Liverpool Banter Archive November 01 2016

 

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01 Nov 2016 23:11:44
Hi Eds and fellow Reds, this is my first time posting but i have a daily reader since 2008.Reading peoples diverse views fascina When and if i need any info about my beloved LFC, i look no further than this site. Reading peoples views of Ed's i hold your opinion, analysis and general imput in high regard and really.

Believable5 Unbelievable1

02 Nov 2016 01:23:16
Welcome mate.


01 Nov 2016 21:59:44
I cannot wait for the game against City. It would be Goals gallore. Two of the best attacking outlets against each other.
KDB vs Coutinho
Aguero vs Firmino
Silva vs Lallana
Sterling vs Mane.

Congrats to city for a brilliant win tonight.

Believable6 Unbelievable9

02 Nov 2016 12:35:32
*puts money on a 0-0 *

😉.


01 Nov 2016 20:53:06
Hi ed 1 I've seen a lot of people are reminicing of the rafa days etc so thought i'd ask about the champ league final 2005 unfortunatly i was only 12 at time and can rememeber watching it but how good were the actual ac milan team we beat compared to the Liverpool team? And was it as big a miracle as its made out to be of we compare the actual two teams?

Believable2 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - they were good, but far from great. They could be brilliant, but they were mentally weak and prone to folding when under pressure, as they showed in the second half, when we tore them apart until the equaliser was scored. After that, Rafa's bottle went and we sat back and let them come at us again.

Personally I don't think it was a miracle really, it was purely because we were 3-0 down at half-time and looked dead and buried. They were the better team, on paper, by a distance, but along with being mentally weak, they also had a dodgy keeper, which always leaves you in danger of conceding.

We also had Gerrard and Carragher at their peak, Steve Finnan was excellent and Xabi Alonso is one of the best midfielders of recent times, so we always had a chance. I have always believed we should have beaten them in normal time, as they were far too weak in central midfield, with only Gattuso in there offering any kind of protection to the defence for most of the game. Pirlo is a passenger unless they have the ball and Kaka is the same, for me Rafa showed them far too much respect.}

01 Nov 2016 21:57:15
What were the significant changes to the Milan side from 2005 to 2007 Ed01?


{Ed001's Note - age mainly. Sad thing is we deserved to win that one as we were the better team, just lacked the ability to finish off our chances, plus wingers with the intelligence to look up before crossing, rather than just hitting it in there.}

01 Nov 2016 22:01:47
The only thing I can say there ed is rather than rafas bottle going its more imagine getting back to 3-3 and then it going 4-3 to them. Yes we had them on the ropes, yes we could of scors but there isn't many who would of kept going after getting back.


{Ed001's Note - actually most managers would have gone for the 4th. It is not usual to leave a team to recover.}

01 Nov 2016 23:03:26
They had conceded something like 2 goals in Serie A in 4 months. They were defensively very strong.


01 Nov 2016 23:32:56
Bringing hamann on at half time made a bog difference he was brilliant on the night.


02 Nov 2016 00:31:31
Crespos 2 goals were top top class.
A natural finisher if there is such a thing.


01 Nov 2016 22:05:30
Always thought 2007 should have been ours. Disagree with you Ed01 on 2005. That was the best Milan side of the decade. That back 4 plus Kaka and Gattuso and up front Crespo and Schevchenko. They were just brilliant.


{Ed001's Note - the back four were not at their peak and were constantly exposed by Pirlo's non-attempts to provide any protection and they were always suspect to being attacked as they would fold mentally. One thing Ancelotti has always struggled with is getting his teams to be mentally strong, which is why he wins so few league titles comparatively. Kaka was possibly the most over-rated player of all time, as he showed when he completely failed at Madrid. He was too interested in his church and didn't care about football enough.}

01 Nov 2016 22:42:45
To be fair ed, don't think anyone thought we could've knocked three or more past the incredible defence Milan had (think it was Cafu, Stam, Nesta and Maldini) .


{Ed001's Note - it was also a defence not at its best. They were all on the way out.}

01 Nov 2016 23:19:44
Ed001, you weren't a fan of Kaka? Always thought he was top class, great to watch and in his peak when he played against us in both 2005 and 2007. Went downhill from there for him though.


{Ed001's Note - he was nothing special, he had pace and strength, but he was typical of that era of Brazilians, lacking in that real flair, instead opting for physicality.}

02 Nov 2016 09:26:29
Ed001! I can't believe what I'm reading! In the years I've been reading this site I have never disagreed with an opinion of yours, but to say the mid 2000's Milan team was just OK is shocking!

If there was such a thing as 'Team of the Generation' there would be 5 players from that team who would walk onto it; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Seedorf and Shevchenko. I would say only Stevie G and Roy Keane keep Pirlo out of the CM positions.

The only player they had who I could never fathom why they keep around so long was Diddi (sorry Dida) . Complete bombscare! I guess they thought their defence was so good it didn't matter who was in goal. Or his dirty jokes were so good they all wanted him on the team bus! Could be either.

Do you remember him feigning being punched in the face by a fan who patted him on the back at Celtic Park? Hilarious!


{Ed001's Note - Pirlo is ridiculously over-rated. Never understood the deal about that lazy get who required two players to cover for him, even though he was stood right there anyway. He was a luxury player who was great in the Italian league, purely because the level was so low. Sheva was nowhere near as good as made out, hence his struggles at Chelsea. Cafu and Maldini were past their best, though Maldini was still great at centre half, at left back he could be exposed by then. The point is, they had great players, rather than a great team.

By the way, I never said they were just OK, so learn to read before criticising an opinion. They only won one league title, so how can they be considered great? Great teams win trophies. They did not win enough to deserve the adulation you are giving them. By the way, Xabi Alonso was a thousand times the deep lying playmaker Pirlo was, he could also protect the defence.}

02 Nov 2016 12:37:23
Fair enough Ed, although I wouldn't mind a 35 year old Maldini in our defence currently! Just curious, out of the back 4 Milan had at their peak under Sacchi, which one would you prefer? Think it consisted of Maldini, Baresi, Costacurta and Tassotti.


{Ed001's Note - without any question at all, Baresi. I absolutely loved him as a player.}

02 Nov 2016 13:02:32
I always rated Crespo as a top player.


02 Nov 2016 14:27:09
Baresi is the CB everyone wanted to be. in fact, the Milan back four was legendary.


03 Nov 2016 12:08:12
Ed001, no need to throw a hissy fit.

Shevchenko won the Ballon d'or in 2004, effectively rating him the best player in Europe at the time of the 2005 CL Final. He didn't do it at Chelsea, you are completely right on that point, but you have said on numerous occasions that some players aren't suited to the style of play in certain teams or leagues, it doesn't mean their bad players. Look at Ian Rush at Juve. The man's a legend! One of the greatest strikers in the history of the world's greatest club!

Bergkamp was awful at Inter, so was Henry at Juve. Just sayin!


{Ed001's Note - Ballon D'Or? That is just crap, meaningless bauble, does no such thing at all. Serie A was crap at the time, that was why he stood out there. As for hissy fit, what on earth? Are you 5? That is the kind of moronic reply that is annoying and makes me just delete a reply without even reading it. If I was annoyed or throwing a strop, I would have just deleted your post, I wouldn't have wasted time replying to it. Which I won't bother again if you are going to be as pathetic in future as to make childish accusations because I don't mince words in a reply, as I don't have the time to sit and compose it nicely.}

01 Nov 2016 20:03:21
Y does the referees always favors Barcelona. More like Uefalona.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - even the Spanish commentators are saying that.}

01 Nov 2016 20:11:14
Ever since that glorious night at Stamford bridge, it's mostly public now.


01 Nov 2016 20:15:55
I cannot believe this crap. That was a penalty.
Without MSN this team wouldn't beat southampton. A worst assembled team who have the best strike force on the planet.


01 Nov 2016 20:28:13
How I wish we need a player like Fernandinho besides Henderson. The lad is top class.


01 Nov 2016 21:09:05
City should have scored about 6 in this second half, ridiculous game.


01 Nov 2016 21:25:33
Who cares. Any Liverpool news?


01 Nov 2016 21:48:41
Exactly my thoughts Annie.


01 Nov 2016 22:26:23
Can't we be fans of football as well as Liverpool? I love the club but I genuinely enjoy watching football as well and a perfect weekend for me would be sitting in and watching as much of the weekend premier league games as possible if the Mrs would allow it haha!

The game tonight was very enjoyable and it was a pleasant surprise to see a Premier League side put in a good Champions League performance for once!


01 Nov 2016 22:33:30
Spot on, Annie and Lfc16. This is a Liverpool blog. Don't really care for City nor Barca.


01 Nov 2016 23:04:57
And mine, not fussed about Arsenal or City. Let them both get to the semis and shaft their league form.


02 Nov 2016 00:34:00
Sterling was so poor tonight that he's been devalued.
He's now called Raheme Euro.


02 Nov 2016 08:30:50
Dermot, the way things are, going from Sterling to Euro may soon be an upgrade!


02 Nov 2016 13:07:46
Tks Macko
you're right.
Thankfully our squad is valued in
23 Carra gold.


01 Nov 2016 19:53:47
Hi eds and reds
As you know, we talk about transfers and how successful we think they were a lot on this page. So I was wondering, who do you all regard as the most successful transfer, from the 14/ 15 season onwards? (So the Lovren/ Lallana window onwards) .

Also, who do you think we'll look back on in a few years as being a great signing, who we may not appreciate now? Sorry if that's a bit vague.

Personally I think Firmino was a great signing, and I'm tipping Emre Can to be a big player in a season or two.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

01 Nov 2016 20:12:34
Firmino for now. Though we did overpay for him.
3 years down the line Divock Origi. We have a 20 goal a season striker if he fulfils even half his potential.


01 Nov 2016 21:44:22
Firmino for me . Could be mane at the end of the season with Matip .


01 Nov 2016 21:54:13
Firmino, Can, Matip

I agree I think Can will really mark his place this season, I also believe given the change Ings will prove to be vital for us should he get his chance and of course Origi.

Some may give me a dig for it but Karius, I think he will prove to be exactly what we needed, give the lad time and he's going to shine.

Out of recent new signings my favourites must be Matip and Mane -Matip is quality and it hasn't taken him much time to get settled, we have a strong young lad there we've needed somebody like this for along time.

Mane is up there with Coutinho and Firmino, top class talent and under Klopp he will only improve which is exciting.


01 Nov 2016 22:02:16
Firmino. He is a level above everyone and in his own league. He is on par with KDB and Hazard in the league.


01 Nov 2016 22:45:34
Spot on, LFC16. I am ready to give our boys time to prove themselves, Karius include because had we all yielded to knee jerk reactions, would we have the Hendo, Can, Lallana, Lovren and so on, tearing it up right now? Migs had ample time to take the spot of GK as his own and after three years, he has failed. That is not Karius' fault. Migs own awful play is the reason Karius is here and he should be supported as he adapts to the team and the PL. All this knitpicking of his play is just disingenuous, IMO. Let's support him and give him confidence and if after three years like Migs, he fails then he too would will bite the dust.


02 Nov 2016 00:35:59
Pound for pound it has to be Matip.
But Origi looks great business as well.


02 Nov 2016 10:10:49
Matip because he was free and looks very assured at the back.

Firmino as, despite the huge transfer fee, is just getting better and better - easily one of the best players in the league right now.


01 Nov 2016 19:33:31
Aloha People.
I would suggest you all to go check out the Chelsea Rumours Page. Ed002 has written a lenghty note there which I suspect may relate to the exciting thing he was talking about a monthly or so ago. (Believe me it is) . Awesome thing if it works out.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

01 Nov 2016 19:42:13
Is it regarding the Podcast?


01 Nov 2016 19:56:55
Couldn't see anything Liverpool related I don't think, taken down?


01 Nov 2016 20:03:33
{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what a "podcast" is. I don't have the time to go in to London to our studio to record anything but my PA assures me that I have all I need to put together a brief audio production in my office - and I had noticed some odd bits of kit she must have borrowed kicking around. If the recording day is right I will likely have a guest on board to help out. Because this will be a sponsored commercial venture I need to allow advertising and will probably need to play songs by some of the popular music combos that you do the watusi to at weekends. Right now I have left Heathrow three times in the past 6 days and am in the middle of travel - a week or two and I will be churning these brief updates out every day or so for different teams. }


Sorry Ed002 for copying.


01 Nov 2016 20:16:56
Are we finally set to the beautiful ED02 ❤️.


{Ed002's Note - Yes Liverpool will also get their own production.}

02 Nov 2016 01:57:33
God bless you ed002. And ed001. Truly love this site.


01 Nov 2016 17:23:03
At the beginning of last season I asked who was better between Coutinho and Özil and if my memory is correct then Couts came through as the winner on this page.
A year on and both players have upped their game massively and I'd like to ask the question again so:
Who is better between Coutinho and Özil?

Believable1 Unbelievable1

01 Nov 2016 17:32:16
put this on the Liverpool page and Coutinho wins, put it on the Arsenal page and ozil wins.


01 Nov 2016 17:32:16
put this on the Liverpool page and Coutinho wins, put it on the Arsenal page and ozil wins.


01 Nov 2016 19:37:52
Spot on HAJI the only thing I would say is Arsenal would cope better without ozil than we would without couts.


01 Nov 2016 21:56:16
There's no doubt about it, Ozil is a good player but he's no Coutinho, and in my opinion he's pretty far away from been a Coutinho.


01 Nov 2016 22:51:42
Spot on, Haji. I will say that they are different types of players or playmakers. Ozil is just an elegant player who is a true old school no.10 focuses on providing more assists than goals. Couts is more of a modern no.10 who operates from deep, out wide or through the middle, providing just as many goals as assists. I love both players and they both fit their team's systems like a glove.


02 Nov 2016 10:15:04
I honestly think they are both incredible but that Coutinho is the more complete player. They both do similar things well (dribbling, passing, vision, etc) I just think Coutinho does it better and that Coutinho works harder off the ball.


01 Nov 2016 16:40:36
Just came to update about gerrard comparisons.

There was a point in his career when he was the best player in the planet, it has been admitted by many great players.

However more than overall quality and game control, it was his physical attributes and match winning capabilities which made him best.

Once he got older, he lost the edge.

May be you can compare ronaldo as that sort of player. he had great technique, but lost edge due to injuries.

Then you have players like zidane / pirlo who did amazingly well towards their end of career.

Its more of their game controling capabilities which separates from power players like gerrard.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

01 Nov 2016 17:43:33
Gerrard excelled in every positions he has played over the years which make him the most complete player in our history. No one on the planet earth would have scored that 94th min winner against west ham
The man would have had at least 10 league titles had he played for Jose.

". I tried to sign him 3 times in my career, Chelsea, Inter and Real. But he was too loyal to his club. " Jose

This guy became the face of the club during our awful times in the league. For every Lampard, For every scholes, For every superstar we had a Gerrard to show to the world.

When nothing goes right on the pitch we look up to him to bail us out. Only player capable of doing something spectacular when it needed.


01 Nov 2016 18:32:00
Gerrard didn't score the winner against West Ham and Maurine didn't win 10 league titles, but Gerrard was one of our greatest playes.


02 Nov 2016 10:21:31
Your comparison with Ronaldo doesn't really make sense as he came back from 2 serious leg-breaks and was still one of the best strikers in the world when he did.

Gerrard had all the attributes to be one of the greatest of all time but lacked the drive to keep getting better (once he was already at a high point) . He grew at a steady rate under Houllier, took off under Rafa and then stagnated under Daglish/ Hodgson/ Rodgers as none of those managers pushed him to become better. He was still without doubt world class but he could have been even better - I often wonder if he would have become better if he left Liverpool. He was the golden boy and had his place assured at the club - in a different environment he might have been pushed on to an even greater level.


01 Nov 2016 10:11:49
If you had to choose one of your best ever players would would it be?

For me I'd go with Pele.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

01 Nov 2016 11:03:03
Maradona - Best player
Ronaldo - Best striker
Romario - My crush
Fowler - The reason I am a red.


01 Nov 2016 11:19:08
I think iniesta is an incredible player that should have received at least one ballon dor. He's the one player from the last ten plus years I would have loved at Liverpool. He's my ideal attacking midfielder. Can receive the ball anywhere, be surrounded by 3 players show great skill, open the space and pass a great ball. Technically brilliant. Great vision
Gerrard scored more goals but I think iniesta was a level above him and many in world football. I think he's one of the most Underrated midfielders of all time because I think he should be classed as one of the greats. I think he's been an unbelievable player. You won't get a fan that rates iniesta more than myself. Iniesta would be in my all time 11.


{Ed001's Note - I think Iniesta is the best in the world at what he does and was the reason Spain won so much, alongside Alonso. Iniesta is a truly special talent and one of the best players ever to have played the game. His genius, like Alonso's, is that he brings out the best in the players around him.}

01 Nov 2016 11:37:25
Again. Really!


01 Nov 2016 12:01:21
Yeah Iniesta is probably one of the best current football players around absolutely outstanding.


01 Nov 2016 12:08:58
I stick iniesta above Maradona in my best all time players. he had and has the lot. the complete footballer. genius.


01 Nov 2016 12:34:31
Its a throw up between Nedved and Alonso for me.


01 Nov 2016 12:36:16
Kovacic.


01 Nov 2016 12:46:52
Spot on, Ed. I always said Messi nor CR7 are not the best player (s) in the world. Messi is not even the best player at Barca. Iniesta is. He is just breath-taking to watch him play. There`s a reason they call in the "Illusionista" (the Ghost) in La Liga. Now you think you have him, now he just slipped away from you. Great player! However the best player I have ever seen in my life of watching football, is Ronaldo Luiz Nazario "O Phenomeno". Having watched him play throughout his career, there will NEVER be a CF/ player like him for decades to come.


01 Nov 2016 13:00:37
Zidane - he made his teammates better.
Like Sir Alex Ferguson said, Zidane + 10 pieces of wood will win him the champions league.


01 Nov 2016 13:18:02
I ll place TJRef above everyone lol. Thanks mate.


01 Nov 2016 13:45:33
Titus Bramble hands down.


01 Nov 2016 13:58:13
Zidane was beautiful to watch. Best first touch I ever saw. Always found space to receive the ball. Always able to make space and release the ball. Phenomenal skills and technique. Didn't need pace to beat a man. Controlled the game like a boss.


01 Nov 2016 14:57:07
That was for you Harry mate. I can't believe you didn't put Kovacic down.


01 Nov 2016 15:24:53
For me it is Messi, scored the best goal I've ever seen, that dribble beats Maradona's imo. Also broken about every record there is, it'll probably be unpopular but there you go.


01 Nov 2016 16:28:06
Eva Mendes. I have never seen her play football, but she is still my favourite of all time.


01 Nov 2016 16:30:19
For me, you have your Maradonna, Platini, Alonso, Iniesta, and Van Baston on one level, and then you got Pele a mile above them.


01 Nov 2016 18:08:44
Tom Finney.


01 Nov 2016 20:26:00
Zidane for his game controlling ability (if he could have controlled his temper the way he controlled games then he would have been unbeatable)
Pele's skill (particularly when you consider the equipment they had to play with) was breathtaking - mind you if Garrincha couldve kept his drinking under control I suspect would be speaking about him as well
Duncan Edwards is worth a shout too. His contempories thought he was better than Pele. Sadly his early death means that this wasnt put to the test
Ronaldo (Brazil) was probably the best pure striker I ever saw - just shading Van Basten and Bergkamp.


01 Nov 2016 21:58:56
Yes Ronaldo (Brazil) was exceptional, what a team that Brazil team was.


01 Nov 2016 22:53:56
"Ronaldo? Simply the best player I have ever seen in my career"

Clarence Seedorf.


02 Nov 2016 02:01:07
It's van basten for me . Followed by inesta and Messi . Messi because at full tilt the ball just sticks to his toe he has unbelievable close control and it's naturally gifted the international side of it let's him down sadly for him. As a man it's Kenny . As my fave player for giving me some amazing memories it's Stevie . Also Thierry Henry and Johan Cruyff with notable mentions,


02 Nov 2016 10:25:33
Brazil Ronaldo - simply the best striker I have ever seen. Could use both feet, incredible dribbler, incredible finisher, good with his head, fantastic movement, pace, power - just a complete player who, despite suffering a couple of very serious injuries, smashed goals in at the very highest level for the majority of his career.

Bergkamp was also a personal favorite - probably the most intelligent player I've seen play, so aware of those around him and always with his head up, the most intelligent striker I've ever seen I think.


02 Nov 2016 13:10:14
Bergkamp was special.


01 Nov 2016 08:54:52
Reguarding the debate on Henderson with ed four one.

Ed was saying he doesn't see the value oh Henderson which infuriated me not in a i'm going to be an ass way, just that hendo is my fave player even my misses says I criticize everyone but hendo. but for me he's my type of player even above gerrard as gerrard had an attitude of i'm the best midfielder in England were as hendo has an attitude of I play for the best club in England, for me hendo is about the team, gerrard was about gerrard, kissing the cam v utd, patting his name v west ham fa cup final was all abit too much look at me. I no gerrard was the better player but hendo is more valuble because he is a leader of a team, gerrard never lead as a team he lead for gerrard.

Sorry for the long post and if anyone disagrees, just my opinion.

thanks.

Believable8 Unbelievable9

01 Nov 2016 09:31:51
Henderson on his best day is not even closer to Gerrard on his worse day. Make no mistake I like Henderson. He keeps it simple and has worked enormously hard to get it to where he is now.
There are only two midfielders better than Gerrard. Sourness and Alonso. While Gerrard has the been the best player in the last 15 years at the club.

Gerrard is a Hope which is now carried on the shoulders of Coutinho and Firmino.

Gerrard has been the reason some of the people even started following Liverpool outside England.


01 Nov 2016 09:50:36
Not having any of that mate . Gerrard is the most complete footballer ever, I prefer Lucas to hendo,


01 Nov 2016 09:52:48
Sweet chin I said gerrard was a better player, However I think hendo is a better captain and team player. and this keeping it simple is nonsense in my opinion, he is very clever with his passing, when you see him make that short sideways pass you think simple I think its too an open player who can then do something like a drive forward or a forward pass rather than hendo keeping the ball and trying to force the pass or run, he is constantly moving and supporting players and attracting attention of oppo players which gives space for couts and lallana to freely play.


01 Nov 2016 09:57:19
If you put skill aside, I can completely see your point, Jay.

Gerrard was an obvious inspiration, to both the other players and the fans. He was Roy of the Rovers in real life, and my favourite player for over a decade.

However, I do wonder whether Gerrard's personality and selfishness had a negative impact on the team. Ed001, do you have some insight on this?

Hendo comes across to me as (to use a cricket example) something of a Mike Brearley. Not the absolute best player in his position, but a fantastic captain.

Time will tell, as he's not had that long as captain, but I see Hendo as enabling a number of other players to shine.

With Gerrard, often, if he wasn't on song, the team wasn't on song. Don't get me wrong, Gerrard on song could take apart any team in the world singlehandedly, and I loved him for it.

But if a leader is meant to enable the people he leads to shine in their own right, then I believe Hendo will end up being the better captain.


{Ed001's Note - I think that is the case, to a degree. Gerrard overshadowed almost everyone else, rather than enhanced them with his presence.}

01 Nov 2016 09:58:38
"Gerrard is the best player in the last 15 years at the club"
"Alonso is a better player"

Erm. Alonso played for us between '04 and '09. Pretty sure sure those numbers mean you are speaking in tongues again Harry! 😉.


01 Nov 2016 10:05:18
I et your point and I also love Hendo, he's an excellent midfielder all around but Gerrard quality, not yet. he'll certainly be matching how gerrard was if he carrys on playing the way he is. Hendo is exciting and now looking the real deal.


01 Nov 2016 10:39:30
"Gerrard is the best player in the last 15 years"
"Alonso is a better player than Gerrard"

Alonso played for us between '04 and '09, so those statements don't really add up mate. You are speaking in tongues again Harry 😉.


01 Nov 2016 11:06:28
Jay

Keeping it simple is a good attribute to a player who is supposed to keep it neat and simple in his position he play. No shame he always try to find a player for the next pass unfortunate he see none as both his partners are in no man's land high up the pitch.

Henderson will always find one place in the midfield in my team. But he wouldn't the lone man.


01 Nov 2016 11:09:38
You need not play 10 years at a club to show your value. Xabi went to Real and stole the show. Went to Bayern and doing first class. He without a doubt is the best CM we had ever ( not see much of Souness )
Alonso is a position and not just a player who is pretty much dying from the game. He could pick a player up in the moon with his exceptional range of passing in the mean time he could tackle much precise than Busquets.


01 Nov 2016 12:50:10
Alonsos greatest attribute and his job under Raffa in the Liverpool team was his ability to receive the ball and pass asap to Gerrard.
Stevie could have played for any top team in Europe but for his loyalty to us.
The reason other players felt overshadowed by him is that they were unable to reach his level of play.
Souness was a dirty but good midfielder but put himself first all the time and not the club. It became obvious later.
If you ask alonso to name the best he has played with he would say Gerard top 3. As woud Torres and as would Suarez.


01 Nov 2016 12:56:49
SG and Hendo are two different player. SG had better ability on the ball but seemed to want to do his own thing most of the time and try to rescue games on his own, which is why Rafa had to put in on the right to cut that out and making more tactically and positionally aware. On the right, he scored over 20 goals that season as well, his best output till date (2005/ 06 season, I think) . SG just wouldn`t agree to play within a set system hence, didn`t make his team mates better. He had too much power over several of them and at the club hence, it went downhi in the latter stages of his LFC career. Hendo on the other hand, is a player who is effective within the system he`s in and flourishes because he is like a sponge when taking in information, listens to his coaches and works tirelessly on his game. He is more positionally aware and tactically astute than SG even with less ability and that is key to flourish in any system you play as well as getting better with age just like Alonso has, unlike SG. They both have their faults and weaknesses but they should not be compared.


01 Nov 2016 13:34:18
When Gerrard had the same level of talent around him that Henderson has currently, he was one of the best in the world. That only happened briefly in his career - early on with Houllier, then with Rafa, Alonso and Torres and then with Suarez, which was the team I really thought would win the league for us (coincidentally, missing Henderson through suspension really hurt us in the end) . Gerrard actually took a backseat that season, and we nearly went all the way.

Comparing the two is extremely unfair on one of them, although, by the end of Henderson's career, he may be able to live up to Gerrard. He could go a long way toward doing that by leading the team to a premier league title this year!


01 Nov 2016 15:54:55
I agree if Hendo was not suspended at the end of the season we'd have won the league.

I can't rightly remember but was Hendo suspended/ injured for the FA cup final under Kenny?


01 Nov 2016 18:11:47
"You need not play 10 years at a club to show your value"
😂😂😂 genius.


01 Nov 2016 09:20:24
I agree he's a good leader but I think ed41 will need a bit more convincing than that.
Maybe Adam can pop up with a stats post :)


{Ed041's Note -NO!!!! please don't! he's amazing the best CM ever to grace the game ;)

01 Nov 2016 19:06:12
Gerrard is History. Hendo is NOW.

Support our Captain. who is a much better role model for youngsters than Gerrard ever was!


01 Nov 2016 22:54:57
Spot on, Liver.


01 Nov 2016 20:53:13
For my money the best central midfield I've seen was Souness, no one comes close.


02 Nov 2016 00:49:17
Liverpool were a great team already when Souness joined.
Im not saying he wasn't a good midfielder but he was not the greatest midfielder ever.
He was definitely the dirtyest player ever I remember playing for Liverpool in the last 40 years
He also left us to go to Italy where he didn't win anything.
He let us down badly as manager and over the Hillsborough affair.


31 Oct 2016 22:43:58
Ed 001, if you've got the time. I know you get these questions a lot, but what was Smicer like as a player?
I'm too young to have seen him play, but have heard good things from my older brother/ dad. Haven't see his name mentioned a lot, so was curious. Thanks in advance, and apologies if it's been asked Bedfordshire.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Smicer was one of those players I liked before he arrived but could never really take to as a Liverpool player because of his injury problems. It was only when I got to talk to some of the staff at the club that I began to have a different appreciation of his issues and how so much was more the fault of the lack of professionalism of the club than anything else. For instance, Liverpool never did dental checks or looked after the player's teeth back then (I will have to ask if they do now as it is something I am not sure if we do thinking about it) and a lot of his injuries turned out to be related to dental problems. Bad teeth or gum problems can cause a lot of injury problems, which is something a physio would only exacerbate, rather than fix.

He was one of those players that was highly skilled but lightweight, so he could often be knocked off the ball by a stronger opponent in English football. However he did have an excellent workrate and a genuine affection for the club, which made him work that little bit harder. One of the things that did endear me to him was that, in the instances I saw of him, he was always happy to talk to fans and sign autographs. He also popped up and scored vital goals, 2005 Champions League final for instance!

It is just a shame that he was never really able to show what he could do with a run of games to settle into the side in the long term.

Oh, you will be glad to know, it has never been asked Bedfordshire before! ;-)

01 Nov 2016 08:27:31
Hahaha thanks Ed, just checking, you never know!


{Ed001's Note - you are very welcome.}

01 Nov 2016 08:37:11
That's a joke isn't it. You really think th club are at fault for not arranging dental checks for multimillionaire footballers? Is that a joke. What other work place does that, apart from. provide insurance.

Surely he would of felt something was up with his mouth, even a little but of a sensitivity causes enough pain, let alone problems that are going to affect your entire body.

Not having a go at you ed, just think its ridiculous myself.

Players are paid highly to protect themselves as well as for there skills, its not just a take market. Your provided with everything at the top end of the game to make sure you are 150% each and every day. You can afford the best food, equipment, specialists, professionals, chefs etc etc, you don't have any stress about money problems, certain aswel the club provide people to look after your bills, mortgages etc.

So you literally just have to eat well, train hard and game hard. That's your life.


{Ed001's Note - I am talking about finding hidden problems, which the club should do to protect their highly paid, incredibly expensive assets. If you are paying millions for something, you should check every single aspect to make sure there are no underlying issues. If you think it is ridiculous, let's just drop all medicals then, as they are obviously a waste of time, these footballers are rich so they should sort it all themselves. The ridiculous thing was your comment, which was clearly ill-thought out and just came from bitterness at the riches on offer to players.}

01 Nov 2016 09:05:28
I understand what your saying supermane players should no and want to take the responsibility on themselves. But what ed is saying is even if the players are doing it all, surely the club should be doing it also even as a double checking. If karius for example said don't worry lfc I've been fully checked no need to check again, are you going to take his word for it or say that's fine we'll just double check to make sure? your spending millions i'd be checking everyday twice a day for that much lol.


01 Nov 2016 09:13:39
supermane, i would think the thorough medical checkups is to protect the club, its not for the player.

when you buy something, do you make sure it works there and then or bring it back home and see if it works?

a complete medical checkup is crucial to making sure u mitigate as much risks as possible.


01 Nov 2016 09:47:30
The military provide dental checks, and if you work in counties with no NHS you would be looking at their medical and dental plans. To be honest our well played players taking up the time of NHS dentists is just bad publicity waiting to happen, a young lad moves here and has to settle in to the culture, new club and struggles with the language the club should be taking care of everything. We need to be ultra profesional, the amature way we have run the club in the past has been highlighted by the way UTD have been run in the prem era, and their success because of it.


01 Nov 2016 09:54:46
This is why firmino keeps so injury free! Great teeth!


01 Nov 2016 09:58:49
Your all talking about inital medicals, like buying a really expensive millionaire and not checking if he has a acl injury. Yes needed.

Ed critism was Liverpool didn't provide dental. check ups throughout smicers career, after the ibutal medical. My point is that if smicer is getting these injuries, or gor gum problems its his job to make sure he is doing everything he can to be fit.

You can't then say he suffered with injuries and it was liverpoola fault. He was paid highly enough to look after himself.


{Ed001's Note - sorry but that is simply not true. He is an expensive asset that the club should have looked after. French clubs do it, in fact most clubs do, just that English footie is still in the medieval era.}

01 Nov 2016 10:35:15
This explains why Darren Anderton was such a sick note! And he looked like a horse, so teeth should have been top of the priority list!


01 Nov 2016 10:59:46
My personal feeling is people act better with responsibility's and having none just makes you irresponsible. Its getting that daft now that if a players house was on fire they would call the clubs liaison officer instead of the fire service.

A player can take himself the dentist, the doctors. If he is struggling with injuries over and over and he has ruled our everything he possibly can then surely you. take yourself to a specialist to see if there's anything you couldn't check.


Noone can no your own body aswel as you, so only you can properly maintain it 150%.

Anyway ed where going to get away from things and your a very busy guy si ill leave that there.


{Ed001's Note - yes he can and does take himself, but dentists are not looking at what will cause injuries. They are looking at leaving things to get worse so they can charge for more work. Whereas someone contracted to the club would be looking at it from a sports injury prevention point of view. It is simple protection of assets. You have a £30m player, in some instances, you have to look after them.}

01 Nov 2016 11:55:29
Yeah of course you do but they are paid highly enough to look after themselves aswel. All for the club doing there part but no way can I accept a player paid to literally stay fit, blame the club for not preventing injuries with things like not providing a dentist etc.

And not every single dentist was willing to leave it if they saw something to just charge more later, maybe some dicked but not all. There is so much a player who gets paid x amount has access to, some of the best specialist in the world. Not some back street dentist looking to make some extra cash. Lol

Get your point ed more having a go at players here nir you!


{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't know where a good dentist was anywhere I have lived, who does? People just go to the dentist they know, it is very rare people change. So why would you expect a footballer, when they are usually not the most intelligent of people, to know which dentist is good? I am sorry but the clubs should do more, not leave it to chance.}

01 Nov 2016 13:03:29
I remember Aly Cissokho (the, of FC Porto) not getting signed by AC Milan because he failed a dental test during his medical so Ed is right that English footie is still in the stoneage when it comes to running comprehensive medicals for signings.


{Ed007's Note - Wasn't it discovered that RVP's injury problems at Arsenal stemmed from trouble with his wisdom teeth?}

01 Nov 2016 14:29:58
I`m not sure about that, Ed. You may be right.


{Ed001's Note - yes, to a large degree it was, luckily Wenger had his teeth checked.}

01 Nov 2016 16:46:08
I think supermane is missing the point slightly, its not merely about pain prevention i. e. no footballer with an abcess is going to not go and get it treated is he. The issue is finding underlying causes to persistent injury issues which could be linked to dental problems. Your average dentist would not have a scooby about how an underlying dental problem is affecting another part of a persons anatomy from a sports perspective. So of course it is reasonable for a club to invest in specialists in that field to look after their assets. The logic is not rocket science and nothing to do with a players earnings.


01 Nov 2016 16:54:39
lol i'm glad klopp got sturidge to the dentist in tym. hehe

ed's your football knowledge is someting extrodinary!


{Ed001's Note - thank you.}

01 Nov 2016 20:01:43
Nothing wrong with Suarez's teeth at Liverpool! 😁🤐.


02 Nov 2016 02:07:44
Ed01 didn't Gerrard visit a German when he had bad injury spells early in his career and they discovered his wisdom teeth were affecting his posture or something and it cleared everything up? I am sure I read that somewhere at the time I hope I didn't dream it as it would be a freaky dream haha.


{Ed001's Note - there were dental issues and a few other things that he struggled with, but yes, wisdom teeth were a problem. I know one manager was known for always getting his players to have their wisdom teeth taken out, according to popular legend amongst players.}

01 Nov 2016 07:54:16
Hello Ed01,
Any plans to come back to Dubai?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, I intend to go back there as soon as possible. Being in the different time zone and having access to all the games played in the Prem live added to the health benefits I got from the weather are too good to leave behind for good.}

01 Nov 2016 08:12:56
Ha ha ohk. By year end? I might fly down in December.


01 Nov 2016 10:12:17
The thought of Harry being an international jetsetter concerns me.


01 Nov 2016 13:11:43
Plot twist, Harry is ED1 alter ego, hence all the basement jokes because Ed1 doesn't want his crazy alter ego out free roaming.


01 Nov 2016 19:43:48
Maybe Ed001 created the character of Harry to make the pages interesting.
Certainly one for the conspiracy pages.


 
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