Liverpool Banter Archive November 20 2017

 

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20 Nov 2017 21:28:01
With so many decent players running out of contract this summer, I'd love us to approach a couple. We are lacking in leaders and experience really, especially if Milner leaves. Chiellini, wouldn't say no, good experience, could teach some people a few things, if he fancies a move. Goretzka I would take, and I hear ghoulam is in the same position - have him over Robertson! Giminez too, good youngish CB. Even juanfan, see Clyne, he can rotate with Trent and teach him a few things.
I understand these aren't free, but on today's climate, even large signing on fees would be less than the transfer fees of equivalent players right? And if we sell Robertson, klavan/ lovren, Clyne Milner coutinho and can leaves.

Believable4 Unbelievable8

21 Nov 2017 00:20:22
Whats the point of selling Robertson without playing him enough to see if he is good or bad?


21 Nov 2017 09:03:36
I'd take Goretzka as Coutinho's replacement. Please no to the rest.


21 Nov 2017 13:21:08
Moreno is playing better than Robertson has in his few games - admitedly it's not many, but Klopp must be seeing something in Moreno he's not in Robertson in training to mean he gets more games.


20 Nov 2017 20:00:15
Evening. I watched the Kenny documentary today. The man is incredible in so many ways, everything he done on the pitch on the sidelines as boss but most importantly for all of the families of the 96. The word legend is banded about way too much, but Kenny Dalglish is a true legend and a wonderful human being. As is his wife too at that.

Believable24 Unbelievable0

21 Nov 2017 07:54:37
Well said.


21 Nov 2017 08:24:42
Still can’t understand y he’s not Sir Kenny after everything he has done for the club and the families of Hillsborough absolutely baffles me.


20 Nov 2017 19:04:35
Hi Ed's

Do you think we should start getting concerned about Firmino's contract situation yet? I think we all know Emre Can is running down his contract and Firmino's is up season after next.

I thought the general rule of thumb was not to let contract run down less than 2 years to go for key players. Just interested if anything should be read into no news on Firmino yet.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Firmino has more than two years to run, so no.}

20 Nov 2017 19:40:47
As Ed002 indicated, his contract runs until the beginning of July 2020.but I do think we'll renew in 2018.


20 Nov 2017 19:14:47
Ok thanks Ed, apologies I thought was ending after next season but thanks for confirming otherwise.


20 Nov 2017 18:32:50
Count is a player I would like to see stay, I can understand that he has had his head turned by Barcelona, let's face it who would not be tempted. he will gather his thoughts back and get back on song, he will still be at LFC after jan I believe. We all should get behind him as we always do rather than jump on that ole bandwagon. Been a fan for 40 years and have seen how the club has changed aswell as the game itself and more annoying to me is how clubs conduct themselves this day and age and especially us. We used to do things with integrity and behind closed doors, shame shame shame. the game is going to implode with sky and money running the game. thinking off changing to tiddly winks it's chepaer (kidding)

YNWA.

Believable7 Unbelievable2

Phillipe Coutinho's Mantle

20 Nov 2017 18:38:14
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Phillipe Coutinho's Mantle

Believable4 Unbelievable3

20 Nov 2017 19:01:17
The article put too much emphasis on Coutinho being the biggest contributor. After Suarez, we evolved as a team. This team just needs a player who can provide the killer pass to front 3. I think both Lemar and Meyer will be a great option. We won't miss Phil. In Ed 002 words, they are just transient employees.


20 Nov 2017 19:07:59
Quality article have to say mate
keep them coming.


20 Nov 2017 20:14:45
Not impressed with the article. All About opinions though are you’re welcome to yours.


20 Nov 2017 21:14:42
Hi Stg. Apologies if it came across like that. I think we'll be just fine without Coutinho. He's barely played this season and we've done fine. I just couldn't sit there and lie about how good he is! Because let's be honest, he is superb.

Johncrow Jr, thanks you mate. Appreciate the feedback.

Tezza-M that's fine mate. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read anyway. Hopefully you'll enjoy the next one more.


20 Nov 2017 22:02:58
A good read mk, got to say mate your articles are very interesting and it’s clear the amount of research you put into it. I share your views on Coutinho also, there’s no doubt the little guy is pure quality and will be missed, however we as a team can adapt and life goes on.


20 Nov 2017 22:31:09
excellent post. what this site is all about. where else can u go to get this type of in depth analysis which us liverpool fans want to read. keep it coming. much appreciated.


20 Nov 2017 23:27:02
Agreed fruitba! Great read I thought, thankyou MK.


21 Nov 2017 00:12:46
Thought it was a great article myself, as it proves what a job we have to replace him. Saying that, do we even need to find a like for like player, we just need to find one that suits the system.


21 Nov 2017 00:22:50
Decent read MK. My own thoughts are that Coutinho is a great player but will, and should be rotated this season. Against lesser teams at home like on Saturday he should play in midfield as he can open up stubborn defences from a deeper position and we are not under much pressure coming the other way.
The problem for me is that he leaves the midfield weaker defensively against the better sides particularly away from home. I think if Salah, Firmino and Mane are fit they play. That then means that Coutinho should probably start in about 25 league games in a season as sometimes we need a more solid midfield and with him there the defence gets exposed which, let’s face it has been a bigger problem than going forward.
For that reason I don’t think we’ll miss him when he goes. Keita is coming in and is a better all round midfield player in a similar way that Salah is an all round better winger.
We can sacrifice an undoubted world class talent but I believe the team will become more balanced and we will be better as a result.


21 Nov 2017 03:21:21
Agreed on Lemar, Meyer and Goretzka as potential options. I just hope whomever it's going to be we pull the trigger and get it done. I know he just arrived recently but why not tell Barcelona we want Umtiti as makeweight for Couter. Although I am sure it would get shot down, would be worth a shot.


21 Nov 2017 06:38:18
Cheers for reading guys and thanks for all the replies. Good post by the way Ings n Things.


21 Nov 2017 08:15:20
Great article mk. Your efforts are really appreciated and like the eds, you bring quite a lot to the site.


21 Nov 2017 08:48:30
Cheers aoe! For as long as even one person appreciates it, I'll continue to make the effort!


20 Nov 2017 18:16:41
Why does it feel like Salah is one of the best signings we have made in a very long time?

You ain't going to see this player bite people, go on strike or throw his toys. He did not do it at Chelsea even when he was probably earning a massive pay package and hardly played.

Not trying to blow smoke up Salah's arse but I am struggling to see a more humble football player anywhere at the moment.

Believable14 Unbelievable4

20 Nov 2017 18:33:01
I don’t understand what you mean by humble, how is Salah any more humble than Firmino, Moreno or any other player?


20 Nov 2017 18:50:00
You are missing my point when he has come at a massive transfer fee on his shoulders, had criticism that he needs 20000 chances before he scores etc yet.

Moreno has had his dig at supporters who have challenged him.

Salah just keeps on smiling. It is like nothing bothers him and Klopp does not have to give him hugs to boost his ego either.


{Ed002's Note - It's wind.}

20 Nov 2017 19:11:48
I had my doubts about Salah especially the way Rodgers mucked about pissing him off when Liverpool attempted to sign him the first time round.

Salah made it clear how he was screwed around by Liverpool and look now, holds no grudges and leading scorer in the EPL.

Now he is happy because he got the move he originally wanted and proving he is worth every penny Liverpool are paying him.

Without a doubt our best player this season hands down and let me tell you, the only way Salah has done that is with pure dedication.


20 Nov 2017 19:59:12
Salah is quality and his attitude is a big positive for the team and hope it rubs off on to his team mates.
I think he has to be favourite for player of the season for us.


20 Nov 2017 17:56:33
Evening ED001

How are you mate? Great review of the game once again spot on with everything you wrote.

Who in your opinion out of the interested players would best replace Phil? Imo Meyer or Lemar would tick the most box's, and from what I gather Meyer would probably be most atainable given Lemars price tag.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - thank you mate.

Lemar would seem the best replacement as he can play a number of roles, further back and further forward. I am not convinced any of the other options would offer so much flexibility.}

20 Nov 2017 18:06:08
Cheers for quick reply mate. Nit to mention figures but you don't think Lemar would be financially out of reach, as that was my pression? .


20 Nov 2017 18:07:45
I'm actually writing an article covering all the Coutinho replacements in the Sharkopod. I largely agree with you though Kloppsreds17. Meyer and Lemar are two of the better options. Article should be up in the next 15 minutes. I just need to spell check it 😂.


20 Nov 2017 18:06:08
Cheers for quick reply mate. Nit to mention figures but you don't think Lemar would be financially out of reach, as that was my pression? .


{Ed001's Note - nope. It would come down to whether the club would feel it was too much to spend on one player or not, but it is possible to do so.}

20 Nov 2017 18:21:03
Nice one MK. I should spell check mine mate lol but up against time.


20 Nov 2017 18:42:38
Thanks for that info Ed001, as I was thinking along the same lines as Klopp 17 .


20 Nov 2017 18:49:09
Judging by what Ed 02 has suggested it will take close to £100 mil, absolute crazy money and with the work we need to do at the back seems unlikely.


20 Nov 2017 18:42:38
Thanks for that info Ed001, as I was thinking along the same lines as Klopp 17 .


{Ed001's Note - any Premier League club could, technically, spend that kind of money on just one player, if they chose. It is just that it could place an onerous burden on the club, eat up so much of the potential funds that other spending would be blocked etc. There are many options in terms of loans etc available to fund transfers. However, the issue is there may be payment terms placed on the finance which would make it unviable or there is a need to buy 3 or 4 players or an issue outside of the team that needs money spending on that would stop it from making financial sense. Without full access to the accounts and financial projections for forthcoming years, we will never know whether it makes financial sense or not.}

20 Nov 2017 20:22:55
I get what your saying ed. Especially baring in mind we need to spend on CB's as well as forking out for Keita.


{Ed001's Note - exactly.}

20 Nov 2017 16:13:18
Hi Red Men, what a difference a few weeks makes.
4 wins on the bounce (hopefully 5 after tomorrow)

I won't bore you with my ramblings, heres the loan update.

Kent and Origi met up this weekend and spent plenty of time together as they were both sat on the bench as Wolfsburg played Frieburg.
Kent was an unused sub and Origi got a three minute run out as Wolfsburg won 3-1.

Williams was not in the squad as Rochdale lost 3-1 to Oldham.

Gomes was not in the squad as Forest Green beat Crewe 3-2 thanks to a 90th minute winner.

Allan was not in the squad as Apollon won 4-1.

Chirivella was subbed off in the 40th minute due to injury as Willem II battled back from 2-0 to draw 2-2.

George was an unused as Carlisle won 1-0 away to Grimsby

Randall was an unused sub as Hearts drew 1-1 with Partick Thistle.

Ojo is still out injured as Fulham drew 1-1 with Derby.

Naby Keita was subbed in the 55th minute for an apparent poor performance as RBL drew 2-2 away to Bayer Leverkusen

Awoniyi played the full 90 as REM lost 2-1 at home to Anderlecht.

Not the best week for our loanees really. Onwards and Upwards I suppose.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 16:28:48
Good to know Awoniyi is still alive :)

Geez, what a loan system eh. Some can't even make bench warming duties.


20 Nov 2017 18:02:10
Thanks Carra, are any of them doing well enough? Do you see any of the loanees as having a future at Lfc?

Keita, I have watched him a few times this season and he keeps giving the ball away. I hope he gets his act together in time for next season. Everybody seems to think he is quality but I don't think ED002 is totally convinced and that worries me a little. He doesn't get much wrong when it comes to players we should go for.


20 Nov 2017 18:09:19
Allan played the whole 90 minutes for Apollon Limassol.
Williams was not in the Rochdale squad because he is injured.


20 Nov 2017 18:21:25
Really need to buck up our loan system. They should go where managers actually want them.


20 Nov 2017 18:38:52
Benny are you suggesting that most of these players were forced upon their managers? Or is it possible that this is just one of those weeks where a couple of players didn’t play for various reasons?


20 Nov 2017 18:55:01
Thanks Smeg, the app I use is terrible for Apollyon updates. Sorry I got that one wrong.

Most of our loanees are squad players who are getting regular run outs. I'm assuming those that were not in the squads this weekend had injuries of some sort.

The two players who are not getting any playing time are Kent and Shamal George, I think we should look to recall them both.


{Ed002's Note - It is not necessarily that easy to recall players. George is back in January anyway. A number wou will likely not see play for Liverpool - certainly I would say Brooks Lennon won't return and Allan looks unlikely.}

21 Nov 2017 13:11:13
Thanks Ed,

I would say that most of them on loan at the moment with the exception to possibly Kent and Ojo won't play for Liverpool, maybe Chiverella to.

I view loans as almost a last chance saloon, the player really needs to impress whilst on loan otherwise they just end up forgotten about and further down the pecking order when they return.


20 Nov 2017 15:46:10
Hi Ed001 and fellow fans,

I only saw extended highlights of the match at the weekend with work : (

I was a little disappointed to see we reverted back to 4-3-3 despite the result.

I think there's 2 things important for long term success this season.

1. The backline must have the protection of 2 CMs

2. Salah should be playing up top alongside Firmino. I know he scored 2 at the weekend but I think production will be maintained better playing up top rather than tracking fullbacks.

My questions are this for those who watched the game in full

1. Did Wijnaldum sit back with Henderson a little more to help offer protection in case of break aways? Or did he play his usal box to box role?
2. Was Salah tracking fullbacks and did he stay up top for our own break aways?
3. How was Coutinho's defensive work and did he play as a box to box CM?

I thought the 4-4-2 against West Ham gave us the perfect balance. Surprised we didn't stick with it.

We will certainly have to defend against Chelsea. Just hoping we haven't learned the lessons, only to undo them so quickly.

Believable1 Unbelievable8

20 Nov 2017 16:32:06
To be fair because we really maintained possession for the majority of the game only hendo really looked to be sitting back when attacking out of the midfield. In terms of Salah tracking back, again there were not many points where he needed to. Phil for me had his best game of the season, again didn't have to do much defensive work but his body language looked good, his off ball movement was good, and for the first time all year I kinda forgot he wanted to leave as his attitude on the field was good, even had a nice looking hug with klopp when subbed.

I will say our defense looked solid, lovern still looks to be a bit rash when trying to beat attackers to 50/ 50s but played well overall, klavan looked solid, nothing amazing but solid. And the two outside backs again looked composed, I will say I read Ed01s match report and he wanted Trent to be more involved in the attack, I did think he looked a bit more comfortable in defense, once Salah scored Southampton really just folded and the game was a bit of a breeze. Don't want to be negative but I still have no idea what Simon is doing sometimes, like I feel like he's is trying so hard to show that he's a top keeper that he overcomplicates things, and honestly his distribution is poor still.


20 Nov 2017 17:58:26
"I was a little disappointed to see we reverted back to 4-3-3 despite the result. "

"I thought the 4-4-2 against West Ham gave us the perfect balance. Surprised we didn't stick with it. "

I am surprised why your are surprised as we have hit a decent run of form.

Formations do not matter as they change throughout the game.


20 Nov 2017 18:15:48
Surely the sign of a good manager is the ability to change tactics and formations depending on the opposition you are facing.


20 Nov 2017 13:33:23
Big shout out to Feyenoord fans for singing you'll never walk alone to pay respects to Brad Jones son Luca who lost his battle against leukemia 6 years ago. YNWA.

Believable13 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 12:40:52
Four wins on the trot really changes the atmosphere doesn’t it? Bearing in my mind how negative everyone was a month ago (me included) it’s actually reflects brilliantly on Klopp that we find ourselves right in the chasing pack behind the breakaway Man City. I’m not going to talk about the game because I only saw the highlights but there’s a number of general points worth discussing.

Klopp – A month ago the manager was under pressure, a run of one win in 8 games was not good enough and there was a genuine danger of our ambitions being sunk just three months into the season. Luckily we hung onto the coattails of our rivals over the period and now that our forms improved we’re right back in it, Klopp gets huge credit for recovering the situation. That doesn’t mean those questioning Klopp were wrong, he has targets that he has been hired to meet and if we end the season missing those targets his position will be under threat but as of today he’s sitting pretty.

Salah – I had a debate the other week with Ed1 about whether Salah was our best player, the bone of contention was whether Salah’s form had been maintained long enough to take that accolade. I’m still not convinced of the answer but it’s all a bit irrelevant, the fact is that he has been sensational this season. There are very few strikers who wouldn’t be jealous of his strike rate and his work rate and movement are phenomenal, to be playing so well so quickly is astonishing. I thought Mane had had a brilliant debut season last year but Salah is blowing him out of the water, long may his form continue.

Coutinho – There is something deeply unpleasant about how quickly fans have turned on Coutinho and the talk before the Southampton game was absurd. I’d prefer him to want to be a Liverpool player but I completely understand why he wants to play for Barcelona and I won’t blame him for having personal interests that clash with his employer’s. I don’t know what’s happened behind closed doors, I only know what he’s doing on the pitch and on the pitch he is working for the benefit of the team which is all we should ask of him, as long as Klopp is happy to select him I’m happy to see him in a Liverpool shirt. For the record I’m also confident that Coutinho will be a Liverpool player in February.

Our rivals – Football fans have a strange tendency to undermine the qualities of their rivals. Guardiola is just a check book manager, Mourinho just parks the bus and Wenger is passed it. Right now Guardiola is creating something brilliant at City, yes he’s spent money but football management is a lot more complicated than just putting 11 good players on the pitch, as far as I’m concerned Guardiola is currently demonstrating why he’s the highest profile manager in the world. Mourinho gets an incredible amount of stick but his team have scored more goals than us and conceded a lot less, now that Pogba’s back they’re only going to get better. As for Wenger his team dominated a Spurs side who humiliated us, he has trouble with consistency but his team are sensational on their day. My point is that there are a number of posters who seem to think that we’re now the best team in the country because of our recent form, that’s hugely arrogant. We’re still going to have work exceptionally hard to get top four this season and a bad result against Chelsea on Saturday (who themselves are in great form after their own wobbles) will take us back to square one. We know how quickly things can change in football, we mustn’t get complacent.

Our ceiling – Having said all that we have every reason to be optimistic, we played our four star attackers together for only the second time this season, Lallana is almost back, AOC and Studge are showing form off the bench, Henderson’s getting back to his best and there’s green shoots of recovery in our defence. At the start of the season I thought we were good enough to challenge for the title, that ship has sailed but we can still have an excellent season, I want us to focus on the FA Cup but no one will want to play us in the CL and we can still have our best premier league season since 13/ 14.

Believable11 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 13:00:01
Putney - I think you raise an excellent point about Klopp. Someone's ability to answer questions being asked do not make the questioner wrong. Klopp was gathering doubters because he was not taking control of an escalating situation. He then provided a satisfactory response to most of those doubters. Valid questions can have positive responses and that is a good thing.


20 Nov 2017 13:06:16
You are without a doubt one of the best poster on the site and I loved reading this one. I completely agree with you on Coutinho. There is no way I believe we will offload him in January!


20 Nov 2017 13:31:44
Klopp has done well to change it around and players coming back from injury has helped this, but I am still unsure of his capability to bring us to the next level. We will do very well to get top four this year when we have to compete with Chelsea and Arsenal for 4th with the rest picking themselves so far and without the well needed defensive signings in the summer transfer window we are looking like the underdogs.

As for Salah I was very excited when we turned our attentions to him after missing out on Brandt in the summer. He has everything it takes to be a world class player for us. Again It is important we evolve as a team and begin to start challenging properly to make sure he does not want to leave for anywhere else.

Coutinho I disagree with you on. We need players that are 100 percent concentrated on playing for us. Yes he has moments of magic but sometimes I think he holds the rest of our talented players back by shooting whenever he gets within 35 yards of goal or looking for the ball all the time instead of letting the other players express themselves as well. Sooner he is gone the better, I think we will be much more better of with Keita instead of him when he arrives.


20 Nov 2017 13:33:18
Awww, thanks Harry, love you too bud.


20 Nov 2017 13:45:14
one of the best read on the site for a while. i could not have said it better and you showed a touch of class by maintaining your humility and not getting carried away by the 4 conscutive wins we have.


20 Nov 2017 13:52:50
Really well constructed post. Disagree on some points, but also you make some great points. We'll done Putney. Enjoyed reading that one.


20 Nov 2017 14:56:05
good read putney but the coutinho thing is really easy to explain in my opinion, its not like it was years ago where you heard basically nothing of what happens behind closed doors (and im not having a dog at the eds or macca) but in todays world fans just know too much details of what is happening behind closed doors for better or for worse, some are like me and when a player don't want to play for your club he should be moved on getting the best deal for your club. a lot of fans hear about the sulking etc and see the guy is sick but plays for brazil and it don't matter what he does they can't see past it just my opinion butt as i said good comprehensive read.


20 Nov 2017 12:33:02
Ed1 this week as started off well mate, especially today with actually a board realising that the thug of a manage that Mourinho idolises himself on in Pullis as been fired.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - he is far from a thug. Pulis is a very nice guy, it is just that his teams play that way to make up for a lack of quality. Personally I would prefer it if he tried to improve the quality rather than do that, but it worked for him initially so he stuck with it.}

20 Nov 2017 12:41:04
Ok fair enough ed1, you have never been very complimentary of his sides. And I can't believe how he had the media adoring his sides.


{Ed001's Note - I can't stand the way he sets his teams out, but he is a genuinely nice guy who does a lot of charity work. I would suggest that is why he gets a good press, as he is very well liked amongst the media. He is on good personal terms with most of the pundits, for instance, which always helps avoid criticism.}

20 Nov 2017 13:11:48
I heard a story about Pulis. I can't vouch for it's accuracy but it came from someone who was involved with the club in question at the time.

Pulis was playing for Newport County in the mid 80s. One week then Bournemouth manager, Harry Redknapp, came down to Newport to watch Pulis himself after getting a recommendation.

It got to about 25 minutes in and Redknapp was not impressed by Pulis at all, he was considering leaving at half time because no one on the County team was anywhere near good enough.

However during the first half a player in Newport County kit came over and sat down not far from Harry. It took him at least 10 minutes before he introduced himself as Tony Pulis. Redknapp turned to him and said "What the f*** are you doing here? I came to watch you"

Turns out Pulis had picked up an injury earlier that day and didn't play. Harry had been looking at the wrong player the whole time.

The two of them chatted for the whole game about football and tactics and got on incredibly well. Pulis was signed for Bournemouth without Harry ever having watched him play.


A nice story, I really hope it's true.


20 Nov 2017 14:57:59
good post Red, but after watching the four goals conceded V Chelsea, he really needed a new back four, they were awful .


20 Nov 2017 20:29:13
Do you think he would consider the Wales Job ed1?


{Ed001's Note - yes, but he would prefer the day to day of club football from what I know of him.}

20 Nov 2017 20:45:41
Thank you for the reply! Would you know who's in the running?


{Ed001's Note - I don't think they have any idea themselves yet mate. They were expecting (hoping) Coleman would stay.}

20 Nov 2017 21:40:46
It's a shame he went. Cheers for the reply 👍.


{Ed001's Note - I think the time was right, nice guy but he had taken Wales as far as he could and could no longer rely on telling the players to do it for Gary Speed to get a performance out of them.}

20 Nov 2017 21:40:46
It's a shame he went. Cheers for the reply 👍.


20 Nov 2017 12:03:59
Ed01, Can you write something about the Leeds United team under David O'Leary? Just like the spurs they were brilliant to watch and won nothing but plaudits.

Cheers mate.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I have added it to the to do list mate.}

20 Nov 2017 12:15:18
I simply loved that team. One of the best ever English Side.


20 Nov 2017 14:54:58
Have always wondered why O'Leary never stuck to management.


Legends of Football Number 3: Pele

20 Nov 2017 10:11:18
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Legends of Football Number 3: Pele

Believable3 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 10:56:06
I wonder if a player will ever be as gifted as Pele again.


20 Nov 2017 12:58:57
You should check out a guy called Thiago Illori, Mikey. He’s the messiah.


20 Nov 2017 13:29:19
I still think he's the best Central defender at the club.


Pele

20 Nov 2017 10:06:16
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new player profile about, Pele

Believable1 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 07:59:02
What a week it has been for ALberto, he deserves everything coming his way, playing for your country and being blessed with a baby boy, may the good times continue for the guy.

Believable20 Unbelievable0

20 Nov 2017 08:44:51
I think he's gone from my least favourite player to being in my top 3 favourites in about 18 months.

Salah, Moreno and Firmino have been a joy to watch this season. All playing fantastic and with a smile!


20 Nov 2017 10:08:08
Yes big improvement though still have watch 50/ 50 challengers through the gaps in my fingers.


20 Nov 2017 10:12:00
MK this is not Firmino bashing, but he has not been at the consistant level of Salah or Moreno this season. He has done overall ok. Tell me which league games he has produced moments of class to win points. I can't think of any. He is doing ok but we need him to go to the next level. We need him to score the winners when we are drawing not so much the 5th goal v Maribor.

You do seem looking at some of your other posts very easily pleased. We are LIVERPOOL and we should have more points in the league and CL. I think we are a minimum 4 points behind what I would have expected in the PL. By the end of the year we need 19 points from the next 7 games to put us back on track. I am looking for Firmino to move up a level. I think its much more likely Mane and PC will step up.


20 Nov 2017 10:29:49
I have never rated Firmino and will never. I get stick for standing up to this fact. Firmino were to be play in any other team, he would not get into Brazilian squad. He is average attacker.


20 Nov 2017 10:38:45
Markp08, i am sorry mate, but I 100% disagree.

On Saturday we were struggling terribly to break Southampton down, and then as Saints went to hit us on the break, Firmino has chased back with intent, dispossessed Tadic before he got out of his own defensive third, quickly played the ball back into the danger area before Southampton could set themselves, and that is ultimately what led to our first goal. If it was not for Firmino's work rate and speed of thought, we could easily have drawn that 0-0, because the first goal opened the flood gates.

There is only 1 striker in the world who does what Firmino does and scores more goals; Luis Suarez. Nobody other striker who scores masses of goals is as influential defensively and creatively. Firmino last season was 1st in Europe for tackles and interceptions from a striker. If anybody can't appreciate how dangerous it is to have a player who repeatedly wins the ball back in the oppositions defensive third, then they are quite simply oblivious.

Firmino is unselfish, creative, hard working, the most defensively intelligent player in our starting line up, and also very entertaining to watch. Besides all that, he has still scored 7 goals in 18 games this season. It absolutely baffles me why people choose to target one of, if not, our best player.

Firmino doesn't need to step up between niw and Christmas, because he has never stepped down! Aside from Salah and Moreno, the rest of the team need to step up to Firmino's performance level.

I also reject your point that I'm easily pleased. I've made it wholly clear that Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Klavan, Lovren and Milner are not good enough and that we are completely missing a holding midfielder in the squad. I'm not easily pleased, i just look at the actual problems in the team instead of moaning about our best players because they're not Luis Suarez.

Firmino is on course to score 20 goals this season and that is not even why he is in the team. He could score 5 a season and his overall game would still be good and vital enough to us to see him as the first name on the team sheet every week.


20 Nov 2017 10:43:58
Firmino is a very clever player opens a lot of space. Drags defenders out of position. Never greedy. My opinion but that front line won't tick anywhere near without him.


20 Nov 2017 11:08:30
MK, "most defensively intelligent player" has always been Heskey. Please do not use that in anybody. It's disrespect to Emile.


20 Nov 2017 11:29:03
Firmino has just been ok this season no more than that. He has had as many below par games as real quality games like agains't Hoffenhiem. It was only a few games ago he was put on the bench because he was struggling a little. He has got 3 goals in the league. When Mane and PC are not playing he has to get goals if he doesn't we drop points. It was his responsability in some of the games to score goals and he couldn't do it.

In some games when its all going well Firmino looks great and is effective creating space for others. But its so obvious in some close games when its not working he has to get GOALS. It is his responsability in some games to win us the points, you can't always rely on Salah.

It's no different to the Gomez situation. People go ott. He was quality for England in 2 friendlies and deserves some praise. Agains't West Ham he conceded a really poor goal. He has had an ok season as well nothing more than that. I think he has the quality to be more consistant and next year we will see the best of him.


20 Nov 2017 11:29:12
Firmino is a terrific player. Without him the system wouldn't work. If you want him to score 25 goals then you might need to change the system and ask him to stick between the defenders through the game. He constantly moves around which is what the beauty of our frontline. He is what Dries Mertens at Napoli. A converted forward. I however agree he should be a bit more ruthless upfront.


20 Nov 2017 11:38:00
Firmino struggled for much of this season, especially in the games after his penalty miss vs Seville which seemed to hit him hard. But he definitely has plenty of quality and what he does allows the effectiveness of our wing attack in such a major way.

Relax - you get 'stick' for the opinion because it's a poorly informed opinion. You're allowed to have it - everyone can have any opinion they like - but you really shouldn't be surprised that people laugh at you for it. The fact that part of your opinion is that he 'wouldn't get in the Brazil national squad if he played in any other squad' should be a hint to you over how ridiculous it is - why would the Brazil NS give preferential treatment to a Liverpool player? Maybe Real or Barcelona but Liverpool? What kind of logic is that?


20 Nov 2017 12:30:14
For 3 years before we actually got him this site clamoured for Firmino. don't you realise this is the same position he played for Hoffenheim.


20 Nov 2017 12:48:43
I didn't think he justified his position last season but now he's got Salah as well as Mane next to him he's exactly what we need.


20 Nov 2017 14:29:32
Firmino does well with the system in terms of creating space for others and the inter changing 3 up front which most other centre forwards would frown upon doing every game due to being selfish but that isn’t the case with Firmino. He’s very much a team player. Few down sides I’ve picked up upon in recent months is his first touch at times is terrible and gifts the opposition possession and on another note his finishing seems to be off the boil, very rash decisions in a one on one setting other than the tap ins he’s got for his goals recently.


20 Nov 2017 15:09:20
Mark, I thought that you were a bit hard on Gomez, yes he made a mistake V West Ham, but the lad is only 20 yrs old, coming back from a bad injury, playing in a different position, and I happen to believe that he will turn out to be a top class player for us .


20 Nov 2017 15:12:38
sometimes on this site i don't believe what im reading do you guys actually watch game or just write what you think after listening to numerous moronic footballing experts on tv, trust what you see not hat you hear. without firminio we don't score a lot of the goals we have so far this season, who do you think pulls the cbs out of position opening up them pockets of space, who has won the ball back in and around the opposition box more than firminio creating scoring chances have you seen anyone else chase all the way back into his own lb and rb position and still be up in the opponents box for the attempt on goal. as has been mentioned the guy is underrated and in my opinion essential to our system yes he is not lethal enough and does not have as many shots as other cf but that means his unselfishness creates more for others i always like having a cf who scores 30 goals or more but to have 3 or four who can be around 20 or more would be excellent.


20 Nov 2017 15:53:36
But we don't have 3 or 4 who will get 20 goals we have 1 or 2. I am not being harsh on Gomez I have always said of the youngsters he is the best. But its very important not to go OTT after a couple of good games or a couple of bad games. I also think he will be top class be he must keep improving and not just listen to the praise.

Sanchez up front would get 20 league goals and Mane and Salah would score the same as now.

MK how can you say if he scored 5 goals he would still be the first name on the team sheet? That is just crazy it would almost certainly mean we finished outside the top 4 because Mane and Salah won't be fit every game. He has to win us some points and to give him most of the credit for Salah's first goal is well OTT. When you are a CF for a top club trying to win things in certain games its up to you.


Premier League Match Preview Monday 20th November 2017

20 Nov 2017 06:36:54
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Premier League Match Preview Monday 20th November 2017

Believable1 Unbelievable1

20 Nov 2017 09:20:20
I must say I love the effort that goes into choosing the images for these match previews!


{Ed001's Note - thanks mate.}

20 Nov 2017 09:43:25
Seagull pottery 😂 agreed livered. I am a sad enough person to have laughed at it!


19 Nov 2017 23:38:31
I may have to reserve judgement on this, but given the adjustments Klopp has made tot he team and our approach i feel like have reduced our risk of brain farts and exposing our CBs to wave after wave of pressure.
I am sure there will be challenges along the way, including at set piece time. But the performances recently have been really solid and it is noticeable to me how much more relaxed and assured our CBs have looked.

Believable9 Unbelievable0

{Ed0333's Note - don’t tempt fate Faith

20 Nov 2017 02:32:57
haah true 333! i must have edited my original post, meant to also say that I fully recognize our 4 games since spurs have been against opposition vaguely resembling speed bumps. but still!


{Ed0333's Note - I always think worst case scenario and if something good happens it’s a pleasant surprise mate

20 Nov 2017 07:20:11
I think this weeks games against Sevilla and Chelsea will present bigger speed bumps mate and test our new defensive confidence. But with Migs behind them we're always a mistake a way from conceding a goal.


20 Nov 2017 07:53:51
We've looked better alright, not sure the defence is any more secure but at least they might feel a little more confident. That said, we are all but one calamity with migs in goals.


20 Nov 2017 08:36:58
Both Sevilla and Chelsea will pose difference threats, there will be more pace to deal with. These next two games will give a good indication as to how much we’ve improved .


20 Nov 2017 11:40:15
Faith - we've drawn or lost against Burnley, Newcastle and Watford in the league and Moscow and Leicester in respective cups. The quality of the opposition wasn't a factor in highlighting how poor we were defensively, so the improvement still stands clear.


20 Nov 2017 15:56:44
Hi ED033 What is your take on the GK situation? I think a lot of our issues stem from that position. A top class keeper covers over quite a few other issues.


{Ed0333's Note - I would give Mignolet a few days off, in that time move out of Anfield to a new ground and change the location of where we train without telling him I’d give the gloves to Karius on a permanent basis so he has time to become the stellar keeper he was in the Bundesliga and the reason we bought him. If that didnt work out I’d give Ward a go. If that experiment went south I’d move heaven and earth buy Salvatore Sirigu in the summer because I think he’s quite good.

 
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