Liverpool Banter Archive February 18 2018

 

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18 Feb 2018 22:46:13
Just to start, I'm not saying anyone who disagrees is wrong, as i would genuinely like to hear the reasoning behind people thinking we need to sign multiple right/ left backs.

We already have Gomez, Clyne, Randall, Flanagan, Arnold, Whelan, Robertson, Moreno, Gallagher and Lewis all playing or expecting to play senior football now or in the near future. Not that quantity means quality, but we're clearly overstocked.

That is 6 right backs aged 20-26 and 4 left backs aged 18-25.

Considering the only players there certain to leave are Flanagan, Randall and possibly Clyne, i don't even see where a new signing fits in for sure. Clyne is average, Randall has found his level in Scotland and Flanagan has been blighted by injury and controversy. I think we still have some good options though.

I like Gomez in particular. He is still very young and for me, his only significant weakness is his tendency to lose flight of balls over his head. That is a weakness that is only occassionally exposed at right back, but it will be seriously exploited if he moved to centre back in a back 4. For that reason, i don't think he is ready for regular football at centre back, but he is far too talented not to play most weeks. In Gomez we have a real top talent and his ability to play at centre back also allows us to tactically shift to a back 3 within a game. He is still young enough to be playing u21 football, so we've got plenty of time to blood him into the centre back role. No need to rush and shatter his career when the lynch mob get on his back.

In Arnold we have another top young player who is improving defensively every week, and offers more than Gomez offensively. Yes, he will likely move to midfield in the future, but he has plenty of time and can cover at right back for as long as he's at the club (which should be 15 years plus, touch wood) .

Corey Whelan is similar to Gomez in that he can play right back or centre back, and he's currently getting his first experience of senior football on loan at Yeovil having played the first half of the season as the u23's captain. He is a highly rated player but i have no idea whether he is in the future plans. Probably another loan next year i would think.

Robertson is a real tenacious work man. I like him a lot. He is still only young, and he's only been in the team for 2 months. I cannot justify calling for his head after 2 months, even if his crossing is inconsistent and he gets caught in no mans land defensively at times. He has shown he is a really hard working player, gas shown real pace and desire on the overlap, and he loves getting stuck in. I won't write him off until he has had a fair chance and 2 months is not fair. He has had some fantastic performances in that time. He just needs to be taught to look up before crossing, and when to press and when to drop off. All very reasonable things for a young player.

Moreno is an enigma. I get that. He started this season fantastically and everyone thought it was his turning point. Yes, he had a shocker against Sevilla and got injured soon after, and yes he had a terrible game against West Brom when he returned. He is still a model pro though who wants to succeed here and puts in more effort than most, added to having very good natural abilities. Ultimately, he has had plenty of time, and has failed to deliver consistently though. Therefore i would not be surprised to see him leave despite his mini-revival.

Tony Gallacher has literally just been signed and we reportedly had to fight off some major competition to get him. He's already been playing first team football for over a year for Falkirk, and he's gone straight into first team training at Liverpool. So i would not be at all shocked if he is in the first team plans for next season for cup games and injury cover. If he isn't, the club are in danger of becoming a joke with a reputation of ruining careers by stockpiling young players (Ilori, Grujic, Markovic etc) . If he won't get even a handful of chances, then he should have been allowed to stay in Scotland where he was getting plenty.

Lastly is Adam Lewis who is regarded by a handful of people as one of the brightest talents at the club. I think he'll end up as a left winger or midfielder eventually, but he is an incredibly gifted footballer who is making his name currently at left back. He is rapidly progressing through the ranks and he should be knocking on the door next season too. I think he might go out on loan initially to be honest though.

I have no qualms with Gomez and Robertson being first choice for next season. Both are good players who the coaches should be able to work with. They are young and have great natural ability, but need a handful of weaknesses ironing out. If that isn't possible, I'd suggest it is the coaching staff that need improving.

Assuming Clyne, Flanagan, Randall and Moreno leave we then have Arnold, Whelan, Gallagher and Lewis who can compete for the right to be back ups, substitute options or go on loan for further experience.

I just can't see the need to rush and buy someone unless Robertson or Gomez are leaving, or unless Gomez is moving to centre back next season.

I'm very interested to hear why others feel we should replace Gomez or Robbo. I think it is far too early myself. It would be very trigger happy in my opinion and Arnold and Gallacher in particular are adequate cover for me. There really is no point having good young players if you want to have a mountain of older players in reserve to block them from even getting a chance.

So my question is not 'do you think we need more full backs? '. It is clear a lot of people do and i can't tell them they're wrong on a subjective matter. My question is 'why do you think we do? ' I've made my case and it's only fair i listen to yours now with an open mind. I agree that our options aren't top quality right now, but there is some serious potential there though, and Gomez and Robbo are both only in their first full seasons in the first XI and i think they need to be given another year in a more stable defence before we make a final judgement.

I'm just attempting to spark a friendly discussion to hopefully help liven up this boring week without a Liverpool game!

Believable6 Unbelievable13

18 Feb 2018 23:15:39
Whilst I'm not of the view we need any fullbacks this summer there is a general argument that if there is a better player, for any position, out there we should be considering whether we can bring them in.

Moreno will never be the level we want, Robertson is a long way from being the finished article and Gomez and TAA are both our of position. Fullback is definitely a position we could improve via the transfer market.

Having said that there's three or four other players we need before we need a new full back hence why I'm happy to use our current players next season.


19 Feb 2018 00:36:21
With the attacking threat our team has, a lot of teams tend to sit back narrow and compact. We have the chance to use wide areas taken up by our "wing" backs. Unfortunately we don't have anyone that can consistently put a decent ball in. TAA is the best at it, and far from perfect. The left side is dire in this aspect. I have no idea who fits the mould, but if there is someone out there, i would like LFC to go for them.

If there is nobody, i agree, and think we should use the players we have. Hopefully players like Robertson and the younger kids can work more on the crossing part of their game. Could save us a lot of money in the market to be used elsewhere.


19 Feb 2018 00:38:16
I agree mk. If a top top rb becomes available and Clyne is shipped out the I can understand that but it isn't an area we are weak in. Midfield needs a couple of creative players and maybe gk if Karius fails to impress. Saying that he has impressed me recently.


19 Feb 2018 00:43:54
Moreno has had some excellent performances this season, just don't play him against seville!
Robertson is a great little left back. Liverpool fans are the only people I ever hear who don't think we have a very decent little left back in Robertson.
Gomez taa and Clyne can all do a job. To get players better than the full backs we have would cost big money. Robertson is the best lb since risse left.


19 Feb 2018 00:56:36
Preso makes a great point. If we are going to play with these attacking wing backs that expose our defence, we should at least get some benefit from it.
Robertson to date (apart from against Porto) has shown he can't cross and Moreno has been hit and miss. If either can show that they can consistently put in a decent cross from now to the end of the season, than there is no need for another left back.

Or we can change the system and have less attacking full backs and therefore be less exposed.


19 Feb 2018 01:12:16
I agree with much of what you say MK, but a lot of the players you mention are aspiring players rather than first team ready. Of those that are ready, you have Robertson, Moreno, Gomez and TAA IMO.

At left back I agree we’re OK, with Robertson performing well and Moreno a decent alternative, and Gallacher and Adam Lewis potential challengers in a year or two. No-one has completely owned the spot but I love Robbos desire and he looks reasonably solid in defence, with potential to improve in attack with a bit more clinical last touch.

RB is a bit trickier. I agree I like Gomez there, but I do think there is an opportunity to improve the overall squad and move Gomez to replace Matip and get in a top FB in his place.

I agree Gomez has made 3 mistakes in the air, but I think he’ll actually do better at CB in this regard than FB. CBs stand a lot closer to their players, whereas at FB he was typically getting caught out by the long diagonal into the very wide player who has a lot more space to move into, plus he’ll have VVD to cover. I would therefore move Gomez into CB to backup Lovren, as he’s already better than Matip IMO.

We can then get in a top new FB who can play both sides. Someone who will really make a difference to our defence while also adding something in attack. TAA is very close but when he’s ready to start full time at he top level, that player can then either switch to LB if he’s better than Robbo, or TAA can start to get more game time in midfield.

In short, I agree with Putney that it’s really a luxury signing to improve the overall squad, but it would save us needing another CB to replace Matip and improve us in both positions IMO.


19 Feb 2018 02:13:42
the most important position according to me is the defensive midfield. if henderson is not playing or unfit we don't have anyone who can play in that position. FB are ok for us they are not the best in the world but they are good. and MK i don't think we should be counting all those kids in the same bracket as seniors FB as its unfair for them and the team and i totally agree that if there is someone who is available for the RB or the LB position and they are an upgrade over what we have we should try for them
on a side note I don't undertsand the obsession we have with Gomez as a future CB he has been awful in few games and decent in others he has been directly resposible for letting the opponent loose at multiple times ( as sanchez did to hom against arsenal) so i don't see him as a good option in CB position atleast not for the next few years.


19 Feb 2018 02:35:46
Clyne can't do a job though mate, not for us he can't he's bloody useless.

I disagree on your opinion of Robertson supersalah, the lad has potential but he's nowhere near what he could be if he got his head down, stopped trying so hard and concentrated a little more, I overall like what I see but I don't see him improving anymore. I want him to of course because I do believe there's something there but I think what we are seeing is what we're going to get. Ed1 said the other day he hoped he wouldn't get rotated because that's the last thing he needed and that I do agree with, he may surprise me and do better we shall see, I hope he does.

There's just something telling me, with Robertson been played a lot and Moreno suddenly having a decent season to start off with, with him having competition it'd be interesting to see how he would be now, I mean I still stand by keeping Robertson in the starting 11 but should he bugger up we need to stick Moreno in and give him another go because before his injury he impressed me, now he'd have to fight for his place, this would interest me to see how he'd perform because in my opinion, both players are decent, not great but decent. If I had to choose between Moreno the first half of the season or Robertson, it'd be Moreno for me. Robertson just isn't cutting it at all but I do hope we stick by him and he can hopefully prove doubters like myself wrong.


19 Feb 2018 03:58:13
Can't wait to see Adam Lewis break into the first team squad. Seen him at an U18 game and he has an absolute wand of a left foot. His crosses were superb and 9/ 10 picked out a man in the box.


19 Feb 2018 08:38:00
Interesting replies. Seems like the general consensus is that whilst it's not a priority, we could strengthen there if the right player becomes available. I think that's a fair argument to be honest.

On the width issue, i think we should play Ox on the right side of the midfield 3, and hopefully if he signs, Lemar on the left of the midfield 3. That way they can pull into wide areas as they are both very good at crossing the ball.

I know it's not the modern way, but I'd prefer my full backs to stay back unless there is a clear opportunity to advance. Even then it should only be one at a time for me. Our lack of crossing ability, for me comes from the fact we play inverted wingers and the players usually going on the overlap are Can, Milner, Lallana or Gini. Gini cannot cross at all, Can put in a few good crosses at Huddersfield but that was out of character, Lallana is actually decent but he's always injured, and Milner is getting on and lacks intelligence to consistently make the overlapping run.

I don't think it should be 100% down to the full backs to provide the width. Gomez is being told to stay back tactically, but Arnold and Robbo get forward at will and they've both shown that they have the ability to put in a fantastic cross. They just need to get their head up and pick someone out.

Cheers for the replies though everyone. It's helped me to understand why some people want new full backs. Though i still think we should give it another season with what we have.

PS. I'm really excited regarding Adam Lewis too, Gordy. He looks class.


19 Feb 2018 10:49:36
Good post mk. How about we put Robertson on the right. Robertson's energy is what earns his place on the team sheet but alas, not much else is top class so if he's put in the right his attributes won't really change too much. I think he makes the players around him raise their game which- when you look at the talent at the club and the terrible attitude against lower teams, it's invaluable. I don't mind his average crossing. I just wish he was stronger in the tackle and read the defensive game a but more. I think he's too old to vastly improve but with a little cover from midfield I think we'd be alright. There would certainly be great pace from both flanks.


19 Feb 2018 10:42:00
Not having a go at Scottish footy but how good is it compared to say the championship? Is playing for Falkirk mean its going to be a bigger step up for Gallagher?


19 Feb 2018 10:45:39
If you are pinning hopes on kids to take us through the entire next season then you are delude. We have no width whatsoever and that is a real struggle playing against compact teams. People now arguing about the quality of the midfield were the ones happy with them in the beginning.
Gomez is a terrible RB. He has shown nothing so far to suggest else. He can't cross and intact he barely cross the half way line. Due to our piss poor full backs Klopp is forced to either pkay CM as wide RW or Wingers to play traditional wide players.


19 Feb 2018 10:53:57
I think a big part of the issue is that our full backs need to be very mature and intelligent as well as talented to succeed. They are so vital to providing width moving forward, but they need to be able to read the game and know when they can push and when they have to be back - we can't afford someone else needing to tell them all the time.

That makes it very hard to tell whether any of the young players will make the grade as it's so hard to judge in U23 matches, which are much more forgiving - especially to the most talented players who will have time nad space to recover from mistakes that they just won't get in the first XI. It also means that they will likely need much more time to prepare for a first XI role - full backs seem amongst the youngest positions in most teams and the most likely for young players to break through, but the level of intelligence that ours will need to show may end up reversing that.

I think it's likely that even if some of the 18-20 yo's look good, they will take a lot longer to prepare than we hope and a first class solution for the immediate turn will still be required to give them that time. What I agree with is that we have enough talent coming through in those areas that are earning their chance that buying young talent that needs to grow is pointless, we need peak ability and proven experience or it's pointless and we may as well get started on the up and coming players early.


19 Feb 2018 13:42:27
Anyone doubting gomez as a cb must have missed England Brazil. He owned Neymar and co.


19 Feb 2018 15:13:08
great post MK, I don't think its a priority to target full backs for next season, I am sure that Gomez and TAA will both cover right back, and Robbo the left back, all three are young, and are improving with every game,
what we should take into account is that now having VVD at centre back, he is bringing composure to our Keeper and back four, hence the clean sheets,
we should have played TAA V Swansea, bringing more width, we really lacked something in that game, and I hope that we learn from that defeat,
I would stick with the young present full backs, as they will surely get better, and concentrate on building a great midfield , were we are lacking right now .


20 Feb 2018 00:52:25
One of Robertson's Best attributes is his crossing ability. I don't understand people who don't think he can cross.


18 Feb 2018 22:07:21
Evening all. Just re watched the match and it fills me with confidence in our chances in the champions league. I know our defence isn't solid and we will concede but psg and real defences aren't impenetrable by far. Not comparing us to them as that's not the point of this post. I just think that although our performances in Europe will make other teams take notice of us they still can't play us with a game plan to park buses as it's knockout competition. So as long as teams attack us we will get opportunities and right now I can't see a deadlier front 3 in Europe. And I'm not saying that with red tinted glasses either. Kindly shoot me down if you feel otherwise or let me know your thoughts on our prospects.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

{Ed0333's Note - Two issues lead me to believe we can’t win the competition. Our midfield isn’t of standard and we are an inexperienced team. Can we game manage a semi final or even a final? I hope I’m wrong and such is the rich tapestry of football anything can happen. After all Everton scored against us at Anfield this season.

18 Feb 2018 22:42:33
Before everyone gets carried away about winning the CL just remember what happened after we beat Man City. Secondly we are yet to play a top side in CL yet. Of course that’s not our fault and we’ve beaten who we’ve been given but why can’t people get a bit of perspective. Our front 3 is the only part of our team which is high quality. The rest is not. Just read back at your own comments over the last 12 months. Unless improve considerably we are going to get found out and the likes of Can, Robertson, Matip and Milner are not going to make anyone lose any sleep. For now let’s focus on beating West Ham and Newcastle.


18 Feb 2018 22:50:02
I feel we can take any team over two legs but the final would be a lot about game management whiciv we seem to struggle with. Let's hope our boys and manager prove us wrong and go all the way and win the thing.


19 Feb 2018 00:09:52
we have our weaknesses like any team. as much as we need to keep perspective after wins like vs porto, we need to also not over scrutinize things if / when we get dumped out of the comp. we are right in it and have every chance to go as far as anyone!

on another point, our midfield is the concern for me. still easy to turn them all around. hendo, milner, gini all guilty of over-pressing vs porto and leaving our defence exposed. couple chances came from those moments and on another day Porto score those goals. anyways, it's all to play for!

exciting huh!?


19 Feb 2018 00:13:46
I know exactly what you mean ed. If we were able to hold onto leads and see games out we would be second easy. And probably within a realistic striking distance of city. This is something you need to be able to do to won ucl. It has been better since Vvd came in but still, when we try to park a bus we always collapse. 2 0 leads don't feel safe like they should. We can apply pressure with the best of them but we can't take it. I still think we have a shout. If we play all super attacking teams in our run to final. Also, we do look more steady with Vvd. I harbour a hope.


19 Feb 2018 00:50:29
Our attack is lethal. If our midfield play like they did against City and our back four can continue to develop with VVD and Karius now in the team, we could get there. I think it will come down to Klopp's selections and substitutions on a game by game basis.


{Ed0333's Note - our midfield have to play like they did against City in the League at least 6 more times in the Champions League. I’m not sure they have that in them. I’m not being negative just a realist. Im the first one to admit that I besmirch this midfield on a regular basis and I would gladly eat humble pie if they won the damn thing.

19 Feb 2018 02:16:37
100% agree with with Razor. Lfc fans gets too excited too easily and then the team let's us down. just like they did at Swansea and West brom. i am not confident about the team until they win.


19 Feb 2018 02:40:56
You never know with the Champions League. Logic tends to go out of the window in these big games and players can play out of their skin. I do worry for the player's nerves, but going far in the competition is bound to give the team and Klopp essential experience. I think we have the quality to go all the way, but our midfield needs to be playing like their lives depend on it.

If we make the Semis I'd be delighted, it's a great platform to build on.

Deep down I know we're going to go all the way and win it, it's what Liverpool do in the CL, eh?


19 Feb 2018 09:19:17
The 2005 team didn't have much CL experience so i wouldn't worry so much about that but our midfield as Ed says is pretty weak.

Saying that, back in 2005 we had some players that had not right to be playing in a CL final and we somehow still won. I guess on our day we could beat anyone in a final but we could also go 2 up and get beat.


19 Feb 2018 09:58:00
You don't get to play like we did against city in the champions league later stages.

It's very tactical. Not open and all guns blazing, fast sweeping football.

You need to get your foot on the ball and start little 5 yard passes to take the sting out of the game or draw the opposition onto you and our team just cannot do that.


19 Feb 2018 09:58:00
You don't get to play like we did against city in the champions league later stages.

It's very tactical. Not open and all guns blazing, fast sweeping football.

You need to get your foot on the ball and start little 5 yard passes to take the sting out of the game or draw the opposition onto you and our team just cannot do that.


19 Feb 2018 10:41:33
We have a high high class defender in Vvd. We have some high class cms, Hendo for one. If our forward line we're the only high class part of lfc it would have been 5 4 not 5 0.


19 Feb 2018 10:52:07
I can help but feel we will be over runned in midfield if we meet big guns . Imagine Coutinho, Iniesta, Busquet vs Hendo Milner Can. They will literally walk through our midfield. Or if RM Casemiro, Modric, Kroos vs Wij, Ox, Can.


19 Feb 2018 13:51:54
Don't write our midfield off too easily. It's not a four man, game dominating midfield it is a dynamic protection for the back four, that quickly passes the ball onto the forwards.

In the games against the top boys I expect firmino to drop deep and help out if our boys get over run.


19 Feb 2018 17:27:16
I think a reality check is needed. This is our first season back in the CL did years and we have played Moscow, Seville and Porto. Which one of those teams are serious CL contenders? Which one of those teams would give Real, PSG or Barcelona any real trouble? Get real guys. Yes we may eventually do well, but you cannot seriously use what we’ve seen as a barometer of success against the very best. I suggest we focus on getting 3 points against West Ham abd Newcastle first.


18 Feb 2018 09:39:09
The way I see this coming summer window

Replacement for Can
Replacement for Mignolet
Definitely a CB
Definitely another forward
Possibly a right back

Keita is already done. Room will need to be made in the squad. Clyne most likely on his way and whether we are going to see Lallana or Milner sticking around is also another thing to ponder about.

Then there is also Gomez, will Klopp keep him or go on loan/ permanent move?

Please keep Trent though, this kid is going places!

Believable2 Unbelievable22

18 Feb 2018 09:52:01
I can't see us getting rid of Gomez in any way shape or form.

I'd rather us get a RB in instead of a CB, Gomez can go to the middle, TAA can move upto midfield and be cover for RB if needed. I'm not bothered about getting another forward I'd rather us get a solid CM to partner Keita. Hopefully Migs is out and we get a solid replacement.


18 Feb 2018 09:54:40
Why the question mark around Gomez?
The kid has done brilliantly, whilst being played out of position.
Another season or 2 at right back and back up centre back should suit him fine.
Personally, I like him at right back, making a back 3 when Robertson gets forward. It’s giving him experience.


18 Feb 2018 10:16:46
Gomez is probably in the top 3 defenders at the club, and the best U21 we've had for as long as i can remember. The only question is whether he plays right back or centre back.


18 Feb 2018 10:30:22
RB - Yes, Gomez can either move to CB or loan.

CB - I guess Klopp would buy one. No idea what happens to Gomez then

LB - Big yes. Moreno can go. 4 years and pretty much on the same level of Mignolet. Robertson can stay as a back up!

CM- Oh yes. A must needed one

Winger - Yes, The front three won’t survive 60 games and the back ups are no where near to the front three. A top clsss Winger would give us options and balance when one of the front three is out of injury or rest ( Coutinho scored 8 goals and 7 assist ) last season which need to be replaced by a winger. I don’t see our CM scoring a goal!


18 Feb 2018 10:54:32
For me, we either sign a right back a play Gomez alongside Virgil, or we sign a centre back and keep Gomez at right back. My money is on a centre back to be honest.

I will be genuinely disgusted if we don't get the best out of Gomez though. He clearly has everything needed to be a Liverpool great and play in our back 4 for the next 10-15 years.

On a left back, if we sell Moreno I'd just make Robbo first choice. We have 2 sensational young talents in Tony Gallacher and Adam Lewis who are both 19 next season (same age as TAA) . Lewis is arguably the best player in the academy right now and Gallacher was just signed from a team he was already playing first team football for. Wouldn't surprise me if Moreno stays though. He clearly loves it here, so it just depends how willing he is to fight for his place.

On a midfielder, i think we need a power house like Doucoure, but Klopp seemingly favours Kerem Demirbay or a player of that ilk.

We'll probably also target Thomas Lemar again in my opinion, and Keylor Navas seems to be a big target.

Klopp has never made wholesale changes in any window, so i expect more of the same. Navas, a centre back, Demirbay and Lemar would be a decent window depending on the quality of the centre back!


18 Feb 2018 10:58:58
I might of mis read but did you say Gomez to leave on loan or permanent transfer?
our most consistent defender this whole season in no way shape or form can leave Liverpool next season or the seasons after that.


18 Feb 2018 11:17:02
You need to create space in the squad for all these new players.

Lovren recently got a new 5yr deal. He has a good chance of succeeding alongside VVD.
I always say playing CB is about playing as a partnership. Lovren needs time to forge a partnership with VVD before he is binned.
We have Lovren, VVD, Klavan, Matip and Gomez. Gomez is not going anywhere so if we’re after a new CB then it will be to replace either Klavan or Matip.

New signings all depend on who we can sell and who returns from loan. Personally I’d keep Origi if he is happy to be backup. That depends on whether we can sell Sturridge. Who else is leaving other than Emre? Question marks remain over Milner, Lallana, Clyne, Grujic and other loanees.

So in my opinion the positions we can most improve upon are goalkeeper and fullbacks.


18 Feb 2018 11:45:16
I’d expect Gomez will start getting more game time alongside Virgil. TAA looks like he’s developing quickly so he’ll be able to make RB his own. Perhaps another younger CB could be looked at with one or both of Lovren Matip moving on and Gomez stepping up. You do need 4 good CBs to compete.

I wouldn’t be surprised if a right back came in and that we continue to look at Sessegnon’s rise.

Clearly the priority is replacing Mignolet and solving our central midfield conundrum. Keita is a start but there’s more work to do there to add the balance. Personally I think we need a good mix - an Ndidi/ Torreira destroyer type and a Jorginho/ Dendoncker deep lying playmaker type. (I’ll assume that Milinkovic-Savic, Fabinho, Kroos, Thiago and Rabiot are out of our league) .

In attack i think we’re in good shape with Mane Salah Ox and Woodburn. Origi Ings Studge are likely to move on so we may need to look at a backup for Bobby. Solanke and Brewster will also need good development plans.


18 Feb 2018 12:01:18
Gomez is more a centre back than right back, did u see how well he performed against Brazil at centre back, an for a man not playing his normal position he has put in some very effective performances for us, he is still a novice like Trent Alexander an they are learning on the job gaining more experience an confidence with every game with us, why would we want too loan or sell him he is too good for us too let go.


18 Feb 2018 12:44:48
Our front 3 of Mane, Firmino and Salah are fantastic, but our backup options are all solid rather than game-changers. We would do well to get someone like Lemar who can cover the wings and can score goals/ cover set pieces (and also attacking midfield) .

Midfield is a tougher one. Our starting 3 of Hendo, Keita and presumably Lallana is strong, and Gini, Ox and Milner are very solid backups, but we’re lacking a bit of steel there IMO and a regular goal scorer. If we get Lemar that solves the goal scorer option if needed, but I’d love to see Ndidi or someone similar add some defensive steel and give Hendo some cover in the deep role.

In defence I’d like to see Gomez move to CB in place of Matip leaving us with VVD, Klavan at LCB and Lovren, Gomez at RCB. That’s fine if Lovren can eliminate his mistakes IMO, otherwise Gomez gets his chance to step up. LB I can live with Robertson/ Moreno, and RB we should get someone in to replace Clyne and add some senior experience. Ideally someone that can play LB too which would be good if TAA continues to develop into the role and ready to be a first team regular.

GK I think we should go for someone like Alisson. Spend what it takes IMO. If not available then give Karius and Ward the chance at no.1 and 2 and get an older experience GK the no.3 position.


18 Feb 2018 13:07:06
I should imagine quite a few of the squad players are playing for their futures from now until the end of the season. Some of them won't actually get many minutes to prove it either. As much as I like Ings, Solanke and Origi they are just not prolific enough. Our back up to the front 3 is not going to dislodge them and has to make the most of the minutes they get. We need someone in the mould of a Solkjaer or Hernandez who will 9 times out of 10 score when coming off the bench regardless of how many minutes they are getting.


{Ed002's Note - How many games have Ings and Solanke played in order to show they are not prolific enough? Liverpool haven't even got to a tribunal to be given a fee for the player because they are yet again dragging their heels. I suggest the standard Liverpool fan approach and to vandalise the stadium with abuse about the players - hate campaigns on Facebook.}

18 Feb 2018 13:13:25
I’d be shocked if Hendo is our first choice no6 next season, club captain or not. His body is failing him and that position is absolutely vital in a 433. We need to de-risk that position.

I’ll extend that concern to Lallana too. He’s been injured for at least half of his LFC career.

Time to improve the reliability and robustness of the squad.


18 Feb 2018 13:30:14
For me I’d love both Brandt and Lemar for midfield, but both still versatile enough to cover other positions.

Goalkeeper situation is if Karius does well why drop him, he seems to be getting better by the game for me. If he does do well and Klopp sees him as number one what kind of number would there be sign that would sit on the bench? We have Ward who could push Karius on further. Mignolet is a must to leave though.

Defence again is one that’s reliant on the rest of the season. Both Gomez and Arnold have done really well, both have shown their inexperience at times and both have cost us goals due to this, but they will both learn. Gomez does have the potential to be a great centre back but too soon could be too much. For me leave both at right back for another season. Lovren could also form a great partnership with Van Dijk and therefore I couldn’t see the club selling.

Left back for me we have done great in signing Robertson, but I would love us to sign Sessenogn of Fulham for left. I doubt it will happen but I do like the kid.


18 Feb 2018 13:57:33
I don't know why you have to be so crotchety Ed002. Jayden23 makes a fair point. Origi has been given loads of minutes in the past - not happening. Solanke has come off the bench a fair few times this season. I would never have signed him and he's been given more minutes that I would have given him. You would have expected him to get at least one goal in those appearances off the bench but he hasn't even done that. Ings is a difficult one. For me, before his injury he proved himself the be a decent Premier League striker. But ultimately he was signed in the Rodgers era when the standard of signings was a lot lower. He needs regular game time and patience and I don't think we can afford to give him that.

None of the other Eds react the way you do. I appreciate it's your website but I would suggest you save the snappy posts for someone posting genuine abuse.


{Ed002's Note - Origi is out on loan this season and is a young winger - hardly someone expected to be prolific. If you really expected Ings and Solanke to be "prolific" this season you clearly know near zip about the game at all. So as I say, use your power to abuse the owners on Twitter - we already know direct abuse of the primary owners wife by Liverpool fans gets his attention. Make it clear you want these wasters out of the club.}

18 Feb 2018 14:28:08
I think Origi was a great option of the bench, people forget some of his performances, owning the Dortmund defence, a scorcher against Everton, late equaliser against WBA.

Origi should be brought back if he’s willing to be backup, if not then let the lad go and build his career elsewhere.
Solanke is not getting a kick at the minute.


18 Feb 2018 15:36:14
I think Origi is a difficult one, he was on fire a couple of seasons ago and got badly injured I think against Everton just before the Europa cup final. I would love to see him back in the club fully fit and firing, he would be our supersub.


18 Feb 2018 18:13:10
You are right, We can’t bring in players without making room. We all thought ward would make the GK position his own. And where is the kid now? People need to lower their bar on some players and I am afraid Gomez has no future at RB and Klopp would be stupid to go into next season with only VVD as his preferred CB. Why isn’t Gomez getting a shot at CB now? We need a new RB and new LB. No denial of it! Someone has to make way for new players.

Klopp will look onto push from where we finish this season and if we are to challenge city ( realistically ) then some notable names would be shown the door.
The front three are brilliant. But the 4th player is average Lallana, AOC, Ings and Solanke wouldn’t score anywhere near to what Coutinho scored for us! The club did buy a few players who were not needed imo.
And I don’t even know what are the plans with Woodburn and Ojo.
Just my thought!


18 Feb 2018 18:17:01
How people can call for new cb after two clean sheets and the most expensive cb in history is beyond me. We are not lacking there. Perhaps we could use another forward but whoever it is will have go sit on the bench a lot when. I think we sill sign a big, tough cm to replace can and perhaps a courts replacement.


18 Feb 2018 18:30:56
I don't see klopp bringing on 7/ 8 new faces as the original post suggests. We have a good squad who we all agree can beat anyone on our day. Why risk that with a overhaul of the current squad. People have short memories. Last season, when we were challenging for top spot, Adam lallana was one of our best Players. He has been injured but let's get him back in, he is class.

I see summer transfers,

Keita
A rb to replace Clyne and perhaps free up taa and gomez to play in their natural positions.
And a top class creative player who can play in midfield or in front free.
And maybe a gk if Karius has a poor run in to the end of season. I'd much prefer Karius to prove the doubters wrong though.


18 Feb 2018 18:32:28
Ndidi, Dendoncker, Dacoure for midfield

Upfront Brandt, Forsberg, Pulisic.


18 Feb 2018 18:55:03
I ask the question all the time - who are the 20 / 21 yr old prolific strikers in the league or in the world? They need time to mature. Maybe in their mid 20s we can judge the likes of solanke and origi.


18 Feb 2018 20:39:33
I’d expect the below to certainly be leaving next window.

Can.
Mignolet.
Flannaghan.
Sturridge.
Origi.
Markovic.

Plus I’d expect some of these to leave but dependant on arrivals.

Clyne.
Ward.
Matip.
Klavan.
Moreno.
Milner.

I’d love both Brandt and Lemar to come in this summer. Would offer versatility, pace, creativity and goals to our midfield. Id expect a goalkeeper but could be to be a number two to Karius yet.

Defence for me depends on sales from above players leaving and where they play.


18 Feb 2018 21:35:32
Lol leekuanyew, where's the 300 odd million coming from for that lot.


18 Feb 2018 21:50:51
Gk will likely be signed - I’d love Oblak he’s quality, unlikely we’ll sign him so more likely we move for Alisson or Navas.
RB needed imo - just go and get pereira (Porto) he’s a good full back and offers so much going forward
CB - probably need unless Lovren or Matip can mould a good partnership with VVD. Wouldn’t be opposed to getting De Vrij
LB - for me I’m okay with Robbo and Moreno, again wouldn’t be opposed to sogining Sessegnon if we could agree a deal.
Deeper lying midfielder - needed and I’d like Dendoncker, if he can make the step up from Anderlecht he’d be a quality addition.
CM - either Keita coming in I’d be happy signing just Dendoncker on top we’d be sorted imo.
Winger - for me we need to get another winger in to provide cover for Mane/ Salah. Wouldn’t expect a world beater but I wouldn’t mind seeing Demari Gray, he lacks end product at times but he has pace and skill so would be a good impact sub imo.
Striker not needed. Ings and Solanke are good enough to be back up to bobby.
For my GK, RB, Holding mid, Winger and probs a CB will come in. Cb will only come in if Klavan and Matip/ Lovren leave.


19 Feb 2018 00:06:14
Lol den. Some people's expectations are crazy. No wonder they're never happy.

Everyone except a few liverpool fans can see we finally have a proper lb. Robertson has been great so far
Gomez is one of the hottest prospects in world football, why on earth would we even consider getting rid of?

Henderson has proved his doubters wrong this season, He is a classy no6, our captain and probably our best cm. Again, why would we get rid?
I understand milner as he is getting on but he is so good in Europe I'd like to keep him.

Getting rid of lallana is crazy and dangerous, selling him to spurs would give them a huge advantage, he is class.
I agree that sturridge has to go, too much wages for nothing.
Origi, I'm not sure, don't know if he has improved this year. Good back up cf or winger.

Migs should go and Clyne, but only Clyne if we buy a better rb than any we already have. I'd be perfectly happy to have taa as our rb with Clyne as back up

I understand people calling for cb but I don't think it will happen. I don't think we need it either. Lovren is so much better at rcb and I think he and Vvd have the makings of a great partnership. On the back of consecutive clean sheets i am more than willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.


18 Feb 2018 08:53:04
Progress has been made this season for me. Although we were knocked out of the League and FA Cup, we are starting to show signs of finally breaking into the top 4 again and that is along with looking pretty good in the CL and that was a worry for many on whether we will be able to keep up the pace in both competitions.

If we can push to finish 2nd in the League and try defeat all odds in the CL then let me tell you, this would turn out to be a great season.

First aim now obviously will be to secure CL qualification for next season. let's face it, we are not favourites to win the CL but make it to the CL final will put the cherry right on top. Fingers crossed.

Managers need to be consistent and although Klopp has failed to win silverware, took over from Rodgers when when we were left in nomansland 15/ 16 season whith a squad which was purchased in a candy shop.

Last season, Klopp's first full season, 4th, CL qualification.

This season we are currently 3rd, 2 points behind UTD and well on our way to the qauter finals of the CL.

If we were worse off than last season then by all means Klopp would have deserved to be a whipping boy.

Next season I really hold high hopes and believe Klopp will add the missing pieces to the puzzle to take us to the next level challenging all the way for the title.

FSG have given Klopp the backing he needs and will continue to do so.

Next season we can only hope that Klopp brings us the one thing we have been craving for well over two decades.

Believe!

Believable13 Unbelievable1

18 Feb 2018 10:01:12
Almost completely agree. But if you think we’re good enough to get to the champions league final then we’re good enough to win it!
The final is just one game, anything can happen and we already know that on our day we can go toe to toe with anyone.


18 Feb 2018 09:13:56
Completely agree, I think we’re a few signings away from a serious challenge and I don’t think those signings will be made in one window. Aslong as we can keep getting a top four finish and improve on that we’re moving in the right direction. Klondike made mistakes but I’m more than happy with him, wether we get the title with him or not we look better with him. Plus all those who say he’s failed as he told the owners he’d win the league in his first two seasons or whatever, who doesn’t exaggerate in job interviews. Can’t imagine the owners would of appointed someone if they told them the team was miles off a title challenge.


18 Feb 2018 09:16:30
For me Klopp has done a fantastic job and you cannot deny on our day we can beat anyone. There is not much difference between us, Spurs, Utd and Chelsea. All these teams have their different strengths and weakness's and the league table shows how close the 4 teams are. City have raised the bar though in the league and if they carry on the way they are then it's going to be neon impossible for other clubs to compete for the league title. 18 points and only 1 defeat is a massive gap and hopefully it is only a freakish one off season for them. As it stands the CL looks easier for us to win than the league.


18 Feb 2018 11:05:36
IMO the best two teams left in the CL is Man City and PSG. There is a fair chance PSG may go out. We have akready shown that on our day we can beat City.

At this stage of the CL, quite honestly anyone could win it (as shown in 2005!) . But that applies to every other team as well as us!


18 Feb 2018 12:17:44
I think we're getting a little carried away with the Porto win. Yes it was a great result but we haven't played anyone of considerable note in the CL, none of the big boys. Yes we beat city, but they also beat us 5-0. Over two legs that's a heavy loss, and we don't yet know how they compare to the bayerns, Madrids and barcelonas. One game at a time, let's get through this round and see who we face first.


18 Feb 2018 14:30:35
We need to win something this season so it will have to be the champions league 👍.


18 Feb 2018 15:23:39
Ron, we don’t need to win anything. The last thing we need to be is unrealistic as fans. I’m happy to see signs of progress, I’m also happy to have a decent run in the cl but that’s all I’m expecting. We’re not on the same level as Man City, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern so expecting us to win it is silly.
Ofcourse I’d be over the moon if we did but let’s be realistic with where we are as a team.


18 Feb 2018 18:24:50
Firmane, spot on.


18 Feb 2018 18:27:10
I think real Madrid put psg firmly in their place. The best teams are the spannish teams. City's European record is not as good as their league form, weren't they beat by shaktar doneskt this season. We can win the tournament. We can beat anyone. We are the 2nd best team in England, mot far behind city and probably 5th best team on ucl. I think we'll win it.


18 Feb 2018 20:23:32
Great points made on this thread, guys. I agree with the notion that we have indeed made progress under Klopp esp. judging by where we were when he came to us which was frankly, NOWHERE and the mess BR left is still being fixed by Klopp till this day. See Markovic.

As for winning something or needing to win something, you have to be able to compete w/ your rivals before you can aspire to win something. When Klopp came here, we were 11th and stuck on neutral with BR running his mouth all day about how cool he is as LFC manager, blaming everyone else for our woes. We finished 8th that season behind wait for it, WH and Saints in 6th and 7th. Yeah, that happened.

What did Klopp do? He first of all cleared out those who don't fit the way we play and then, got us playing great but not perfect football which in the end got us CL footie ahead of Arsenal and Utd (via the PL), teams we were nowhere near when he came. Now tho we had our issues at the start and after the Spurs loss, we hit rock bottom BUT Klopp dragged us out of it and tho things could have been better, we are 3rd and TOTALLY crushing it in the CL.

My point is that now, we are smack in the middle of competing with teams wde were miles behind of when he arrived within two full seasons (that is a credit to him and the players in itself) and the next step is to WIN. We are ahead of Arsenal and neck and neck w/ Spurs, Chelsea and Utd. Again, UNTHINKABLE when Klopp arrived here. We don't need to win anything this year BUT that does not mean we will not try our best. Why? Klopp is a winner and has the trophy cabinet and finals appearances to prove his pedigree as a relentless competitor with a will to win. Patience and optimism and we WILL get there, IMO.


{Ed002's Note - Klopp has had nothing whatsoever to do with Markovic and if anything has made matters worth by sending a totally unfit player out on loan.}

18 Feb 2018 22:15:18
city were beaten in europe when there was nothing on the line.

We've already gone further in the CL than we have since Rafa was here and we are right in the race to secure top 4 for a consecutive season.

looks like progress to me.


19 Feb 2018 00:01:54
Pegleg,

“We don’t need to win anything”

Of course we do, coz we are Liverpool and not Arsenal or Spurs. Success is measured by trophies. If not this season we need to show something next season!


19 Feb 2018 12:29:31
Harry, I agree on the point we need to win things however let’s be honest we’re by no means the best team in the cl but anything is possible. My point was let’s not say we need to win the cl or this years been a failure because if we get a top four finish again in my eyes that’s progression something we’ve lacked for years. Next season I’d be expecting us not only get a top for but to challenge for the title with the right signings and hopefully win some silver wear. I don’t think we have a squad with enough depth at the moment to walk the league like city but I don’t think we’re far off.


19 Feb 2018 13:00:16
Den82, obviously I am talking about either one or 2 of them, not all of them when I mention:

Ndidi, Dendoncker, Dacoure for midfield

Upfront Brandt, Forsberg, Pulisic.


Review Of The Day 18th February 2018

18 Feb 2018 05:30:04
{Ed's Note - Tris Burke has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 18th February 2018

Believable3 Unbelievable0

18 Feb 2018 07:54:02
Brill, cheers ed mate.


{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.}

18 Feb 2018 08:22:48
The earthquake was mad, I was in uni and the table I was sitting on jumped and I looked around and saw the walls vibrating, then security came and evacuated everyone, luckily it was a small one so the only damage I could see was someone lost a cup of water.


 
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