Liverpool Banter Archive July 14 2014

14 Jul 2014 23:36:50
Ed's, I saw rumours of Southampton having interest in Kelly. Can you confirm this interest? Is there any possibility of a Kelly plus cash for lovren deal? If Southampton aren't interested, are there any clubs that are? I feel his age, injuries and lack of experience would put off most teams and I would expect Liverpool would be looking to move him along

{Ed002's Note - I really can't help about any such deals. Kelly looks a good player and if Liverpool want to sell him I would think that there would be interest.}

14 Jul 2014 22:41:50
Eds, is there anything in the Cavani Rumours we have been backed in from 28/1 to 3/1 on is this just because of speculation or do they know something we don't? don't know what to believe as we have also been backed in from around 20/1 to 7/2 favourites for Marco Reus?

{Ed002's Note - I am sure they will be both great additions to the club.}

We can't afford either player to be honest . reus is injuried I think so any transfer unlikely for him and cavani spoke about us and our treatment of luis in negative terms so he's unlikely to want a move to us, he is overated and overpaid imo and I think the money could be spent elsewhere . the odds on players going here and there are used to create a frenzy of betting and the bookies never lose so remember that when reading that bulls. t

14 Jul 2014 22:26:45
I'm hoping this aspas deal is something to do with moreno, I doubt it but maybe a bit of good will might loosen their preferred payment plan to a level more acceptable to us

15 Jul 2014 04:21:35
I read the deals are completely separate mate.

15 Jul 2014 11:39:41
The deals a completely separate but I am sure us loaning them Iago will not go unnoticed by the Sevilla board. I expect us to sign Alberto Moreno this summer.

14 Jul 2014 22:14:48
ssn said earlier than we have re-ignited our interest in Alberto Moreno during talks over Iago Aspas. If it is, as the Eds have stated, just a matter of payment terms that held the deal up, assuming we could set that agreement up again (I wouldn't assume they'd demand more cash now) or it was still applicable, I would assume we will get the deal done this time, since we now (or very soon will) have a lot of the Suárez money to spend.

{Ed002's Note - You wonder if half way through a sentence Ayre suddenly blurted out "Alberto Moreno"?}

Sounds like a decent negotiation tactic to me. Wonder if he tried it out when he was talking to Benfica as well?

Perhaps he has been learning hypnosis. "You will sell us Moreno. And fetch me a ham sandwich"

Chelsea May have done it too with the Luiz deal, it may have gone something like 'oil barons, you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, FFP'

{Ed002's Note - That is not how it works of course.}

Very funny

14 Jul 2014 21:56:01
Seeing as arsenal are close to signing debucy is there any interest in aurier from Liverpool now?

{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware Shane. If that is your real name.}

Yeah it is actually?

14 Jul 2014 21:23:40
Eds fellow reds, not LFC related but football in general . Why do the foreign players think they can demand the wages . Just read a player demanding £200 .000 a week, are these player earning anywhere near that at there previous clubs, in Spain Italy Germany .

{Ed002's Note - It depends who they are and who they play for.}

14 Jul 2014 21:59:06
I believe Suarez was on more than that for us in the second half of the season. By the way Wayne Rooney is on much more than that also.

Also what the tax rules are - not 100% sure by Spain used to be very favourable to footballers and the tax they had to pay - Here everyone pays the same (as in %) over £150k ish (per annum).

{Ed002's Note - You must live in a world of tadpoles turning in to butterflies if you think that is true.}

14 Jul 2014 22:25:15
Are you a daily mail reader?

14 Jul 2014 23:04:48
Foreign footballers do pay less pax in Spain compared to the England. Its know as the Beckham rule after the first person to exploit the loophole.

{Ed002's Note - You are living in the past.}

I believe the tax laws have changed in spain because of the financial crisis and if anything you would do better in england . i'm not totally sure about that but maybe the eds know

{Ed002's Note - Yes but try not to get involved in any discussion about finance - it will do nothing but confuse. I could tell you about footballers who have been paid in oil paintings, cars, race horses and even building materials. I could recount stories about very large sums of cash, and collaborative deals players have arranged to be paid via ownership of estates in Scotland and the Loire valley. There have been offshore trust funds in the names of wives, children and parents. Image rights were a sustained means of financial abuse. One very well known player in London was paid through his property company. It goes on and on. The "authorities" have tried to clear it up and generally have done a pretty good job of that. There was a mix of coming clean and blind eye. But it is never as simple as paying x%.}

Jeez, not just content with getting paid more in a week than most people earn in a year.they don't want to pay their taxes either

Finance is a very murky world which most people will never fully understand. I think it best that is football fans just discuss our opinions on football.

But ed, I know a lot of Businessmen who do these things to save tax. Not saying that it is right but it isn't something unusual.

{Ed002's Note - {Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about.}

15 Jul 2014 11:45:46
Building materials Ed, obviously without making yourself liable can divulge a little more?

{Ed002's Note - Bricks, sand, cement, wallpaper etc..}

15 Jul 2014 11:45:46
Building materials Ed, obviously without making yourself liable can divulge a little more?

{Ed002's Note - Sure, bricks, sand, cement, wallpaper, nails.}

14 Jul 2014 21:05:49
Having a bad day 002?

{Ed002's Note - Actually it is a good day.}

Ed eat a snickers

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what that means or if it is gangster rap meaning something else. I will let it go for now.}

You OK Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Enjoying myself.}

It's an advertising slogan here which is 'get some nuts' or 'you turn into a right diva when you're hungry'

{Ed002's Note - Fine words butter no parsnips.}

No butter butters parsnips, and perhaps he butter knife depending on your choice of weapon

{Ed002's Note - If you are choosing the butter knife as a weapon I fear for your safety. Unless you come up against the cruet set killer or the sugar tong marauder, you are in serious trouble. Just before you scream at that gang of 400 Millwall fans, "stop, I have a butter knife", give me a call and I will get a photographer along there.}

You haven't seen me with a butter knife ed2. Some say I can scythe through a coconut with the flat while others say I cut myself too often.

15 Jul 2014 11:16:15
So where has you tonight Ed002? I am in The Algarve, in the hills over looking Vilamoura but not a margarita in site. Ever been here? Any good restaurants you can recommend that don't involve the marina?

{Ed002's Note -
{Ed002's Note - I was in Cambridge last night - I have never been to the Algarve.}

14 Jul 2014 20:10:53
Rickie Lambert returns to Liverpool training early ahead of pre-season. You got to love the guy!

{Ed002's Note - How can he "return" to Liverpool training early - he has never been at Liverpool training. Perhaps, "Lambert turns up for training on the wrong day".}

14 Jul 2014 20:23:12
relax ed we all knew what he meant

{Ed002's Note - That about sums it up.}

It's just a lack of grammar, and the fact he is born in Liverpool, and was at Melwood at Six a.m.
It should have read:
'Rickie Lambert returns to Liverpool! Training Early, ahead of pre season.'
Just trying to help.

{Ed002's Note - "Lambert turns up for training on the wrong day and at the wrong time."}

Ok Ed, I meant to say he turned up at melwood a few day's earlier than expected to join in with other players who didn't go the world cup. Show's he really is determined to do well for his beloved new club.

{Ed002's Note - Make of it what you will - he will be doing what he can to get more game than Aspas - or is he the Suarez replacement?}

Think it's time for Your Bed ed

{Ed002's Note - That some sort of offer?}

Looks like Ed's on the windup tonight ;)

Red Rum

14 Jul 2014 21:18:28
cheers Chris. didn't know that. i'm glad to see he is keen. So he came from Livepool and has returned, earlier than expected it would seem. Your information seems correct, thanks mate

I think he'll do well Ed, He will play with passion that's for sure. Someone you can trust in the last 20 minutes in big games, a plan B when you want something else or full cup games, injuries ect. More than I could say for Aspas, Cissokho and Moses who did nothing.

I'll love the guy if he starts knocking the goals in.

I'm not quite at the stage where I start whorshipping a player for turning up for training on his own at the wrong time and on the wrong day and then puts the fact out on social media.

Always thought it was unfair to judge Aspas. Suarez and Sturridge never let him get into the team. You can say that if he was good enough he would have played, but the reality he only had a few opportunities, though he was admittedly ineffective when he was on the pitch.

If I played for Liverpool, I'd be there night and day. It's not headline news.

15 Jul 2014 11:12:23
I do miss you Ed002. How come you never visit me on the 'dumping site'?
It's all refreshing original posts and witty banter. None of the repetitiveness that frays tempers on here

15 Jul 2014 11:13:24
Well lambert scored more goals than torres etoo and Ba so at least that's something aye Ed002!

{Ed002's Note -
{Ed002's Note - So you think it is about Chelsea. Very embarrassing.}

14 Jul 2014 19:11:40
Hello everyone. PLEASE post Eds

I was speaking with good friend today who is portuguese and a benfica fan who has watched every match and seen more of Marcovic than most of us


Asked him for honest opinion and he said "Marcovic will be a great player, very fast, strong on 1 to 1, has great skills but needs to improve passing! Give him time and you (LFC) will enjoy watching him playing for absolute sure!

Personally really excited by the idea of raw talent coming in and would rather take the risk and see what may or may not come than spend £40 on someone with nothing to prove

£40 is not bad to be honest.

Have to agree with Piledriver on this one.

I'm with the lads on this, even better if it was a lay on!

I recall speaking to a Frenchman whilst holidaying in Cuba when we announced the signing of Mr Cisse. I was informed he was a world beater. I just hope the Portuguese are better scouts than the French!
But let's hope he does well!

14 Jul 2014 17:34:08
alrite ed, s I appreciate its early days after the sale of suarez but have any of you heard any more on any strikers we are looking at yes I know origi but can't see him being thrown straight in at the deep end plus dnt lille want him back on loan for the season thanx for all the efforts ed, s

{Ed002's Note - Read the posts. Use the search engine.}

14 Jul 2014 22:35:50
Eds, I read my post this morning, nothing but bills. Very misleading. In addition I took my I-pad apart and found no evidence of an engine. Please offer a more tangible path in future to the members of this site to avoid disappointment and large bills from the apple store.

14 Jul 2014 18:33:06
As we all know, the position of left back is of major concern this window.

My question is whether we still maintain an interest in Rojo or Rodriguez? Our interest in these two was known before the World Cup, and they have both done nothing but shown themselves as two very good players.

Our has our interest swapped to Betrand instead?

Apparently we are back in for Moreno for 18 million

Rojo is awesome. Can't see us getting him now I bet everyone wants him

14 Jul 2014 19:35:10
Ed001 has said we already knew of Sevilla wanting Aspas before we pulled out of the Moreno deal so that won't make a difference. Ed002 has said that we enquired about Bertrand only a few days ago. People are going to have to accept at some point that it looks very likely Bertrand will sign.

14 Jul 2014 20:01:12
Rojo had a decent world cup, but to be honest I haven't seen much more from him than that. Would be an improvement over Johnson, but would be more than happy if Rogers decides to play Flanno at RB.

14 Jul 2014 17:27:41
I think there should be an incentive for doing well in the domestic cup competitions. Like winning the FA Cup should get you an extra 6 points in the league and the League cup an extra 3 points. Thoughts?

I think a reward such as a place in the Europa league is fine, that's if winning one of only three domestic trophies is not enough.

14 Jul 2014 17:58:48
No. Knock-out competitions shouldn't impact on the Prem. However I think knock-outs should be decided on the day - no replays. Extra time then penalties and finish it on the day.

European comps I think the CL and the Europa should be combined, and be run as a straight single leg knock-out, again decided on the day with ET & pens. Put a bit of sudden death into it.

14 Jul 2014 18:15:26
Imagine you r top of the league utd r second but if they beat Newcastle in the cup final they win the league no way.

14 Jul 2014 18:49:13
I agree Lenin but would suggest going even further and saying no result = immediate penalties, like in the Charity Shield. You have a match, if there isn't a winner you go straight to the easiest settlement. No fuss

14 Jul 2014 21:09:27
Champions League spot for the FA Cup Winners instead of 4th place and a Uefa Cup place for the League Cup

14 Jul 2014 16:59:51
What I would like to know is why some fans would want Lukaku when Sturridge is by far the better striker? Where exactly will Rodgers fit Lukaku in?

Lukaku and Sturridge upfront would be scary, with Lallana Sterling Markovic in behind. Coutinho, Ibe and Lambert impact subs simples.

I don't think we will be going with 2 up top often this season.

14 Jul 2014 16:46:37
I have to agree with East Midlands Scouser on his analysis of Messi, He is the most frustratingly lazy player I have seen. He only runs when he gets the ball. and his atitude and personality reminds me off the little spoiled w**kers from my neighborhood that nobody likes.

14 Jul 2014 18:02:47
Messi is a genius - an enigma. Like all true genius players he has an abnormally large ego and is selfish. You have to accomodate them not them you

He plays for Barcelona, and he doesn't need to run until the ball is played to him. Without Di Maria, and in the absence of Xavi and Iniesta, and with De Jong and Schweinsteiger all over, the opportunities fell to Higuain. Anybody slating him for missing a sitter and being offside on an obvious chance? Didn't think so. In no way is Messi "lazy".

Walking back to the centre circle while sabella was still in the middle of the most important team talk of the world cup says it all

{Ed002's Note - At international level he has never been well liked as he left Argentina before he was 10 or so. He is known as The Catalan because of this.}

Amerigo, when he lost the ball at the halfway line and he just stood there and watched Schweinstagger about 10 yards away from him and made zero effort to run towards him to try to close down - that is lazy.

He looked like he could have lit up a cigar and puff his little chest out and go oh ya somebody else should chase him.

Higuain gets abuse, he did only get 1 goal and missed a lot of chances but he isn't the best player in the world so he'll never be subject to the same level of criticism.

14 Jul 2014 16:08:57
Did you know, we are going to sign Markovic, Origi, Rodriguez, Bony, Lukaku and Reus. Aswell as Lovren and Moreno.
Busy window of rumours
Fiction though.

14 Jul 2014 16:58:12
Though your post gives the impression that it's all fiction, I will take the assumption that you meant to say fiction as a bundle.

For crazy rumor time, 5/8 is not so bad, but I doubt that's there any truth Lukaku and Rodriguez, and I thought Reus was out injured for sometime.

At the end of this window 4/8 might be the probability.

14 Jul 2014 15:55:52
Cavani if he comes to England will go to Chelsea he's a typical morinho striker (big lad he can lump it up to that if he's touched will roll for days & a very good player too) I can't believe people actually think we could sign him! Maybe the same people believe this are the same people that dynamo rubbish on sly sports!

Who knows if he would end up at Chelsea. Personally, if I was Mourinho, i'd have Lukaku over Cavani any day.

Red Rum

14 Jul 2014 14:28:38
Eds, what are your opinions on Jackson Martinez? Proven at the top level, technically very skilled, powerful but can also create some very special goals. Of course, he would cost a lot, but I personally feel he would be one of the few players that could replace-to some degree at least- Suarez.
Also, with regards to Reus, while he would fit in perfectly and would be a good replacement for Gerrard, I would be very surprised if it happened. 45m-taken from the press- is also quite a lot for him I would say. Maybe 35m, but not 45m. I would personally prefer to see someone cheaper-and probably more realistic, although no doubt other clubs will be chasing him- like Griezmann, who may not be as good yet, but definitely has potential.

{Ed001's Note - I haven't really seen enough of Martinez to judge him.}

14 Jul 2014 13:07:58
Hi Eds, great job and great site, I check it every day!

We have obviously known for a while (even before the latest incident?) that Suarez was set to leave.

So to me it looks as though the money we have spent, was the Suarez money, do you agree?

That being the case, do you expect a ‘Marquee’ signing? i'm not sure they actually exist myself, but is there is a risk BR and the club are leaving themselves wide open to criticism if we are not seen to be signing a direct replacement for Suarez?

Im keen to hear your thoughts on this, my personal opinion is that we trust BR in anything he does and is doing, but still feel a lot of fans could potentially get on the teams back in games if we haven't signed a Ballotelli or any other semi realistic high profile player(s).

{Ed001's Note - these days the fans abuse the club no matter what, so I doubt that will come into anything.}

14 Jul 2014 12:22:25
Hi eds,

I was just wandering if the stadium upgrades could get us in hot water with ffp. And where would the money come from do you think the owners would have to take out a loan?

Thanks

{Ed001's Note - it will most likely come in the form of loans from the other companies in the group and mortgages.}

14 Jul 2014 18:01:37
Investment in stadiums do not count against FFP if I remember Ed002's run down. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll fire £1.50 towards it sure.

14 Jul 2014 13:36:53
Ems
Look were both Liverpool fans mateso i'm going to leave the messi topic for others.
He didn't have a special WC but he is a wonderful player and always will be IMO

I agree with that opinion. He is something special. But he'll never be one of the best players ever because he can't perform without his back up singers. Messi is the Robbie Williams of football! Looked great in Take That, but can't sing for toffee when he went solo.

You catch my drift? Hell, I'm just trying to lighten the mood!

14 Jul 2014 16:06:34
What sport do you follow EMS? Individuals score goals, and most of Messi's are made by himself.

Messi is without a doubt up there with the greatest ever players, you can certainly mention him in the same breath as Pele, Maradonna and Zidane, and I was lucky enough to see Pele live, and he did play in the best National team ever, with the best players of that era - it's completely subjective. Pele played most of his career with a heavy leather football, and most of his career playing for the best club side in Brazil, Maradonna played with more modern footballs, and also in great teams with great players - Messi plays with what is not much heavier than a beach ball, in what in all honesty is a not so good national side.

I don't know if I believe you are old enough to have seen Pele considering the first line of your post was more childish than even my 8 year old cousin.

I'm going to say one final thing then I'm done with this topic.

The best players in history pick their teams up and carry them across the finish line. Not necessarily by scoring but just by making others players around them play better. Messi makes other peoples jobs harder and the true greats of Barcelona over the last 5 years have been Xavi, Iniesta and Puyol who elevated the performance of those around them; unlike Messi who relies on them to elevate his game. There is more to football than a single moment of brilliance. Whilst on the face of it that moment would appear to have decided the game, what actually decided it was the team that allowed that moment to happen and count for something. Messi is a supreme talent and individually gifted without a doubt. But he does not bring out the best in others; something Suarez will learn very quickly next year.

Peace.

Can't believe EMS would write something so daft!

How can you think Robbie Williams looked great in Take That?(unless you're a teenage girl with too many hormones)

Anyway, Messi: Great dribbler. Good technician.
Not on the same planet as Maradona.
Maradona was THE best at everything. You sensed it was a case of 'when ' he'd win the game rather than 'if'. Any team with Maradona in was always in with a chance.
It's hard to talk about Pele. He played in a different era with different balls, different rules etc. But watch Maradona play. He literally had players going for his legs, not the ball, and he'd just ride the 'tackles' one after another. If teams played like that these days the match would be called off. No-one could compete with him, they had to break the rules. I think the refs felt sorry for the defenders.

EMS, you are so right. For those mentioning Messi in the same breath as Zidane, Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo (the legendary brazilian), Van Basten, Hagi and so on just show how wet in thears they are when it comes to football. Great players make their team mates better by bring the the best out of them. Maradona brought the best out of Burruchaga and Valdano in that '86 final and Diego had 2 assists including the winning goal. Ronaldo scored in every game (except the England game) on his way to carrying Brazil to the top in 2002 to the point of making even players like Kleberson and Gilberto Silva look like world beaters. I can go on and on. Messi traversed the WC final like a ghost while the other players were risking their careers in order to win. That`s not a great player. Messi showed himself to be an arrogant person and a selfih prat who only cares about himself. Great players are leaders and care about their team mates because they know they are nothing w/o them. Don`t get me wrong, Messi is a superb talent BUT who one relies on others to shine and this does not IMO, elevate him to great player status because Diego took an obscure Napoli team and made them relevant to the point of him being worshipped till this day at the club and city Barca was already relevant and had great players like Ronaldinho, Xavi, a young Iniesta, Eto`o, and so on when he made the firts team. IMO, Messi is the Best in the world during a generation where there aren`t really any great players.

14 Jul 2014 13:24:55
Now that Suso has come out and said that he's happy to stay and fight for his place, are the club still looking to move him on?

14 Jul 2014 13:11:11
just to save ed 1 a lot of rtp replies. cavani is odds on for utd and che are best next place. glad to be honest. he's never impressed me

Agreed. He looks very average every time I have seen him play.

Red Rum

Odds on with whom?

What's odds got to do with anything?

14 Jul 2014 13:05:32
BBC are reporting Markovic has finally arrived and having his medical today. Anyone know if this is actually true?

Cheers

There is a photo on the net with him and a LFC fan in front of a placard reading

"Liverpool John Moore's University"

It will not allow me to copy it to put up on sightings page but it looks genuine to me and looks like the deal will be completed very soon.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Vrcomp, you might be able to use the print screen button to get a screen capture?! Just for future reference matey, unless you tried that as well.

14 Jul 2014 12:53:12
Not really a LFC signing however given his comments about his desire to come to the premier league.

Is it out the question that LFC could make a move for cavani?

I mean if he wants to come the prem then why not? we have money champions league football and chelsea + arsenal have already bought big

Is it so ludicrous?

He's massively over-rated. One of the worst best players in the world.

14 Jul 2014 14:24:28
did he not say something before about Liverpool holding Suarez hostage?

One of the worst players in the world please but I do agree it is unlikely but in theory this is the type of player we can attract and if we wanted a direct replacement in case we decide 2 keep playin 2 upfront which again is unlikely it wouldn't be out of the question

14 Jul 2014 12:16:26
Any more news on the borini leaving or possible swap for adam Johnson? Can't help but think he tried hard but doesn't have the quality required.

14 Jul 2014 13:10:35
Adam Johnson?
Really?

Better stock the beer fridge up then.

14 Jul 2014 11:45:40
Hey eds, ssn are reporting that Cavani is interested in a move to the prem, would LFC be in for him as a Suarez replacement?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know.}

14 Jul 2014 11:46:26
Ems
Deary me. Messi's task was not' to be.any supply. Do you even know what you are talking about half the time?
The balls to messi were awful, wayward and most intercepted. When he collected scraps he tried to make things happen. He.has been carrying this Argentinan team to the final. Their midfield lacked serious quailty all tournament and.macherano who was very good at defending the back 4 was.terrible going forward aswell. The amount of times he gave the.ball away.was.countless.
Did messi have a great tournament by his standard? No, but he is the best player this generation no doubt! 73 goals two seasons ago before being.injured will probably never be bettered. Any footballing fan with any sort of knowledge of the game recognize that. And di maria, higuain.all these stars hes.supposeingly playing with were very poor this WC
You keep shouting about this 'worldclass.lambert' ;)

Can you just remind me who Messi scored his 4 goals against? Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia. Wow, world class.

He didn't score a single goal in the knockout stages and he and the other attackers saw plenty of the ball. The defence were excellent. Yes Mascherano doesn't offer much going forward, but he was phenomenal and if anyone carried Argentina it was him or Romero.

Messi is made to look gpod because he the poster boy of the best team of our generation. He can't do it in a stronger league (defensively) because he dare not try and he cannot do it without Xavi and Iniesta as proven by his constant failings on the international stage. How many times did Argentina hold the opposition to a 0-0 for 120 minutes?

Messi was playing in the hole and it's therefore his job to go looking for the ball and link midfield/defence to attack. His lack or effort saw him fail miserably and it makes me wonder why he bullied the manager into playing that fornation and putting him there! (Yes, Messi decided their tactics).

Their hole team was built to suit him but he put in no effort and without his beloved Barcelona he looked average like he does in so many games where he goes completely missing.

The 5 best outfield players in the world are;
Yaya Toure, Xavi, Phillip Lahm, Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo because they don't go missing when they're playing bad. They still get involved and play for the team rather than sulk or repeatedly give the ball away whilst desperately craving the spotlight.

Forget about the last two seasons. Was Messi the best player in this world cup do you think? That's what people are discussing and that's what nobody can believe. I don't think anyone is questioning him as the best of his generation and yes he has been fantastic.

Best in the world cup? No chance.

Also.there.is.a.spacebar.you.can.use.instead.of.full.stops.

Football has become as materialistic as society. You want something that looks fancy rather than something that does the job. Who was more vital to our Success; Souness or Rush? The player who held it all together and never went missing? Or the guy who grabbed the goals and the headlines? I'd take Souness any day of the week, but perhaps that's just me.

Maradona carried an equally average Argentina to a final and a win and shone throughout, while I think messi is very gifted he is also made to look good by a barca team that does all the hardworking and allows messi to take it easy which is why messi struggles for Argentina in a team where he is expected to graft as much as everyone else.

14 Jul 2014 12:21:25
Having trouble reading Al? No-one is saying that Messi isn't a World Class player - he's unanimously agreed to be one of the best. What people are saying is that, for whatever reason, he wasn't at that level at any point this tournament and didn't deserve the Golden Ball

14 Jul 2014 12:24:32
Big Al, do you just jump from site to site on a constant wind-up?

I will give you that he is arguably the most talented footballer ever. But he is not the best by a long long way. Xavi, Pirlo, Gerrard, Zidane, Scholes, Puyol, Henry are just a handful of players off the top of my head who were more valuable to their teams than Messi. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot judge someones entire game on one or two moments of magic and game, when the other 89 minutes it's like playing with 10 men.

Of course you need players like this. Even Germany had Ozil who despite being swful all tournament and looking like a shadow 99% of the time still had the class to claim more assists than any other player in the tournament. These players do win you games occasionally and do look great to watch. However players like Lahm and Xavi win you titles because they do the hardest and most unappreciated jobs in football. I accept that you see things differently, but for me a true great is a great player even when they are out of form, not somebody who has purple patches and then goes missing again until his next moment.

That was our problem with Suarez. If he went missing, it was like playing with 10 men because his selfish attitude of wanting all the headlines made him try ridiculous things that were never going to happen trying rather than just accept it's not his day and passing it sideways or just playing a simple pass. That is why Ronaldo is better than him and Messi despite not being as naturally gifted or capable of those wow moments. If it's not Ronaldo's day, he'll just play it simple and let somebody else take the spotlight. And don't bring up assists because that is just another way of wanting the spotlight. A truly unslefish player does things like playing a simple pass that sets up and attack or making an unselfish run to drag defenders out of position knowing full well it'll go completely unnoticed by people like you (Borini, Henderson and yes even Sturridge do this all the time!)

You are entitled to your opinion, but don't belittle mine without even presenting your reasoning.

Edd001 can I ask your.opinion on messi mate? A.poster.said he goes missing in bug games? Which I find very amusing when he has performed more than any.other player.in the planet in big games. Thanks

{Ed001's Note - I don't want to get into even discussing the little cheat, sorry.}

Ems
You.mentioned sulk and ronaldo with putting 2 and 2 together. Haha, ronaldo is the biggest brat in world football yet messi craves spotlight? Messi is kicked about.more than.any other player and continues.running whilst ronaldo who you praise knows how to dive when air hits him. i'm not going to argue with you mate. I find what you say embarrasing when.its so false.

It's simple under the previous manager when messi was not allowed to decide everything and make everything about him he was awful never scored at a world cup now everything was set up for him and bar some incredible defending Argentina would not have made it past the last 8.

As for best of this generation it's ronaldo all day long. you can put him into any team in the world and he will shine and make a difference! Messi while we don't know for sure the evidence would suggest that if you put him in a team like stoke he would be good but not great (evidence being his play for Argentina)

Maradona Pele ronaldo (Brazilian ) and countless others were far better all round footballers but messi is the best at what he does no doubt. dribbling against poor defences and getting on the end of pin point passes from arguably one of the best midfields of all time

Hjiklr
Clearly.you cant, my reply was in relation to ems who has stated messi looks average etc. Should have put.your specs.on mate ;)

Edd001 haha, you say you.dont want to discuss the little cheat but them two.words sums it up ;) no problem mate'

Al,

Have you got punctuation Tourette's?

I agree with ems, Messi was good in the group, and useless after. Definitely didn't deserve golden ball, history will show he can't compare to Maradona. Although he has lasted longer.

Where did I say Measi was average? I have said nothing if the sort. In fact I called him one of the most talented footballers ever. For me though, I'd rather a world class team player who does the things that go unnoticed. Quite simply, Messi is the best of all the players who do nothing but produce the odd bit of genius in the modern game. But he is not the best all round player because he goes missing. You cannot be the best player when you are such a hindrance to your team mates. The best players are the ones who make everybody elses jobs easier. Germany won the world cup because they had a squad full of these players.

The last time I saw something splatter as hard as Messi did on Boateng last night was when a dragon fly hit my windscreen!

I'm not saying he's average, I'm saying all players like him (Ozil, Suarez, Robben etc) are over rated. When they play bad, they're awful! Ecen when they are in good form they do nothing for most of the match. That is my point. Suarez is a rarity amongst these types because he has work rate inlike the others. But he's still a selfish spotlight craving cheat.

Marshy
Its my kkeyboard mate, i.take a hammering for it ;)

14 Jul 2014 16:15:26
I will give you that he is arguably the most talented footballer ever. But he is not the best by a long long way.

How can you say some one is the most talented footballer ever and then he is a long way away from been the best?

Is that not a contradicting statement?

I don't agree with what you say regarding messi, I don't care what team you play for you won't smash all the records he has without been the best! why can't the other forwards match his records if its down to xavi and iniesta?

If he was so bad in the world cup why has he got 4 goals, the most chances created and the most succesful dribbles?

Also how can you say he's a sulk and christy isnt? the same ronaldo who slated his own team mates calling them average and basically claiming his self as god .

Your opinions are basically invalid because when you rate a player your completley biased towards them and when you dislike a palyer you slate them as we've seen with many examples on this page when you've compared brad smith as been better as moreno.

If your going to have an opinion make sure its fair and not biased!

14 Jul 2014 11:28:05
What would you say if I told you we were going to sign Demba Ba within the next 46 hours? Well Redmen!

Greg

I personally wouldn't mind. I think he's a good striker.Do I think he's suited to us?Not particularly. But he can score crucial goals when needed. I'd definitely have to say if he came borini would likely go.

14 Jul 2014 12:23:16
I would think that the ITK part of your name GregITK does not stand for what it is generally known to stand for! :o)

14 Jul 2014 10:35:52
Morning all, having watched last nights game, I think that there are some parallels between the two teams and our current situation r.e Suarez. Whilst both teams were filled with excellent players, Argentina could be accused of being over reliant on one player. That's great when the player performs but nobody can play at the top of the their game every match.

I always felt that Germany were the most likely to win because they were more of a team. Their work ethic was more evident, a case in point being Klose.

Whilst losing Suarez is a blow, I trust Brendan to use the funds to improve the overall depth and quality of the squad.

If you look at what he's trying to do, he's trying generate goals from more area's of the pitch, which has similarities to the wider threat posed by Germany. Most of Argentina's play centred around trying to involve Messi. Without Suarez, our attacking threat this season will be more widely shared and multi-faceted, which should have the rest of the league panicking. They won't know where to look. Sturridge, Lambert, Sterling, Lallana, Markovic. doesn't sound too bad, does it?

Obviously we'll need to buy a new striker, Sturridge and Lambert will need support, I personally would be happy with Bony or Lukaku. They are regular scorers in the EPL and are young enough to have time to improve. I'm sure our scouts have done their homework. Given where we were a few years ago, and how things have improved under the current owners, I'm optimistic that we are very much on an upward curve.

I can't wait to see who BR adds to the defence.

Can't wait for the season start

YNWA

I actually believe Borini also deserves a chance after he played quite well for Sunderland while on loan.

14 Jul 2014 10:02:38
Mornin Eds, did y'all enjoy the game last night? I thought it was a fascinating contest. I just have a quick question about the supposed Benzema 'interest' so I can put it to bed. Where are the rumours coming from? Just 2+2 journalism because of Suarez deal? There are no actual noises of real Liverpool interest are there?

Personally I'd be happier with a strikeforce of Sturridge, Lambert, Borini/Lacazette or sth like that instead of signing an expensive big-time charlie. At least Higuain would bring sth different and could play with Sturridge but Benzema coming could have a negative effect on Sturridge IMO.

14 Jul 2014 08:36:34
Ed002,
With our signings so far, cann, lallana, lambert, and possibly markovich and origi, few more to come. Do you think we are are spending wisely, building a great present and future squad or do you think we could be heading the wrong way (spending unwisely and accumulating future restrictive debt maybe)?

{Ed002's Note - Not entirely wisely.}

14 Jul 2014 10:33:09
I'm a little concerned about our spending, not through my own knowledge but from what Ed2 has said before about our debt and FFP. I'm thinking the best we might do is break even this window, which I suppose wouldn't put us in a worse position than before. Looking at what we've spent already and the potential signings like Bony, Lovren and Bertrand, that could potentially add another £50m or so to our spending, which means moving players on to break even, so I kinda hope it stops there. We want to hit the ground running in August, not take the first half of the season to gel. And we really don't want to be punished for breaching FFP.

If we got "x" amount from the Suarez sale and his wages were "y" then I would imagine the players being bought with "x" funds" will have a greater amount of wages than "y" so unless we start getting some people off the books then it is unwise what we are spending currently. Hopefully once some players leave (that aren't going to be in the first team squad) then we can see how things turn out.

14 Jul 2014 06:56:12
Hey ed's
Guessing my post was deleted for some reason or other yesterday.

Are the rumours that Liverpool have ensured about Lukaku true?
Great site btw

{Ed002's Note - That will be because you don't read the posts or use the search engine before posting. They probably got dumped to the other site.}

14 Jul 2014 08:30:50
Hi eds and reds I heard a rumour of BR looking to sign Lukaku. Is there any truth in that? I would personally think that would be a very good signing, very similar to Drogba.
What do you all think? Ed001 and Ed002 very good job keep it up for our sakes.
Hibsylfc

14 Jul 2014 08:11:19
Not really Liverpool related but are the fa going to look into the 'Tottenham Turfies' which are now living in the pitch at white heart lane? Seems unfair to me.

Had to look that up,, as long as it doesn't aid them I'm sure it is fine.

14 Jul 2014 02:31:31
Does anyone know if the prem will use the white foam for free kicks any time soon?

Yes. Season tickets at Stoke are gonnah rocket with all the fouls!

14 Jul 2014 09:26:31
I can imagine the scene at lower league matches where a free kick is awarded and the ref pulls out of his pocket a can of Gillette shaving foam!

14 Jul 2014 02:33:53
Im sorry but 20-25 million pounds for a 20 year old who has no experience in the premier league and only scored like five goals last season in a weaker league seriously taking a chance like this just seems stupid when you could make it 30 million and go for proven quality and if we are going for bony as a replacement that is stupid he does not fit are style of play at all at the world cup he showed how bad he can be and again 20 million pounds please can we not waste the Luis Suarez money on this

Lazar Markovic scored 5 goals in 26 League games, 19 of which he started, he also got 4 assists. Bearing in mind the Portuguese League is only 30 games long. Markovic also scored a goal in the Europa League and scored for Serbia as well last season.

He had an 80.8% pass success rate last season, he was in the 18 man Europa League team of the season, he also won two player of the month awards back to back for January and February. Not bad for a 20 year old in his first year outside of his comfort zone (Country) when actually put into context.

Despite Benfica's 58 goals for and 18 goals against League tally, Jorge Jesus is favouable for a tempered defensive style of football especially when he's winning, at least many games in Europe testify to that approach. So Lazar might create more in terms of productivity with a vibrant and attack minded approach to football like Rodgers has going at Liverpool.

I understand £20 million is a good chunk of money and, as you mention Markovic does lacks Premier League experience, but Lallana has the experience, with Henderson, Gerrard, Sturridge, Lambert and even Sterling now with two seasons under his belt will need to pitch in and help the new faces from abroad settle into training and get up to speed quick on the pitch.

Not as a comparison, but as a point of reference, Ronaldo scored 3 League goals in 25 league games for Lisbon, 5 in 31 games total for the 2002-03 season. Ronaldo in his first season for United scored 6 goals in 40 games, 4 in the League playing 29 games and 2 in the domestic cup in the 2003-04 season. Ronaldo's second season in the Premier League he scored 5 Premier League goals in 33 games, 9 goals in 50 games all competition during the 2004-05 season. Just for reference, as Ronaldo has become one of the most productive players on the planet.

Markovic is not Ronaldo, but expecting too much too soon isn't always a great approach to identifying young exciting players. It's the impact a player has on the team and if that is positive and becomes more and more important in time, then it may well be a very good signing. I think he has got lots of ability but converting that into goals and opportunities for others will be vital. I don't think it fair expecting Markovic to be scoring 10-15 goals a season just yet, he's not really a ''striker'' more a winger/attacking midfielder. So, 5 goals and 4 assists from 19 starts and 7 sub appearances is certainly a good footing to improve from, but we should be slightly more conservative in expectations as he is so young and is upping sticks and moving to stronger League. Just my opinion/s.

Ollie great post but I think you have just added substance to the point Irish red is making. We have just sold the best player and highest goalscorer in the league and instead of buying a proven quality experienced replacement we are buying a young inexperienced player with bags of potential and possibly another mid table striker

{Ed001's Note - isn't that the Liverpool way? It has always been how the club has worked. Why do you want them to do differently now? I don't get all this whining and whinging.}

I'd also like to address your reservations about Bony, as a potential signing. Firstly i'd plea do not think Bony as a replacement for Suarez. We've near all come to a very close consensus in this community, Suarez is impossible to ''replace'' in the like for like conventional sense.

Instead, think of Bony (if he were to sign) as a good striker, not a world class produces magic near every time he's on the ball striker. But a solid goal scorer because Bony has shown to be just that.

Bony scored 53 goals in 73 games in the Eredivisie for Vitesse and in 2012/13 Bony scored 31 goals in 30 games in the League and 37 goals in 36 games for the whole season and then Swansea bought him for £12 million and he scored 25 goals in 48 games for Swansea.

Bony scored 16 goals in 27 starts with 7 sub appearances in the Premier League, he's also created 4 assists in the League, he scored 3 goals in 2 F.A Cup games, 5 goals and 1 assist in 11 Europa League games and 1 goal in 1 League cup game. He also scored 2 goals in the World Cup starting 2 games and playing as a sub in another.

That's not a bad shift at all and over the last two seasons Bony has scored 62 goals in 84 games at Club level. This season Bony scored against Man United, twice against Stoke, twice against Man City, against Man United again, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal to name a clutch of the stronger teams or traditionally more difficult teams to break down such as Stoke and this season Everton.

I think Bony represents a very good strong signing, at a fair price. We could have bought him for £12 million, we didn't need him, now we could do with him and an extra £7 million for convenience, season of proving himself in a smaller club with less quality. I think it's a reasonably fair price. But it's not my money and as always, only my opinion/s.

Bony- has had his first good season. We all know the first season the premiership is a freebie.- Michu, Carroll etc etc. let's see how he gets on this season first.

Re Markovic. I share your concerns, but Rafa tried to buy Aguero - a teenager at the time - for £18m and the club turned him down. Sometimes you got to take a risk.

No one will be moaning if he comes here and bangs in 20+ goals next season and/or 10 plus assists.

When was the last time LFC BOUGHT a world class player?

We don't BUY them, WE MAKE THEM.

Stop the complaining and get behind the guy.

I trust BR and the staff a damn sight more than I trust some of the personIC opinions that I hear on this site.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

14 Jul 2014 08:30:28
@Ken

Which Aguero did Rafa try and buy? Ken or Kun? :)

I really don't understand why people choose to moan about a player before he has even pulled on our red shirt.give the guy a chance for crying out loud. Do you not trust BR? Look what he has done for us with so called mediocre players, he fits them into our system and look at the results, this has always been the Liverpool way. Get the behind the lads or get on your bike. Cheers

He tried to sign Kun, I'd crawl over hot tar and broken glass to come and play for LFC. ;-)

Ken if you look bony was their only striker not a free role player who would get space like michu had or Giovanni in the past. Bony was marked constantly by the center backs and didn't exactly have the best creativity in behind him.

The amount of times he made little runs that lalanna or Gerrard would find is a cause for optimism!

14 Jul 2014 11:07:29
Ken, Your knees would be shot then pal ;0)

Nice to see Penry as your avatar Phooey

People on here make me smile. Why is it that if you express an opinion that differs from the rose tints you are a person, or whining and whining, and should go and support another team? BR has done a magnificent job so far and I will always give 100% support to any player who pulls on our shirt. I'm not asking for us to go out and buy Messi or Ibrahimovic but just one or two players who would improve our 1st team now not possibly in a couple of years time or those that add depth to our bench.

14 Jul 2014 00:45:08
exclusive from the express says bony is done, markovic will have medical tomoz, ayre in spain for moreno sounds good to me!

Would be good but can't see bony or more no coming any time soon we can wish though a.