Liverpool Banter Archive July 15 2014

15 Jul 2014 23:40:41
Hi everyone can I just have a little say, although our chances of signing Reus are not too good ( although you never know) I genuinely think after not being able to sign Sanchez we should really give it a go.
BR should do his best to sign him because he is a fantastic player. A wonderful talent.

Talk sense lad he would cost close to 50mil, we've already spent a load of money and have not addressed our defensive frailties at all.

15 Jul 2014 22:54:05
I did post this earlier don't know why it didn't come through? ............. Any thoughts eds?

YNWA

{Ed002's Note - Someone has been teasing you I am afraid.}

Thanks ed just passing on what I was told. His position is one hundred percent genuine though he was with a current player when he told me this. Oh well my brain can stop trying to work out who it could be now. Haha

YNWA

15 Jul 2014 22:34:12
hi Ed's. I for one do not mind if we do or don't, but do you see us making a 'statement' signing, someone to replace suarez if you will. he was our talisman and go to guy last year, if not who is your prediction to step up as our new talisman.

{Ed002's Note - You need to get over Suarez. If the club make any sort of "statement" signing just to appease the fans then there is every chance it could end in tears. I will be deleting all of the "replacement" posts from now on.}

15 Jul 2014 23:34:37
I sent in some banter a couple of days ago that was published but the gist was, in regard to Suarez, thanks for coming, thanks for going. He, like last season, is history

We have already signed Markovic, Lallana, Emre Can and Lambert for 60million.

We have enough forwards. sell some of our CBs and get Lovren. or give Ilori his chance

We have enough forwards but not enough quality strikers. If Danny picked up a long term injury we would be left seriously short in that position. Lambert is a great signing as back up, domestic cups etc, but would you want to rely on him as our main striker for a long period? Do you think Fabio would step up and score 20+ goals if needed? Just look at the number of quality strikers City have. Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo, Jovetic. Obviously we are not in their league financially but we have to have more goal scoring options if we are going to compete again this year.

Why n red where we're these options last year? We actually have more strikers this season and obviously the thought is that they could do a job or they wouldn't be at the club!

15 Jul 2014 22:02:26
It's been like 5 hours since the last transfer why they takin so long to announce another

Ha ha next post above is someone allready asking who is next. How the edds don't loose there minds I don't know.
great job edds by the way. no ass kissing intended, really don't know how you can deal with it all the time. I have to stop reading sometimes.

Sarcasm buddy

I got his sarcasum. Was refering to zzach above. god help me

15 Jul 2014 21:46:17
Just wanted to say how excited I am about new season and to ask how others feel?

Personally I am really happy with our signings and would be really pleased with just a couple more (3 perhaps) to make us stronger and better

Its mostly gut feeling but I think Emre Can will prove to be an excellent buy and Marcovic from 2 benfica fans I have who didn't miss a game say he is very good and will likely be a big star for us.

Can you imagine sterling, Marcovic alone running down the wings at you! They are lightening fast and will only get better with age.

Rickie lambert for me is a great signing for the money and will be mature with his distribution and unselfish play. Something we do lack up front sometimes.

Lallana I really rate, although think £20million would have perhaps been fairer price, I am still delighted to have him. Some of you knock his talent but I think if he was called Rodrigo and you had seen little of him but heard rumours from his agent that he was a world beater. you would rather have him. For me, not. He will be great IMO

I do wish we would get Lovren if possible, a LB (not sure who) and a class striker. Not a £40million one though! We need to be sensible with the money the club have/owe!

Anyway, I am so happy so far and think many will eat their words about buying proven this and proven that. and in many ways is it not a little more exciting having raw talent who may be a risk but may prove to be LFC best player ever?

Just hope Emre Can and Lambert get good chances to play, along with some youth players and defo Flan!

I agree with you regarding Lallana, Gareth. I think he will be a great signing for us. I remember seeing him away against Spurs last season and he was superb. Seen him in a few other games aswell and always been impressed. Hopefully he's yet to hit his peak yet either.

Top player with the potential to get even better over the next couple of years.

15 Jul 2014 22:59:50
Generally excited about the players. Is a good mix of youth and experience, lallana and lambert have two good seasons in the premiership and should help us secure 4th and whilst young and unproven in the BPL can and markovic are young exciting and have European experience to add!

Would like a cb and a lb, Loren and the swiz lad Rodriguez would be my choice but dunno about money for each. Then maybe another forward (yarmolenko would be great for me). But trust Brendan and have spent a lot of money so far so have don't see another £20m + forward!

15 Jul 2014 21:09:54
So just A little to comment on for you lot.
Watching every comment(most og them) and many by surprise. Must compliment every ed on here, great respons every clear and realistic great!

So here I go all the way from Denmark(looking forward seeing the redskab play here tomorrow).

Surely Suarez's goals will be missed next season, but!

1. Sturridge is mabye the player contributed most to the team, as a new player(Conducting himself outside the pitch too, right eds?) But scoring from the first match and regular from that Day. Will he miss, the assists from Suarez, sure but I bet you that he missed many selfish acts from Suarez and could have scored easyli 5 more if Suarez wasn't only watching for his own chance, eds?

2. Henderson, Lallana, Gerrard, Lambert, Flannagan, Sterlig, Ibe is players who will give their most for the shirt, their dream is to play exactly right here at Anfield, so will always run the ekstra mile.

3. Lovren will tighten the defence up, but bot having Suarez will actually be one teamplayer more, we did not consede many goals for the first 6 matches last season, the balance is always hard with A selfish player. Will still miss him, not trying so slag him off.

4. Rodgers, A teamplayer getting the best out of every player, if its possible. Ever since januar 2013, I don't think many teams has gatthered more points than us? Eds? He Got us playing forward, taking risks linke the Chelsea match, we want to win by playing good football. Every defeat he has learned from, and I only Think loosing to City and Chelsea at Christmas was the only back to back defeat since january 13.

5. We are not here to succeed for one season, we are here to stay. There is every much invested in our youth setup, this will benefit the club allready this year. Barca are in decline, Arsenal starting too pay Big wages, no longer such A young team. United are going to buy like Madrid. We might even be the darlings of Europe for the comming years like we once were, like Dortmund. We fans must behave, act with pride and support every red player, and thais from Aspas to Gerrard, we are A unit, as Didi said, we all leave together and we all go home together, we leave no one behind!

6. So don't wish for Reus, Benzema, Cavani, Hummels and so on. Support WHO ever comes in, support WHO is allready here, and don't ever be affraid cause the others Got all the expensive ones. We are Liverpool - You Never Walk Alone - and thanx to every ed, you are the light in the transfer dark.

Please disagree or agree and let's hear where we are heading?

JC

15 Jul 2014 23:02:11
👌 perfect post

Thank the lord we have a post worth reading.
Great post jc

Great post mate enjoy the match laters brother.

Great post mate

15 Jul 2014 20:54:20
A few names I've seen mentioned today as being linked again, Arda turan and shaqiri. Wondered what the eds think about these links, are they recycled (turan)? Or are they just putting 2+2 and getting 5 with regards to shaqiri's quote! Also what are the eds thoughts on business so far? Keep up good work

As I said earlier we should play 8 up front and 2 defenders to fit all these forwards in. Although another poster suggested we needed Hendo's energy in midfield. So no its a 1-1-8 formation. Turan, Walcott, Pato, Sturridge, Sterling, Marco.

We should just sack the keeper off and go for a 1-1-9.

Come on you reds!

15 Jul 2014 20:38:03
Hi Eds
Any reason why Brendan Rodgers flew out to Brazil and is still there?
Is it true he is meeting Pato and his agent?

{Ed002's Note - I wouldn't think so.}

16 Jul 2014 10:56:45
Whatever happened to Pato? At 19 years old he was going to be the next best thing, banging them in all day long for AC milan, now he is playing for Sao Paulo on loan from Corinthian's. at 24 I was expecting him to named in the same bracket as Messi and Ronaldo by now, but he didn't even make the Brazil squad ahead of Fred!

15 Jul 2014 21:28:29
Lazar is a bit of a gamble for me, but in the main, Brendan seems good at developing this sort of player. I'm happy it's a calculated risk.
On a similar topic, I want to see Coutinho develop this year. He had a very inconsistent season last season which is a shame because, on form, he could run rings round most of those World Cup brazilians. He has to get his head and his form sorted out. We need Coutinho, Suso and Lazar to make the leap that Sterling made last season.

I hope Brendan and the coaches are working hard on the defence. That's our biggest weakness and we haven't changed personnel yet. Get that right and we'll be stronger next season.

15 Jul 2014 19:52:07
Eds do you see lazer as Liverpool's last attacking player being purchased this transfer window? Personally I think we need to be concentrating on our defence first.

Baz

{Ed002's Note - See previous answers about interest in players.}

15 Jul 2014 21:15:47
In order to get Markovic, we went on a Lazer Quest!

15 Jul 2014 19:24:09
Happy with lazar signing, but was thinking at work and curious about opinions.

Basically how good to you think raheem sterling can potentially be? Just looking at stats and want to compare him with messi. If memory serves me correct both played a few games in their first season at 17, messi about 6-8 games and sterling less then 5 so ignore them. Second season messi played 17 league games then with 6 goals, whilst in his second sterling got 2 in 24. Their next season however messi got 14 whilst sterling got 10 ( think messi only got 10 the season after).

If you think messi was playing in a more open league and in a better team (sterlings first full season we got 7th and played a key part in our 2nd place season). And how sterling isn't just pacey, but this season has shown; stength, intelligence on/off the ball, great close control, improved finishing & passing, puts a shift in defence, brave on/ off the ball and shown he can perform in a variety of positions (lw, rw, am, striker, and believe rwb) shows he has something.

Not saying he will be as good as messi (who's ability varies in a lot of pps opinions), but can he potentially be in the top 5 players in the world? Or just a good player?

Personally as a very biased lfc fan think he has shown the ability and brain to reach the top tier of players

I think he is a good player now, but i'm sure he will get even better and certainly has world class potential
so yes one day he very well could be one of the top players around

On an unbiased note it is just to early to tell! At the moment I would say he definitely has the potential to be in the second tier of world class players like your sanchezs goetzes mullers etc. And I would be very happy if he progressed to this level at the moment wether he can be up there with the best of his generation is just too hard to tell! Definitely wouldn't want to be putting a incredible amount of pressure on the boy though! After all he is still just a boy!

16 Jul 2014 07:28:21
He has all the tools, from a purely football/talent perspective, to reach the very top. I think both ed001 & Ed002 have mentioned in the past that mentally Sterling learns quickly, is tactically aware, ready to listen, intelligent, etcetera and I think it is these mental attributes that could see him go very far in the game. Will he reach Messi's level? Who can say, but he has the potential to be world class that much is certain.

Sterling can honestly go as far as he wants. From a talent perspective he has every tool required to be top class. What really impresses me is his attitude and intelligence. He was so tactically aware for us last season (which was the most noticeable difference in his play compared to the season before) and so willing to listen to instruction and then act upon it on the pitch that he could be one of England's best players for a generation if he continues his development. I think game intelligence is what separates the truly world class players from everybody else - footballing abilities can be taught to players; game intelligence is something a player either has or doesn't. Sterling clearly does.

Can he be the next Messi? lol who knows its a bit of hyperbole really but he certainly has the potential to go to the very top.

15 Jul 2014 18:48:09
Markovic looks like a decent signing, looks like he's at a similar stage to sterling.

Our team is going to have frightening pace next season.

Just need a CB and LB then if we get another forward we could do with an experienced player coming in to steady the ship.

Remy would be nice pay him the 80pw and bump up sturridge's pay.

16 Jul 2014 07:49:00
Lallana isn't the fastest.

15 Jul 2014 18:32:33
Don't you think Markovic looks like zlatan and cesc fabregas love child haha

15 Jul 2014 19:05:45
Mido.

15 Jul 2014 21:18:10
Without the hair Don corleone.

15 Jul 2014 18:17:42
Liverpool announce the signing of former Benfica attacker Lazar Markovic

I thought he was a midfielder . Not an attacker

{Ed002's Note - Any wide or attacking position.}

He's predominantly a left winger, but he can play across the front (as rw and cf as well)

15 Jul 2014 19:05:04
One of our ever expanding pool of players who really don't care all that much where they are asked to play

15 Jul 2014 19:05:05
One of our ever expanding pool of players who really don't care all that much where they are asked to play

King Luis, was that a failed attempt to sandbag me or just a genuine question?

15 Jul 2014 18:08:20
Hi Eds/Reds,

Has anyone looked at Jannick Vestergaard? Had a very good season in Germany apparently.

Do you think he could be an option if Lovren doesn't pan out? Or do you think he is no better than Ilori?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - No.}

Ah well, shame that, looks a very good player.

Can't wait to see a bit more of Ilori this year though, either with us or out on loan.

Cheers Ed

15 Jul 2014 18:01:29
Only 1 and half months of the transfer window to go! Poor Eds.

The Eds will need a very long recovery period after August.

They won't if Liverpool lose

15 Jul 2014 17:30:39
Hi again eds also any intrest from us on Lucas moura mite he be available I remember he was linked with a move back to São Paulo , but surely we could be a better option and he wouldn't cost a fortune perhaps 20-25m would be enough

{Ed002's Note - None unless Markovic or Sterling are sold.}

15 Jul 2014 17:16:11
Hi eds I no we're not in the market for a new cm but why don't we give Allen back to Swansea and take ki of there hands every time it see him play he seems to do all the simple things right which joe Allen try's to do also buh he makes mistakes quite often any chance in a deal as we have shown intrest in him in the past
Cheers

{Ed002's Note - None.}

Allen is nothing but your scapegoat.

You make the transfer market sound like swapping football stickers!
"We will give you Allen and take Ki"

15 Jul 2014 17:11:34
Ed? Is there any chance of stevan jovetic or any teams that are interested?

{Ed002's Note - None. Listing players names at random is a futile waste of everyone's time.}

15 Jul 2014 16:20:01
ssn announced that Benfica have informed the Portuguese Stock Market (CMVM) that they have sold Lazar Markovic to Liverpool. The Portuguese club, who had just half of his playing rights, will receive 12.5million Euros.

15 Jul 2014 15:53:55
A player I feel would go a long way to "replacing" Suarez is Stevan Jovetic. Jovetic was often mentioned as a potential replacement for Suarez last summer and, although Suarez is a much better player, Jovetic offers similarities such as his versatility, creativity, goals and assists. I am very surprised he hasn't been linked especially as he may be as low as 4th choice at city and therefore may well be interested in the move and attainable. Would like to hear others opinions?

15 Jul 2014 16:40:07
I am not sure if the following are realistic, but Jovetic, Lavezzi, Lacazette or El Shaarawy would be good replacements for Suarez and are similar players.

He had a poor enough first season in English football. He did suffer a lot from injuries. For what Man City would charge us for him he would be a big risk. I would probably prefer we looked elsewhere.

Out of them I would like el shaarawi

There were strong concerns about his long term fitness due to a chronic knee problem which is why it took Fiorentina so long to sell him despite being ready to for ages.

15 Jul 2014 14:44:00
{Ed002's Note - The trick is not to spend some £20M plus buying players that are not going to play more than a handful of games in total.}

=====

You need that magic formula ED that tells you if a player is going to make it or end up being a liability . From a Liverpool prospective (modern era), the only players that became super starts are those that cost a lot of money. Alonso when bought was deemed expensive, but he became a legend and was sold for twice the purchase price, same goes for Torres and Suarez. And yes I know on the other hand there is Aquilani and Andy Carroll where money was wasted, but all in all, for me, huge rewards come with huge risks.

{Ed002's Note - And a UEFA ban perhaps.}

You don't have to take huge risks though. Look at Agger, Reina, Arbeloa, Coutinho, Sturridge etc. It is possible to buy from the bargain bucket and find a prize! I mean all transfers are expensive nowadays. All those players based on age, position and the time they were bought came fof relatively modest fees and were/are all excellent.

Hyppia 2.7 million springs to mind too

Even better.

Robbie fowler - free
Steve mcmanaman - free
Michael Owen - free


I think you get the idea. The issue isn't spending lots of money, it's spending it wisely

15 Jul 2014 14:38:39
Hi eds big fan of this site!

First time posting.

Ive just seen an article (dont know if its reliable)
But it days that we have heavy intrests
In lukaku and in reus?

If you know is this real?

Cheers

And great work by the way.

{Ed002's Note - Please read the posts and try the search engine.}

15 Jul 2014 13:44:43
To the people who are saying we've paid too much for players for example Lallana what are you basing this on? How could you possibly know how well he will play for us? He could become a much better playing with better players around him and become a 30 million player. Or he could become injured and not fully recover. (Touch wood)

Just an example Henderson first season his value dropped. Last season we fell apart with out him and I'm all sure we can now say Henderson was a bargain.

Completely agree.

I strongly believe that EPL experience carries a significant premium, whether the player is British or not. Look at Bony, for example. £12m last season with no EPL experience and would probably be upto £25m now Likewise Lovren -

15 Jul 2014 11:46:20
obviously with Saurez and now Aspas leaving where now short up front. I know the eds have explained we have shown a little interest in Huntelaar before. I was wondering now that we obviosuly need another striker, who the eds think might come in?

{Ed002's Note - Lambert, Borini and Markovic.}

15 Jul 2014 11:21:51
Yeah after last night I thought that Ed002 might have a bit too much of a head to be dealing with the sight! Well I wish him well we've certainly all been there ;)

15 Jul 2014 11:21:51
Yeah after last night I thought that Ed002 might have a bit too much of a head to be dealing with the sight! Well I wish him well we've certainly all been there ;)

15 Jul 2014 11:17:31
Why oh why does certain people want us to buy this player buy that player?
BR will do what he thinks is right for the team with player balance and also have to balance the books (not talking finances ED).

Also do you think Ian Ayre makes these decisions alone and has not been given a directive/green light by somebody higher up.

If we are not buying many players and will not pay over the odds the board etc gets pelters on here.
Now we are buying players it is still not good enough for some.

So let's just wait and see what happens and all get behind the team and have a massive group hug with Ed002 in the middle.

{Ed002's Note - {Ed002's Note - Liverpool has again built significant debt. The spending this summer will build further debt against the sale of players (e.g. Suarez), additional sponsorship money, and critically success in Europe and the EPL. The club are also looking to take on further debt with the stadium.}

15 Jul 2014 11:11:34
Ed002 you can probly answer this.

With news of this new kit contract united has with adidas, I was just wondering how this works in terms of FFP. I seem to remember you saying there's a certain limit teams can claim as sponsorship income for FFP. Would they just pay down debt with the excess cash? Anyways good for united, that's a pretty huge deal!

{Ed002's Note -
{Ed002's Note - It doesn't work like that. A cap was discussed by the clubs discussing a breakaway league at a meeting in Monte Carlo at the end of March with additional attendees just to discuss that matter. No agreement was reached so it will drag on.}

15 Jul 2014 10:49:28
Hi Ed
Do you know of? and Do you thing that we will sign a very good striker and or central midfielder

for years now we struggled with wingers but I think with the signing of Adam llalana and markovic we are sorted in this department

Many thanks for the hard work

{Ed002's Note - {Ed002's Note - It is the defence that needs a little effort now.}

15 Jul 2014 11:46:33
Eds, earlier posts ( re EMS, "all red top papers are the same") I sent not put up, why?

If no problem and simply a glitch I will gladly send again, if getting checked and refused it is a joke. This is a website for LFC fans, the clue is in the name, I am sure 100% of ALL proper reds fans would agree with my sentiments.

{Ed008's Note - It's on the Banter page.

Thanks Ed008, it wasn't there earlier but it is now, hoping something somewhere clicks, embarrassing really.
cheers

15 Jul 2014 12:25:51
hi eds and reds,

So markovic looking to be announced today. looks a decent player with a lot of potential.

the fella is lightning quick when he gets running at the opposition, ssn had a little piece on his yeterday comparing him with sterling.

They both had the same assists and goals but sterling had 3 times as much chances created, sterlings chances created was in the sixties and markovics where in the twenties.

The only worrying stat I seen regarding markovic was the his dribbles completed % which was really low something like 24% figure isn't exact but it was in the twenties and sterlings was 69 % I think.

With a bit of tweaking I beleive he can be a top player!

Agreed. Lazar has great potential if coached right and if he applies himself. I'm excited to see him grow under Rodgers!

15 Jul 2014 11:25:15
I'd like to see Martin Kelly do well. The main think for him is to continue his rehab and get back playing regularly whether that means for the reserves, the first team or loaned elsewhere.

Rodgers has said he was easing him back slowly. Maybe he'll take preseason to assess him and take it from there. I think if we sell him and he refinds his form we'll be kicking ourselves.

{Ed008's Note - Kelly is one of those players you've got to admire as a fan of his play I'd like to see him start ahead of Johnson although he can also play Centre-Back.

15 Jul 2014 12:56:33
Ed008, where would you have Flanagan? Or would Kelly and Flanagan be your two right backs?

{Ed008's Note - Why not Kelly and Flanagan as RB and LB? Flanagan was excellent playing in that position and Kelly at RB is a much better defensive player then say Johnson, it's not like Liverpool's style of play is heavily based on overlapping fullbacks.

15 Jul 2014 12:56:51
I know he had injuries in the past that threatened his career, and I can't help but feel that the speed and fitness required from a full back in a team like ours is just too much physical strain for him. Considering his strength and size, I think his future will be as a quick, powerful CB (if he has much of a footballing future)

15 Jul 2014 11:10:53
Got to give it to Ed002, she is letting us be privy to some info. Ie. Moreno to Chelsea

15 Jul 2014 10:18:48
I think this coming season we will be the most difficult team to play against and hers why -

If teams sit back and don't press us that plays into our hands as it gives platers like Lallana and coutinho room to play that tiki taka (like) style of play there are good at.

If they push up and press us we have Gerrard who can play those 40 yard passes in behind the back 4 and he is very accurate with those passes.

Any space behind there back 4 will be to the advantage of Sturridge, Lazar and sterling to use there pace to exploit.

Any sitting back and being defensive will allow us to use Lambert as a target man for the other forward players to feed of knock ons.

if a team trys to play possession in the middle of the park we have hendo and can who will run and press all day long.

If a team trys to go direct we have sakho who is uncompromising and will cut out and long balls or direct runs.

Plus migs is a good shot stopper.

Just my opinion reds, can't wait for this season to start.

The way you've explained I completely agree ;) perhaps we're just being biased though :p

If it was only that easy we win league all time

15 Jul 2014 11:34:09
You are forgetting that this season we have Jose's buses, LVG's aggressive pressing and Steve Coppell's break up play at any cost as well as managers that have not been seen in the BPL before. We play the best football but whoever wins the league will have been the most difficult to break down.

15 Jul 2014 12:05:14
I disagree on the grounds that City and Chelsea at least can say the exact same about the versatility of their squad. However I do agree that we will be a very dangerous team

I do agree with your point, though I wish it was that easy.

The most important thing for me is continuing BR's legacy of a team comradery. No stars, just very, very talented players that work their legs off for the team. I don't look at anyone in our first 18 players and think: Boy, he didn't give his all last year. All the underachievers from last year's side are gone or one foot out the door.

It will be a massive undertaking to keep us challenging on all fronts, particularly in the crowded BPL, but signs have been positive so far.

15 Jul 2014 08:33:05
Is there any truth at all in our reported interest in Marco Reus? This is the kind of signing we need, but it seems extremely unrealistic to me.

Also, will his injury be likely to put us off buying him if we did have any interest in him?

Wow. How many times do the eds have to tell people to RTP.

{Ed008's Note - Or use the search function just type {Ed001's Note or {Ed002's Note into it.

15 Jul 2014 08:29:29
The express are reporting a £44m bid for Reus. Is it lazy journalism as he missed out on barca with Suarez effectively taking his place?

No chance of Reus. Too expensive, would want too much money and I doubt he would leave Dortmund for us.

There is no chance of Reus but I doubt he'd want too much money. He earns £35k a week at Dortmund last time I heard.

Too expensive, loves Dortmund and injured would be a better trio of reasons ;)

15 Jul 2014 06:26:01
Hi Eds,

Do you guys even rate Moreno? From what iv seen of him, which is a fair bit, he doesn't seem all that great. Going forward he has energy but his final delivery is poor and his defending is going to have to improve if he joins the Premier League.

Is it me or do you guys think that perhaps Moreno and Bertrand are of a lower standard then what we should buy, considering Enrique could leave the club by next year?

Jamie

Moreno is an average defender with the potential to be great who is already good going forward. He could be great but he's not ready for Premier League football. I don't see what he can offer that Brad Smith in the academy cannot. Smith is less experienced but slightly quicker allowing him to make up for his currently average defensive capabilities more regularly than not. I also think he has a better final ball.

Bertrand is a ready to play option with Premier League and Champions league experience at an age where he will start finding his peak form and being sold off cheap because Chelsea have a ridiculously big squad. He is more complete than both Moreno and Smith but does not have as much potential. Potential counts for nothing if you don't achieve it though making Bertrand a safe and reliable option for a good 3-5 years in which time hopefully Smith will fulfill his potential and disoldge him in the team leaving us with an experienced back up.

So whilst I would not be devastated if Moreno did sign, I jus think it's a lot of money to spend that won't make us any stronger in the short term, nor the long term as he will just leave for Madrid as soon as he can.

Flanagan is as good defensively as Bertrand at left back, but it curbs our left wing attacking play as Flanno cannot make an overlapping run to whip in a cross due to being on his weaker foot. Flanno is a far better right back than Johnson though so the signing of a left back will allow us to move Flanno across and restore balance whilst increasing the overall quality of the back 4. Left back might not be much stronger, but Flanno was not the problem there last season. Johnson on the other side was our problem, coupled with Skrtels lack of pace and Mingolets nerves (which should improve with experience). The simple fact is, for the sake of balance alone any left back will make us stronger overall. I'd just like to see Bertrand because he offers an instant impact on the first team and will have the hunger to prove people wrong that has made Coutinho and Sturridge two of our best players.

P.S. Bertrand is far better than Enrique purely because of his positional awareness and willingness to listen to coaches and his team mates. Enrique might be kept as back up if nobody else will take him.

It is ridicolous how you keep slating moreno and somehow trying to sell brad smith as a better player and keep hyping betrand like he's the next best thing

1. I did not slate Moreno, only his price tag.
2. I've not said Smith is better, I've said he is just as good.
3. I've not said Bertrand is the next best thing, in fact two posts up I said both Moreno and Smith have the potential to be better. The best left back we looked at was Rojo but he is now going to go elsewhere.

So stop being childish and putting words into my mouth and start reading what people actually write. You don't have to agree with me, but don't make stuff up in a pathetic attempt to knock my credibility.

Comparing an academy player to a Spanish international with around two years La Liga/Europa league experience is not doing your credibility any good mate. Smith may look good at youth level but that doesn't necessarily translate into him being a first team quality player while Moreno has been playing well consistently in one of Europes top leagues and given a good account of himself when called up for Spain and how can you possibly slate his price tag when you don't even know what his price tag is!

The only reason Smith isn't already a regular is because of an injury. Also if you'd read my post properly you'd see that I said Moreno has more experience.

Its a catch 22 situation. Smith has no experience so we can't play him, yet he needs to play to get experience. At sone point Moreno was just an academy prospect with no experience. You see my point? Smith technically has more experience of English football than Moreno though. Football here is completely different to La Liga or European games.

It is not completely ludicrous to suggest Smith is at a similar level. In my opinion they are equals in terms of ability and very similar players. One costs nothing and wants to play for Liverpool. The other costs ~£20m and wants to play for Real Madrid. Neither are ready for regular first team Premier League football. So why blow the money we clearly can't afford on him?

Do you even know how old Smith is? He's not some 17/18 year old. He has been around the fringes for years. Sadly he was due his chance and then got seriously injured. He is finally back fit again and deserves the chance he was due before.

I agree with EMS, I would prefer Bertrand until, hopefully Smith is ready. BTW Moreno has 2 years on Smith. So if Smith progressing nicely who is to say he won't also be a full international, and to be fair Moreno isn't in the first few choices for Spain as he didn't go to the WC. Not slating Moreno but money needed to be spent better elsewhere so every penny saved counts!

I agree with Longford Red as there is no comparison to be made between Smith and Moreno. One has barely played any first team football anywhere, the other has been a regular in a competitive domestic league and in Europe. Irrespective of injuries you cannot claim that Smith is as good as Moreno when he has absolutely no experience of playing at the level Moreno has been.

The Bertrand - Moreno comparison is a lot more reasonable and I can see the reasoning behind favouring a move for Bertrand (price, PL/Euro experience, etcetera). Personally I think its risky to buy Bertrand, secretly hoping Smith will eventually become top class. He might do or he might not - I think my point is that there is perhaps a better chance of finding a long term answer to our left-back quandary in Moreno (though if his comments about dreaming of playing for Real Madrid are anything to go by then perhaps not!). But I think he is the 'type' of player (young, lots of potential) we want to be looking at. I know EMS that you would argue that Smith is that player with the potential - but because of the lack of first team football that potential really cannot be quantified and, in my opinion, is very risky to put a lot of faith in. We'll know more about Smith after this season but, as it stands, I think you are being over generous and optimistic with your appraisal of him.

Would still play him over Enrique like!

Cheers John. At least somebody read my posts ;)

15 Jul 2014 06:30:23
44 million bid for Marco Reus. Daily Express. I do love this time of year. So that's Balotelli, Turan and Reus coming :-)

Kosovo Joe

15 Jul 2014 07:16:39
It sometimes feels like they begin the day looking at a wall full of pictures of fancy players and throw darts randomly in blind fold.

15 Jul 2014 01:25:25
Reports of Liverpool making a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus are not true, according to respected Liverpool Echo journalist Tony Barret.

links to Anfield, says the links have "baffled Liverpool", insisting the club have "no interest in Reus".

{Ed002's Note - Surely not !!!! Maybe he is wrong.}

Reus is obviously a smokescreen for the Cavani deal. Catch up man.

15 Jul 2014 05:43:28
Tony Barrett, whos from 2 dogs, left the Echo to work for the Times about 5 years ago. He was never 'in the know' then.

15 Jul 2014 05:48:22
Wow - does this mean that may be Tony Barrett finally gets something right.

Of course not he's a good player not the profile we are looking at

If you criticize someone then at least get your facts right.
Tony Barrett is from Kirkby.

15 Jul 2014 00:53:29
Few questions about the breakaway super league? 1/ is it likely? 2/ will it based on the top 20 ranked by uefa or money? 3/ how would it affect transfers? 4/ how would it affect fans and would fans have a say? 5/ would it be frozen or could other teams get in it? And finally would another European cup be created for the teams left behind from the other clubs? And how many from each nation? Thinks it stupid myself, makes a lot of sense for the Spanish, French, and German leagues take the top 2 out from there and everyone would have a fair shot although due to money it would prob just have the next rich team take over and win the leagues! England wouldn't really be affected though, its so unpredictable and I don't think anyone would mind if united f**led off

{Ed002's Note - Without going in to too much detail: (a) A number of clubs take the opportunity a once or twice a year to discuss various issues including changes in rules, television rights, the power of UEFA, exploitation issues for new technology streams, etc.. These discussions, the last of which were in late March in Monte Carlo, also always turn to the possibility and structure of a breakaway pan European league. Several are ex-G14 clubs, several are not, and some clubs decline involvement in such discussions. (b) The plan is that at some point a number of clubs would break away from their national leagues and UEFA. They accept that they would be banned from all existing club competition and the players would initially be banned from all FIFA competitions as well, but know that FIFA would be looking to negotiate in any case. It would be the end of UEFA in all probability and UEFA are very aware of this. It would also result in a restructuring of many of the national leagues. (c) The clubs would renegotiate their television rights, rights of distribution via other streams etc.. (d) It remains the greatest fear of UEFA and all major national authorities that one day this will happen.

There is every likelihood that the big money from television, sponsorship etc. would go with a breakaway league. It would completely rupture the operations of UEFA and I would expect it would require national associations like the FA to restructure their leagues. Nobody wants this but it is the eventual consequence I would expect. If I had to speculate, I would think (1) you might eventually see something like five or six EPL teams leave for two-tier pan European league; (2) the Premier League would be disbanded as an organisation; (3) the FA would restructure in to two 20 team divisions with lower leagues regionalised as they were many years ago; (4) FIFA would ban all players from the breakaway teams from International football - perhaps rescinding that position to stop FIFA breaking up as well. I could also see many teams lose their professional status. I would think we are probably 10 years away from any significant move at this time.

I hold a reasonably strong view in terms of the need to restructure football in Europe in any case. For me an eventual a breakaway pan-European league would force the restructuring of many of the national leagues, possibly resulting in a British league with perhaps only a couple of professional tiers and then regionalised amateur leagues below that. Financially I do not see that so many pro sides can be sustained within the sport which, like it or not, will see more and more money going in to the highest levels of the game. Governments will ensure that grassroots sport get funding but everything in the middle (Southern, Northern, Conference, Division 2, Scottish Divisions 1-3, League of Wales will not get the funding needed to continue on any sort of professional basis.}

Fantastic response, really interesting to see what happens but uefa must have some sort of plan in place to prevent any of this happening, I mean I am a believer in the champions league just being the champions from all the nations? Be great and then make the uefa cup 2-4 from the leagues but how would the superleague teams feed there teams with players would a cross over be alllowed were they real (super league) could buy a players from the other leagues or would they have to go to there own academies? And what would you think teams who are left behind could join together? Blackpool, Everton, Southport? Fulham, westham, Leyton orient? Be easier to sustain for incomes, just could the fans love together haha

{Ed002's Note - That won't be happening. It is money, clubs etc.}

15 Jul 2014 11:20:51
I agree with Ed002 that a Pan European League is inevitable. Personally I'd like to maintain the breakaway clubs links with their domestic league as well And believe it could help player development.

The breakaway clubs already have enough players to field two pro teams - they simply loan players out to other leagues for experience.

Therefore what would be wrong in, example, Chelsea having a Euro squad and a domestic squad. They would be forced to field a strong domestic team but would be unlikely to dominate which would make the domestic league more exciting.

Squads could feed each other and perhaps there could be a time around the January window when excellent domestic performers are promoted to the Euro squad and vibe versa.

It should be possible to coordinate schedules so Stamford Bridge has a game every week meaning more revenue although clubs would have to make it more affordable to watch the domestic games obviously.

As we are only talking about 16-32 teams anyway and all these clubs are likely to be rich I don't see why this couldn't work (subject to the politics being sorted out obviously).

15 Jul 2014 00:07:51
I know you've already said there's no chance if Reus, but any idea why? Or any club at that. He's an amazing player.

{Ed002's Note - I cannot justify why Liverpool cannot buy a player they have shown no interest in.}

It wasn't asking why can't they buy him. It was asking why don't they other than they don't have "interest" because I'm sure every team would want a player of that quality. Which is why I'm asking why haven't teams made a move for him?

{Ed002's Note - Other teams are interested.}