Liverpool Banter Archive July 22 2014

22 Jul 2014 22:58:48
We are seeing some sweeping changes in our squad. Its very much possible we'll have a new back 4 (sakho apart), and atleast couple of new wide forwards in our team from last year.

I know we need depth both in terms of quality and quantity, but guys don't u think integrating so many new faces in our style of play might take a bit of time, hopefully they forge good chemistry soon.

Its not about what happened to spurs last seaeon, but a general fear with us potentially ending up signing about 7 to 8 new players. Thou ultimatrly Brendan is the boss and he'd know the best.
Ed001 would like your view on it.

22 Jul 2014 23:51:45
Is it? Our back line will be Mingolet, Sakho and Flanagan near enough guarenteed. So basically, there will be 2 new players. Possibly just one as Skrtel/Agger aren't out the door yet.

Brendan has footballing philosophy, more than a strict style of play. That's how I see it anyway.
How we played the last 2 seasons was still quite different to how Swansea played. This was down to the players.

Yes, he wants certain types of players. But at the end of the day, those players individual attributes will determine the finer points of our style.
Rather than the "fit in or f*** off" - it's more of a matter of working with these players.

I really think we'll be playing a slower build up this season. A bit more ball retention.
With Luis, we'd rush rush rush; because it suited him to have defenders on the back foot. With him gone, I think we'll see things a bit more measured. With Luis the reward outweighed the constant giving away of possession. Now, we'll be more balanced, and I'm very happy with that.

It'll be a nice balance between "player to suit the style" and "style to suit the players".

23 Jul 2014 00:40:24
Even if we have signed 7 or 8 players by the time the season starts, what's to say they'll all be starters? I think the changes to the starting 11 won't be nearly as drastic as some fear

We're losing 7 or 8 players so they HAVE to be replaced, I think there will be probably be up to 4 different starters depending on opposition but for the most part it will be fairly consistent. Most will be eased in as the season goes on but that's also why we got the business done early so they bed in sooner. players like lambert and lallana already play the system so that's already minimizes some of their bedding in period.

I'm sorry hjikle but I don't see flanno in the starting line up yet, I have a strong suspicion that Johnson might still be around come the new season

23 Jul 2014 08:00:11
I'm sure Johnson will still be around (although that loan for the guy from Athletico suggests otherwise). But right now I'd say that for the PL games at least Flanno should be starting above Johnson, and there is no guarentee that Enrique will walk back in their considering we haven't got a different LB yet either

22 Jul 2014 20:17:40
I am a little unhappy at the quality of the fullbacks that Rodgers is looking to sign. Living in Spain, I have seen both the rumoured ones and I can say I am not impressed.

Left-back: Alberto Moreno is just younger version of Jose Enrique. He is a poor version of Jordi Alba. Good going forward really poor at defending. His actual defensive positional sense is not at all good. Coupled with a work ethic that is not strong, I think we could do better or just play Flannagan there.

Right-back: Manquillo, I have seen him a few times in league and cola games. To be honest he is far from impressive. He gave a stupid penalty away in the semi final and then nearly broke his neck.

if we take one or both the question is where does that Flannagan?

Orrin

{Ed002's Note - It would be a kick in the balls for the Liverpool kids. Maybe Rodgers can take them with him when he gets the Barcelona job next summer or the summer after?}

I agree mate. We need to bring in players who are an improvement on what we already have. There is no point in over stocking on players for the sake of it.

Red Rum

22 Jul 2014 21:04:32
Completely agree Orrin. They both have youth on their side though, so perhaps they can improve.

Agree. Think that Flanno and Wisdom should get their chances

Or maybe Manquillo will be back up to Flanagan?

I wouldn't be surprised if BR ships out GJ and promotes Flanno to number 1 right back.

He deserves a chance to be fair to him.

Red Rum

23 Jul 2014 07:28:49
Ed002 is very fond of winding us up over barca but messi won't pick Rogers so were OK haha

23 Jul 2014 07:29:05
Ed002, have Rodgers reps been in contact with Barcelona regarding the potential manager job over there in future? Do you think that Rodgers treats Liverpool as a stepping stone to 'better' things? I remember you mentioning that he always wanted to manage in Spain but sometimes you just get to love the job you do at present and abandon any plans and dreams from the past as a result. Unless he is in love with Suarez and wants to be reunited with him! I just want to believe that he wants to stay in Liverpool (just like he said) for many years to come. But reading your posts taught me one thing - don't read too much what he says. Am I a dreamer then?

{Ed002's Note - There is no question about what he wants in the future.}

23 Jul 2014 07:29:19
Great banter as per Ed002

22 Jul 2014 20:00:39
Hi Eds

Sorry if this is repeated as I posted earlier but hasn't shown.

Do you expect Manquillo ( if we sign him ) to provide cover at both left and right back or is he seen as first team ready straight away and likely to be first choice? I noticed he only played a few games last season at Athletico that's all.

{Ed002's Note - To start he is not a left back at all. I have no idea at all what Rodgers has planned for him if he were to arrive - but it would be very high risk to make him a starter right away and yet another serious kick in the balls for the Liverpool youngsters.}

22 Jul 2014 20:29:08
Agree with the youngsters thing. Thanks for reply mate.

Yet another kick in the balls? What was the previous one ed? Rodgers has been pretty encouraging to the youth players and seems to be willing to give them a chance.

{Ed002's Note - When buying the likes of Ilori and Alberto?}

22 Jul 2014 16:45:12
Hi all,

Firstly, I have to say that I'm so glad to see many youngsters are getting first team chances. I can see many of them should have bright future ahead of them, hopefully.

I have question for Ed001 on Jordan Rossiter. How well do you rate Rossiter? And we all know that he's considerably a player with slight body. Do you see he'll make it? And how much potential does he has?

A quick reply from you will be great. Or else if possible maybe a short review on him. I apologize Ed001 if I asked too much. I'm from Malaysia so haven't seen much of our academy players.

Thanks in advance Eds :)

{Ed001's Note - if there is one lad from the academy that is about as certain to make it as can be, it is Rossiter. He can pass, tackle, works hard, he reads the game well too. He has the potential to be world class, he stands out in the same way Gerrard did at his age and it is no wonder God said he is the new Gerrard. He is a special talent, if he grows physically as well he will be sensational.}

Ed I hope we donot splash 40 million next.summer.on a midfielder to replace gerrard. I hope Rossiter continues yo develop physically and work his way.into the first team in most likely 2, 3 years.time

Sometimes in football you see a young player (young looking) or you think due to a players height or build they may need to grow or get stronger; when you watch Rossiter all you see is an amazing player.

Positioning, energy, reading of the game, he has everything.

Not sure he has the passing range Gerrard has but in some ways he doesn't need it anyway. Not sure if he is more Roy Keane than Gerrard - either way a special player IMO.

22 Jul 2014 19:49:02
You are bang on Ed001, he's a real real talent. When he came on against Preston NE he was brilliant. As you say, he reads the game superbly & isn't afraid to get stuck in when up against grown men. Compared to Coady on Saturday, he looked to fit right in. Unfortunately Connor looks like the step up is going to be too big a gap for him, which is a shame. I'm looking forward to see how he develops in the next year or 2. Even thinking of throwing a cheeky bet on him leading out Engerland one day. :-)

You can never tell who will and who won't make it at youth level, players mature differently and some players don't even play there best till there nearly 30.a star at 18 could be a average player at 21 and vice versa.

Yes Roy Keane Hoola, spot on.

Hopefully the Roy Keane comparison isn't a slur on Rossiter.

In tears to come I think people will be saying about other players "he's the next Jordan Rossiter".

I would love a Roy Keane style player in our team! Although if I had to pick a player I'd love in our midfield it would be Patrick Vieira one of my favourite players in last 20 years! We got anyone turning into him? Haha

22 Jul 2014 17:05:09
Suarez scored 31 goals in a rampant Liverpool side last year. He may well have scored more without missing the start of the season but we will never know.
It seems many have wondered how we would replace his goals. Now I know it's not going to be the same every season but Remy (14) and Lambert (13) scored a combined 27 between them in weaker sides. Newcastle were just horrible. The Saints were stronger but not top four material. They did have stand out players though in Lambert, Lallana, Lovren and I liked the look of Rodriguez. If the Lovren deal goes through them we have three of the four stand out players. Lovren and Lallana will already know Lambert inside out. Remy will be playing in a far superior side. There will be no adjustment to the Prem.I predict that they will score at least as many as last season between them and for an outlay of less than 13 million. Not only that their combined wages will be significantly less than the single wage of Suarez. Added to this there would theoretically be another 50million to spend to strengthen us further.
This could be a very savvy move by the club.

No idea where you get that extra 50 million from myself.

Good point but suarez takes up just 1 slot on a team sheet

HSF - I think he means Suarez Cost - Remy and Lambert cost.

Yes but those 2 aren't on the pitch instead of Suarez we can still only play 11 players. They will both be available to come on as subs & may get the odd 20mins & cup games. We need 1 player to come into the team & score & assist probably half as many probably someone like lallana markovic playing in Suarez position. Add to that the fact we'll concede less & we're already better off it's far less hypothetical too. We aren't going to be stupid & buy 4 players in the same position hoping that between them might add up to the same amount of goals! Urgh

22 Jul 2014 18:56:01
That's exactly what I meant Hoola. Listen guys i'm not under the illusion that either of these two are individually fit to lace Suarez boots and I know that its two players, i'm merely pointing out that they both score goals in the prem and we have the majority of the Suarez money for other reinforcements.

I don't think the calculation are so simple. Many of the goals LS scores he created from nothing. He also made 7-8 assists I think. He also drew a lot of attention from defenders which left a bit mroe freedom for the other SS. Very hard to predict how many goals the new guys will score but lambert and Remy are more of being in the right place in the right time in the box guys then creating goals and we need someone to create goals for us after LS left.

I imagine lambert and remy will outscore Suarez next season anyway. Lol
Are 2 decent strikers better than one outstanding one? Who really knows, having an extra option on the bench is always a bonus when your first striker is knackered or being marked out the game though. Besides I can't see either getting bans like Suarez so they shoul be more reliable at least.

Suarez has GONE

Mickey 1985

suarez was knackerd and still won the golden boot even after missing them games at the start, so I have to disagree with you that they will not out score suarez, lambert may get close and get close to the assists that suarez made, plus lambert is a great free kick taker and penalty taker something suarez never done, lambert could be even better than stevie at pens

I think you missed the joke Mickey. Suarez is banned for a lot of games, lambert and remy combined might actually beat suarez's final goal target next season.

22 Jul 2014 16:05:34
Why are we looking at expensive Left backs rather than right backs? It's no doubt that Enrique is much better than Johnson, I understand we need more depth at LB, but the likes of Moreno for over £20m. Doesn't make sense to me. Is there a reason why LB is priority over Right back?

Yes there is a reason. flanno is seen as the clubs right back for the foreseeable future because, as any real fan would know, flanno is infact a right back and despite this he was our best defender last season even when inexperienced and played out of position. expect a gradual transition of him into the first 11 over the next season or 2 and he will be an outstanding right back. However, we have no outstanding left back coming up and Enrique is simply not good enough therefore a young left back who has the attributes BR admires is a priority, these would appear to be Moreno and bertrand

22 Jul 2014 17:55:09
Enrique"simply not good enough" Is this the clubs official stance or just your opinion. I would have no problem starting the season with Enrique at LB and Flanno at RB rather than spending millions on a player who might be better. This is just spending just for the sake of it

Enriques problem is he doesn't listurn to anybody. Just keeps making the same mistakes shrugs his shoulders and carrys on doing it over and over! I think the word is un-coachable. I'm sure one of the eds could back this!

Agree with Rickblfc above, Enrique plays his own game and is not the quality we need at fullback. Also guys the is constantly getting injured, he is a liability, let's cut our losses, move him on if we can and get a real left full who will listen to the manager and play to suit the team.

22 Jul 2014 15:56:07
If anyone was wondering why we didn't try to sign James Rodriguez, the £63m Real are having to pay to sign him might be a reason.

I think the main thing is that we don't have the pull of being Champions League winners.

Even if we stumped up the cash, he would have rejected us out right. Real was his dream club, and he wanted the move badly. We have qualified for the champions league after a 5 year absence, not something which would appeal to world class players. They either want regular success or lots of money, and we cannot provide either.

But Monaco weren't even in the champions league and he when there.

But monaco has mullah and signed him for almost 50% less than they sold him for which is still a heavy fee, one that we weren't going to do so quickly after carroll.

22 Jul 2014 14:56:54
Saw somebody on here a month or so ago claiming that we were going to look at a player from Spurs, around the same time it was reported we weren't happy with Mignolet and were looking to perhaps replace him

Now spurs are looking to sign Vorm from Swansea do you see Lloris being available, as don't see Vorm being happy warming the bench when they also have Friedel

Would LFC be interested if this was the case
Cheers

22 Jul 2014 16:28:28
Lloris recently signed a new deal, if i'm not mistaken so that makes a deal highly unlikely. Reina is also still here and so we'll have to get rid of him and his wages before we even consider adding extra competition for Mignolet.

We did sign 2 youth players from spurs mind you.

Players signing deals n extensions doesn't count for much. Highly unlikely deal anyway.

We signed a 20-21 year old British/Chilean keeper from them.

22 Jul 2014 14:27:52
Just some fun for you guys.

Out of our current squad, who do you expect to see at LFC for the longest time?

Who has the potential to become captain?

Who will be the next player that leaves and devastates us?

1)Henderson, flanno, coutinho (maybe), and if Borini had a good year, him too.

2) Henderson, lallana, and my dark horse, sturridge.

3) this would hurt me more than Suarez ever could have. Sterling. I still think he's gone in a few years time.

Longest time: Flanno, Rossiter or Ibe.

Leaves and devastates us: Sterling, Teixeira, Coutinho or Sakho

Captain: Hendo, Lallana or Rossiter

22 Jul 2014 16:25:46
I would be devastated if Raheem left.
More than suarez.

Longest time-John Flanagan
Leaves and devastates us-Raheem Sterling
Future captain-Mamadou Sakho

Longest Time: Flanagan
Leaves and Devastates: Sterling
Future Captain: Henderson

22 Jul 2014 17:36:24
Longest at LFC: Sterling if we're able win the PL a few times and consistently challenge for the Champions League. Henderson if not.

Leaves us & devastates us: Probably Coutinho.

Future captain: Henderson.

It's a bit like "snog, marry, avoid" which was a game named after my 1st marriage.

22 Jul 2014 22:35:09
Good point ken.

- Ibe, Rossiter (would love to say Sterling and Sturridge though)
- Hendo/ Sakho/ Rossiter (who will probably be captain at 22-23)
- Coutinho as it would be so hardest to replace what he brings but Sterling defo would sting the most.

22 Jul 2014 13:25:40
Hi Ed,

I hope you're well!

I've spent the morning analysing Liverpool's results at different kick off times. I always had the feeling we did better at certain kick off times. Below shows that we do.

Just a bit of fun, it obviously means nothing, but quite interesting nevertheless. (Or so I think.

Hopefully the formatting will be OK.


Analysing Liverpool's Kick-Off Time:

TIME: Early 12:45, 2:05, 12:00, 13:30
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
14 9 3 2 32 20

Win % 64.29%
Goals For Per Game 2.29
Goals Against Per Game 1.43


TIME: 15:00
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
9 8 0 1 27 8

Win % 88.89%
Goals For Per Game 3
Goals Against Per Game 1.13


TIME: Late 17:30, 16;10, 16:00
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
12 7 1 4 28 15

Win % 58.33%
Goals For Per Game 2.33
Goals Against Per Game 1.25


TIME: Evening 19:45, 20:00
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
8 5 2 1 23 12

Win % 62.50%
Goals For Per Game 2.88
Goals Against Per Game 1.50


DAY Saturday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
16 11 3 2 43 18

Win % 68.75%
Goals For Per Game 2.69
Goals Against Per Game 1.13


DAY Sunday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
17 12 1 4 41 23

Win % 70.59%
Goals For Per Game 2.41
Goals Against Per Game 1.35


DAY Monday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
2 0 2 0 5 5

Win % 0.00%
Goals For Per Game 2.50
Goals Against Per Game 2.50


DAY Tuesday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
2 2 0 0 8 2

Win % 100.00%
Goals For Per Game 4.00
Goals Against Per Game 1.00


DAY Wednesday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
5 4 0 1 12 5

Win % 80.00%
Goals For Per Game 2.40
Goals Against Per Game 1.00


DAY Thursday
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
1 0 0 1 1 2

Win % 0.00%
Goals For Per Game 1.00
Goals Against Per Game 2.00


Thanks very much Ed!

Enjoy,

Burnsy

Who's starting the petition for all Liverpool games to be played 3 pm on a Tuesday then?

Hi all, first time poster here.
Just wanted to point out the flaw with this analysis. The early/late kick-off games are the ones which are televised. They are therefore usually the 'big' games against the other top teams in the league. It stands to reason that we would have a poorer record in these fixtures than in the 15:00 games against the 'smaller' clubs. An interesting post nonetheless!

Well I am going to start a petition to shift all our games to 1500 hours

22 Jul 2014 15:47:50
The win rate of nearly 90% for 15:00 is very meaningful.

It clearly that the games against weaker teams are less likely to be televised.

Hi Rors123 and Travellingmike. I wasn't really trying to prove any point with my analysis, just interested in variance of results with kick off time. Obviously, what you say about TV is probably close to 100% of why the results as are they are. However, I do still think there may be something more added to it?

Cheers,

B

22 Jul 2014 13:19:24
HI ED
surely all these news papers saying we got a lot more to spend is ill informed . surely after lovren our spending done apart from if we can bring in a left back?

22 Jul 2014 15:59:59
Hi Mate, think you may need to do your sums? We had a transfer kitty of approx £60M (Ed's I know we don't get tramsfer kitties but that is the approximate earmarked amount) we also have sold Suarez for £75M CASH. I should think we have approx £80M left and do expect some serious beusienss till to be done but hope not too much as it could distabise the club. We need a left back (although I don't think this as desperate as other) we have Enrique who was top 2 seasons ago and also Jack Robinson coming through. I want Lovren and a Marque signing (STRIKER) like Cavani or I would even love to see Balotelli. Thanks Ed's

A lot of players will be leaving I think to maybe balance the books a little bit, ie borini agger enrique maybe skrtel . of course I don't have any info but I am just writing what I think

David you playing fifa again?

So David I am going to assume your chipping in for the club to pay the taxman and the the various monies owed to the other players? And Barca certainly didn't pay 75 million pound worth cash up front. It will be paid in installments.

22 Jul 2014 12:39:21
The Daily Mirror reporting Liverpool could take their summer spending past £150million as Brendan Rodgers targets Arturo Vidal, Marco Reus and Paul Pogba. Haha nice one daily mirror spot on there without a doubt you pack of Harrys!

If that were to happen, I think we may even break Citeh or Chelsea's one window spending record, as I think those three players could end up costing close to £150m just on their own!

Have the mirror been throwing darts at a load of panini football stickers from the world cup in trying to link more names to Liverpool?!?!

Only them? What the he'll is Rodgers playing at if cavani falcao and do Maria don't come in and ayre and Rodgers aren't sacked I quit as a supporter!

22 Jul 2014 17:52:38
The Mirror have longed based their transfer speculation on the previous season's Panini album and blindfold. I have a feeling that Vidal will join Manchester United this season though.

22 Jul 2014 12:04:24
In my opinion if borini were to leave us it would benefit all parties involved. Sunderland will have a decent player in their ranks, borini will be playing week in week out at a club where he is wanted and we get a decent amount of money. If he wants to prove himself that's fine by me, but we as a club need to do what's best for us.

Its hard to see how the lad will start a single game this season, with us playing a single striker and having three of those ahead of him in br's selection order.
His attitude as a pro is first class, and his loyalty is admirable- but his judgement on this moveis pretty poor.

Who says we will play 1 striker every game? the new system might not work that well and we could end up going back to 442 diamond. or 433 with borini, remy also able to play down the flanks.

22 Jul 2014 11:14:27
Gday Eds,
So if Agger, Skrtel, Coates & Wisdom all leave this summer you still think Lovren will be the only CB signed?
Botafogo's Doria would be great as an Agger replacement, any idea who's after him/likely to get him?

Thanks a bunch

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool have a massive surplus of unused centre backs - several need to go. Liverpool are not interested in Doria.}

22 Jul 2014 12:06:50
I'd certainly be very happy with a first choice pairing of Lovren and Sakho.

If they were backed up by Ilori, who played well in La Liga last year, Kelly, who should really play as a CB, and Lloyd Jones, I'd be happy with that too.

I'd keep Agger Mike mate. I think having 3 backups; all of whom have never played a single minute of Premier league football at centre back, 1 of whom is under 18 years old and another who has missed 4 out of the last 6 years hrough injury is a risk. Agger would be better suited to a squad role. He'd still get 25-30 games if we go far in the cups and it'd spare him from over doing it and getting more injuries. I hope he chooses to stay again. He is one of the few experienced players in our squad and if I'm right, our second longest serving senior player behind Gerrard? I'd be happy with Lovren, Sakho, Agger, Ilori and Kelly as our senior centre backs with Lloyd jones and Rafa Paez as back ups should we find ourselves in a very dire situation!

I wouldn't be any less happy with Agger there as well.

22 Jul 2014 11:02:10
Eds anything on this benzema rumour

{Ed002's Note - It would suit Real Madrid - particularly if Sterling were included. Who would be making way? Sturridge perhaps?}

Ed your talking as if Sterling and Sturridge weren't playing alongside Suarez, their spot as starters next season are sealed regardless of who comes in.

{Ed002's Note - So where do Benzema, Remy, Markovic, Lallana and Reus fit in?}

22 Jul 2014 10:28:48
Hi Eds

Nothing of note on the search about this but ssn last night spoke about LFC being interested in Cavani. Anything you might have heard on the matter?
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - No chance.}

Ahh I see that you are a Air Gear Fan from the looks of your name.

22 Jul 2014 10:48:40
Sad to see a good goalie like vorm going to spurs to sit on the bench. Was hoping we would make a move.

We need to be objective. What makes you think THFC is not as good for him as LFC?
How are you sure that he will not sit on the bench as well at our beloved LFC?

He will sit on the bench

What makes you think he'll be on the bench? It honestly wouldn't suprise me if Lloris left or went on loan for a season to a CL club. He is in the top 3 keepers in the world (Neuer and Courtois) and deserves better than mid table.

Because they have lloris and just gave him multi mil deal so. work it out m8 he's on the bench!

22 Jul 2014 09:10:11
Really pleased with our business so far.

Can is an excellent, versatile player for the future and the present who can play Attacking midfield, box to box, holding midfield and even left back. I can't wait to see him running at people. It's like Ross Barkley but with less pace and more technical and tactical ability.

Lallana in my opinion will be one of our best players next season with his skill, vision and work rate. Really excited to see him play!

Lambert is a great squad player capable of creating goals from difficult positions and he's also pretty clinical when he does venture into the box. Not to mention he takes a wicked free kick!

Markovic is pretty raw but if nothing else his pace will put teams on the back foot. Excited to see if he can develop as Sterling has next season.

Remy although I dislike him, is good at what he does. He plays off the shoulder of the last man and likes to get in behind, or looks to find space in the box from crosses and cut backs. He is limited, but he'll get us goals.

Lovren will be our most important signing because he will solidify our crumbling defense. I really rate this guy and his positional awareness makes everything he does look easy ala Sami Hyypia. A great leader.

Origi if signed is a great option for the future. In 2 years time Lambert will probably be retiring or close to it, and I don't see Remy sticking around for much longer than that. Therefore in two years time Origi will be ready to come and fight for a central role with Sturridge and Maybe Yesil/Dunn/Sinclair etc. Who knows? Its a great buy for the future though.

Left back is a bit up in the air. From what the Eds have said, I think Davies will go to Spurs, Rojo will go to Juventus and Moreno will go to Atletico. I don't see us signing anyone but Bertrand whom I would be very pleased to see here. He is a hardworking attacking full back with a lot of talent that he hasn't been allowed the chance to show. I wouldn't be dissapointed with any of the above players tbh. Bertrand for me though, is the least risky and best value for money.

In terms of a goalkeeper I'm not sure what's going on. Eds have suggested interest in Darlow, and previous interest was shown in Vorm and Begovic. That is completely up in the air and not even a priority as far as I can tell.

That should be us done for this summer though. Unless our left back is a "marquee" signing I'm afraid a lot of you will be dissapointed. This window was always about balancing the books and increasing the quality of our squad so it could cope with 50+ games. I will be very suprised if we sign somebody just to appease the fans. If you want a big money signing, at least call for Ricardo Rodriguez. At least he plays a position we still need to fill!

I'm also hoping to see the likes of Smith, Ilori, Rossiter, Teixeira, Ibe, Peterson and Dunn develop next season. A few of them could be as good as new signings!

It would be nice to keep Borini and Suso as well, however I don't see either staying much to my dissapointment. I feel as though they won't be happy with the amount of game time they will get. Also, is Suso a better playmaker than Teixeira? Is Borini a better left winger than Ibe? I would argue that as much as I like both players and hope they stay, that it's not critical so long as Ibe and Teixeira don't go out on loan.

One thing I will say is I hope Agger and Lucas stay. Their attitude if nothing else can only be a positive to have in the squad and both still have a lot to offer as squad players. They might be too injury prone to be regulars, but they would make formidable back ups for Gerrard and Sakho.

I'm a very excited Red though and really think we could win some silverware next season. Here's hoping!

22 Jul 2014 10:14:20
With all these players coming in, some unnecessarily IMO, the youngsters you mention will not be getting chances at LFC next season.

Loans to the right clubs need to be arranged for Ibe, Smith, Teixeira and Ilori.

Don't forget we'll be in 4 competitions next season AG. When you factor in that Origi will be going straight back to Lille on loan, that's only 7 players. Moses, Cissokho, Aspas, Alberto, Skrtel, Toure, Borini, Suso, Assaidi and Suarez are all gone or very likely to go. Lucas, Agger and Allen aren't safe either in my opinion. Wisdom amongst others will be out on loan also.

The youngsters will get plenty of chances mate, trust me.

Ilori will mabee take over toures possition in the squad if both he and skrtel go (just my thoughts obv LOL)

Enrique might leave as well. I think with Wisdom and McLaughlins loans, Johnson will stay unless this Manquillo rumour has any legs.

I would like to see Ilori stay and be eased into the first team. Smith and Ibe I think will go on loan. Teixiera imo should stay, will be useful for the cup competitions and would provide cover for Coutinho.

Good post but am not sure we should be spending 10m on origi

Not sure is this is all good .
I don't think we at all needed remy if we were in for origi, both players don't make sense.
we have not signed lovren yet, and I don't think that this transfer is all but done. I do firmly believe other clubs will want lovren and soto are just waiting for bids to come in. for me here is what is missing in LFC tranfers skill, they will sign a markovic for 20 odd who may / may not really improve our first team, but won't pay 25 odd for lovren who will deifinitely improve our defence and first team. again in no way I am against markovic signing, but that doesn't make a lot of sense.

I am positive for suso grabbing his opportunity this season, I hope well for the kid and wish he is given ample time by Rodgers to stamp his authority

lambert is a hopeful buy but its good considering he is good at certain things and a red at heart.
I am not to sure on lallana, imo he is an excellent player. but I am not too sure if he was dead certainly needed in our squad with so many AM's already ( coutinho, suso, carlos, alberto(hez on laon!), I think our major players next season should be sterling and coutinho and we should build around them. for me coutinho is a much better player than let's say hazard .
emre can looks OK, we want to see him play more and more in friendlies to have an idea on him.
markovic is certainly adding to our team with pace and energy.

tbh I I am not completely overjoyed by the summer transfers and am not sure we needed all that personnel.

I agree with all those replies.

Rick; I also think that if Toure and Skrtel leave Ilori/Kelly will both be back-ups to Lovren.

Indian Buzzer; I also want ilori to stay and start getting game time. If we fail to offload Enrique and Borini I think we will see Smith and Ibe go out on loan. Teixeira definitely should stay and compete with Coutinho as you say. I struggle to see Suso getting ahead of Coutinho and unlike Teixeira I don't think he'll be happy with just being back up. The press released U-turn in my opinion was just an attempt to keep his options open because of the lack of interest at our current asking price.

Jessie; again I agree. £10m would be a lot to spend on a player we may not even utilise for another 2 years. However if you look at it in another way, signing him now it costs £10m and then we can loan him out to continue his development. Signing him in 1-2 years when we will be ready for him and he will be ready for us could potentially cost us double. Think of it as a long term investment. Apparently it's (approximately) £6m plus £4m add ons according to a mate of mine though.

Ak mate, Lallana is verstaile enough to plat in the same team as any of those AM's.

We needed at least 7 players in with the amount leaving and the additional competition/games.

Origi is a long term option being bought now to avoid higher future costs. Remy is a short term option being signed to score goals and offer and impact from the bench with pace and power. Remy will be gone in a year or two in my opinion.

I think you are being a bit negative, which is fair enough. It's not wrong to be worried about new players. Every transfer is a gamble. You've just got to have a little faith.

21 Jul 2014 19:39:52
Ed001, if you're around, would you mind answering a couple of questions about some younger players? 1) Coady has gotten some time in the first couple of friendlies and is on the preseason tour, do you see him going on loan again or being sold? 2) Peterson was added to the USA tour squad, but does he have a realistic chance of cup games at least in the first team, or loaned out? 3) And lastly, McLaughlin, wasn't included on the USA tour, but Coates (who it seems would be on his way out) was included. I thought McLaughlin was someone Rodgers really likes? Same with Rossiter.

{Ed001's Note - 1. loan is more likely, we had offers to sell him but they were turned down. He might even get a chance to stay and play if he can shine in preseason.
2. right now it is most likely he will get a loan move.
3. Coates is there to get him in the shop window, as much as anything. McLaughlin is not there as he is set to be loaned out, or rather was, not sure if it has fallen through or not as I have heard nothing for a few days now. Last I heard a deal was close for him to move to a Championship club.}

If Lucas is sold Ed, do you think that will increase Coadys chsnces? He's impressed me so far tthis preseason but I doubt whether he'll get the chance. If Lucas is sold and Coady is deemed not ready I'd be happy with a short term option to rotate with Gerrard. I was thinking Alonso. Rossiter couldn't do much better than learning the trade from Alonso and Gerrard. If nobody is signed and Coady not trusted, we have Can who can play there, but that wastes his ability going forward.

{Ed001's Note - yes it would give Coady more of a chance.}

22 Jul 2014 15:31:37
Much appreciated, Ed