Liverpool Banter Archive January 20 2014

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

20 Jan 2014 22:27:12
Ed001, Should Everton complete the transfer of Lucina Traore as is expected, how do think our defence will cope with him in the derby next week?

I can see us really struggling against the 6ft 8" striker to be honest.

Red Rum

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I doubt he will be fit.}

20 Jan 2014 23:02:39
Forgot to add:

If Salah would even think about Newcastle instead of us, then my opinion of his intelligence (not his football skills) has come down a notch (respect to Newcastle)

But it's on coughalotofrubbish.com (excuse my language) so no need to worry. Newcastle should be worried about Cabaye leaving because without him they're. not as good as they are!

YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

If Salah would even think about NUFC instead of us, it would probably be because of fools like you who call him an person, when he clearly wants to play for us, work hard and earn his bonuses. don't blame Salah if NUFC offer more than we do and Basel reject ours.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:59:02
There goes Brendan AGAIN!

I said a few weeks back that every time any manager blows his team's trumpet things go limp! A lot of fans disagreed etc. He mentioned challenging for the league, we dropped points against Villa; nearly lost! Now, he's warned Everton to expect a different Liverpool! I worry friends, I know it's superstitious but can't help it! It's very easy to make a Liverpool fan nervous these days!
I wish we'd hurry the Salah deal, either way. Also, any news of Lucas. (please God, let it be good)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

IranRed in London, sort your head out lad. BR hasn't warned anyone its the press. Martinez warned BR according to tonights press. Would you 'hurry a deal' if you were buying a £10,000 car for £15,000.

Agree0 Disagree0

Since when could a football match be influenced by what someone says? I'm getting bored with the constant posting of the same nonsense

Agree0 Disagree0

21 Jan 2014 11:10:49
Fantic

I don't care what Martinez spout. All these years Derbies were fought for Pride, Dignity, and Belief, Probably this year it would be for Survival.
WE MUST WIN AT ANY COST.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:57:39
You got to love carra on MNF his lil jabs at utd he doesn't hold back nice to see friendly rivalery with 2 old foe's!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Yeah, him saying he hopes utd make the cup final just so he can watch them get beat by city. Quality!

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:20:04
Plenty of news saying Newcastle in for Salah, yep they've been sniffing but he still ours!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 22:14:42
Just like to congratulate Ryan McLaughlan on his first team debut for Barnsley. Had a good game by all accounts. I was talking to an old friend today who worked for them for a while ago and he has been very impressed with what little he has seen so far. Anyone interested can go on you tube and type in 'Liverpool Loanee Ryan McLaughlin's Barnsley Debut'.
I personally hope he returns on 1st Feb and starts at West Brom.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I have wanted him to start in place of Johnson for a long time, but obviously Rodgers doesn't think he is good enough.

Red Rum

Agree0 Disagree0

I was speaking to a girl who's a season ticket holder & she said he marked ince out the game I'd of expected them to be on opposite sides mind

Agree0 Disagree0

Hes still very yong but I have to agree. Nice link thank you cheif.

Agree0 Disagree0

Red Rum BR does rate him and wanted to get him in competitive football for a few months to monitor him, same with Wisdom. I think Ryan could be knockin on the door next season, good player and he's and Irish same as BR, stick together like scousers :) I think BR would rather sell Andre than Ryan.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:01:56
Coleman looks like he's pulled his hamstring tonight. Barkley is out too for the derby. Both are match winners and without them it shouldn't be as hard for us to get the 3 points. With a bit of luck we might have Sakho and Flanno back too. Maybe Enrique too (just not Cissokho please)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

21 Jan 2014 10:02:16
Cannot welieve, We fear a 20 year old Barkley and a RB?. Whom else you wanna see out of the game to have a confortable Victory.

Agree0 Disagree0

We've had key players missing throughout the season so far so it won't do us any harm to play against teams who are having their own injury issues. At this stage of the season we need to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes our way.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:01:53
Eds, any idea why my post yesterday wasn't published? Are we not allowed to give constructive criticism any more?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Try the other posts page.}

20 Jan 2014 21:56:42
Ed, after seeing some mock up of potential new kits for next season, it made me remember a post from hear from a number of months back where you explained the kit deal regarding to the number of kits each season etc. I couldn't find it in the search bar, and I was wondering if you could post it again if you still have it.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, I totally understand.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I don't recall.}

The deal with Warrior allows them to change all three kits every year. They pay top dollar for this but are making a fortune. I can see the next deal being a lot higher than it is now.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed002's Note - They are not "making a fortune".

20 Jan 2014 21:55:59
By Daveyboyboy Blue earlier tonight:

Maybe he should be following Roberto Martinez (well he will be after tonight's game against WBA when Everton go back into 4th place)

Dont you feel stupid now

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 23:11:15
They went above us briefly and they were celebrating like they won the league, I went over there to congratulate them on their great first half to the season and to remind them not to count their chickens and wait until the end of the season and got a load of abuse for it. some supporters are just like that mate. I've got a lot of time for Everton, as many of us do, I don't think it goes both ways though!

Agree0 Disagree0

I can't stand the bitters and revel in there misery

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 21:54:22
Hi eds,
Thanks for all the hard work and keeping the site going.

Read an interesting article by Statistician Ted Knutson today on Liverpool's need for a creative midfielder (in the Pirlo/regista mould). In it he dropped a few names of candidates who met the requirement levels. Was wondering your thoughts on these players and if a January signing was a possibility.
1. Rakitic (well mentioned)
2. Cigarini
3. Banega
4. Parejo.

Also your views on Arturo Vidal would be interesting to read. Many thanks, Chris

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - They are a random list of names - that is really all I can say.}

20 Jan 2014 21:08:20
Hi eds and reds. Someone on here recently posted a couple of websites that are good for ticket exchange. Could anyone remind me please? I can't find the post now. I would love to buy two tickets, for any game at Anfield, before the end of the season. My GF is American, on the verge of becoming a LFC supporter, and I need to get her to the ground so she's hooked!
Thanks in advance.
ps Thanks and keep up the good work eds. Lovin the banter and genuine info.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 20:48:33
Alan, the simple answer is no we cannot afford to, the amount of so called big name player's that haven't made at Chelsea is not something we can afford to. Every club has a lengthy list of hit and miss players, we don't have a sugar daddy I think some people just need to get over that.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 19:57:09
Eds, your probably not comfortable with this but do you know what capacity of interest Newcastle have in that winger?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - There is interest in the player from a number of sides - including NU.}

20 Jan 2014 20:53:08
After watching Craig Noone tear city apart at times on Saturday would he be an alternative to what we're chasing from around Europe?
Also what about a loan deal for lescott from city, far better than kolo and glen Johnson

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 21:19:45
Mr. Worf is better than Kolo?

Okay bro, whatever you say.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 20:46:05
Just a question for everyone. Who's your favourite pundit? Burns me to say it put Ratboy isn't bad.He's a great pundit, but he's not a good co-commentator, imo. His drone of an accent and his start-stop sentences are annoying when he's a co commentator but at least he doesn't give basic comments like Hansen, Lawrenson or Souness.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 21:08:00
I mean pundit on the third line

Agree0 Disagree0

Dr Dave Love for me.

Agree0 Disagree0

Not sure on the pundit but Michael Owen is the worst commentator by a mile.

Agree0 Disagree0

Carragher. Ratboy is a decent pundit for a nb, but Carra put him in his place when he told him no one wants to grow up to be a Gary Neville.

Agree0 Disagree0

Pains me to say it too, but the Ratboy is a top class pundit like Souey, real gravitas and actually not that partisan either. Worst is Andy Townsend, utter cretin if you ask me.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 23:39:34
I'd have to say John Giles, although he's developed a tendancy to ramble in the last few years.

Out of the English lot, I'd have to go with Neville. He actually knows something about football. Imagine that?

Agree0 Disagree0

Best is souness, funniest ever comeback to redknapp about being late on set! anybody remember that? Carra great, gn not bsd if i'm honest. Worst is lawrenson - always feel he's always against Liverpool and Ireland, but played for them both. Also talks utter c**p, hansen useless also.

Agree0 Disagree0

I actually don't mind martin keown. He knows what he's talking about and tries to stay unbiased at the best of times

Agree0 Disagree0

21 Jan 2014 10:16:50
savage is a good pundit. Macca is ok when he makes his appearances onBT, I like Peter Schmeichel too, for far too long keepers have had a rough time from outfield players who know nothing of the position. GN is very good along with JC.

Commentators I generally hate.There's a geordie commentator in America who's just bleeding hysterical with the phrases he comes out with (possibly warren barton or ray hudson)

Agree0 Disagree0

21 Jan 2014 15:23:51
I can't stand Savage. I don't feel he brings anything to the panel,
Saying that, very rarely do I find that any of the MOTD panel are any good.
I do really enjoy Neville and Carragher though. I think they bounce of each other quite well, and it's nice to see pundits who know what they are talking about and have more personality than a sponge,

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 20:35:13
Hey guys, congratulations to me! I just wrote my final exams today and wow, it couldn't have been any easier. So I've decided to share the questions here:
1. Discuss the fall of Manchester United and the rise of Liverpool in relation to season 2013/14 (20mks)
2. Explain the biological changes which has seen the transformation of Manchester United to 'Womanchester' (18mks)
3. Chelsea 1st signed Nemaja Matic for £1.5m, sold him to Benfica at £5m and later resigned him for £21m. Prepare the profit and loss account (12mks).
4. Differentiate between the Chosen One and the Special One (4mks)
5. Write an essay on this proverb "Old is Gold" in relation to Old Trafford (20mks)
6. Calculate the probability of Manchester United winning the next game in relation to the
previous performances (15mks)
7. Estimate the velocity at which Manchester United is depreciating taking into consideration the ''Moyes factor''. (7mks)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Mate what did you do that for? That's gold. I mostly write about Liverpool tbh. Did an essay on Suarez

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 20:17:53
Question on match of the day next week, Did Baines dive?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - yes, just had that discussion with Ed025 the Everton ed, he immediately said it was a dive.}

20 Jan 2014 20:11:49
Hi eds just an observation and question on Gerard. Do you think br is aware of the clamour from some for Gerard to be benched and also do you think br sees the flaws in his game he has never struck me as his kind of player. Interesting to note that rafa has been the only manager to ever take him on. He was used under Rafael apart from maybe first season as a wide right mid and then no 10 behind Torres. Gerard won huge plaudits in Istanbul but his first half performance he was destroyed by kaka and this was in his peak. Hamann came on to save day. My opinion of Gerard is he is not a great player but a player capable of great moments. This is fine if your a forward but midfielders need to do more and Rafael never trusted him tactically. The media in this country have a huge role in his hype as none can see the flaws but in Ireland the media tell it like it is and have never acknowledged him to that degree. I believe fergie was probably right and other players in the mid over the years were able to cover for his tactical indiscipline. And to think every England manager tried to pair him with lampard who has similar qualities and weaknesses but has been able to adapt a little

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - not true, Rafa didn't take him on, Gerrard refused to play right mid, so Rafa put him in the centre behind Torres. This despite Gerrard's best season being on the right.}

20 Jan 2014 21:41:02
Gerrard is a great player (or at least at his peak) if used correctly - which was an attacking midfielder or right midfielder. Benitez's original plan was to play him in the middle, but realised post-Istanbul that it wasn't workable. And he promptly got castigated by the media for changing Gerrard's position, because the Andy Grays of this world think that the ability to cover ground is enough to allow a player to simultaneously attack and defend at once, and that instinct and picking your runs are irrelevant. Benitez though, knew otherwise. And I knew Gerrard wasn't pleased about it, but I never knew he refused to play there. (Did hear Carra refused to play right back once and we had to play Skrtel there, disastrously, followed by Mascher for a few games. True, false, no comment?)

To get the best out of Gerrard, he has to be as far forward as possible without being a striker. I'd like to see that happen now, because I don't think his legs would inhibit his ability to play as an attacking midfielder nearly as much as others do, and he still has better technique than anyone at the club other than Suarez and Coutinho. So he will hurt teams.

As for the RTE boys, I think they're much better at their job than their English counterparts. I remember John Giles saying Alonso was the best midfielder in the PL about 2 months after he arrived - way before anyone else copped how good he was, and he also explained the problem with Gerrard quite well in about 2003. Namely that he'll go for the Hollywood ball or forward run too often, whilst world class playmakers will do that maybe one time in every ten, and keep the ball 'ticking over' the other nine times in ten. I think that still holds true for him, albeit less extremely, he is more disciplined now, but he still doesn't quite have the head for being a defensive midfielder or deep-lying playmaker.

But they do go kneejerk sometimes, in both positive and negative directions. Dunphy has both described Gerrard as a 'nothing player' 'a big 25-year old baby' (half time against Olympiakos, iirc), but on another occasion commented that you could watch 1000 football matches and wouldn't see a goal as good as one that Gerrard had scored in that match.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 20:06:15
just noticed you can't get odds on for Tello's next club? Probably nothing just noticed its not there now and was this morning. I don't know if anyone has insight on the betting industry, just wondered if theyd closed the book pr just took it off the website due to lack of interest or something like that?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

He was 1/3 to join LFC and no one was backing him.
IMO the reports were to get people to back him to join at stupid prices with little chance of it happening and if it did there would not be much cash to pay out.
It has probably been removed because he is staying where he is. (At least until the summer)
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 20:02:34
Turned out to be a good point gained yesterday as it looked like a certain loss was to be the outcome after the start we had. The managers change of style and systems has proved effectual in many matches under his reign but against villa we were more exposed for 45 mins than a window dresser in amsterdam.
We are having a bit of a jekyll and hyde season having played many games far better in one half than the other, and taking this into consideration our current points tally is pretty good, but we could have been 3 down before villa eventually scored a deserved goal and changing the system yesterday took far too long in my opinion.
Our forward play we will get right more often than not with the attack minded players we have but defensivley under brendans philosophy of playing out from the back we are shocking in the extreme.I believe we have the players in our midst to play that way but they are not the one's being selected.Nearly all the time we play 3or4 very shaky passes then get closed down and lay it back to mignolet to hoof it up to our quite smallish in size forward players,,,,, POINTLESS
Seeing ibe not selected for the bench yesterday instead of a loanee who hasent pulled up any trees for us was dissapointing as well.
I have loved some of the football we have played this season and am hopeful of more to come as we have acted swiftly to put poor perfomances behind us and usually respond with a positive one and the mersey derby will certainly require just that.
A supurb debut for Ryan Mclaughlin for barnsley at the weekend surely will be a prelude to seeing him up for selection when he shortly returns as it is blindingly obvious he has all the credentials to play at the highest level and in a position we have struggled with all season.
Having fullbacks capable of overlapping and getting good service in from out wide has been a bugbear of our play this season yet Mclaughlin has all of that and more, ibe I believe would be a great asset from the bench as he has undoubted ability and pace and confidence in abundance.
I personally hope players will not be purchased that will stifle the progress of our young emerging talent.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Spot on Mick!

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:54:23
Ed with Lucas' injury not looking too good in the short term, what are the chances of Yalany Baio being promoted from the first team? Reminds me a bit of Cheick Tiote, looks a great talent. Yeah so can you see it happening Ed?
Cheers,

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I like Baio, but it looks like the best we can hope for with him is the bench for now. He is already included in the first team squad sometimes.}

Yeah I like him myself and he is really the type of player we need in the centre of the park. Have to say we have a really promising academy. I can't remember an academy of ours with so many players tipped to make it in a long time. McLaughlin is another I hope to see in the first team soon. I can't watch every youth game because I'm in college Ed, and I know there is so many great young talents in our academy, but is there anyone in particular that we should keep an eye on? Also how is Alex O'Hanlon getting on if you know?
Cheers,

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - it would be Rossiter, without a doubt he is the shining light. O'Hanlon has been doing alright from what I have heard, though I haven't had a chance to keep up with the kids this season much. I was told he is playing more central these days, but I have not seen him play there, so don't know how true that is?}

Baio's gone on trial to Sheffield Wednesday, not sure for how long though

Agree0 Disagree0

Yeah he has all the qualities of a star player Ed, can't wait to see how he does on the big stage. Hope O'Hanlon does well, came up against him once or twice when he played for Kevin's and my best mate is his cousin! I played as a CM while he played out left luckily! Strangely enough we played Kevin's in his last game before he was spotted by Liverpool, unfortunately a game too early in my case! He's a great lad and he'll do well, great attitude and passion for the game.

Also about the rest of the academy, there seems to be a new talent on the scene almost every week at this stage! Recently there's been Rossiter, Wilson, Dunn, McLaughlin, Texeira, Ibe, Kent and Baio tipped for call-ups, and that's only in the past few months! We have unbelievable potential in our academy, obviously not all will make it, but hopefully some of them do. The future looks bright! Also a question Ed. Who were you most disappointed to see leave the academy in the last few years? For me its Morgan. So much potential but it just didn't click I suppose.
Cheers,

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 22:18:23
The chances are about zero. Baio hasn't played a game for U21s this season, and is currently on trial at Sheffield Wednesday.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:46:08
i have heard Gareth bale ain't really cutting it at real Madrid, what's the chance of a cheeky loan bid, to get his confidence back.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Best post of the year so far

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:49:31
{Ed033's Note - New blog by YNWAdam entitled, Review on Pedro, Tello and Salah is on the Liverpool FC Blogs page

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 18:19:53
Just my observation on SG. Sg has been the driving force for many years at pool, wining lots of games on his own. However, the last couple of seasons he has not performed to the level we know he can. If you watch the England games for the last year he has been the driving force and been up and down the pitch like a young greyhound. So the question is why can he do it for England and not for Liverpool? Whilst I understand he has had injuries and maybe not have the legs at his age, I have a feeling that this season he is saving him self for the World Cup which will be his last If that's the case then he should be an impact player and he should for the sake of the team tell BR that the world cup is his priority.At the moment he is a liability and we know what BR has done to players who have shown that they don't fit his system or are overpaid or not cutting the mustard. SG is still vital to us but on Liverpools terms not his.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

International football is often played at a much slower pace, he uses up a lot less energy. Typically and still to some extent, England have always had a solid back 4 during sg time. Terry, cole, ferdinand, carragher, cole, johnson, gnev, campbell. SG probaly didn't track back as much. I still think Englands defense is ok. I would honestly give strong thoughts to taking barry if I was Woy he's had a brilliant season in that deep role for Everton, him sat infront of the back 4 would give less pressure on SG to drop back, and provide a solid link and barrier ro mid and defense

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:03:35
Have to say our recent transfer record is crappy to say the least

Fabio Borini Roma £10, 400,000 13 July 2012
(Loaned out - not good enough)

Joe Allen Swansea £15,000,000 10 August 2012
(Rotation Player - at best a reserve player)

Oussama Assaidi Heerenveen £2, 400,000 17 August 2012
(Loaned out - couldn't get in the team)

Nuri Sahin Real Madrid Loan 25 August 2012
(Who?)

Samed Yesil Bayer Leverkusen £1,000,000 30 August 2012
(Potential for the future only)

Daniel Sturridge Chelsea £12,000,000 2 January 2013
(Quality when fit. when is that?)

Philippe Coutinho Inter Milan £8, 600,000 30 January 2013
(for me £ for £ his best signing)

Luis Alberto Sevilla £6, 800,000 22 June 2013
(£6.8M hmmmm. not for me, missing home and simply not good enough)

Iago Aspas Celta Vigo £7, 500,000 23 June 2013
(Why?)

Simon Mignolet Sunderland £10,000,000 25 June 2013
(Ups and downs but overall very good signing)

Kolo Toure Man City Free 2 July 2013
(I like Kolo just a stand in though)

Aly Cissokho Valencia Loan 20 August 2013
(From what I have seen so far very iffy)

Tiago Ilori Sporting CP £7,000,000 2 September 2013
(Why?)

Mamadou Sakho PSG £15,000,000 2 September 2013
(Maybe needs time but so far I don't see 15M value)

Victor Moses Chelsea Loan 2 September 2013
(Not good enough)

Total value of transfers: £95.7 Million of which £60+ Million is very suspect.

This is a "Transfer Policy"?
Just wonder if JH may rethink this buy cheap and nurse policy. 60M would have bought 3 very decent 1st team options. How much was Willian?
As it happens there are only three from his transfers that have a good chance at first team football and the majority of his signings have either
been moved on loan, reserved and forgotten about.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Exactly! out of 15 only 2 or 3 regular first teasers. and people on here slate Rafa.

Agree0 Disagree0

Some of the players you have mentioned are very young, like Ilori and Alberto. It is clear that Ilori has been bought for the future, that should answer your question "why"
A few of them have been bought 6 months ago, with no CL football for them either. I am pretty sure the club don't go out and look for average players, if some don't perform to the level they did in their previous league how are we supposed to account for that? Borini and Assaidi are doing well on their loans too. I think you are being very negative with the players, most of them haven't had a steady run of games to gain form.

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree with the above, as much as I do like Rodgers we do seem to waste a hell of a lot of money on players who just don't seem to even get a game, why buy 3 unproven players who may not fit in when you can buy one with proven world class?, me personally I don't get it, surely all these signings can't just be down to Rodgers foresight as if so surely someone would by now be questioning all these duds, for the record I like the man and the way he represents us but I agree with the above poster with most things too, strange one

Agree0 Disagree0

I'd agree to some extent but we have to take into consideration the state the club was in not having CL football etc it seems to me beggers can't be choosers and possibly it's all that wanted to sign for the club I hope all those players prove us wrong just as Lucas has don! I'd like to see all those players play this wkend just to see what happens!

Agree0 Disagree0

Don't think it's all BR fault we always seem to get our pants pulled down in the transfer market have done for years.

Agree0 Disagree0

SgtRed, very true but Liverpools Transfer policy has always been on those who will improve the first eleven and not many of BR transfer are or will. This policy of buying young players and suck it and see is not helping our cause

Agree0 Disagree0

Have you all thought about the fact that this level of player is the only ones we can attract at the moment, especially due to no champions league to offer.we can all come out with a list of world class 30 and 40 million pound players but the harsh truth is that they would be more likely to sign for b Munich, psg, Chelsea, city, real, barca, people on here need to be a little more realistic

Agree0 Disagree0

Sahin who?

the player getting regular football for dortmund!

Agree0 Disagree0

An excellent summary from RedaLover (a Kopite who for once is telling the truth). Brenda Rogers has spent an awful lot of money on potential prospects. Only time will tell if they prove to have been good enough, but on current showing that is not the case. Maybe he should be following Roberto Martinez (well he will be after tonight's game against WBA when Everton go back into 4th place) and adopt the "try before you buy" policy. It might save your club a fortune.

Agree0 Disagree0

When do you see Chelsea shelling out for unproven players, let's buy big talents that can walk into any team.(or can we not afford that)

Agree0 Disagree0

Not just Liverpool. Every single club does that. Singing a player is like gambling. You can never guarantee it will work out. The point is if it does not work out and we can get ride of them with similar money we paid then it is not so bad.

Agree0 Disagree0

I suspect Henry is asking BR and the committee the exact same question, particularly as they are standing and holding out their hands for more money. I don't dislike any of the players above and I wouldn't say the money had been wasted necessarily more like perhaps not properly utilized.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 19:26:59
Borini and Allen aren't terrible players. We probably paid to much, but I can definitely see a role for Allen, and I think Borini would have been more useful to have here this season than Aspas. Can see him getting one more chance next season. Who knows, with extra matches from a European campaign, he may be a genuine asset.

Our loans collectively haven't worked out. Although Cissokho's come in handy purely on a depth basis this season.

Assaidi's wasn't good enough for us, but I think he's played well enough for Stoke that we will hopefully at least recoup the transfer fee, if not a little more.

Sturridge. "Quality when fit" - yeah, there's a reason we only paid £12m for him, and that imo is his fitness. Here's a suggestion, see how many £12m score as many goals at this level as Sturridge, despite being fit for longer. Still a good signing for the money. I do have doubts about some aspects of his team-play though, and not in terms of selfishness. More in terms of his habit of taking five or six touches to recieve and pass the ball when a top class striker would do it in one or two. I think there is a danger that he could just end up being a better version of Defoe or Bent if he thinks he's made it and stops working on his game when he has the potential to be world class.

Coutinho's clearly quality, but he's having a poor season. Needs to work hard in training.

Alberto looks like a guy with good potential, I don't know why doesn't get more game time. Unwilling to write him off.

Aspas is not cut out for this league and never will be. Will be back in Spain next year.

Mignolet. By my count he's made as many mistakes Reina did last season. He's just gotten away with more of them. Good shot stopper though and has had good games. Needs to develop more consistency, but if he does play to his best every game, he'll be a bargain at £9m.

Kolo's a bargain, stand in or not.

Illori. One would assume he was bought in the expectation that someone else would be sold. But still strange to spend £7m on a player, even one who's 20, and not play him at all. That said, to write him off as a waste of £7m is extremely premature.

Sakho. I really don't know what player you've been watching here. I actually think this guy has been Brendan's best signing. Apart from his poor debut, he's been rock solid and has everything he needs to be the best centre half in the league.

He's made some disappointing signings alright, and that is always a concern, but 1) find me a manager who doesn't make bad signings. And 2) if you look at where the team is, I don't think you can say he's doing a bad job overall. Best way I can describe Rodgers is that he has the overall picture right, but seems to struggle with the details of how to implement it sometimes (Trying Gerrard as a defensive midfielder would be an example). He either needs to sort that, or do what all great managers do - get coaches around him who can plug gaps in his own ability.

Agree0 Disagree0

MrT - To some degree, I agree the transfer policy isn't exactly bringing in class talent every time, although the fact some are young means they have chance to become first team players. Also players like Sturridge, Sakho and Coutinho have certainly improved on the starting 11. Plus, Toure is a good replacement for Carra. I believe if the young players turn into good players, they will be sold for a profit. I am not saying this will happen, but I think it is the clubs plan.

Oh an Daveybitterbluechild, I don't think you know how the loan system works my friend. Lukaku and Deulofeu aren't on a trail for Everton and have will be returning to their respective clubs in summer. Barry will be on a "Loan to buy" meaning you will buy him in summer . not a "try before you buy" This is football, not the sample section at your local Asda.

Agree0 Disagree0

OK Sgt so I see where you're coming from, but hey, we've not broken any rules have we? The fact is that our loans have and are working for us and yours aren't. Jealousy methinks?

Agree0 Disagree0

Our loan signings have been brought in for depth, were as yours have been brought in as starting 11 players. But you are right, I am jealous over the striker who has got you 9 goals so far, much better goal per game ratio than our 2 strikers. Not to mention the winger who is injured for the majority of a season now, he is clearly making a great inpact for you on the physio table. How is 4th place doing anyway?

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:04:20
This is a bit of conspiracy theory;

When a player is loaned to another club is he bound to contract not to report to his father club EG Moses and lakuku*? My point being (as silly as it sounds) Moses ringing Jose and sayin their plan is to take hazard out of the game blah blah or sumthn like that? Is he bound to a contract to stop him giving away game plans?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Each loan player has someone who liaises with them on behalf of their parent club. Chelsea tend to use ex-players for this an Lukaku and Moses are both contacted regularly (actually it is the same guy who deals with both). They won't be discussing the club's tactics with them.}

20 Jan 2014 18:40:24
Cheers Ed02! One more question if I may not lookin for a financial or money answer but when it comes to shirt sponsor is it FA ruling that only one sponsor is allowed on a jersey or is it respect to the main sponsor from the club only one is permitted?
I've noticed spurs with 2 different sponsors was a bit baffled as to why!

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed002's Note - Spurs only have one sponsor. There are very strit rules about what can appear on the kit.}

You're allowed different sponsors from the one's on your Premier League kit. So they have a different sponsor for cup games.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:01:15
looks like Jorginho has gone to Napoli, not who we needed imo anyway, hopefully we'll get Reges, as cover for Lucas, and Salah

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 17:46:52
Hey eds I remember early in the summer transfer window ed001 mentioned that BR was interested in taking Moses on loan but he was advised against it by certain people. I have nothing against Moses I only have issue with how uninterested he looks considering he was given an opportunity to get play time and so far has let himself down. I just hope BR learns from this and takes advice from others next time as this loan move hasn't worked for either party so far but its good to know some people at the club are giving good advice to BR just wish this advice was taken.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 19:35:55
It depends on who's giving the advice, I suppose.

What if the Chief Scout or Colin Pascoe said it was a good move, and more junior members of staff said otherwise?

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 17:42:27
People are saying you can't drop Gerrard because he's a legend,, so was Ian rush but when mistakes ate costing the team or your inability to do the job you have done for more than a decade then maybe its time to sit him on the bench for a while. Yes everyone loves Gerrard but ove noticed quite a few times this season and the end of last season he's started not ducking out but certainly going in half hearted and he ebd up getting injured. Maybe in mad but I would get a new dm and let hendo play the am role and leave Steven on the bench . what's your thoughts

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 17:28:39
Whats these stories about hernanes? Are we looking at him eds?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Twitter is this?}

20 Jan 2014 17:12:02
everyone think about who will replace lucas, bcoz of his injury, but no one realize that we have our allen back, his performance bfore injured was fantastic,
also if salah is coming. I hope so coutinho will get his place back, which is no.10 role, and the one who need to be benched is gerrard. he should play as a bench starting now. his quality already drop. but he still can lead our team, he should get just half-time, and give the rest chance.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 17:40:01
Allen was only fantastic against Spurs, he wasn't exceptional any other game, imo.

That being said, Gerrard seems so uncomfortable playing as a DM, I don't see what other option we have without Lucas.

Agree0 Disagree0

We had great balance in our midfield when it was Lucas, Henderson and Allen. Lots of energy in the engine room.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 16:30:14
Simon mignolet needs to vastly improve his game. He is flapping at crosses and is not commanding his backline at all. I would have kept faith with Pepe rather than fork out 9 million. We need to be mentally tough at the back and have more consistency

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Pepe was flapping at crosses for the last two yrs at Liverpool. Mignolet is doing well and will get even better.

Agree0 Disagree0

You need to vastly improve your supporting.

Agree0 Disagree0

Gt680 is correct. Reina was not strong on crosses but Mignolet is very poor on this area of goalkeeping and has been all season. Shop stopping is his strength but he needs to improve this with recent performances. Unfortunately Jones as a back up would not improve things. Mignolet has all the attributes and ability but needs to improve as these mistakes are costing us.

Agree0 Disagree0

Mignolet over Pepe of the last few years any day. Give him some support ffs.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 18:24:57
We would of lost more games with reina in net this season for sure

Agree0 Disagree0

He has my support but he needs to improve. No point avoiding the issue. Last 4 games he has cost us goals. Just stating that his form has dropped and areas of his game need to improve.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 16:25:23
What has happened to glen johnson? He used to be very consistent. This season he has been very poor. I would drop him and play young kelly. He is a local lad who will wear the shirt with pride. Johnson seems like he doesn't care, very uninterested. He def not doing himself any favours if the club was going to review his contract.

Also is there any news on redevelopment. Surely we should have heard something before now. Like many fans we are anticipating capacity news and architectural drawings. Fans have waited long enough we need to see more progress

Believable0 Unbelievable0

In a way Johnson has been consistent.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 16:04:07
This transfer window seems to have the main theme of "who will replace/understudy/cover for Lucas" and all 3 are separate questions.

First, replacing him is not in the top two options. This talk should be had when both cover and understudy are tackled (couldn't resist).

Second, understudy may already be in the works. I have no idea how the guys train. I imagine for practice Lucas has an equal an opposite, probably one lad who has done best in the role and who BR has identified. There is also the chance that Tiago has been learning from Lucas because he is extremely fast, CB has depth a plenty, has done well enough to be considered for a loan, and may well be Lucas' understudy.

As for cover, Gerrard is being shoehorned. Any poster who will bring up that Gerrard has lost mobility and is not the player of old is ignoring the question: why start losing faith in both BR and SG now of all times? Gerrard has shown he is capable of a lot so even though I am sceptical myself, I will give him a chance before joining you blood thirsty bath birds. Also, Joe Allen may have a head for the job.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I don't think Gerrard has "lost it" but he is not suited to the holding role without a Lucas beside him. I definitely don't think Lucas should be replaced, there are few better than him at that role in the league.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 17:59:20
I don't accept that Gerrard's become bad player because of his age, but I don't think he can adapt to being a defensive midfielder. And even if he can, how many points is it going to cost us while he makes the transition? We were disjointed and slow in midfield against both Stoke and Villa with Gerrard as the anchor. I have to assume we'll be like that again if he plays there next week.

This is not intended to be a criticism of Gerrard, he's still got wonderful technique and can hurt teams (ball for Suarez that led to the penalty for example).

But in 15 years at the club, he's very rarely been asked to anchor the midfield. Even when he has played in a deep central role, with the exception of a couple of spells during Houllier's tenure when Hamann was injured, he's had a more defensive partner with him - Hamann, Alonso, Mascher, and most recently Lucas. Being a defensive midfielder is as much about nous as physical capability, and Gerrard quite simply has never played there to develop for an extended period of time to develop that nous.

Simple fact is Lucas has to play when fit, (and if he's not fit, we'll should put Allen in his position, who has more experience there than Gerrard). So does Henderson because he's our best midfielder atm. Suarez is obviously going to play, so the remainder of our midfield and attack has to come from Sturridge, Sterling, Coutinho and Gerrard. I'd go Gerrard, Sturridge and Sterling at the moment, since Coutinho seems to be off-colour a bit. I also think he's still got enough in the tank to be effective as an attacking midfielder, if BR could find a system to more or less completely absolve him of defensive responsibilities. No offense to Henderson, who has been excellent this season, but Gerrard's finishing, both short and long range, is a lot better than his. I know who I'd rather see arriving onto a ball at the edge of the box.

The only way I can see him playing in a deep position is alongside Lucas, rather than on his own. I thought he played quite well in that position 2nd half of last season, but Rodgers says he wants to get away from 2 defensive midfielders.

Agree0 Disagree0

Hey Guys, When we look at SG we expect the best, and if he is going to improve as a HM, then he should study two players that were similar players, Lothar Matthus and Michael Ballack, they succeeded in the HM position, but they did well in their new position because of their fundamentals and comfort on the ball, SG can learn the position of the HM, defensively he has all the tools. The big concern the last two games is, his comfort with the ball and then decision making follows. I would like to be fare and not compare him to Alonso or Harman just because they were HM for most their playing time, It is only fare to compare him to Matthaus and Mabback since they both adapted, Is SG that much poorer with the ball than the two players mentioned. It looks like he is, I hope I am wrong. As far as Lucas, people should start appreciating him, their aren't too many Alanso's available and I hope BR tells Coutinho to start keeping it simple sometimes,

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 15:33:02
Hey eds, do you know any reason as to why Llori was sent to a spanish club and not an english club? Surely the pace and rough nature of the premier league is what he needs experience in and there must be loads of clubs willing to loan a player of his potential from Liverpool.

How is the spanish league going to help his development? The same for suso, yeah its great he is doing so well in spain but it would be a waste of time if he comes back and cannot handle the EPL.

What are your thoughts on it?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - style of play, that is what it is about. It is not about the style of play of the opposition, but the style of play he will be asked to work with.}

What so should they both be sent to big sam so they can learn to kick the ball higher. Maybe they should be sent straight to Gatland so they can learn to find touch, at least they will be up to the physicality. The Spanish sides have mastered the method in which rodgers wants Liverpool to play so it makes sence.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 15:03:41
I am very sad to see that some of our fans simply fail to see how good Lucas is! His defensive qualities and good distribution; accurate and at times decisive is a joy to watch. He was and again will be a Brazil regular.

Without him we are at 6's and 7's. The 20 minutes he was on, we looked a neat, quick and passing unit and as soon as he went, we went with him. I urge those who don't agree to watch the game again on LFC Tv.
Let's hope it's nothing serious.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

He is our most important player, maybe not the most gifted next to Stevie, Suarez or Sturridge but we were able to cope when the former were missed, I think we'll struggle without him.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 15:03:12
By the way, is Lucas' knee problem the same knee as last time?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 14:31:57
Lots of good chat on here lately - the Gerrard discussion is always a tricky one . He may not have settled into the defenisve midfield role straight away, but surely he can learn this role?

I think the bigger question is that if many on this site get their wish and Gerrard is dropped to the bench, then where are our leaders?. Suarez in his own way would be classed as a leader but who else . whilst Agger is out there is no one.

Before you point to how well we played when SG was injured, I would say that was for a few games, when we were playing well and all was rosie . we are now getting into the serious part of the season and feel we need all the leadership we can get.

The real worry for me is our defence - toure was getting a few plaudits in recent weeks and I just can't see why. I think him and Skrtl are just liabilities waiting to happen - as well as Mignolet.

If I was Ilori and Brad Jones I would be wondering how bad do some displays have to be before I get a game . "Ilori isn't ready " - I can't believe he's going to get ready by not playing.

come BR - I really think he coudl be the real deal s let's see him and Sakho for a run of games.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Toure was good at start of season but not been the same since his injury.

Skrtel is an enigma, for someone his size he should be able to command his space without the need to swap shirts with the opposition. Again when he first came back into the team he was back to his best, but has slipped back into poor form

Mingolet: a few mistakes but he can't have much confidence in defence in front of him

Agree with your thought on llori and sakho but looks like llori is going out on loan, but he was playing first team football before he came and so I cannot see how he will gain experience of premier league by going abroad

Agree0 Disagree0

We played well without gerrard inthe side

but if lucas is out injured we have no choice but to start gerrard

Agree0 Disagree0

We need to sign 1-2 new midfielders imo

one defensive and one box to box/attacking

sure we played well for a few games without stevie. but then the hectic chedual over xmas caused an injury to allen so we do need more reinforcements. if we had 2 more midfielders who could come in and replace allen when injured I see no reason why we would need gerrard

henderson proved himself a midfield leader in stevie s absence. notably henderson s performances since stevie has been back in the side have been poorer than when gerrard wasnt in the side

gerrard to me seems like a fading king desperate to cling onto his throne. so much so that he will put down young pretnders to his throne. henderson being the main on. but lucas also plays better without stevie in the side

Agree0 Disagree0

I think when you take out Gerrad from the team, this gives opportunity for others to step up and IMO we could see NEW LEADERS.

Sakho, Suarez and Henderson has leadership capabilities IMO.

I completely agree about the Skrtel-Toure partnership. Whenever they have been paired together, we have struggled big time defensively. Hull away, Stoke away and Villa on Saturday are the games that come to my mind immediately.

I have to say, after a very bright start, Toure has struggled recently.

Agree0 Disagree0

It's a tricky one whenever a legend is discussed on here.
On his past endeavours for the club he can't be touched.
However, he is nowhere near the player he used to be - unfortunately.
Even when he was at his best, there was an argument for for the lack of tactical discipline that he had. RB even mentioned as much when deploying him on the right-wing.
His legs used to be able to make up ground to cover any mistakes, but too often a pass goes astray and either no or not enough effort is put it to get it back.
Whether he will be able to learn this new role or even be given the chance to is interesting.
He has the passing ability, vision and execution to pull most of it off, but is the tactical side there to do it week-in week-out?

I would much rather have a 100% Gerrard giving his absolute all for 30-45 minutes than one that is coasting or being asked to coast.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 13:17:55
People here do not understand Lucas' role. You cannot simply just sign a brute who can tackle like M'Vila. You need someone who can initiate attacks, correctly position themself to snuff out danger, and anchor the whole midfield. My absolute dream player to fill this void is Sven Bender. More realistic options include; Blaise Matuidi, Fernando Reges, Maxime Gonalons and Morgan Schneiderlin. If Lucas is not seriously injured, none of these players are going to walk in and just take his place. Contrary to popular belief, Lucas is not the weak link in our side. It is his midfield partner who is. However, If Lucas is seriously injured, he needs to be replaced as this is a specialist role and Rodgers cannot shoehorn Gerrard into it. It doesn't and won't ever work because Gerrard just doesn't suit it. The only players in the world who could turn up tomorrow and instantly relegate Lucas to the bench are; Alonso, Busquets, Martinez, S.Bender. Anybody else coming might well do better, but will need to prove it first in my opinion. Matuidi and Reges both have contract issues so hopefully we can land one of them because I can't se Lyon or Southampton letting go of the other two. But simply signing an M'Vila or Masherano type player will not fill the hole Lucas will leave. We need a player with some steel and ability to drive forward alongside Lucas, not instead of him. I still think Joe Allen and Henderson should fight for the role (or both play as they've proven to work as a trio) as they are young enough to grow into it, but Lucas plays a specialist role that requires a specialist player. Gerrard is still our best attacking midfielder, he just can't last the whole game. Rodgers needs to have the balls to reduce Gerrard's game time, and drop Coutinho (who has been average all season). Coutinho will be massive for us one day, but he is not ready. Also people, stop moaning about how poor the defence is. We are playing with our second string at the minute! Kelly, Sakho, Agger and Enrique are our best defenders when fit. None of them started against Villa. I hope all the Lucas haters are eating their words after seeing the change he made when brought on though. He is the most important cog in our machine and you simply cannot replace him with just anybody.

YNWAdam

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Totally agreed mate, always see you posting Sensible stuff on here! Matuidi would be nice!

Agree0 Disagree0

Agree with all of this post, except the part about Coutinho. He was pretty poor on saturday, but he is the ONLY player that will constantly put himself into a position to link the midfield and attack. If he doesn't play, just watch how limited the options will be. If he wasn't as technically sound as he is, we'd be about 6 places down the table as he is the outlet EVERY SINGLE TIME. Even playing 'badly' he gets himself on the ball. Suarez of course, gets on the ball a lot, but he plays a few yards further so it's a more difficult pass to find him (between their defence and midfield)

If Coutinho get's dropped, our fullbacks will get hammered, just watch.

Anywa, great post about Lucas.

Agree0 Disagree0

Spot on Adam.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 14:14:42
A good post Jimmy. I agree to an extent. If we play with Lucas and Gerrard for example we miss Coutinho in front of them as he is the best at linking midfield to attack, and Gerrard and Lucas don't break forward. However when you play with one player holding and 2 pushing on, Henderson and Allen are more than capable as the gap in the middle is not as large and the team moves forward more methodically. Coutinho has been pushed out wide though as he's not performing in the middle which is why Hendo has been getting game time in the centre. Hendo and Allen are both good outballs who find space and are comfortable in possession. So whilst I agree with your point, I think we'd only miss Coutinho in a 4-2-1-3 formation or a 3-4-1-2. In a 4-1-2-3 I don't think he's missed in the hole as he's been playing wide anyway. He is off form at the moment and I worry we are burning him out. I really think Allen and Hendo work well but like you say, in certain formations, Coutinho would likely be missed.

YNWAdam

Agree0 Disagree0

A good post Adam, but even though you believe our best defensive unit is Kelly, Sakho, Agger and Enrique, BR clearly feels otherwise. He has favored Skrtel over Agger (I know he has been injured) and will probably never drop Johnson or Gerrard if they are fit.

I agree on Lucas being an important member of the squad but there are some who will never accept this. These people will also not accept that Gerrard is now not the same player he once was.

I think there is little chance of us signing any of the players you mentioned, even though I would personally look at Fernando Reges as an attainable target. No doubt that any of them would also improve the team.

However, I do get the feeling BR is looking for a similar player to Lucas (who can cover, start attacks from the back and and press rather than run around and tackle). The interest in Jorginho (before his move) being the evidence IMO. I don't however expect us to sign a DM, but might well just sign Salah.

Agree0 Disagree0

Wonderful post. U know your football, clearly. Lucas is one of the best at what he does and you just highlighted his best qualities that the other haters on this site will never grasp. If he`s seriously injured, then he will need replacing and fast. We cannot allow what happened two yrs ago when we were in contention for 4th and as soon as he got injured and never replaced, we fell apart. Matuidi will be my choice because I`ve followed his whole career from the St Etienne academy to being a key member of PSG and Les Bleus. He is quick, powerful, skillful, great on the ball, has goals in him and can also drive from midfield with purpose. People who shout about Mvila actually have never seen him play or can`t grasp what a real, modern day DM should do. If they did like me who has known him from his debut days in Rennes to him being kicked off the french team and shipped out to Rubin because nobody would touch him w/ a ten foot pole, they wouldn`t even mention him in the same breath as Lucas. He`s not even fit to lace his boots. Lucas could be on his way to Brazil in the summer while Mvila will be at home clipping his toe nails. Nuff said!

Agree0 Disagree0

Sakho and agger have both been fit at some point in time but brendan never played them together.johnson has always been ahead of kelly under brendan, have you watched any league game with johnson on the bench while kelly starts.I agree it should be kelly but everyone knows johnson is brendan preferred choice
Our starting back 4 with everyone fit would be johnson skrtel sakho and enrique

Agree0 Disagree0

I'm surprised that Morgan Schneiderlin was not amongst those being touted to move from Southampton last week - good player and certainly fits your outline for our DM player

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - he is not a DM though, amazing how that seems to have escaped so many people's attention. He plays alongside a DM for Southampton, either Cork or Wanyama.}

We are ok at center half when injuries clear up but our full backs are the problem imo . enrique badly missed and cannot return soon enough for me while johnson well what can I say. just gives up the ball all the time and gets caught out of position all the time.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 15:16:39
Unfortunately, it does seem as though Rodgers is using Skrtel as an example to people on the fringes. I believe that Agger and Kelly are still struggling with injury and recovery though. Don't forget, Agger was first choice the whole of last season. I think both Agger and Kelly would be first choice if 100% fit. However neither player (excluding Agger for the first 3 games) have been 100% fit all season and Rodgers is trying to protect them. He is a smart man though and it won't be just the fans who can see Skrtel and Johnson aren't playing well. I actually think Cissokho gas been our best defender the last few games but he seems to get used as a scapegoat for some reason. He hasn't really done much wrong although he hasn't been overwhelmingly good either which shows how poor the rest of the defence has been! I think getting Sakho back will help massively and if AG is right and we don't get a CDM in, let's hope Allen stays fit because he is the only player we have outside of the academy capable of playing the role to Premier League standard (although he is better in a slightly more advanced role). Thanks for the discussion though guys, its nice to talk, not have trolls turning it into a witchhunt.

YNWAdam

Agree0 Disagree0

Pinkman, right about defense.
Ohio, right about Mvilla.
AG, bang on about Gerrard. As for cover for Lucad, I don't like ypur suggestions or any I've heard anywhere.
Adam, right about Coutinho's importance changes with formation. Keep in mind Sterling's form may not last, or Henderson, or anyone really. Even when below his usual standards, PC is solid.

Agree0 Disagree0

Did you bang your head somewhere Ozone or did you reply to the wrong post?

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 16:11:13
I have to agree with Ed001 that Schneinderlin isn't what you'd call a Defensive midfielder. However his awareness to danger, positional sense, knowledge of when to and when not to press, all combined with his composure and ability to initiate attacks from deep make him the closest thing to Lucas in the Premier League in my opinion. I think it speaks Volumes for Schneinderlins versatility that he can play both positions. I'd love to see him at Liverpool as a defensive midfielder because I believe if utilised there he has every attribute to be brilliant. He could play alongside Lucas in the big games when we need to control the play. Anyway, its all one big "what if?" Because I highly doubt he is for sale. I value your opinion Ed001, do you think Schneinderlin has what it takes to anchor a midfield in a 4-1-2-3? Or do you think he has to play in a 4-2-3-1 to be effective? I think the defensive midfield role has changed in Modern football. Busquets is the bench mark and he's nothing like a classic defensive mid.

YNWAdam

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Busquets is a poor example, he is not particularly outstanding in the role, he just has an easy time of it because they have so much of the ball. Schneiderlin can certainly play the role, but it is shackling him and I don't see it as the best use of his abilities.}

I have to admit, I never fully appreciated Lucas until this weekend.

The difference when he came on was like night and day.

No wonder the likes of Barcelona have been in for him in the past.

Agree0 Disagree0

All you Kenny detractors may also recall the year our season fell apart at Chelsea in the league cup!

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 17:00:23
Suprised at that Ed. I've always been told Busquets is very good at the role. I haven't ever watched him closely though as I've always been following other players such as Tello. I'm going to have to go watch him tonight now haha! I didn't personally see it as shackling Schneinderlin. How do you mean? Do you think Schneinderlin can offer more when he is allowed a bit more freedom? Always interested to hear your opinion mate as I think you have great tactical knowledge of the game.

YNWAdam

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I am not a big fan of Busquets, he is good in some ways, but he is just not outstanding and his defending would be exposed if he played for someone else. For starters, he wouldn't get the ridiculous decisions he does at Barca, his diving and playacting would make Suarez cringe in embarrassment.
As for Schneiderlin, he is very much better when he is allowed to play the traditional central midfield box to box role. He has the stamina to get forward and still get back into position to protect the back four. He has a good shot on him, his range of passing and vision are good, but his passing is not the 40 yard passes of Gerrard, more the intricate passing of an Arsenal midfielder. Dropping him back would mean he is doing those passes on the halfway line, rather than on the edge of the opposition box where they can create opportunities.}

21 Jan 2014 01:22:42
Cheers for the reply Ed. Some interesting points there.

YNWAdam

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 12:26:20
Hi Eds and reds'
Long time no post.
I think it's full backs and midfielders we need rather than salah etc at the minute,
Mervue banjo man

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 13:43:30
I agree. Scoring goals is far from the problem this season.
For me, it would be. CDM to push or replace Lucas. I really like him as a player and a character but we need competition for every place and his is no exception. Hope he is okay,
I would also be looking at full backs, right in particular.
Kelly is being eased in and is seen as a future CB,
Flanno isn't going to start kicking off, so I'd keep him and put him on the bench or even first choice if he can sustain his form before the injury.
In short, our shortcomings this season have been defensively.
I feel this is the area of the field we need to improve in order to actually improve.

Agree0 Disagree0

I think we will wait til the summer to look at Full-Backs. I think Cissokho will be sent back once his loan expires and Johnson's position in the team looked at closely.

I think a decision needs to be made on a number of players in the summer and certainly Kelly, Flanagan, McLaughlin, Robinson and Wisdon are all players who need to be looked into. I hope we give atleast a couple of them a chance.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 12:12:33
I posted yesterday (not realizing I wasn't logged in) about the club not being able to run at a loss for much longer and somehow it was turned into an attack on players like Borini, Alberto and Aspas to name just a few. I just don't get fans anymore is it the internet culture when no one is accountable for the bile they spew or has the game from top to bottom really gone to the dogs. The ironic thing is when a player isn't performing as well as he knows he can it brings his confidence down and instead of the 'fans' cheering him on they jump on his back and make things worse. I hope when your kids bring a picture home from school that they've drawn you don't throw it in the bin and tell them how rubbish it is, Liverpool used to have the best fans in the world can we still make that claim

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Well said.

Red Rum

Agree0 Disagree0

I really dislike posts like this. Just because we criticise players we don't have the clubs best interest at heart. They earn copious amounts of money. So should liable for slack, especially in the case of Aspas etc from time to time. My heart doesn't bleed for them, I support them always but will criticize when apt. Not just the players but the owners too as well as the manager. I think the fact fans criticise show they care. So do us all a favour, get off your moral high horse and don't vent the fact your child is a rubbish drawer. Btw what a laughable comparison.

Agree0 Disagree0

I think the post is aimed at fans who don't know the difference between criticism and abuse.

Red Rum

Agree0 Disagree0

Ah carlitoc thank you for proving my point about the internet culture, i'm not sure where to start really I guess first of all I don't have any kids so any drawing ability is irrelevant, you say 'we criticize' (well your's didn't have a z in but its not a spelling test) fans such as yourself post on here saying how rubbish a player is, a waster, deadwood that's not criticism it just hateful crap. You only pipe up when the team play bad and are nowhere to be seen when all is well, I absolutely agree some players at the club will have to move on but to just label them as deadwood shows some people have no respect at all.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - good job it is not a spelling test as the correct English spelling is criticise. Critisize with a Z is an Americanism.}

We seem to have some distorted view as fans about who can be criticised and who can't.
To criticise Aspas is unfair as he hasn't been given enough game time (as a solid run of starts) to really show what he can do.
He had a few at the start of the season but he was still adjusting to the league.

I hate to say it because I like all fans love this player, but we should be criticising Countinho at the moment.
Unlike Aspas he has had a solid run in the team, is almost guaranteed a start and yet his performances for the last few months have been average with no consistency.
He doesn't score enough goals or provide enough assists.

Agree0 Disagree0

Bang on Jay its easy to say how poor a player is but its not so easy to point out why, Coutinho is in a slump and its only a matter of time before people get on his back and the vicious cycle continues. And Ed 1 with a body blow the last thing I want to be doing is turning American, what do you think is my head in the clouds and i'm remembering the better days of football when fans cheered players on (btw i'm only 23 so i'm not remembering too far back) or am I on my apparent high horse and should just accept how the game is now?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - unfortunately I do think your head is in the clouds, but that doesn't mean we should just sit back and accept it. Sitting back and accepting things is the worst thing you can do. It is why kids can get away with being little scrotes, because no one tells them to sit down and shut up, they just sit there and accept it, then moan about it later.}

There is always someone to blame if you look hard enough. It's the way it is now, not just in football.

Agree0 Disagree0

Some players clearly don't seem to care, and clearly have no focus or real interest in the game. They have the athletic ability and training to be a professional footballer, that is all. They appear to playing just for the money.

There is one such player in our first eleven, who has been at the club for a number of years, and I see nothing wrong with fans criticizing a player such as that.

There was another such player at the club, until last summer. Thankfully he is now gone.

Other players, new to the league or the club, should be shown patience, no doubt.

Having said that, I accept that this is a topic on which all fans may never agree.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 11:45:13
Morning Eds and Liverpool fans,
Anybody else feel maybe we are better off giving Sterling constant playing time as we are doing and maybe rotating him with Ibe instead of spending money on another winger? His recent performances suggest another big step in his development and maybe we would be better off giving these two young guys a chance as their potential is amazing.
Thanks
Jack!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

No I think we need another winger like salah to be honest. Although I agree the potential of sterling and Ibe is massive, they are both far too young to be played in such a way.
If we bring in salah I imagine he will be first pick and sterling will cover for injurys/form and be an option from the bench. I still expect him to get enough game time to continue his development. I would expect Ibe to get a loan at some point, he needs some playing time. He will get more chance of that elsewhere than at Liverpool.

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree. sterling is doing really well and I don't think we need more attacking options for now. salah is a good player and maybe we'd need him if we had CL. but for now, midfield should be our priority.

Agree0 Disagree0

In a few more years, they will both turn out to be excellent, even though Sterling is doing a very good job.

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree with mickey

another option like salah would be great

but it is not our most pressing issue. we current have 3 fit midfielder in a system that uses 3 midfielders

it is obvious where we are lacking

rb and lb need sorting but with flanno back to challenge jhnson and enrique back at left back I think these can wait until summer

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 11:43:48
A point on gerrard: can we all give him At least 5 or so games in this new role before we slate him, has to have time to adapt! Plus IMO Allen isn't good enough to start week in week out with Lucas and Hendo, he's not the sand quality as the rest of the top 4s mids! Good squad player but we need another quality cm before we start saying gerrard has had it! He will adapt, keep the faith, he's strong, good on the ball, a quality leader, just needs to develop that defensive tactical mind, maybe can learn off Lucas!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Depending on Lucas's injury we might have little choice but to wait and see.
The team seems to fall to bits every time Lucas is out regardless of who plays. Maybe you should show the same faith to Allen as you do to Gerrard. Maybe give him a run of 5 games in his preferred role and see how he does. I suspect he will do better than Gerrard in his new role, although I will give him a chance to prove me wrong. To me Gerrard should be playing in his best position but less of the time.

Agree0 Disagree0

Allen is a lot better than gerrard with the ball.

Agree0 Disagree0

Playing Gerrard in the holding role will cost us a champions league place.

Our defence is bad enough, but playing Lucas adds protection. Gerrard doesn't.

The way I see it is, we can score goals, we have shown that. Therefore, we don't NEED to strengthen our attack.

We NEED to fix our defence otherwise it will cost us. We can't go on conceding 2 goals per game.

2 fullback and a defensive midfielder is what is needed.

Red Rum

Agree0 Disagree0

Playing Gerrard in that position is suicide based on the visual evidence e all saw on sat. We need to sort that out fast because the defence got NO protection in the Stoke and Villa games until Lucas was moved back there to steady the ship. Our defence isn`t that good atm because of the revolving door at CB and lack of production on the flanks. If the defence gets no protection moving forward, even SAS will not be enough to help us.

Agree0 Disagree0

The guy who said allen isn't good enough to start with lucas and hendo must be watching a different game to me

we have sorely missed allen and our midfield has looked brutal in his absence

i dare say allen is our most important midfielder at the moment

Agree0 Disagree0

Allen in his correct role is fantastic on the ball an perfect for the style BR wants to play.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 10:48:08
If we fail to sign a DM which I think we need (particularly if Lucas is out for a while) wonder if Daniel Agger could fill in there, especially with SG looking uncomfortable in the role. As for llori, I would give him a game alongside sakho this weekend

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I can't see agger playing as a DM mate. He's a decent defender that likes to get forward, the DM role looks similar on paper but in reality is a lot different.

Agree0 Disagree0

Mikey, I`ve been posting this for ages. The DM position is one where special qualities of positioning, anticipation, tactical intelligence and know-how. Agger cannot play DM due to him lacking these qualities not as a CB, but as a DM.

Agree0 Disagree0

Once again I agree with mikey

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 16:14:45
Someone with Agger's level of pace would need masterful reading of the game to begin to play DM. Aggerr, unfortunately, lacks that requisite and would end up reliant on his pace and we have often been second best in a situation where we rely on Agger's pace.

The man does his job as CB very well and the last thing he needs after a long spell as a sub is to jump in to DM and get burned his first time back in the team.

Agree0 Disagree0

Dagger wouldn't be disciplined enough

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 10:34:23
I would personally go all out to sign Mata, Salah and Fernando this window, or some one similar who can boss midfield.
Sure it will cost a few bob but if we achieve champions league then a wise move.
At the mo I see us struggling to achieve that elusive spot as we simple are not good enough from back to midfield with BRs current set up.
Its ok buying all the youngsters for the future but a wise man would worry about NOW.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

How exactly do you think we should pay for it? Please can we stop talking about buying 25+m players.

Agree0 Disagree0

Its called speculate to accumulate, have you no business sense, also i'm sure the owners have the money IF they wished to invest.
Bottom line is if we strengthen well then hopefully we will get 4th and then they pay for themselves.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - and if we don't the club ends up in the same trouble it was in before they took over. Living within your means is the only long term answer.}

Not a good idea at all, in my opinion. A recipe for trouble, if not disaster.

Right now Everton are looking good for top four. How much have they spent?

Agree0 Disagree0

Where are the future DM's and AM's from the academy? Always bigging the youngsters up but none ever come through? Where is our Barkley type youngster physically an mentally ready at 18? Perhaps we way over hype our lot. As wonderful skillful little players we have there, none ever seem suited to the EPL.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 09:28:19
Heard that Ayre has been given the permission to everything in his power to sign Salah, so expect it to be done by Friday
Kabir

Believable1 Unbelievable0

Two reasons he will not sign by Friday.
1. Basel want to wait till as late in the window to see what offers come in.
2. Its Ian Ayre negotiating.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 09:18:46
Having watched Sterling over the last few weeks, there are still parts to his game he needs to improve on. He's come on massively from last season, but watching him at times is so frustrating, He doesn't anticipate passes well, and is often static when a through ball is played, he often gets to it because of his pace, but could get there quicker and cut in if he read the game better. He also starts making runs then stops 4-5 paces in and stands still, it's frustrating to see.

His crosses need to be more accurate and have more zip on them although this will come in time I guess.

Finally, when a player overlaps and he passes the ball off to them, he needs to pass it closer, he often leaves the ball in no man's land for the overlapper to get crunched by a sliding tackle. (This is the one that annoys me the most cus after having burst 20-30 yards your left with a terrible pass you can't contruct from and run the risk of injury and it's so basic)

Believable1 Unbelievable0

I think most if not all of the first team need to practise how to pass and receive a ball.
Every game I watch they are poor at receiving as its hit too hard or too far away.

Agree0 Disagree0

He's still a child. Give the lad a chance to grow and develop and wait a few years before you start criticising him so heavily.

Agree0 Disagree0

It's not really meant as ehavy criticism I realise he's 19, but some of the plaudits he gets on here seem very hyperbolic when he still has so much more room to develop. I think if We get Salah, he goes straight into first team ahead of Sterling

Agree0 Disagree0

Why would he go straight into the first team when he has 0 Premier League experience.

Agree0 Disagree0

I reckon Ibe is the better long term bet to Sterling.

Agree0 Disagree0

Most of the things about sterling you mentioned will be ironed out with more experience and age. Like you say he's come on massively this season, and he's still only 19. At this rate of progress he will be a seriously good player by the time he's 23/24.

Agree0 Disagree0

Redlinin it will be interesting to see who will turn out better out of the 2. I can see both reaching similar heights to be honest.

Agree0 Disagree0

You know Sterling`s just a boy, right? Clueless comment!

Agree0 Disagree0

Exotiva, I didn't realise playing in the premier league previously was a pre requisite to starting.

Agree0 Disagree0

Bobatron. You said that Salah should go straight into the first team ahead of Sterling.

There is no basis for such a move because Sterling has been playing well in his role whereas Salah has 0 experience. So why would you dislodge someone who is used to the league, and playing well in the league, to accomodate someone with 0 experience in the league at all?

It simply makes no sense.

Agree0 Disagree0

Because Salah is simply better, and has proven himself vs champions elague opposition and has a better final product, makes better runs etc.That is why.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 08:43:33
Hey eds,
Any idea which free transfers have been scouted/considered?
Caner Erkin or Antonelli of Genoa for LB maybe?
Menez? Raul Garcia? Fernando?

Which frees would you like? (Excluding Montoya who looks unlikely)

Thanks!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 06:42:04
Ed's I hear the echo are reporting that after rodgers had talks with the owners, a formal bid will be placed for salah this week! I know you wish not to speak of salah but how reliable are the echo? Thanks

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Probably more reliable than most of the main papers. Not that that's a difficult achievement though.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 05:23:58
Banter from the Everton page. Lukaku's shaved his hair all off so the turtle can only pull his shirt in the derby. Haha!

Believable0 Unbelievable1

Ahaha good one.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 03:53:09
A future CB partnership of Ilori & Sakho is a very nice thought, it's obvious that either Skrtel or Agger will have to go, just wondering which one you guys would expect, Eds & Reds.

Personally I think Skrtel can keep Ilori's seat warm, Agger will fetch a higher fee and allow us to invest in wing backs which are the obvious deficiencies, Johnson is ridiculous at the minute, Enrique is too injury prone, we need to replace those 2 positions plus the obvious winger and a powerful CM/DM.

I think Allen needs to go, I don't see where he fits in. With Suso coming back next year that provides more than adequate competition for Coutinho. Sterling, Ibe & Alberto provide cover/competition for the wing positions. Aspas will come through and I think he will provide competition for the number 9 role for the next year.

I don't think we are too far away from having a top quality squad, it's all about getting these next 2 windows right, part of which will require getting top 4 this season. What do you guys think?

Cheers,

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I think depending on the fullbacks, we could probably get rid of both.
Once Sakho is fit, he should be starting the left-sided CB position. and Toure for the time being should be playing on the right side IMO.

That will give us a good defensive duo whilst Ilori is deemed not ready. We could then use Ilori and Kelly as CB back ups.

I think probably that Skrtel will definitely leave and Agger will leave if he can't regularly get into the team. And considering his high wages I think the club would let him go.

Agree0 Disagree0

Our fullback positions need overhauling. A pairing of Ilori and Sahko could be good. Both have pace, composure, and we can actually play that highline w/o worrying about people getting behind us due to the pace they have to recover. Nice prospects ahead but top 4 is a must.

Agree0 Disagree0

El pistolero, if we get champions league next year, do you not think we should hold onto Allen for a little squad depth?

I am not bothered which CB goes. If skrtel goes we lose an average defender if Agger goes, we hopefully recoup a fair bit of money.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 03:38:49
Daily telegraph says me will make a formal bid for Salah this week.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - A formal" bid eh.}

20 Jan 2014 16:24:20
Mr Ayre will not be wearing the jeans he has had on all week. The American owners had previously told him no matter how large his belt buckle, or wide his hat brim, or how worn his Levis and flannel, he will not be buying Salah with their money.

Mr Ayre then proceeded to complete the ancient ritual to appease his gods and purchased a high end Winchester which he used to hunt boar. With the ritual sacrifice complete, he may now move for Salah.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 02:02:20
Hey eds, with reports stating that Lucas could be out for the whole season. Has Rodgers finally focused on looking for another DM. I feel Fernando Reges would be a much better fit than M'Villia, however, at this point don't really care who we get! Can you give us an update on Rodgers plan for signing a DM and whether these two players are options? Thanks

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Nothing has changed.}

Lucas needs to be replaces asap a he I now a liabiltity with hi injuries, shame but a fact.

Agree0 Disagree0

Lucas is too important to be replaced. We need a back up or just another CM. But when fit he will still be first choice.

Agree0 Disagree0

How can he be too important when he's injured most of the time?
That's a sensible post to say the least.
We need someone who can and will play most games, Lucas has had injuries for some time.
And before you say another player who replaces him may get injured its a chance worth taking I reckon if you want 4th minimum.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - so he missed a couple of months last season and half of the previous one and now he is injured most of the time? Hardly a sensible post to say the least! We aren't talking about Agger here, who has more time out injured than on the pitch. It may well be that it is time to find a replacement for him, depending on what the surgeons find, but right now you are just jumping to nonsense conclusions.}

Another hater that has been put in his place by Ed01 and rightfully so. Lucas will need to be replaced because Allen cannot play DM for the longterm due to his size and inability to do what Lucas does so well. A specialist of the position will be needed.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 00:50:02
Hey Ed, sorry if this was answered before but I couldn't find it on the page anyway. With the signs not looking good with Lucas' injury, what do you think we will do? Do you reckon we'll take our chances with Stevie as CDM or can you see us bringing in recruitments for that position. Its definitely a position we need strengthening in, so why not do it now while the windows open! So yeah, your opinion Ed?
Cheers,
ROI.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I have explained already.}

19 Jan 2014 23:29:18
Eds.any info on centre midfielders we are lookin at personally I think diame from west ham could be good fit.ynwa reddave

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2014 00:36:03
Liverpool need to be looking at the midfield problems! Defensive midfielder needs improving (Fernando) they need a proven playmaker, Gerrard isn't good enough, Henderson is a player for a game when you need more physicality and work rate (big teams), Allen is a good holder of the ball, like a xavi to Barcelona he just needs to improve abit with game time and he will be a big player for us I'm sure, but not ready. We need a player of Mata's calibre, someone who can play the through balls and get the assists
Opinions?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

With regards to a mata type player we have coutinhio. problem he has is he's played out wide so that sturridge and suarez can play.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 00:17:03
According to the BBC Basel have completed a transfer to the French league and will no longer be Swiss. Heres what they say.

Liverpool are ready to make a formal bid for Basel's 21-year-old Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, who has been valued at £12m by the French side.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Haha, I'm sure that'll send the Swiss navy into up roar. :)

Agree0 Disagree0

Haha! Brilliant reporting by the BBC.

Agree0 Disagree0

20 Jan 2014 00:00:51
Sorry guys, I was inaccurate. LFC currently have the 7th best defence and not the 4th. Still not bad judging that we`ve conceded 3 more goals than City.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

 
Change Consent