd have reached the absolute pinnacle of his club career. Or would he want to stay and push for more. He really does have a drive to keep going I feel. Works both ways as mentioned.

Thanks Ed.

{Ed001's Note - good point on the Champions League, that would probably be a more personal thing to Milner thinking about it. I was thinking as a Liverpool fan it would be about the league, but for him it probably does make more difference.

You are very welcome cm.}