18 Jul 2023 18:47:42
Question for Ed001 if you are around mate. Who do you think would be a better fit for our needs - Kimmich or Goretzka?

Kimmich is being reported as costing almost double Goretzka's cost, would that sway your thinking?

Finally, I saw you mentioned Florentino Luis in an earlier post. He has a buy out clause at €120m, but we would obviously look to get him below that if possible. Would you rate him more highly than the two above if he cost a similar amount to Kimmich?

Sorry, one more (! ), would you take Florentino over Lavia, despite the fact that Lavia may be a little cheaper, has PM experience and will qualify as HG?

Lots of challenging questions, sorry mate, but I would really appreciate your view as I'm sure you have watched much more of them all than me!

{Ed001's Note - from what I have seen, Goretzka is better further forward, while Kimmich is better as a holding mid. We need Kimmich more.

Kimmich has much more experience and, at 28 is at his peak, so you would have to say that right now he is a better player. Plus he can add cover for right-back, as he can play there. But Florentino has youth and could be developed by Klopp into something special. I think Florentino would slightly edge it by offering a longer term option.

The home grown thing gives Lavia a massive advantage, it helps with squad management. So I would probably have to edge towards him.}

1.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 21:01:35
I like Kimmich but I don't think he is who we need, IMO. If I had to pick btw him and Lavia it would be Lavia cos at least he can be moulded and coached up. Kimmich may have hit his peak and 28 is pretty late in the day to come to a more competitive league than the Bundesliga esp. if you have been playing for a team that can have a disastrous season and still win the title. Hard No for me.

2.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 21:11:21
Thanks Tris, I must admit to have followed a similar thought process.

My concern (probably same as many others) is that Lavia is the more untested option. At least with Kimmich and Goretzka you know what you are getting, but Lavia has only just burst through into the mainstream.

Lavia vs Florentina is a tough one, but if the vetting team reckon he's got what it takes to make it, then Lavia is the one.

Gortezka's probably cheaper, Kimmich and Florentina more expensive than the oft quoted £50m. Points to Lavia.

I personally don't think it's worth spending further to get another specialist CDM as a more experienced option, but instead look at a cheaper, utility midfielder (maybe Goretzka, maybe Llorente) to bring the experience into the new look midfield.

And then allow for remaining funds for a LCB.

3.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 22:01:04
I’m a big fan of Kimmich and think he’d be a terrific signing if we lose the experience of hendo and Fabinho.

Haven’t seen Florentino play but by all accounts he is very talented and would be a terrific signing.

Both these guys feel a level ahead of Phillips and, in my opinion, Lavia.

4.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 22:07:42
Great question Zed and great response from Ed001. I’ve been bouncing similar thoughts around my head over the last few days, and I keep coming back to Lavia, mainly because he is available (and home grown) . My only concern would be is he ready to be the main man in the 6 role? Before fabs was leaving it made more sense to me, as he could grow it to the position over time. If Hendo goes also, we would need two players who can play the 6 role. Maybe Gravenberch and Lavia?

5.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 22:46:47
6 Gold Stars, I would still stand by getting in a more experienced utility midfielder to follow Lavia as will have plenty of youth, but will be lacking in experience if Hendo and Fabs go (even more so without Thiago) .

Bajcetic (18)
Lavia (19)
Elliot (20)
Szoboszlai (22)
Jones (22)
Mac Allister (24)
+1 older (26-28)
(Thiago)

7-8 midfielders, with Trent stepping in.

I'd take that and spend the rest on a CB (ideally a certain Croatian who I'm certain won't be joining, but I ain't heard no fat lady yet)

6.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 22:47:58
Even if Hendo went as well as Fabinho, I think it would be one DM signed, not two. Fair enough if Thiago was to leave as well, then I would expect us to bring in two more midfielders, one of them being a clear best 11 DM.

7.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 22:47:58
Even if Hendo went as well as Fabinho, I think it would be one DM signed, not two. Fair enough if Thiago was to leave as well, then I would expect us to bring in two more midfielders, one of them being a clear best 11 DM.

8.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 23:40:38
After Caicedo and Tchouameni, the next best options are Lavia and Luis. Yes they may take time to settle but it’s the reality we live in. Thiago could be key during this period.

9.) 18 Jul 2023
18 Jul 2023 23:25:43
I’m assuming no chance of signing either of the two Ed’s?

Thanks v much.

{Ed002's Note - Sure, Liverpool could drop targets and move to these - flip-flopping shows many weaknesses.}

10.) 19 Jul 2023
19 Jul 2023 07:36:58
I hear you Zed, and if we could get Kimmich then we really should, same with Florentino Luis. I just can’t see it happening due to cost (hope I am wrong) .

11.) 19 Jul 2023
19 Jul 2023 10:03:23
With Fabinho going we need two midfielders rather than just one.

12.) 19 Jul 2023
19 Jul 2023 12:11:36
It’s going to be interesting to see if Trent is going to be a midfielder.

If he is we have

LCM: Mac Allister and Jones
(D) CM: Alexander Arnold and Bajcetic
RCM: Szoboszlai and Elliot

As things currently stand we we also have Thiago, who I think will stay (no reason just a gut feeling), Hendo who might stay and Fabs who I think is gone.

If one of the three stays I think we need one experienced holding midfielder (Llorente) if Hendo goes I think we then need another mid - preferably a youngster with potential - Lavia, Gravenberch, Thuram or Kone perhaps.