Liverpool Banter Archive February 16 2018
Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.
16 Feb 2018 20:00:07
Harry Wilson starting at Stamford Bridge. A good chance to see his level vs good opponents.
Believable8
Unbelievable1
17 Feb 2018 06:00:46
Well Hull got thrashed but not exactly a platform to judge Wilson on. The lad is still miles off being even a squad player at LFC. If any of our young academy wingers are going to make it at the club, Ojo has the best chance.
17 Feb 2018 13:02:38
How he did overall in the match guys?
19 Feb 2018 13:10:11
Did well with the limited opportunities he had and won the penalty that Hull missed. He's doing well on loan, not sure what Indian's beef with him is but I fail to see what more the lad can do to prove himself.
16 Feb 2018 19:08:56
I would like to apologise to whichever Ed deleted my offensive comment made on live chat on Wed. I had had a few and was appalled by the comments I was reading but I was out of order. Sorry guys. Love the work you do and certainly didn't make your job any easier. šš.
Believable16
Unbelievable3
{Ed002's Note - Thanks for stepping up.}
16 Feb 2018 20:15:06
Fair play mate we all make mistakes.
16 Feb 2018 20:42:04
My ex can be proof of that.
16 Feb 2018 21:06:59
Never a truer word has been said Gazza la.
16 Feb 2018 23:13:23
High five to that brother.
16 Feb 2018 23:25:22
Yeah, I made a mistake once. It was a Tuesday I think.
16 Feb 2018 23:46:15
We all make mistakes. Ask Mignoletš.
17 Feb 2018 05:37:45
My dad used to say man who don't make mistakes don't make nothing.
17 Feb 2018 09:12:21
Dun worry mate. It's freedom of speech here manz. But you know rules " Thou shall not criticise Henderson" . Which I break many times in live chat and ed was gracious to forgive.
16 Feb 2018 14:32:48
How come everyone is praising Klavan saying how good he is when before he was being slated and rated at mediocre at best. Now we win a few games, VVD comes in and suddenly heās a new player. š¤š¤š¤.
Believable2
Unbelievable11
16 Feb 2018 15:03:06
Razor, Klavan has his limitations (lack of pace, poor against fast attackers, can be bullied by a big striker) BUT that does not debunk the fact that with him and Lovren, they built a great partnership together after the Spurs debacle which spurred us on to having the second best unbeaten streak (next to City) this season. Klavan is a very honest player cos you know what you will get from him. Commitment, physical presence (bullied Benteke vs CP), uncompromising and has a take no prisoners attitude to defending as in, all else fails, boot it to row z and btw, not bad passing out the back. Both things can be correct at the same time.
16 Feb 2018 15:32:34
Well said BR, couldn't agree more mate.
16 Feb 2018 17:42:08
TBH BRover, when he got his run of games what struck me was actually hiw good a footballer he was. I was orepared for the row z clearances, but he has quite a good touch.
16 Feb 2018 17:54:42
I wasnāt making any comment on his ability. Iām just amazed how peopleās opinions change so easily.
16 Feb 2018 18:28:54
RazorSharp did you notice how quickly people turned on Matip though? Not long ago nearly every thread was about whom we should get to partner Matip this, and how brilliant Klopp is for picking up Matip for free that. It was literally only Ed001 who didn't agree as i recall. Suddenly Matip is our 4th choice according to everyone!
16 Feb 2018 18:34:38
Up until VVD turning up I thought he was far and away our most reliable defender, and that's not to say VVD has set the world alight he's still getting up to fitness and speed with his team mate.
But Klaven does exactly what it says on the tin he defends, and when the opportunity arises he plays a bit too. As a backup costing 4/ 5 mill he's a great signing.
16 Feb 2018 18:58:02
All our CB their strengths and weaknesses. But if you look back at some of the posts last year you would not believed people are talking about the same defender.
16 Feb 2018 18:59:04
I hope they all continue to improve. We are looking more solid and consistent these days. I look forward to the day when our defenders get as much praise as our front 3!
16 Feb 2018 19:18:10
Football fans fickle?
Whatever next? š.
16 Feb 2018 19:30:02
Cos fans lust after that which they do not have. ILori, sakho.
16 Feb 2018 21:41:31
Because he improved greatly and more recently has shown himself to be a lot more able than he originally was able to demonstrate?
16 Feb 2018 21:42:28
Agreed, well said boys. Goes without saying but showed character to turn his game around after a poor first season too.
16 Feb 2018 21:47:18
Playing well tends to change peoples opinions of a player, Razor. Klavan played well as mentioned above which made us appreciate him. Kinda like Lucas and Hendo to name a couple of other recent examples (not saying Klavan is in that class, but you get my point? ) .
One player I never changed my opinion on was El Hadj Diouf. I still think the same about him now as when I first saw him in a Liverpool shirt.
17 Feb 2018 09:13:46
Sad that Klavan hasn't even made it on bench.
16 Feb 2018 10:08:38
What do people think of a cb partnership of vvd and Klavan? I honestly think Klavan is our best ādefenderā and to add to that if you pay attention to him he can hit some pretty decent long passes from the back to our wingers too! But certainly defensively I think he is very solid, maybe he struggles a little bit with small quick tricky players, like ageuro ( but letās be honest who doesnāt) but hopefully vvd could help him with those! But with big strikers he dominates them on the ground and in the air! Games against Lukaku and benteke spring to mind where Klavan played and limited them to very few chances, and he rarely makes an individual error leading to a goal or chance which Matip and Lovren have consistently done.
So yeh back four of gomez, vvd, Klavan, Robertson for me in the next match. Thoughts?
Believable12
Unbelievable9
16 Feb 2018 10:20:29
The problem is they all have had great games and all have had shockers. So far Lovren and Van Dijk have looked good together so changing it doesn't make sense.
16 Feb 2018 10:24:34
VVD and Lovren for me.
Klavan was very impressive in his games this year and seemed to find a way to deal better with pace and trickery. I had written him off.
However time is not on his side. Lovren is a good defender but my god does he need consistency. When he makes a mistake its a howler. If he finds that consistency he could be an excellent partner for VVD.
He's had enough chances though so for me he's got until the end of the season to make it work otherwise he's out and a new CB will likely take his place.
He's looked good the last number of games though. AS has VVD. Hopefully they can keep it going.
16 Feb 2018 10:35:32
In theory it could work. However Virgil and Klavan both play on the left side of the pairing.
It's nowhere near as easy to just switch sides as people think. All of a sudden you are hitting passes with the other foot, tackling wingers from the other side, having to hold a different position in the line etc.
They looked suited in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. However i just don't see it working in reality.
16 Feb 2018 10:55:10
Jak, that won't work from jump. Why? They both play on the left side of the CB position and VVD has played there for years while Klavan well, is left footed. To create that partnership, you have to shift VVD to the right and sorry, that would take him time to re-adapt, time we simply do not have. As a Manager, you have to put your players in the very best situations to succeed and this partnership will do the complete opposite. That is just the reality.
16 Feb 2018 11:07:11
Klavan has done relatively well when played. I think he is a solid 3rd choice.
16 Feb 2018 11:10:51
Going on the other night it has to be VVD and Lovren for me, they looked like a solid unit, something we haven't seen for a very long time.
16 Feb 2018 11:46:02
I've been thinking this since VVD came in.
Klavan was playing very well along with Lovren while Matip was out injured and I felt bad for both of them for losing out when VVD came in and Matip came back.
In my opinion Matip is the worst of the 4, he just causes chaos around him every time he plays and really he needs to be got rid of.
I'd like to see Klavan given a run alongside VVD but i expect as VVD has taken up the left sided CB role there won't be much of a chance for Klavan now. he's a solid backup and I would definitely keep him around as 3rd/ 4th choice.
A new CB in the summer to partner VVD, Lovren and Klavan as backups and Gomez covering CB and RB positions and I think we are suddenly looking very strong in those areas.
If Karius can kick on and fulfill the potential he showed in Germany then great, otherwise I expect a new GK in the summer. As Ed002 has said this could well be Navas, which I would be fine with, he's very good, not in the very top group of GKs in the world (De Gea, Neuer, Oblak, Buffon etc) but is a very good keeper imo.
Have a relaxing weekend all, no football = no stress.
16 Feb 2018 15:05:31
Klavan and VVD won't work cos they both play on the left and it would be stupid for them to switch sides. This is not hard to grasp and Klavan himself, prolly knew that he would be the one to make way for VVD.
16 Feb 2018 16:43:37
Everyone saying it wonāt work cos you need to switch sides must be forgetting that Lovren always played on the left for Southampton and played on the left when partnered with Matip but has now switched to the right for vvd?
16 Feb 2018 17:25:51
Lovren can play both sides Jak. It's not something every player can do. Carragher could too. As could Toure.
Agger couldn't. Skrtel couldn't. Hyypia couldn't. Sakho couldn't. Most player can't to be honest.
It's a skill in it's own right. Virgil or Klavan have never been asked to do it as long as I've known of them. Maybe one of them has it in their locker, but i certainly have never witnessed it from either of them.
16 Feb 2018 17:35:36
I think vvd could easily play on the right, would offer good advice to both Taa and Gomez who are young and could learn off him, and Klavan and Robertson would be a solid left hand side. Anyway thatās just my opinion I asked for everyoneās thoughts and itās good to read what others think! Personally I just donāt want Lovren anywhere near that team, itās been too long heās had and too many chances and heās never shone consistently, so many individual errors leading to either chances or goals and at times his decision making and overall defending is atrocious and not good to have him in a team of young defenders trying to learn!
16 Feb 2018 21:43:47
Vvd and Klavan are our lcbs, lovren and matip are our rcbs. Oh and gomez.
17 Feb 2018 09:14:18
Sad that Klavan hasn't even made it on bench. Such a crying shame.
16 Feb 2018 09:47:30
Some great articles on the club website this morning.
First off, Daniel Agger is a legend. He left us years ago and he is still saying "we". The fact he still says "we" just proves he is one of us through and through. Kick Owen into touch and make this guy an ambassador. How many people go and get YNWA across their knuckles š
Another interesting article after the debate yesterday on here was an interview with Klopp regarding rotation in the second leg vs Porto:
"We made our rotation in the winter - in November and December - to be now 100 per cent fit"
"Now we are 100 per cent fit the best players will play all the time"
Agree of disagree on the principals of that, it sounds like Klopp will be fielding a very strong side in the return leg at Anfield which will delight anyone with tickets to the game, I'm sure!
Only other article i wanted to touch on was regarding Nathaniel Clyne. Klopp has basically said Clyne coming back from injury makes us stronger at right back when he is fit. Ed001, do you think this is lip service? Or has Klopp had a change of heart?
Believable1
Unbelievable6
{Ed001's Note - I don't understand the question. Sorry.}
16 Feb 2018 10:12:54
No worries Ed. Wasn't worded well!
Klopp has basically heaped praise on Clyne today, long story short. My question is, has he done that because he feels has to do it? Or is there a genuine plan to drop Gomez and Arnold, and restore Clyne to the first XI long term? I don't expect you to be able to answer definitively right now as you told us before that Klopp didn't want Clyne anymore. But I'd be interested to know if he's changed his mind and is planning to keep him now, if you have anyway of finding that out.
Seems like a monumental kick in the teeth for the younger lads if Clyne is going to be first choice right back again when fit!
{Ed001's Note - he heaps praise on all his players, it is man management. Clyne is available for transfer.}
16 Feb 2018 10:42:07
Thank god he's available for transfer, I honestly don't want to see him play for us again.
16 Feb 2018 11:00:09
Klopp does that all the time, MK. there is nothing new here as there are several examples of players he praised in public whereas, he could not wait to get shot of them. As Ed said, Klopp and Clyne have issues and already last season, he wanted him gone and we have been looking at RB's ever since.
On a footballing note, Clyne is the worst RB we have right now and for me, he is not a patch on Gomez defensively nor on TAA offensively. Those are just the facts as the nos. bear that out. Clyne is like Kyle Walker, IMO. A good athlete BUT a poor footballer. Anyone who watches both of them can draw that conclusion in 90 mins. Clyne should be gone, IMO so a new RB can come in and help TAA and Gomez can either move to the middle or continue his apprenticeship at RB.
16 Feb 2018 10:32:54
Cheers Ed. Thank you for the reply.
{Ed001's Note - welcome mate.}
16 Feb 2018 09:16:28
Hi eds. What's your opinion on ............
Believable0
Unbelievable0
{Ed002's Note - Sorry, this is the Liverpool page, try the European pages.}
16 Feb 2018 09:04:35
Is there any chance Aggie is our new defensive coach?
Believable5
Unbelievable0
16 Feb 2018 09:27:26
I thought he ran a few businesses in Marbella? He is probably just visiting the team whilst they're there.
I'm not sure he even has coaching badges, and in the pictures he was wearing casuals and sunglasses! š.
16 Feb 2018 08:29:21
To everyone saying Navas isnāt good enough, do you not see the bigger picture!
This is an ace up Klopps sleeve, if we buy Navas then Madrid by De Gea and man united drop down 4 places on average fighting it out for a Europa league spot with Leicester and arsenal.
Bravo Jurgen bravo ever the master chess player.
Believable17
Unbelievable4
16 Feb 2018 08:41:06
Lol. Keylor Navas it is then.
16 Feb 2018 09:08:33
You deserve commission on this deal mate lol.
16 Feb 2018 09:54:16
Hahaha nice theory.
16 Feb 2018 12:22:03
This is brilliant haha!
16 Feb 2018 13:25:44
Maybe they will go for migs?
16 Feb 2018 19:19:38
Thought they were in for Donnarumma? Ed002?
{Ed002's Note - What Liverpool?}
16 Feb 2018 21:44:42
Or maybe they demand navas in return for de gea.
17 Feb 2018 00:36:59
No Madrid in for Donna.
I know, nothing to do with Liverpool.
{Ed002's Note - They have other ideas Ron.}
16 Feb 2018 06:57:31
Hey all,
The recent rumours have got me thinking about our GK situation next year. I know we'v spoken about this at length but it seems somethings actually being done about it now š±.
Karius has looked decent since coming back in for every game, but now rumours are surfacing that we are after an early deal for Allison of Roma? I think it's a given that Ward, bogdan and Migs will be off or at least two of them. My q is that is that is Allison that much of an upgrade in what we have? I mean Karius hasn't been given that much of a chance and he has looked decent, and whilst I haven't seen Allison play an actual game, the Vids I've seen of him include his concedes, and I'm not being funny, but for the rumoured world record GK fee that's being touted for him, I'd expect a little better! Is he really as good as he's being made up to be? If he does end up here no dramas i'll Support him and I'm not hung up on money, but I'm kinda hoping that Karius proves his worth and we don't need him!
Believable5
Unbelievable2
16 Feb 2018 08:10:05
Well we will be 70 million better off if Karius proves his worth so he better impress!
Not sure what these Allison rumors will do for Karius's confidence though.
{Ed002's Note - Put aside the Alisson rumours and think about the real interest in Navas.}
16 Feb 2018 08:31:31
Smokescreen ed.
16 Feb 2018 08:35:09
Keylor Navas? Costa Rica's very own Migs?
No thanks Ed002. I'd rather not think about another shocking GK joining LFC lest it gives me more bouts if migraine. And I hope the club don't sign Navas. Rather keep Karius as No.1 and Ward as backup.
{Ed002's Note - Klopp out then.}
16 Feb 2018 08:39:55
Klopp should stay.
More like No Keylor Navas Please.
{Ed002's Note - It is Klopp that wants Navas and Klopp that purchased Karius. Don't worry, the dfans will screw up any chance of it happening with their usual spewing of hate over past, present and future players.}
16 Feb 2018 08:56:25
I still don't get the Navas hate. He made a phenomenal save against Mbappe the other night to keep Madrid in the Champions league. Mbappe hit a low driven daisy cutter of a shot from about 8 yards out that came straight through a defenders legs, and somehow Navas managed to react (despite seeing it late) to get down and get a solid glove on it.
Navas is no DDG or Buffon, but he is still a top class keeper. Probably top 20 in the world for me. Madrid just want to get DDG because he is arguably the best. I just can't understand the hate. Just because Madrid want to sell Navas he's a bad keeper? The same Madrid who sold Ozil, sold Alonso, sold Khedeira, sold Makelele, sold Higuain, sold Pepe, sold Morata (twice! ) and want to sell Kroos? Yeah they never sell top players do they š
For me, Navas is at the same level as the likes of Courtois or Lloris. Not the very top echelons (Buffon, DDG, Oblak, Neuer etc) but the next level below that for sure. He has the ability to make unbelievable saves, he is decent with his feet, he is comfortable on crosses, he can play in a side where he doesn't have a lot to do whilst maintaining concentration, and he can play behind a high line. Even DDG has dropped some absolute clangers, and every keeper will do occassionally. Navas is certainly one of the more reliable keepers in Europe though.
It will be a huge shame if he is the man Klopp wants, and vitriol from the fans scuppers the deal, as it has dome in the past.
16 Feb 2018 08:59:04
I feel sorry for you ed002,you tell us who we are interested in and get abused, fatboy from bolton spills crap rumours and he the king lol. i only go by what you eds say as you know what going on. thank you for your hard work as it is appreciated.
{Ed002's Note - You are very sweet.}
16 Feb 2018 09:17:53
Navas is a very good keeer with bags of experience. People are saying we need a solid spine- well that would start with having a top-notch keeper who has been there and done it.
Managed well you get Navas playing with Karius learning off him and ready to step in when required, and longer term when Navas stops playing.
Good move for me
Navas
VvD
Keita
Firmino
Not a bad spine?
16 Feb 2018 09:49:41
Very solid spine in my opinion Agger. If we can get in another top centre back this summer, and Hendo can stay fully fit, the spine looks even stronger still!
16 Feb 2018 11:08:40
Navas is not the answer, MK IMO. And this is coming from someone who has been watching Navas since his Levante days, who watched every one of his games at the WC where IMO, was neck and neck with Neuer as the best GK in the competition so trust me, it kills me to say this.
Navas has regressed a lot since the last couple of years, He is a brilliant shot stopper and played in a high line with Costa Rica at the last WC (the poster calling him Costa Rican Migs is talking nonsense, really) so he has some qualities.
However, he has become very inconsistent, does not command his area like yes, Karius does and is worse on crosses than Karius. He is older and not getting better, IMO and is not the answer if we wanna upgrade on Karius. Apart from having experience, he is not an upgrade on him. In fact, Karius will have more exp. in the PL than him were he to come and we will be right here again when he makes mistakes during his maturation period in the PL (cos all GK's do) and the slaughtering will begin. If Klopp wants to live thru that again and gets him, that's his cross to bear, either way.
16 Feb 2018 12:45:28
Navas is certainly a step up on Mignolet and has a wealth of experience at the very top level. I would be happy to see him and Karius fight it out for the number 1 jersey if as ed2 says this is who we are after.
16 Feb 2018 12:56:03
Agreed carragold.
16 Feb 2018 15:08:37
Navas will not come if he feels he has to battle Karius for the no. 1 spot, IMO. No player or GK goes from being first choice are RM winning trophies including leagues and CL's (he has two of them) to fighting for his place vs an up and coming talent. That simply does not make any sense and I doubt that would interest him. Just saying.
16 Feb 2018 16:26:42
He wouldn't be battling Karius. He's miles better. Karius has string two good games together in 20 months at the club. Navas has won back to back Champions league titles.
16 Feb 2018 21:45:47
Navas is still a ucl winning gk, he, presumably, took the shirt from casilias. I would be glad if he signed.
16 Feb 2018 05:29:42
{Ed's Note - Tris Burke has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 16th February 2018
Believable0
Unbelievable0
16 Feb 2018 09:07:24
Cheers mate.
{Ed001's Note - welcome.}
16 Feb 2018 09:54:15
I know Ronaldo isn't a perfect human being, but when I read about his behaviour away from the pitch, i can't help but prefer him to Messi and Neymar.
I think that bloke is spot on about Neymar too. I do rate Neymar, and i do think he's the best left forward in the world. However, he is just an absolute piece of turd, and his arrogance cannot be backed up by ability. He behaves as though he is the greatest player in history, and he's not even the 2nd best of his generation. Also found it hilarious reading about Neymar's dad talking about Vultures in football. Yes mate, they're called agents and you are their king š.
{Ed001's Note - Neymar Sr has got away with a lot because of who he is, but you are right, he is one of the worst.}
16 Feb 2018 11:13:25
I have always liked Neymar since he came out along with paulo Enrique Ganso, and Danilo (City) during their Santos days. Now, he is a true piece of work and attitude wise, a role model for what a young player should NEVER aspire to be. Ronaldo is a true humanitarian and I will always admire him for great work he does off the pitch.
16 Feb 2018 15:10:58
I loved Walter Cassagrande play in the Serie A in the 90's. Brilliant player.
15 Feb 2018 23:03:27
Ed001, sorry if it's been asked mate but wanted to know your thoughts RE our chances of keeping Salah in the summer. If we keep our front three I think we can really begin to build something special. Just wondering if he would be convinced by our future prospects, or would look to move elsewhere, and if other clubs (I know he enquired to Madrid) would be interested in taking him?
Believable0
Unbelievable3
{Ed001's Note - I don't get your question. Are you asking me to read the lad's mind?}
16 Feb 2018 07:08:34
I think we're safe this summer but if he maintains his form then next summer a lot of clubs will be interested.
If he can double or triple his money at a club where he's guaranteed trophies then he'll be interested.
Competing for the title next season will be our best chance of keeping him.
15 Feb 2018 20:01:15
Eds01 What has happened with Klavan why is he not playing or getting game time as the other week everyone was singing his praises on this site saying he was the best of the 3 of them at the time. This is when he had a few games consistantly.
Believable1
Unbelievable0
{Ed001's Note - he picked up a knock at the wrong time and so ended up missing out when in good form. Plus he plays in the same place as VVD, so he is unlikely to get back in.}
16 Feb 2018 08:54:08
Shame because really Klavan had played pretty well for a stretch, his form didn't really warrant dropping, hope the man isn't too disheartened as he can be a good experienced back up.
15 Feb 2018 18:41:41
Ed001 and anyone who has a opinion
Is Trent going to be Liverpool's right full for years to come or will he move to midfield where he played in the youths.
Believable1
Unbelievable0
{Ed001's Note - he has always been expected to return to midfield, though you can never be sure as he may end up locking down right back and so never get a go in midfield.}
16 Feb 2018 07:12:41
I can see TAA playing RB and then moving into CM in his early 20s.
16 Feb 2018 11:14:40
TAA is scheduled to move into midfield at some point, per the Ed's.
16 Feb 2018 01:27:29
Eds,
Hope you are all well!
I have a quick question relating to Bobby Firmino. any idea when the FA are expected to make a decision on whether to charge him over the holgate incident or not? It seems like it's been an unusually long time without a verdict? Is this normal? Any idea how it's going to go? I just get a bad feeling the longer time passes.
Once again thanks for all the effort - it really is massively appreciated!
Believable2
Unbelievable0
![]()
{Ed0333's Note - no idea mate I was in the midst of arranging a wedding and trying to keep a woman happy so my attention has been elsewhere.
16 Feb 2018 10:49:28
trying to keep a woman happy? good luck with that Ed.
16 Feb 2018 15:07:03
should Holgate be charged instead, dangerous play, forcing a player off the pitch, also maybe falsely accusing Firmino . to avoid a yellow or red card .
16 Feb 2018 00:18:23
A thought to all the victims of that creature Barry bennell, on Monday after sentencing the beast will rightly spend the rest of his days behind bars. Sometimes there's more to football, hopfully this never happens agen to kids in academy's of any sport.
Believable9
Unbelievable0
![]()
{Ed0333's Note - Letās hope he gets prison punishment Hendo.
16 Feb 2018 07:17:29
Pretty certain he will get a long sentence.
16 Feb 2018 18:36:42
He will ed0333 he will spend the rest of his life in prison and a hope another prisoner gets hold of him and does to him what he has done to others.
![]()
{Ed0333's Note - thatās what I meant about prison punishment mate. I have no doubt that he will be incarcerated for a very long time.
