Liverpool Banter Archive July 17 2015

17 Jul 2015 21:48:15
Eds fellow reds ,just seen game from today played ok .but credit to the Aussie scousers excellent version of YNWA .credit for that .now take you cricket bats and use them upside down will ya .

18 Jul 2015 00:36:42
They turn up every time. Wish we had a few more of them at anfield would bring the place alive. In fact if more foreign fans came it would bring the place alive, just the occasion of watching Liverpool is enough for them. Can't understand those fans that slate lfc fans that aren't from the city. Absolutely delusional.

18 Jul 2015 00:57:38
Not our fault you poms can't play cricket. Be very worried, football is quickly becoming the most popular of all sports in Australia. Wont be long before we start seeing Aussies kicking butt in football. Give it one more generation in this great country and look out.

18 Jul 2015 06:32:39
Must admit I'm from England but the Aussies are so well organized when it comes to sports it puts us to shame. Grassroots football is huge, every pitch on a Saturday morning packed with games, refs, linesman, nets!! And usually a bbq on the sidelines!

18 Jul 2015 11:09:20
Australia is much better governed than the UK in pretty much every way. Ironic really when you think it started off as a convict colony.

{Ed001's Note - funny that, I know plenty of Aussies that still live there and think it is degenerating into a shambles. If it was that well governed I doubt if half the population would be abroad at any one time either.}

17 Jul 2015 21:19:46
I still don't understand if Liverpool are selling three strikers in balotelli, Lambert and borini. Why can't we also by mitrovic, he will prove to be a shrewd of business for any side that gets him and will have his fee doubled by next summer. I feel one of the strikers should be loaned out to a premiership club and him brought in. Lfc fans, what do u have to say to this, there are so many in contention for his signature

17 Jul 2015 21:26:14
That would mean 4 new forwards coming in this window. Seems la bit excessive. (obviously I'm including origi in this)

{Ed002's Note - Not going to happen.}

17 Jul 2015 21:33:53
So 4 strikers (and Sinclair as of right now) isn't enough for you?

18 Jul 2015 01:51:51
So you want sturridge, ings, origi, benteke, Sinclair, yesil and mitrovic? In addition to the 5 attacking midfielders behind them? Maybe we can pull raffle tickets to decide who plays.

17 Jul 2015 20:42:30
For anyone still clutching on the idea that skrtel is any good. Watch Brisbanes first goal. I mean if an A league player can mke you look like a fool, need i say anymore. All it took was one drop of the shoulder and skrtel diving in like a fool for the goal. Comical.

17 Jul 2015 21:21:07
While A League may not be the greatest league in the world, that is a pretty insulting comment.

17 Jul 2015 21:36:04
He is awful. How he still gets a gig I have no idea. Lovren and Sakho first choice for me with Ilori to play cup and European matches

17 Jul 2015 21:46:20
Go back and watch the goal again.

What do you see? Lucas, Henderson, Lallana and Milner all Playing right back. All the opposing player had to do was make a simple pass to his teammate on the edge of the box where there was no protection at all for the centre backs, and bang they scored. This was solely down to midfielders not doing their jobs. Nothing to do with Skrtel.

This is why we need specialist central midfielders, who know their roles. Not a midfield full of attacking players who don't have a clue where to position themselves when defending. Lucas was the only midfielder with an excuse for being in that position. Lallana, Henderson and Milner should have been protecting the defence.

Ed, can I request that you make it an option to attach photo's to a post, because I'd love to send in a screen shot of the disgraceful positioning of our midfielders.

Red Rum

{Ed002's Note - I fear it would get cluttered up way too quickly.}

17 Jul 2015 21:47:45
Can't agree with Essexred enough.

17 Jul 2015 22:12:37
Love affair with Lovren is goo to see. But haven't seen anything on the pitch yet. Lacks pace and got beaten by Crystal palace wingers like a kid.
Lovren was embarrassed by the palace wide players.

17 Jul 2015 22:18:23
Red rum totally agree without seeing picture the first thing I asked was where is the midfield Chelsea's defence would struggle with our ball watching midfield

17 Jul 2015 22:22:41
Red rum

A DM is required, till then we ll conceded goals. This page hates Skrtel and love Lucas. So every goal conceded will be on the shoulder of Skrtel no matter what.

I agree what you said. They bypassed our midfield with ease and reached the 6 yard box. How is Skrtel at fault for this is beyond me.

17 Jul 2015 22:58:17
Andy K how is that an insulting comment, i mentioned that skrtel was made to look like a fool by a player who plays in a poor league. All i highlighted was that a lesser player made a supposed premier league defender look silly with one drop of his shoulder because this supposed premier league defender dives in like a fool.

17 Jul 2015 23:50:50
Look at Skittles positioning miles deeper than Sakho, that is the problem as he is in no position to close down the attacker. Ed001 has pointed out many times how useless the guy is and how stupid the manager is to keep picking him.

18 Jul 2015 00:32:06
The major issue we face is with our press.

We need to do it because were half the team without it 13/14 & 14/15 as examples.

Ours just doesn't seem an organised press, but more of a everyone press where once Hendo, Allen/Milner have pressed if they are unsuccessful then the whole defence is wide open. Hence why we concede 50 goals a season lol

Its hard to fix. If we can have a more rigid team set up when defending and only press in certain areas/sections of the pitch and we can get our recovery sharper then we will be better off but at this moment in time it's like a bunch of headless chickens.

I maybe feel if the dm was quicker this might help if Hendo has committed himself and the team are into his left behind space then a faster dm might be able to get over and cover him better.

18 Jul 2015 01:30:23
Because you are using the A League as a marker for the bottom of the barrel. It is far from the cream but comparative to 3rd tier English i would think. No biggy, mate. Just saying.

18 Jul 2015 01:40:16
dilakh2, I guess you didn't go back and watch the footage! You clearly have zero knowledge of the importance of a midfielders when defending. So stop making up false things to slate a player just because you don't like him.

Essex, Skrtel's positioning was spot on. You also need to take off the blinkers because of your dislike of the player.

Red Rum

18 Jul 2015 02:22:32
Someone should have been out to the player on the edge of the box a lot earlier all ball watching

18 Jul 2015 05:00:38
Dropping deep is your problem? Terry , Ivanocic and vidic drop deeps and never hold their line nor they play high up the pitch.
Dropping deep had nothing to do with yesterday goal.
The ball reached out 6 yard box by passing Lucas and co just like that.

18 Jul 2015 05:02:34
Dilakh

We had as many as 8 players in our own half when they scored goal.
A player from A league made everyone look like a joke yesterday.

18 Jul 2015 07:11:49
Red rum

Both dilakh and Essex picks up what ed01 has to say on player ( I love your opinion by the way ) rather watching and having an opinion of their own.

After watching Skrtel from 6 year all they could gather is he drop deep? Really?

We have a weak midfield compared to other top 5 teams like it or not and Lucas is the weakest link in it.

Unless we don't buy a top class DM, the opposition would bypass Lucas and reach skretel / Sakho / lovren.

Gerrard was good on the attacking front.

{Ed001's Note - sorry but you are simply talking crap. Skrtel does not just drop deep, if that was all it was about, then there would be no issue. It is that he does not communicate what he is doing, usually when everyone else sets a line to hold, he then drops off without telling anyone. They can't even get set for that to happen because the next time he will charge forward to make an insanely rash tackle, again without communicating. As for Lucas being the weakest link, it just shows your complete lack of any knowledge of the game if you think he is the weakest link, defensively he is the only midfielder we have affecting the game and has been for years. Sorry but you have been shown time and again to understand absolutely nothing about positioning and defending, so I will treat your comments about Lucas with the utter contempt they deserve.}

18 Jul 2015 07:45:24
Red rum his positioning might have been spot on but I mentioned how easy it was for the forward to beat him and score. All he did was drop his shoulder and skrtel ďived in with a tackle instead of holding his Ground. Even then if his positioning was spot one why was he incredibly deep and more near mignolet thus him having to go diving in like a fooL.

18 Jul 2015 09:44:51
We could happily agree to disagree on the Lucas corundum ed01 😄😄😄.
Lucas is slow and often players with their physical nature bully him and reach our 6 yard box. During which he concedes freekicks.

{Ed001's Note - name a player that has bullied him? Oh wait you are talking crap, he never gets bullied. As for players reaching the 6 yard box, that is due to the defence being too deep and him having to drop off to ensure there is no gap for a pass between them. Then having to give away a free kick to stop players bursting into the box where no one can touch them at all. As for giving away free kicks, that is what defensive midfielders have to do at times, the issue is that we should be better at dealing with them but we have Skrtel as a central figure in set piece defending and is utterly woeful at it. By now, with his experience, he should be able to organise his partners to pick up their men, but he does nothing because he is far too busy trying to swop shirts and play WWE with his man.}

17 Jul 2015 18:47:50
Eds - if we end up getting Benteke for £30m+ and then they lose Delph to Citeh that's their two best players out the club. Some would argue that if Randy Learner has Villa up for sale he would be better off not asset stripping it? Or does he and everyone bar Ian Ayre know that this is way above the players real value so makes sense for him to cash in and accept less for the clubs sale?

{Ed002's Note - Aston Villa are buying players with the money they will get - they are actively chasing players already and the money is being reinvested.}

17 Jul 2015 22:20:45
For them its like losing gerrard and suarez. So whoever they bring in isn't guaranteed success. They have to do a southampton which is harder said than done. I reckon they might buy Lambert though seeing as though they had the interest last Jan.

18 Jul 2015 00:56:00
They didn't want to sell Delphi or benteke. They both had clauses which were met. How is that asset stripping when they would rather have kept them?

17 Jul 2015 18:08:28
Is it true Stoke have had a 13.5 million bid for Yarmalenko accepted?

If so hang on reds he's virtually 20 million less than Benteke. The money saved could even fund a deal for either Mitrovic or Kovacic.

I'm sure we have been interested in the past in Yarmalenko I might be wrong but pretty sure we did.

{Ed002's Note - You want the Stoke page for this. But I have already warned you Stoke may surprise a few this season - but they have been struggling to get the transfers over the line - Konoplyanka and Shaqiri for example.}

17 Jul 2015 21:02:55
Good for them aiming higher. There's times over the past few years where the money was available that I wish Liverpool aimed for players in the top bracket

17 Jul 2015 21:59:34
Did we not aim for Sanchez, Willian,Costa,Mithyran (Plays for Dortmund, no idea on spelling) etc Sometimes players want champions league football, bigger wages chances for trophies. It's not fifa, you can't just offer the money and get the player.

17 Jul 2015 20:01:35
Hi Eds, I know every transfer differs in complexity but I was wondering if any you guys could shed any light on why it generally takes so long for us to Complete a signing. City seemed to breeze through them with Sterling and Delph for example, from when a price is agreed I mean. Compared to Benteke at the moment for us with it still on going since we agreed a price with villa. Do we bumble about during this process or are we generally more thorough with everything? Just thought you guys might be the ones to help me understand what goes during this period a bit better. Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - our medicals are more thorough, which holds up the process by a day or two.}

17 Jul 2015 20:43:09
Sterling saga ran on for ages man,

17 Jul 2015 23:36:31
From price being agreed to Sterling posing with a City shirt was pretty quick was my point @Welshboydave.
Cheers ed.

18 Jul 2015 01:36:35
Is benteke even in the UK at the movement?

17 Jul 2015 19:11:41
Alberto Moreno.

What do posters and eds think? After his first season I am somewhat concerned. The recent consensus is that our fullbacks are going to be something of a lynch pin for the team this season - I don't know if its true but bare with me - I want to know peoples thoughts on Moreno. My early impressions were good however, in certain games, over the course of the season, he disappeared. He also made a number of high profile errors in big games.

The cardinal sin for me was his performance against United at home. A must win game which he seemed lethargic, lazy and uninterested in from the get go. I think the lad needs to have a whopping season - he needs to prove himself as, thus far, I would argue he has not been good enough. Certainly he lacks competition (Enrique wtf?) so I hope he is able to push on and put in some good performances.

What do others think though? Will he do the business??

{Ed001's Note - I think the new coaching set up will benefit him immensely.}

17 Jul 2015 20:58:29
Looks like he will have more competition with Gomez and Maguire looking good players. I'm sure Pep will help him too . hopefully he isn't being Brendaned already

17 Jul 2015 21:02:29
I think he's going to be a great player, brilliant pace and athleticism and good technique, although it would help if he could at least kick the ball with his right foot. He just needs to learn when to attack and when to stay back, and also needs to improve his positioning, but these are things he should learn and have drilled into him by the coaching staff, who are hopefully better equipped now.

17 Jul 2015 21:05:49
I'm for taking the money. Gets caught out of position way too much.

The very best teams are solid at the back first and foremost.

I think of it this way. If he was coming to the end of his contract (like the Milner situation) would Chelski, Arseynal, Citeh or the Unmentionables be looking to sign him up?

Exactly.

17 Jul 2015 21:31:15
I am with User013. You never know how a player may develop but he didn't impress last year. Wasn't our worse player but didn't do anything remarkable.

18 Jul 2015 01:46:05
Let's sell every young player who had an average season, adapting to a new country, language, style and team mates.

18 Jul 2015 05:57:16
Scored a remarkable goal against Spurs if I recall.

17 Jul 2015 17:07:09
Migs and skrtel are good players. they had bsd patch, but when they are in form they look really good. Its all about consistency.

We always complain defense need to be sorted and gk.

Migs was runnings close last season for more clean sheets.

I thinks its all about confidence. we spent 20m on lovren last season, but skrtel still looks better. and we had to keep toure. for certain positions there's nt many top choices available. that's why we need to for benteke although most of the fans think otherwise.

17 Jul 2015 17:28:53
But they are consistently crap. That's the problem.

17 Jul 2015 17:38:56
Migs has one long bad patch per season. And that will cost us big.

Skrtel's bad "patch" has been going for about 3 years now. He tries his best but he's just too skittish.

17 Jul 2015 17:55:01
How can u say Mingolet is consistently crap. one or two clean sheets off golden gloves last season he had a bad start but I feel hitting the back of the net last season was the problem. I do agree he needs to improve aspects of his game. Also if our front line was better the ball wouldn't have spent so much time at the back last year although that is no excuse for some of the preformances last year I have to agree about skirts though. His hugging players in the box is my biggest worry. He worries too much about groping the opposition that he doesn't keep an eye on the ball. Really bad from set pieces. I hope Lovren comes good because I thought he played some decent games last year but he lacked composure and looked uneasy when the ball was played to his feet.

17 Jul 2015 18:18:38
Mingo I can still live with at the limit. Skrtel? NO!

17 Jul 2015 18:30:58
Skrtle is the reason our defence is shocking, he can't form a partnership with anybody.
Migs might have a fighting chance with a better defence in front of him.

17 Jul 2015 18:31:40
Skrtel was one stand out player for the club under two managers who kept the best defensive record ever in our history.
Rafa would still buy skretel and keep a fantastic defensive record so does Jose.
It's how you play.

17 Jul 2015 18:58:27
Mignolet has major deficiencies which undermine the defence and which costs goals throughout the season - in short, for a team with aspirations of top 4 and beyond, he is not good enough.

Skrtel is an enigma - consistently poor defender who makes countless errors and poor decisions yet is lauded by fans and managers alike and given a new contract. He will cost us goals next season, like every season, it is incredible that his weaknesses are not identified.

17 Jul 2015 19:45:33
Skrtel was our standout player for 2 years?

If Rafa wants him he can have him for 10 million. As long as we can pay the 10 million in 2 instalments.

17 Jul 2015 19:49:26
That`s because Rafa defended deep and had Masch and Lucas (two DM`s potentially) in front of him hence, the system made him look good. The system we play now has exposed him over the years and he is getting worse every season. we moved to a back three because he needed Can and Lovren to literally babysit him and cover for his errors and headless defending. A good defender doesn`t need to be babysat. he just adapts and let`s his talent do the rest. His errors and faults are well documented and the fact that he was benched by a semi-retired Jaime Carragher in the last three months in his final season tells the whole story. BR has shown to be incompetent in fixing our defence and the fact that he thinks Skrtel is good enuff shows you he knows very little about that side of the game. Use your eyes intead of just posting stats that can be taken apart easily.

17 Jul 2015 18:45:43
Migs I think will be okay if he continues the form he had since Christmas. He's not an outstanding goalie, but he makes enough good saves and at least will not cost any more points with silly errors. I suppose it is an area we could improve, but it won't be end of the world if we don't.

I have serious concerns about Skrtel's ability to perform to the level we need. He's seems too slow, he's not that good on the ball, not great in the air, and his decision making is dodgy. Has been for the last two seasons. Can't see it changing.

17 Jul 2015 22:18:46
Redohio

Lovren was terrible last season.

17 Jul 2015 23:49:31
But was good where he came from hence, the money we paid for him. Bar Sahko, not a single CB had a good season last season including Skrtel who was worse because he is more experienced than the rest bar Toure and should be the one controlling the younger ones but since he can't communicate to save his life, he makes the rest worse. Lovren is still new and to me still has a to be great but I agree, he needs to improve.

18 Jul 2015 01:59:11
Mignolets distribution is terrible. That's the first point. He doesn't control the back four at all well either. However my biggest problem is his shot stopping. Whilst he can produce the odd worldie far too often he is beaten by something he should save. That's not the sign of a) a great keeper or b) a consistent one.

As for skittles, I think the correct term to use is brain dead. His lack of communication generally and his **** poor decision making are a constant source of ball ache. Renewing his contract is by far and away the worst signing of the summer.

Skrtle for me is like Enrique. They are pretty much uncoachable. Moreno has his issues but they tend to be more bad habits than anything. I would hope he can be coached into a quality full back. Skrtle is just beyond help.

17 Jul 2015 17:05:11
With rogers stating that Gomez will not be loaned out and will get his chance this season am I correct in thinking him and wisdom will provide cover for RB and LB this season?
Would make sense with flannagans injury history.

{Ed002's Note - It would make sense - and Can can fill in if needs be.}

17 Jul 2015 17:42:46
The defence seems sorted although top heavy with centre backs!
With toure and skrtel getting new contracts, sakho presumably first choice for LCB, and ilori getting promised game time. Does lovren still have a future?

17 Jul 2015 19:52:10
He`d better be given a chance because that will be 20m down the toilet for no reason

17 Jul 2015 18:00:46
Ah ed you can't suggest that you will be accused of being an idiot like Rodgers is for even thinking of something so heinous. 😂😂 Imagine a player filling in for another player while there injured when it's not there "natural position" lol have you ever heard the likes.

17 Jul 2015 16:14:54
I don't know what others think so post a comment, but for me i am really excited about new season.

Personally i think our team looks much better on paper at least. Benteke was not my first pick but i have been saying many people on here have made him sound awful , which imo is crazy-and i feel confident that without injury he will knock up 15 plus premiership goals minimum.

Milner for me will prove excellent and ings if played enough should do well.

The only two issue i have and still have is why again we seem to have ignored the need for a top quality goalkeeper. I know some of the Eds initially liked mignolet, but i am not sure he will ever cut it.
My only other concern is how many players we have purchased and our midfield is crammed!! I don't think we are going to shed that many players personally so my fear is there are going to be a lot of players wanting to leave soon due to lack of game time. hopefully not the likes of Lucus, can etc

17 Jul 2015 16:42:57
Bringing in Benteke Firmino Clyne and Milner, is even better than last years signings when we had champions league.
So I'm optimistic mate. Got to a point last season in a home game in Europe,, we had Skrtel upfront. Hopefully we can get Sturridge up top also and bang in some goals

17 Jul 2015 16:53:22
I think everything hinges on our strikers. If they score 40+ goals then we'll finish in the top four. If Sturridge doesn't recover and Benteke and the others don't find their feet then we'll be scrambling for 5th again.

As for our number of midfielders we have a good mix of grit, pace, trickery, athleticism, skill and experience. Gives us options in different games and allows us to compete twice a week (which we'll need). I'm happy with he squad now.

17 Jul 2015 17:11:18
5th again? When was the last time we ended up 5th

17 Jul 2015 17:22:02
We do have a better squad on paper and we seem to have bought players to play in proper positions, ie: a right back to play at right back, a striker to play as a striker.
The behind the scenes management changes are the best bit though, Rodgers should have gone but a decent team working with him can't hurt.

17 Jul 2015 19:13:31
@1985mikey1985 - 2005 I think?

17 Jul 2015 20:54:48
I get what your saying muscatred about a good mix of midfielders but we have so many i can't see our youth players getting much time there, if any. I know there is also players still being linked with us that play on the wing, hopefully this is nonsense unless the 'unexpected player leaving/or was leaving' was a winger, or Allen for example

17 Jul 2015 21:52:05
Gareth, I worry we over exaggerate the potential of our youth players. I think if any of them are truly talented enough to play for a CL team (what we want to be)then they will get the chance no matter how many other players are in their way.

17 Jul 2015 16:13:57
Ed fellow reds , talk sport saying benteke had medical this morning at Liverpool and Delph having medical at Man City .have you heard anything

{Ed002's Note - I really have no interest in such matters.}

17 Jul 2015 15:47:14
Back home after the game here in Brisbane tonight, stopped for some beers on the way. It was fantastic to see the boys play right in front of me for the first time. Was impressed by Gomez, looked very comfortable and composed, he had a good game. Was surprised how quick Ibe is, looks much quicker in person than on TV, was impressive when he came on in the second half. Clyne and Milner were good also. So happy to see my club play right in front of me for the first time. Think i'm going to have to book myself a trip to Anfield one day soon. YNWA

17 Jul 2015 15:11:52
Hi all. Just wanted to add something about RS leaving.As we all know he's gone,not coming back so that's life.Weather we blame him or his agent it won't change things except for the fact we got a nice few bob and fair play to QPR.But at the same time I don't wish him any ill will or back luck in his career and I really mean that.So why am I not bothered about RS leaving?JORDAN IBE that's why.For me the lad is head and shoulders above RS not just in his play but all so in his maturity which unfortunately the latter never really showed.So thanks Man.City ang good luck RS but we have JORDAN IBE
Barry inLouth

17 Jul 2015 15:59:04
jordon ibe is way too over hyped by people on here. He has poor end product, and i believe sterling will be a much better player.

17 Jul 2015 15:59:42
I wouldn't be surprised if Brenda wanted to sell him in the first place especially with him saying " I may have had something to do with him leaving."

17 Jul 2015 16:17:28
he will prove to be better than Sterling. Sterling isn't as strong, can't tackle as well and imo doesn't look up enough

17 Jul 2015 17:08:11
Ibe has something sterling doesn't, the right attitude and level and commitment

17 Jul 2015 17:23:49
Level of commitment*

17 Jul 2015 17:25:37
Exactly my point mate.Ibe has the better attitude and commitment by miles.
Barry inLouth

{Ed002's Note - Measured how? You don't think he has shown himself to be easily led and slightly stupid?}

17 Jul 2015 18:55:42
Are taking about Sterling or Ibe Ed?
Barry inLouth

{Ed002's Note - Ibe.

17 Jul 2015 19:36:08
No ed002, I don't think those things about Ibe.

Why do you?

{Ed002's Note - He has been a bit of a DF in recent months. Inhale, hold your breath.}

17 Jul 2015 21:29:13
Well he seems to be a sensible type of person meaning you don't hear anything serious about him being a bit silly.Obviously Ed you hear and know a lot more than we do but I am slightly shocked by that.I just hope he learns by his actions.
Barry inLouth

{Ed002's Note - TrThe club has had to deal with all of the nonsense. But Sterling was not on his own with the Shisha pipe.}

17 Jul 2015 22:03:53
Well definitely Ed he needs to wise up quickly.He's a very talented young man so I hope someone at the club will give him a clip around the ear and tell him to grow up.
P.S.I do not condone violence in any form unless it's really necessary.Thanks for that bit of information Ed.
Barry inLouth

17 Jul 2015 15:34:05
The way the squad's shaping up it looks like we're going to be heavily reliant on our full-backs having strong seasons this year. It doesn't seem to me we have an abundance of natural wide players - so we'll be looking to Clyne and Moreno to get past the midfield and get the ball into the box.

One of the things that bugged me most about last season's performances was our lack of width. Sterling, Coutinho and Llallana all like to cut in rather than stay out wide. It makes everything too congested and too often we ran into a brick wall of opposition.

I wonder if this is part of Bren Gun's thinking for next season? Overlapping full-backs with a big guy attacking the ball in the box - football ain't rocket science is it?

17 Jul 2015 18:44:15
It`s normal that the FB`s provide the wisth when you play the 4-4-2 diamond.

17 Jul 2015 13:55:51
AHOY - The Benteke situation is similar to an episode of "Storage Wars". We are the Darryl & Brandon characters (Jarrod & Brandi if your prefer) and MUFC are Dave "YUUUUUUUUUP" Hester.

The lock is cut and the door goes up (Transfer window open) we like what we see and know what we want, but have a fairly limited budget, despite recent success (Sterling ££££'s)

We've bought a few useful and cheap units, but now it's time for the one we want.

Bidding is going nicely, well within our range, but just at the last minute a big shout of "YUUUUUUUUUUUUP" comes in from the back and we go all in with our cash.

Essentially the Twitter rumour re Benteke yesterday was the same as Dave Hester "dropping a locker" on us.

BOILED ONIONS

17 Jul 2015 14:04:29
Money!

17 Jul 2015 16:38:30
YUUPPPPPPPPPP

17 Jul 2015 16:47:00
Eh???!!

17 Jul 2015 17:11:07
Most ridiculous analogy I've ever heard but hilarious all the same.

Liverpool are more like Barry, just take gambles and not really sure what they're buying

17 Jul 2015 13:37:00
The summer recruitment has no doubt improved the team and the squad but if you look at our potential starting line up next season the main weak link I have to say is the goalkeeper. We definently should have gone after a top class keeper. Benteke would not have been my first choice either but I have no doubt he will score goals. Even I could score goals in front of our attacking players now! Benteke has yet to kick a ball for us yet and people are already calling him a flop. Andy Carroll this rickie lambert that. Let's wait and see how he gets on. But mignon et on the other hand should be replaced and I know it won't happen this summer which is why I am so frustrated. Can't wait until the start of the season, top 4 here we come!

17 Jul 2015 14:03:44
Nice user name, man.

17 Jul 2015 14:14:41
Skrtel remains the weak link, if he was replaced by a capable defender migs would have half as much work to do

17 Jul 2015 17:12:08
I'd say a top quality striker is still our weak link

17 Jul 2015 19:15:34
Goalkeeper is a glaring weak area. Goals will be conceded because of this.

17 Jul 2015 13:19:12
James Milner is without a doubt are best buy this summer. Quality footballer, a winner and leader of men. His work rate is relentless but does it with intelligence and control. He will be immense next to Henderson and the two look to have a great understanding already. For me that's so important which we need to replicate all over the pitch. Sakho and Skrtel, Clyne and Firmino, Coutinho and Benteke, Moreno and Ibe. Plus the triangles we play in between. Exiting line up with attacking philosophy. We also have great options on the bench now Ings, Origi, Sturridge when fit. Lucas, Allen, lallana and Lovren. Not mentioned Markovic, Toure and some great kids coming through as well. All of a sudden the storm clouds are lifting and our dreams may well be reality in 2015/16.

17 Jul 2015 12:42:20
Not Liverpool related but Chelsea's new kit (and sponsor logo) is absolutely awful. Good for them.

17 Jul 2015 13:56:41
In defence of dear Stevie- compared to Carra he is a shining beacon of well-enunciated Oxford English.

17 Jul 2015 12:16:30
Just signed up for LFC TV, since I couldn't wait till Aug to start watching the team again!

Decent, competitive run out against Brisbane. Gomez definitely stood out for me - very calm, composed, decent positional sense, good recovery. First time seeing him - hope he will go far with us.

Milner and Lallana were quite busy and put in a lot of miles, some good touches. I've did well after he came on. I hope Lallana stays, is injury free and gets a run of games. If so, I think he will make a difference for us this year.

Arguably our best three most important players are yet to start the season - Couts, Firmino and Tekkers (+Danny of course). That gives me hope.

17 Jul 2015 12:36:29
Gomez looked great. Good crosses into the blx, gets forward, tracks back, good positioning. Big and strong too.

17 Jul 2015 13:25:30
I thought today's game was a fairly good run out and several players stood out - Gomez definitely - but the game also highlighted that we are still making the same mistake in defense that we keep making under BR. The defenders, when on the ball, seem to invite opponents to get as close as possible before passing. This invited tackle is clearly a tactic that is coached in order to create space but it causes at least three or four mistakes a game. and more against high pressing teams. Hope we improve that this coming season.

17 Jul 2015 13:41:22
Reynard.

Nice Observation.

The defenders, when on the ball, seem to invite opponents to get as close as possible before passing

This is due we don't have a steal in the middle who is willing to drop deep, colelct the ball from defenders and pick the player ahead.

17 Jul 2015 13:48:46
Yeah, i saw the same old mistakes during brisbane's goal. Skrtel dropped waay deep, sakho followed to keep the line and when their player got into position Skrtel rushed forward again, but as usual it was too late. Someone needs to coach his instinct.

17 Jul 2015 13:53:08
Thought Gomez, Llalana (again) were outstanding and Milner, Hendo solid.

Wasn't so sure about midfield of Lucas/Hendo/Milner though as looked to struggle against an energetic high press in the first half and ended up resorting to a few long balls.

It could have been because Ings struggled a bit at RW so we didn't quite gel going forward (think should have played the diamond instead) but also made me question whether if we play a 3 man midfield we need either Couts or Llalana in there for balance? (i.e. 1 x DM + 1 x box to box + 1 x creator instead of 1 x DM + 2 x box to box)? Think we need to figure out how to play Coutinho in there alongside Milner/Hendo if we can.

17 Jul 2015 14:06:56
dwarfonaboat

So you only saw skrtel dropping deep compared to Sakho. But how did the ball reach inside our 6 yard box in the first place?.

John Terry FYI is close to 36 and doesn't run a lot nor does Cahil, Both gets enormous protection from Matic. that's exactly Liverpool FC is missing.

17 Jul 2015 14:07:54
Zimbo

Wether its a 2 Men midfield or 3 Men midfield, You should have one strong Holding players.

17 Jul 2015 15:49:02
EG all I can say is that I think at this stage you're slightly obsessed. Lucas Milner and Henderson have all played defensive midfield roles in their career. We were caught out once where there were 7 or 8 players in a line across the back with no one at the edge of the box. Any one of these players should have seen the space and either filled it or told someone to fill it. Not to mention the fact that it's the second preseason game and this is when mistakes like this are meant to be ironed out. All I'm saying is that while matic or whoever would improve our team I don't think it's the magic potion for eternal life you've made it out to be over the last couple weeks.

17 Jul 2015 11:51:28
Ed's and LFC fans

Looks like we have a very good starr in Joe Gomez.

Watched the game against Brisbane Roars and he seems to be ready.

Moreno should be worried as Joe looks like he can play anywher along the back four.



Cheers

17 Jul 2015 12:25:19
Particularly impressed with Joe and Llalana tonight. Think Joe showing real potential early on and could be a really useful backup at both RB and LB. Llalana looking very dangerous this season.

More generally though, I wasn't as convinced by our setup tonight, midfield looked a bit lost at times, and would rather have seen the diamond with Llalana playing behind twin strikers rather than Ings at RW (or play either Ibe/Markovic out wide as more natural wingers).

Good to see the team come back to win though and get some minutes under their belts.

17 Jul 2015 12:35:01
Personally, I'd love to see him alongside Sakho in the next game. See what he's like in the centre. He must be the best young defender I've seen in my lifetime. Varane and Pique weren't even that good at his age. My dad reckons he's like a young Rio Ferdinand (bit before my time that one!).

I would love to see how he stands up to better opposition though. I've only seen him at youth internationals, Championship and friendly levels. Looks a real talent none the less though.

17 Jul 2015 13:42:27
He says he's a centre back that has modelled his game on Rio Ferdinand, it's too early to tell but I've been impressed with him in both games so far hopfuly it's a case of if he's good enough he's old enough, we will see

17 Jul 2015 13:51:13
Varane was sold from a first tier team to Real Madrid at 18/19.
Gomez has gone from Charlton and played 2 friendlies for liverpool at 18 and you say he is better than varane was? We played Thailand XI and Brisbane, the whole squad should look good. Nothing against the lad at all, think he has great potential and quality but this is why most people think liverpool fans are deluded.

17 Jul 2015 11:44:36
Hi eds 1st time poster , have watched both preseason games and have been super impressed with Miliner quality signing , Clyne has slotted in at full back and is solid , Origi and Ingns both look comfortable on the ball but lack pace the younger players have all played well , big fan of Jordan Ibe think he should get a lot more game time needs to work on his finishing but a far better player than sterling who we won't miss who personally I though was the most over rated player in last years premiership any more to the point do you think our lack of pace up front will see us struggle to get in behind defences to score the goals that were missing so much last season

17 Jul 2015 12:30:05
I think Origi's looked dangerous so far running off the defenders shoulders. Ings has been less effective in his runs so far IMO and more inclined to drop deeper to get the ball. Early days though.

Ibe looks dangerous but in reality I think Sterling would have been more effective at taking on players 1-1 against the Thais/Brisbane Roar. Ibe just needs more time and confidence though and I'm confident he'll be as good in time.

17 Jul 2015 13:14:51
Sterling is no longer here so no point saying or thinking what he could/should have done.

17 Jul 2015 11:25:32
I have read the posts and should probably check united rumours but I'm from the midland eds and a lot of my mates are villa fans there all under the impression that united will snatch benteke from us, because of reports from silly papers like the metro which I know are rubbish sources because I frequently follow what the mighty eds say, could you confirm if it's only us in for him right now, please?

{Ed002's Note - I have dealt with this - please read the posts or search.}

17 Jul 2015 11:08:48
I really like Gomez and Origi, i think their welcome additions for sure, lads playing well

17 Jul 2015 11:49:30
Gomez looked, and oozed class, I know it's maybe to soon to judge him but from what I've seen he could be one hell of a signing.

Also Ibe looked quick, powerful and tricky as hell. He has the potential to become one of the best. The future looks bright.

YNWA.

17 Jul 2015 12:48:52
The problem is. he won't get the games he will need to develop. I think he should go to the championship for a year to play at a good lvl and continue to improve. If needed recall him like ibe. But they have good cover for rb/cb now without him.

17 Jul 2015 10:55:56
Hi Eds

Daily visitor to the site - thanks

I'm confused by the push for Benteke and I haven't seen (although I may have missed) any strong reservations about Benteke which I have myself.

Players similar to Benteke such as Lambert and Carroll have not only not succeeded under Brendan but have simply not been played. Players such as Lallana and Coutinho just don't provide the kind of service that the big men need.

However players like Suarez and Sturridge who's game is all about finding space have thrived.

Yet here were are again chasing someone very similar to the strikers who have failed previously.

It would be good to get your views on Benteke and how he would fit into our game? I'm confused with what we are doing this summer

{Ed002's Note - This has been done to death - but Benteke is a decent player with a good goal scoring record, whilst he would not have been my choice he was a target Liverpool were very keen on.}

17 Jul 2015 10:40:19
It seems that our team is putting more crosses than they usually do don't they ;)

I think the prospect of clyne and benteke is intriguing. makes sense to me now getting benteke. just hope it works out this season!

17 Jul 2015 10:22:31
I was just wandering eds is Moreno a possible exit. With him not starting any of the pre season games. If he was going to be first choice left back surely he would have had game time alongside the back four . Saying that young Gomez looks accomplished whichever side he has played on early days yet for h though

{Ed002's Note - I would not pay too much heed as to who plays in preseason games.}

17 Jul 2015 10:45:00
Gomez looks so composed for such a young age also he is not a left back so he's doing really well

17 Jul 2015 09:37:54
6.30 pm , Friday night in Sydney. Glass of wine in hand and about to watch Liverpool vs Brisbane. What a start to the weekend!

17 Jul 2015 09:54:17
Enjoy Swish

17 Jul 2015 10:02:52
Just gutted I couldn't get to the game this time!

17 Jul 2015 10:08:06
Jealous. Its only 10am in the UK, so 3 hours till wine-o'clock ;)

17 Jul 2015 10:23:28
Cheeky one at 12pm would hurt anyone zeddicus.

17 Jul 2015 09:28:13
It's really not looking good for Moreno. Gomez and Maguire both seem to be preferred to him so far during this tour (Gomez is starting again today).

Don't get me wrong, Moreno is a nice lad but I said it when we first signed him. He is a left sided Glen Johnson. He isn't great at defending, but also doesn't offer enough going forward to justify his poor defensive attributes. Left wing back suits him, but we can't distort the entire team to fit an only slightly above average player in. Wouldn't be at all suprised if he left. Maguire, Gomez, Flanagan, Sakho, Can etc can all play at left back. It's always a shame to see people flop but Moreno was hands down the worst left back across all of Europes major leagues last season. If you don't believe me, look at how many goals were directly his fault. It was rather shocking.

I think he has potential to be very good. He's hard working, technically sound, and has pace to burn. But we already had potential in the academy. If he stays, I'll continue to support him, but if he goes I won't be losing any sleep.

17 Jul 2015 09:42:10
Talk about shooting a mouse with an elephant gun!
Really the worst left back in every major European league. Could you name me the left back at every club in the op flight of England,Germany,France,Spain,Italy?

I agreed with you at the time there were better cheaper options EG Bertrand but to say he's that bad is such an overstatement. I think we all learnt last season Can is not a defender.

Which goals were his fault again? I remember the 2 at City where Carragher slaughtered him (in his 2nd game?) and another2 where he talked abut Lovren not coming across as the main reason. (Can't remember the 2 opponents)

17 Jul 2015 09:42:22
All of those you mention who can play at LB I would be happy to have as our backup, not without a solid first choice LB ahead of them though. I can't see us signing a first choice LB so I hope we don't go get a backup.

It would be better to have the likes of Gomez and Maguire get a little game time as backup and then Flanagan would be ahead of them when fit.

If he was to go and we sign someone else clearly good enough to start then ya no bother with that.

17 Jul 2015 09:43:33
Is it just his defensive weakness that is the issue?
If so, that would surely be something that could be worked on and improved, and playing pre-season games is the best way to do that. Otherwise, we need a new LB stat!
He also missed quite a few games last season, whether sitting on the bench on not being in the squad at all. I think there is some underlying problem there, can Eds or anyone give us a clue,footballing or otherwise, what are his issues?

17 Jul 2015 09:55:06
Bob he was statistically at fault for more goals than any other dedender in Europe.

If you watched him at all then you'll see he can't tackle, can't head the ball, hung Sakho out to dry constantly by running away from the ball rather than making himself available, was inconsistent at both shooting and crossing, always got the wrong side of his man.

He just can't defend. Sure, it's coach able,but I'd rather invest resources into coaching a player who won't just up and leave if a top Spanish team ever shows interest.

Realistically he's not the worst left back. Statistically he is though which is all I meant. Apologies if you took that too literally as I probably got a bit caught up in the rant and over exaggerated. He's just not good enough right now though. As you say, we should've signed Bertrand.

17 Jul 2015 09:59:10
As the only first team player not to feature in the first game it's pretty clear he was carrying a knock. Think you've massively jumped the gun here EMS. He'll be our first choice left back this season (and saying he flopped is a massive over exaggeration).

17 Jul 2015 10:04:08
A defender with a defensive weakness is like a coffee mug with a hole in the bottom. Not fit for purpose.

I don't buy this "it's just a matter of coaching" stuff. He's been coached since he could walk probably.

I'd be happy for him to be sold and replaced. I'm with EMS. Particularly now I've seen how she looks.

17 Jul 2015 10:07:08
Moreno is an offenisve full back and always has been one. BR loves his full backs to bomb up and contribute just like Man City. God how awful is Marcelo then?

17 Jul 2015 10:10:40
Have you got a link to the stats you use EMS?

I don't think he's all that bad at tackling, he got caught the wrong side once or twice but nothing more than any other player I watched.I don't think you can criticise him for the runnign away without criticising your boy Allen. His crossing was actually pretty good. He put in some good balls,our problem was we didn't have a natural striker going into space,we had Sterling.

I don't think you really buy a left back to shoot. So I'm not that bothered about that.

17 Jul 2015 12:02:28
Funny when a players out injured and suddenly EMS comes out with the I was right all along patter. Gomez has looked very good and I wouldn't worry if if started v Stoke but I think it'll be Moreno when he gets over his knock

17 Jul 2015 12:22:40
I don't know if EMS was quoting me on purpose but I did a STAT ATTTACK post last year about our defenders, I provided that STAT about Moreno, which was acquired from who scored.com

17 Jul 2015 13:35:57
I see nothing on whoscored about defensive errors leading to goals or any other evidence he was the worst even in the prem,I think EMS just went on a hyperbole.

I notice EMS came back online but hasn't answered

17 Jul 2015 09:10:00
Just speculation, but Benteke may well take the vacant number 25, last worn by Reina. He wore the number at Liege, Genk and Kortrijk.

17 Jul 2015 09:24:14
Benteke should take the No.9 in all honesty.

17 Jul 2015 08:48:38
I think the signing of Benteke will define the Reign of Rodgers.
It will either go well or Klipperty's phone will be ringing come Oct/Nov.

17 Jul 2015 09:23:17
I think you're right AL1972, it will make or break this window for us, mainly because Striker along with Goalkeeper were positions that really could have and should have been strengthened, but arguably weren't, at least not correctly. The problem is though is that Benteke will define a lot more than Rodgers' reign, beyond that he'll still be here, to me it means we won't sign another striker for several windows now, a problem only because I see this turning out badly, it just puts another player in front of our youth players who need time to develop and mature before becoming regular first teamers (but Tekkers will overstay his welcome in that regard). Add to that apparent attitude issues, laziness on the pitch and an injury plagued past this just whiffs of flop. Of course I'll get stick for saying it, but for me this is an awful signing, it shows we learnt nothing in my opinion. We really should just do our business when its right to do so, and with the right players, our need wasn't really so great we had to buy him.

17 Jul 2015 09:40:09
I don't think he will suit our type of play.
But with the new coaching staff our play might be tweaked to accommodate him. We will have to wait and see how it pans out.He will certainly bring something new to the team.
Whether that it works out or not we will have to wait and see.Having said all that, I think LFC would have been hung drawn and quartered if they didn't sign a striker.
He has done Quite well for Villa. So if Couts and Firmino are creating chances for him it might make the difference.
Fingers X. Can't wait for the season to start.

17 Jul 2015 07:43:06
Are people forgetting Lukaku cost Everton 28 Million a year ago! so is Benteke too expensive at 32.5 Million? who would you rather have Lukaku for 28 or Benteke for 32? eds?

{Ed001's Note - neither.}

17 Jul 2015 07:49:10
i knew that was coming! haha

17 Jul 2015 06:20:52
Very impressed with texeria Nd rossiter, they won't make into first team, but would make our bench strong. and better than current subs.

17 Jul 2015 08:53:30
I'm not sure they will make the bench the way things are going

17 Jul 2015 05:51:57
Hi not a rumour just looking for your opinion do you think the offensive players brought in and the ones we have will make an effective match ? Cheers

17 Jul 2015 01:31:50
Hi Eds is just benteke that we are looking to sign now or do you think there will be more cheers

{Ed007's Note - I think there'll be more tears than cheers but it depends on how you look at things I guess.}

17 Jul 2015 07:01:39
hmmm why more tears ed7? this wouldn't be a reference to ed02 saying there is a possibility of someone leaving ( well someone other than the ones the fans want to go )

thanks

{Ed001's Note - I think you are looking a little too hard at it mate, it was just a joke.}

17 Jul 2015 07:36:23
Its testament to the stress and anxiety (!) caused by this time of year that poor Ed007's bit of banter is suddenly picked up and scrutinised as a major hint! Look out for being quoted in days to come - "well Ed007 said there'd be tears".

I love it!!

17 Jul 2015 07:38:49
I def am! haha thanks really don't want anyone decent to go!

thanks for the reply and keep up the great work!

16 Jul 2015 23:36:24
Very sad news about Brian Hall a true gentleman and key payer for us in the early 70's. RIP Brian YNWA

17 Jul 2015 01:17:27
Intelligent bloke too RIP Bamber.

17 Jul 2015 08:15:40
Totally shocked to hear that. Wonderful guy, clever, great player and a fantastic servant of the club. Never forgotten. YNWA.