Liverpool Banter Archive July 16 2017

16 Jul 2017 21:57:49
I may be slated for this but everyones worried who Keita will replace and I think it would be Hendo. His foot injury would be used as a scape goat for not being a regular. Just a thought.

16 Jul 2017 22:10:25
Madness! Utter madness!

16 Jul 2017 22:14:38
You seem more worried then klopp 😂😂.

16 Jul 2017 22:41:30
RIEDWAAN, if KEITA plays in a 3 in midfield he will be the attacking option, so I wouldn't be surprised if LALLANA or COUTINHO miss out. that will set the cat among the pigeons.

16 Jul 2017 22:58:14
I would expect to see Can as DM and Keita and Coutinho as CMs.

16 Jul 2017 23:04:38
Not Couts, Wembley, I'l expected Lallana or Wiji to miss out.

Would expect:

Hendo Keita

Couts

Salah Firmino Mane.

16 Jul 2017 23:33:58
That would do me zed. Here's hoping.

16 Jul 2017 23:36:25
It's a real tough choice between Can and Hendo for me but I'm swaying towards Can at the moment. He seems naturally more suited to the defensive role which will certainly be necessary in that midfield.

16 Jul 2017 23:51:18
Or a switch back to 4231.

17 Jul 2017 01:10:38
I think when Hendo gets 90 minutes in a competitive match people will realise how much he's missed.

17 Jul 2017 01:23:14
As usual people thinking in terms of 11 players all staying fit. All being able to play in all the games and all staying motivated to win the games against the mid/ lower placed teams without risk of losing their place in the team to a quality player on the bench.
We need 18 to 20 'first team players' to win the league.

17 Jul 2017 02:09:14
Keita is not going to "replace" anyone. We are not playing 5 games net year where we need 11 players. We are playing 60 games+ hopefully. He will not play them all. Also clearly from this last year's experience, the treatment table will be busy. He will add depth and quality to the squad.

17 Jul 2017 05:15:10
are we talking about one game or for the season. cos you guys realize that we play lots of games aye.!? :p.

17 Jul 2017 06:59:48
It's a long season just relax no need for you to worry you don't get paid to pick the team.

17 Jul 2017 07:03:39
Keep reading who Keita replaces. Who says this has to be the same player every game.
The season is long, loads of games to be played and against lots of different teams. Horses for courses and all that.
Klopp may have a preferred midfield 3 if this is the system we go with but how often will he get to play this? It certainly wasn't very often last season . He also won't be able to play his 'first choice' combination of 3 players twice a week with our counter pressing style.
Henderson, Couts, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Can and Keita if he joins all look like they'll be fighting for a starting place but I'm sure they'll all get plenty of minutes during the season.

16 Jul 2017 21:13:04
Best of luck to Lucas, hope his move goes well. People can question his ability, but let's not forget he suffered some terrible injurys yet always worked hard to come back. He seemed like a good bloke who had fully embraced the city and club.

16 Jul 2017 22:17:11
He is one hell of a pro and one that I have a lot of time for. Good luck Lucas and thank you!

16 Jul 2017 22:42:05
He deserves huge credit for what he came through at the start of his Liverpool career he really is a top professional and a great role model for any player to aspire to off the pitch. On the pitch he was never good enough for a team with aspirations to challenge for the title. That again speaks volumes for his attitude and personality because he ended up staying here for 10 years! Good luck Lucas if anyone deserves it you do.

16 Jul 2017 23:08:20
I just saw the pictures of him at the airport with the scarf around his neck I for one am really sorry to see him go. Not only did he come through some bad injuries but he took some abuse from his own fan's and never let it show nor did he ever bad mouth the club in public. What a great servant to the club and a fantastic roll model.
Beast of luck Lucas!

16 Jul 2017 23:40:01
Just saw the pics myself. Totally gutted he's gone. Blue and white doesn't suit him lol. Seriously though, Fair play to the guy. He will always be a red at heart. He will be missed.

16 Jul 2017 20:17:02
who else is been linked as a back up for Keita in case if the dea fell through?

{Ed025's Note - i dont know mate..

16 Jul 2017 20:53:18
The Ox.

17 Jul 2017 00:48:20
Lallana, Can, Grujic, Ejaria etc. Keita is a player we are going for because he is seen as very much better than what we have, not because our midfield is seen as weak.

16 Jul 2017 18:16:06
Interesting to see who has been left behind and are not going to OZ. Transfers out Randell, branagan chiverella Lucas sakko markovic.

16 Jul 2017 19:25:12
Or it could be that loans have already been agreed for some of these players, and therefore there's more value in looking at other players? Or it could be that we can only take 25 to HK?

16 Jul 2017 22:55:03
I could see all those players leaving on a permanent basis. brannagan is a bit of a blow considering it's just a contract issue and the club don't want to lose him on a free. i think that one may come back and bite us. talented lad.

16 Jul 2017 17:31:04
I feel we don't need keita if emre can has agreed a new contract.
Keita should displace grujic ejaria and one of can or gini.
I think its bit of a luxury signing.
He might be a great player in his own right but one we could probably do without.
I think with robertson signing i would like to see a centre back come in.
I mean i am not even counting stewart lallana milner and coutinho in midfield there.
We have our midfield stocked and we are not looking to sell any of them.
On all accounts keita is a luxury signing. I dare say emre can is still better in terms of epl experince.

Klopp will have a headache of options and he is really known for keeping a tight constant playing 11. I mean too many cooks spoil the broth scenario. Last season a midfielfd of can and gini with hendo or others did pretty well.

Lets sign a quality cb first and then maybe explore luxury? Thoughts? Eds?

{Ed025's Note - if you think can is better than keita then you dont know very much akshit, barring for the last 6 weeks of the season can was hopeless, keita would be a great signing mate..

16 Jul 2017 17:57:27
Why would you not want one of the worlds future best midfielders? I can't understand these posts for the life of me, it's not your money being spent and Keita is a considerably better player than the likes of Gini, no disrespect to him.

We are in the CL now and can attract top players and we need to make the most of this opportunity or it'll come back to bite us.

16 Jul 2017 18:35:57
Yea that was in terms of EPL experience I meant not as a player.

16 Jul 2017 18:39:14
Hx red point taken. But wouldn't it make more sense to move few players to make way for him?

16 Jul 2017 18:42:27
I agree ed. But can was playing with an injury before the last 6 weeks.

Not a criticism just a point.

16 Jul 2017 19:08:09
Posts like these really bother me, all the points your making. Do you not think people in the club and even klopp himself have thought about those exact things your expressing, clearly there is a plan in place out of our knowledge. There not just gunna sign someone then think about what to to do with the situation after. your stressing about nothing mate.

16 Jul 2017 19:09:14
Didn't Can also score the goal of the season during that period of not performing?

16 Jul 2017 19:10:50
Agree with that.

Can will never be good enough.

There are some rose tinted fickle posters.

I personally do not think the club expect him to sign.

16 Jul 2017 19:18:15
Unless it was a mental injury which lead to him taking 17 more touches than required every time he got the ball due to the decrease in his brains electrical activity, and then finally looking up before playing a wayward pass or getting tackled then his 'injury' is not a valid excuse imo

I like Emre, I think he's a good player who is very inconsistent, but not a quality player, and I don't think he's shown anything in his time at Liverpool to suggest he is going to become world class, besides from a couple of quality goals last season.

In terms of his contract if he really wants to leave. let him go, he's far from irreplaceable.

16 Jul 2017 19:20:56
Can is average. Why would you complain about signing a quality player.

16 Jul 2017 19:08:45
Ed25 by the sounds of you you've seen Keita play (I haven't) would be interested in your opinion of him is, and what kind of a midfielder he is?

Thanks.

{Ed025's Note - for me hes box to box mtg, very hard working as well as skillful and has a great engine, you wont be disappointed if he does come mate..i might.. but you wont.. :)

16 Jul 2017 19:49:34
Whats that last bit ed? I might. but you wont. :)

{Ed025's Note - im the everton editor MR and i dont want you to get any stronger mate.. :)

16 Jul 2017 20:10:21
Fair play to the Ed, this lad will make the midfield much stronger, with Hendo they will protect the centre backs. Full backs need to be better. Again if they're better then the whole defence is much improved. got to keep a defensive tight unit and provide protection in front.

16 Jul 2017 20:17:20
In terms of premier league experience Jonathon Walters is better than Lionel Messi, give the lad a chance to impress first. We have a stacked front line but if Gareth Bale wanted to join I wouldn't say no because we've got Devock Origi, sometimes there are simply better players available.

16 Jul 2017 20:33:56
Cheers for the reply ed.

{Ed025's Note - anytime mate..

16 Jul 2017 23:31:44
Keita a massive upgrade on our current cm.
Hendo, keita, coutinho pivot is a strong base for out forward line to excel.

17 Jul 2017 01:37:22
Hi Ed025
do you see Ross Barkley moving to LFC if at all
Keita transfer doesn't workout? Although he is more
of an attacking player.

{Ed025's Note - thats not going to happen gerrards..

16 Jul 2017 16:45:56
I know a lot has been said about Robertson.
But my question is, Do we want him as a backup for Milner or will Milner move to his natural position and be used as a backup for Robertson.
In other words, are we looking at him as someone who ll get into the starting 11 immediately?

16 Jul 2017 17:06:43
Some fans have dismissed it but I think the fact he's an actual LB he should be given a chance in the starting 11 personally.

16 Jul 2017 17:25:42
Totally agree ST as a natural LB he has to be a starter.

16 Jul 2017 17:26:28
I'd agree with you, Tomato.

Also, is Joe Gomez's natural position as a LCB or RCB?

16 Jul 2017 19:30:16
If both Keita and Robertson arrive along with Van Dijk, I honestly can't see where Milner will play. We would have enough cover at full back with

Robertson.
Clyne.
Alexander Arnold.
Flannaghan.

Centre mid I can't see any chance when we would have Keita, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Coutinho with both Salah and Mane wide.

Could it be possible we would move him on? I do like Milner very professional and hard working player and man. I just thinked if th pet rumoured three transfers happen where would he fit?

He'd be a great buy for someone like Bournemouth in my opinion, dare I say I think he'd be an excellent buy for Everton.

16 Jul 2017 19:53:18
Jonesred, more likely to see Flanagan moving on. He hasn't had a run of games since the 2013-14 season. In fact he's only played 18 competitive games in the last 3 seasons, because of the awful injuries he has suffered.

I reckon Milner will cover both LB and RB, and may even be first choice RB depending on how the pre-season goes.

Based on Robertson joining, of course.

16 Jul 2017 20:23:27
Milner will be a utility player next year. Can fill in at full back, midfield or wing. So would be a good player to have on the bench.

{Ed025's Note - i agree ted..

16 Jul 2017 21:07:10
Problem for him is he wants more regular football. I could see him leaving due to that. We still have Grujic as well as youngsters.

16 Jul 2017 15:10:16
Just a quick question for Ed1 or 2, I know you guys cannot stand the rumours from twitter but something caught my eye yesterday. There's a scout that I follow that was taking answers about possible signings, when asked what he feels about Naby Keita his response was " If he is actually 22 I feel he will go on to be a top 3 midfielder in the world". I could be looking into it far to much as it could simply be a joke about him looking older than he is but do either of you know if there's a problem with verifying his age? I know there have been a few cases in the past where players don't have the required documentation to prove their date of birth. Would be interested to know the process of what happens with these types of players? Thankyou for your time.

{Ed001's Note - Guinea does not have a verifiable database of registered births, like many other countries. So yes, it is possible that he is not 22. No idea what processes etc would happen. He would have to have documentation, such as a passport, that would be acceptable for visa applications, but you are then reliant on the country issuing the passport performing checks and controls over the passports it issues. It is not really an issue for LFC as such, he already has ID to play in Germany, that would be acceptable for a visa.}

16 Jul 2017 15:56:32
Interesting, thank you for the response.

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

16 Jul 2017 16:23:05
Funnily, it was the first thing I noticed, 'He's not 22!'

16 Jul 2017 17:24:59
Remember when there was all the arguments about how old Joseph Minala is? The dude looks about 50 and is only 20 I think.

16 Jul 2017 19:31:51
Yeah the Lazio guy?

16 Jul 2017 19:37:18
n****wo kanu.

16 Jul 2017 14:56:11
hi eds. if we got keita, how would we pay for him? in two tranches or multi-payments/ add-ons.

{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to talk about the finances.}

16 Jul 2017 16:44:29
Luncheon vouchers.

17 Jul 2017 07:30:37
Nectar points.

16 Jul 2017 13:22:38
Is it just me that feels we can in no way afford both Keita and VVD fee's combined of €120-€150m. Let alone there wages etc etc. I hate to be a damp squid but its not happening imo.

{Ed025's Note - oh ye of little faith..

16 Jul 2017 13:25:16
Let me guess you used to be lfc forever?

16 Jul 2017 13:39:29
I'm with you mighty, I don't think the sums add up. I recon we can sign both but not with at least one of Can or Couts leaving.

16 Jul 2017 13:51:51
Obviously Klopp has been stiring up the water for the both of them, putting him and the club in the danger zone. Do you guys really think he would create this much hazzle, if we cannot afford them (at their asking price) ?

{Ed002's Note - It will not be about the price. It will eb about the payment terms.}

16 Jul 2017 14:08:42
It's damp Squib!

16 Jul 2017 14:17:02
It's like after years if failed transfers and low balling, us fans have been programmed to have low expectations and it feels weird when we are going for players like Keita and VVD.

16 Jul 2017 14:27:40
Jezza, no what are you talking about. Its a banter site and not to guess peoples name pal. You need to watch game shows or something.

16 Jul 2017 14:30:10
I take it we will have to stump up the money in one lump ed?

{Ed002's Note - No. I have explained what may well be required but I think it best to stay clear of the money.}

16 Jul 2017 14:33:06
Good to see we have multiple Liverpool finance directors on here that know exactly what we can and can't afford.

16 Jul 2017 14:34:26
Damp squid? Everyone is allowed one blindspot.

16 Jul 2017 14:38:49
With all teams around us spending large amounts of money I do believe that we will get both keita and VVD.

We know that these two are klopps prime targets and we don't seen anyone panicking or really being linked too any other players.

We should have CL football and with the extra tv money + player sales it should be all good.

If we bring in these players and keep our main players then I think we finally have a cracking squad which we can build on.

We need the depth and if FSG don't spend we will soon find us out of everything by Xmas.

16 Jul 2017 14:47:58
What ever about VVD I can't see us going for Keita now that Can has agreed a new contract.

16 Jul 2017 14:52:37
We need to add players to our squad not have one in one out.

16 Jul 2017 18:26:33
There were funds available in January ( allegedly ) and if this was the case, we didn't use any of the money available.

It could actually make sense that klopp didn't feel the need to spend in Jan ( there were lots of fans, pundits etc critizining klopp for not strengthening in Jan ) in anticipation that the money could be better used this Summer?

Just a thought.

{Ed002's Note - You need to move on from all of this nonsense about money.}

16 Jul 2017 20:08:23
I love a bit of hazzle.

17 Jul 2017 01:00:07
If you're going to be a damp squid there is no point in wasting so much ink.

16 Jul 2017 12:52:27
Eds
Interesting to see the squad for Hong Kong no
Sakho
Markovic
Randall
Chirevella

Are their any deals close for these players also I hope Kent gets a decent look at he could be a useful player in the squad this year

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - I have no means to measure "close".}

16 Jul 2017 12:58:07
Sakho is injured.

Marko has no future with the club

Same with Randall

Nothing interesting about any of these players missing out. Hardly a shock.

16 Jul 2017 13:17:42
I'm surprised about chirivella. Though he has looked useful in the two games this week. Do we know the clubs intentions with him eds?

16 Jul 2017 13:47:58
No Ojo.

16 Jul 2017 14:05:58
I belive I once read that Klopp would rate Markovic by the preseason. Apparently the friendlys was enough I guess!

16 Jul 2017 17:27:42
Markovic will be sold so no point in bringing him. And Randall is a dreadful player so no point in bringing him.

16 Jul 2017 10:54:58
I know all things come to an end and he was never the most spectacular of players and at times he was a free kick waiting to happen but by all accounts has become a massive figure around the place.

Will be sad as I'm sure the staff and players will be to see Lucas go.

Shame he's not hanging around for a bit longer to welcome new players etc.

16 Jul 2017 13:22:35
Can only thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future. Not many players get to complete 10 years at the club. YNWA.

16 Jul 2017 13:40:55
His legs have gone and i don't think he can hold down a justified place in the squad anymore, it is time to move on. Fantastic player and loyal servant, we will be lucky to get someone with the professionalism and dedication of lucas any time soon.

16 Jul 2017 10:02:57
This is banter ok, but wouldn't it be great if we signed Bale as a genuine left sided winger. It's never going to happen just like Leicester will never win the Prem.
But I'm pretty sure we were sniffing round Bale when he was at Forest but decided against it and he went Spurs. Any of the Eds have any more light to shed on that?

This post is tongue in cheek so please take it in the light it's meant to be! 👍🏻.

16 Jul 2017 10:18:27
You mean Saints, right, not Forest?

You're right tho, that our chance for him went when he went to spurs, same as with Ali and Ronaldo (to Man Utd)

16 Jul 2017 10:23:40
He was never at Forest.

16 Jul 2017 10:24:52
Are you 'sleep typing?

16 Jul 2017 10:41:59
Go find his interview from his Spurs days where he said what he thought of Liverpool.

Over rated. He can't even score 20 goals in that Real Madrid team. Absolutely outrageous that he is the third most expensive player ever.

16 Jul 2017 11:44:42
He's not overrated but he is massively injury prone.

16 Jul 2017 12:23:52
Not over rated? He sold for nearly £90m about 4 years ago when transfer fees weren't ridiculous for every player!

He has broken the 20 goal barrier twice in his career and turns 28 today. For a player whose game relies completely on pace and who has suffered injury after injury, I'd say he is unlikely to ever hit his 2012-2014 form again. I won't say it's not good enough because that would be ridiculous. He is clearly a very good winger/ forward; Possibly world class even depending on how you perceive that term. But his injuries and inconsistency always seem to be forgotten about. I wouldn't pay anything over £50m for him but he would cost more like £150m!

I'm not saying he is bad, just that he isn't in the same bracket at Messi, Ronaldo and Suarez contrary to fact that he gets mentioned in the same breath as them. He isn't even in the same bracket as the guys below that like Neymar, Lewandowski, Aguero, Aubameyang.

I'd probably put him on a level pegging with Sturridge. A really good player who had a couple of absolutely exceptional seasons and has struggled to replicate it ever since. He really isn't worth the money, or the risk. That is the same reason why nobody will take Sturridge off of us. Bales hype from 5 years ago, and the fact he is out of the British media spotlight right now has blinded people to the fact that he is a shadow of the player which left England.

16 Jul 2017 13:02:46
MK have you ever considered writing a novel?

16 Jul 2017 13:46:14
MK, you're comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo with that criteria. He operates at the level below them which still makes him one of the best British players ever. In a team built around him he would be sensational.

16 Jul 2017 13:47:57
I for one would read any of mk scousers novels.

16 Jul 2017 13:43:52
Sorry but that's bull, bale is a fantastic player, his final season at tottenham was the only time i have ever seen a genuine one man team. I'd say you should watch him more often but alas his injuries are regular and it is a great shame. Regardless id take him at liverpool in a heartbeat, one of the best in the world when fit.

{Ed025's Note - last one man team i can remember is suarez mate..

16 Jul 2017 13:53:36
I'm writing one 😂 sorry for the length of some of my posts. I think some of my opinions are so unique though that I need to sort of justify them.

If I'd just left it at "Bale is over rated" and not explained myself, I'd look even more silly than I do after I've badly justified it 😂.

16 Jul 2017 14:42:35
Don't think anyone would be paying money for that Novel MK! :)

16 Jul 2017 09:05:29
Hello Ed's,
What is the latest about Mane? When is expected back?
I don't want to be true, but what if Salah is his replacement for the better part of the season due to injuries?

{Ed002's Note - (a) He may get a little time in pre-season but will certainly be available for the season. (b) I have no idea where that thought comes from.}

16 Jul 2017 09:45:14
How can Salah be Mane's replacement? The whole world knew last season that the team lacked any decent width without Mane on the pitch, hence Salah was signed (albeit not being the first choice target) . With likely 60 games upon us next season, you really din't expect Mane to play each and every game did you? Nor will Mane and Salah both start all games on the pitch at the same time. There will be plenty of rotation on Klopp's part imo.

16 Jul 2017 11:27:32
Thanks Ed, just allowing my imagination run.

16 Jul 2017 12:01:25
Imagination running is the main problem with some people on here.

16 Jul 2017 08:30:09
Just heard the news from Senegal.
Absolutely devastated as a lot of our fans and Juve fans will be today.
How can this be allowed to happen?

16 Jul 2017 10:10:39
agreed ron!

sad news, really sad.

16 Jul 2017 10:12:11
RIP. Absolutely shocking.

16 Jul 2017 04:08:32
Is there any particular reason why we no longer have interest in pereira? As he was a target that seems to be available in a position that would make sense to improve.

16 Jul 2017 05:06:52
Purely my guess, it is because he is right footed and Klopp is not interested in a right footed left back. Klopp believes right back is sorted with clyne, TAA and Milner able to play there.

16 Jul 2017 00:49:23
Any news about Cameron Brannagan? He is not included in our pre season either there are any news of transferring him or loaning him out?

{Ed002's Note - I think you will find him with the U23s.}

16 Jul 2017 04:03:22
He played for the U23s and scored v Rhyl. I think the same night as the Tranmere game.

16 Jul 2017 16:52:16
I read somewhere that he has 11 months left on his contract, and LFC will not let him go out on loan unless he renews. He wants playing assurances before he renews. So it's likely that he will be sold.