Liverpool Banter Archive May 22 2017

22 May 2017 21:31:45
hej ed001, thank you very much for the update, great stuff.
thats just why this is my most visited site on the web. thanks to all the other eds for your unbelievable work too and to all those regular members, even harry and negativewalter;)

{Ed025's Note - your vert welcome mate..

22 May 2017 21:54:25
It's not quite my most visited but then again I'm a single 21 year old male.

{Ed025's Note - oh right...so its candy crush saga then jezza.. :)

22 May 2017 22:10:07
Where might I find your transfer update?

{Ed033's Note - You can find the latest liverpool transfer update in Sharkopod 12

22 May 2017 21:12:30
What are people's opinions on moving Milner over to the right and getting a new left back. Milner has shown good awareness at the back and it will put him on his best foot rather than cutting in. Let TAA be his understudy in the cups so he gets more game time with the view to taking over in a season or two. Just need to find a decent left back, they seem to be like unicorns nowadays!

22 May 2017 21:34:06
No thanks, Milner is the most dribbled past defender in the league, his crossing his awful and his penalties are skewing most people's views on him. We're upgrading both full back positions this Summer so thankfully I won't ever have to see Milner or Clyne slowing down very possible attack ever again.

22 May 2017 22:10:37
Is that true that he's the most dribbled past defender in the league?

His crossing isn't that bad, and it doesn't help that he has to first cut back onto his right foot to deliver an inswinging ball. I'd wager he'd be far more comfortable delivering crosses from his natural side. I don't think his penalty taking ability is skewing anyone's view mate. Really not sure what you're on about there.

Chubney, I think he might do an ok job at RB, but we have an opportunity this summer to seriously upgrade our fullbacks and I suggest we do that rather than put more round pegs in square holes.

22 May 2017 23:44:59
Do you want to compete next season and actually challenge for trophies, if so then Milner should be nowhere near the starting 11. SImple as, stop accepting mediocre players.

23 May 2017 00:11:59
No more bandaids, please. We need upgrades to both FB positions. Ricardo Perreira for RB or LB and a true LB, both with quality and end product . No more BS with always using stop-gaps.

23 May 2017 05:50:21
Seriously how many shoe hornings are we going to do again next season? Do people not want us challenging for trophies any time soon? Let go off your sentiments and look at the bigger picture. Milner will be a back up LB at best next season. Klopp wants two attacking full backs and he will get them this summer. Milner will be a squad player (if he stays) and Clyne will leave (not good enough) .
I would be chuffed with Periera and Mendy/ Bertrand. Sessegnon as well with a loan back to Fulham for next season to eventually replace Milner will be the icing on the cake.

23 May 2017 06:36:13
Am I seriously reading 'fans' slating a player who has spent the whole season playing out of position to help the team while keeping our designated left back on the bench. Give your heads a shake gents. Milner has been solid all season, makes crucial tackles, gets forward well, keeps a composed head on the pitch and has a massive influence on the rest of the team. For me he's been one of the players of the season. But for his penalty miss against the Saints he's barely put a foot wrong.

{Ed001's Note - no one is slating him, just pointing out he has not played well since the early part of the season. He was far from solid defensively. He has always been Mr Average, throughout his career. As for massive influence on the team, that is part of the problem, as he cowers away when the going gets tough and hides, which is exactly what you don't want. Nothing wrong with just wanting to play football and not get involved when you are one of the lads, but he has been wearing the armband and that is a major issue.}

23 May 2017 06:56:16
I have to disagree with ed001. I think he has been playing out of position on the wrong side of the pitch. I like the team better with Milner in it and RB is up for grabs. If we can get first choice RB then cool, but I would prefer we play Milner for one season and rotate with TAA instead of buying 2nd/ 3rd or 4th choice. Just my opinion.

{Ed001's Note - I have no disagreement with him being on the wrong side of the pitch.}

23 May 2017 08:50:34
Completely agree with your sentiments on milner ed001.

{Ed001's Note - thank you mate. I like him as a person and he is a decent enough back up for a number of positions as a player, but that is all he is.}

22 May 2017 18:40:20
Just a story I heard on the radio today.11 year old boy from Dublin was at the game yesterday, he went shopping this morning and was looking at a £300 pair of boots. Gini was in the store and approached him and asked was he going to buy them, the boy said hed never afford them and Gini bought them for him. Top man to be fair.

22 May 2017 18:56:38
Absolutely love him. Fast becoming one of my favourite players!

22 May 2017 19:13:36
With you MK, especially when you watch him live. Gives the team balance imo.

He can go missing at times and needs a few more goals, other than that, I think he's going to be ( if not already ) a great signing for us.

22 May 2017 20:46:23
Nice gesture from him. If only all footballers could show that generosity.

22 May 2017 23:48:51
A lot of them do but it more often than not it goes under the radar. They generally get a bad rap from the media but most aren't as bad a people like to make out.

Lovely to see it when it does happen, nonetheless.

23 May 2017 01:14:28
Top man, Gini is. Says a lot more about who he is as a person than as a player. He always seems to smile a lot which shows that he is a humble guy who never takes himself seriously. Just goes about his business and boy, did he do the business for us this season.

23 May 2017 03:54:25
I can't believe people are paying 300 quid for a pair of boots nowadays. I bought my lad a flash nike pair that were discounted 40%, still cost 120 though. After about 6 weeks I had to glue the toe down. My puma king are in their sixth season now, made of actual leather that I take care of, good as new. Mental, even the flash ones cost a fiver to make.

22 May 2017 18:33:01
Oooooi ooooi we've only gone and done it, progress is progress and yes It could of gone better season wise it also could have been worse and I don't care about qualifiers, not while we show no fear to top teams, well done lads I'll be happy all summer onwards and upwards YNWA LFC.

{Ed025's Note - yeah well done to the reds, thoroughly deserved and good progress this season..

22 May 2017 19:18:14
Nice one Ed25 👍.

22 May 2017 20:48:48
Thanks ed, glad to see you're honest about it. Are you pleased with your side's season?

{Ed025's Note - we finished poorly daredman but generally pleased, im happy with koeman but he, walsh and moshiri need to move us forward now and next season will be pivotal mate...but heres hoping..

22 May 2017 21:39:44
I think you faded because you couldn't finish above 7th and couldn't finish below seventh though. A lot of positives for you though with good youth players coming through like Tom Davies. It'll be interesting to see how you get on.

22 May 2017 16:13:27
Good afternoon ed001

Are you getting through your workload mate? Are we still on for your own little Transfer update as promised this evening? 🤔🤔.

{Ed001's Note - oh shoot I forgot about that the missus dragged me for a walk by the creek. I will do it as soon as i get in.}

22 May 2017 18:26:04
Lol. No problem mate. Hope your not up sh#t creek without a paddle😂😂

Looking forward to your in depth update mate 🤔🤔.

{Ed001's Note - no mate, it is just nice to walk there as there is a lovely cool breeze. Though the missus might disagree about whether I am up the creek without a paddle or not...}

22 May 2017 19:29:38
Lol. Good stuff mate.

22 May 2017 20:29:01
Ed 1, that sounded like a proper Home 'n' away reply that.

{Ed007's Note -

22 May 2017 15:38:24
Minimum target achieved for the season in my opinion. It certainly could have been better but it would have been nigh on impossible to match Chelsea's points all even then. Credit to them - they have been flawless. With more midweek games next season we do need to upgrade some key positions (fullbacks, left wing etc) with quality, work on reducing the errors and psychological fragility when the pressure is on. Perhaps the Edwards algorithm needs "character" and "personality" dimensions to it!

Thanks in advance to the Eds for keeping us grounded and informed enough to stay sane through the impending silly season!

22 May 2017 23:28:35
the hope now is not waste this opportunity and momentum like BR did after 13/ 14 season by going scatter-gun on transfers after LS left. I trust Klopp more than BR in this instant and I'm confident he will get us to the next level next season. A lot of work to do but before then, let us enjoy what the boys have achieved when no o one outside of (some even within) LFC, gave them a chance. Bravo to Klopp and the boys!

22 May 2017 14:54:18
With Klopp saying that Liverpools transfer planning is "pretty much done", does this mean he knows who's coming already or is it more likely he's identified the areas and players he would like for the positions he wants to strengthen?
Is it also likely that any players he wants that are thinking about playing for Liverpool will wait to see the outcome of our Champs League Qualifier before making the transfer? Or is that not how it works. Is it more likely he'll have the squad in place by then?

Cheers Eds.

{Ed002's Note - No, it means they have a list of targets. They will look to have people in place before then.}

22 May 2017 15:47:41
Thanks Ed.

22 May 2017 14:11:13
And a big thank you to the Eds. Great work as usual. When I'm in the area I'll treat you to a meal.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

22 May 2017 13:56:59
Is that settled then? Are liverpool definitely in the CL next season or will they lose out if man u win the europa league like Chelsea did to spurs?

22 May 2017 14:10:18
We are definitely in the CL as long as we win our qualifier. EL final has nothing to do with our position.

22 May 2017 14:32:37
Damn. That is a shame.

22 May 2017 15:35:36
I hope Ajax clean up. one for the mature clan there!

22 May 2017 23:33:26
People are dismissing Ajax in the final. They'd better take them seriously cos they play a lot better than Utd do and have a very fluid system of playing, something Mou teams have a problem with which is why they park the bus a lot vs such teams. I'll definitely be an Ajax fan during the final.

22 May 2017 13:06:26
Silly season is here, and my Nan's mate's dog has a rumour that this site is going to be getting interesting for the next few months!

Many thanks for all the hard work by all of the Ed's this season. I would say enjoy your summer, but it'll no doubt be more intense than usual!

{Ed001's Note - it is usually the busiest time of year to be honest. Thanks mate, enjoy yours too, though not sure how we are meant to enjoy life without football???}

22 May 2017 14:07:42
Luckily the British Lions tour this year. Not quite as good as the Prem, but keeps us occupied; even if it is egg chasing!

{Ed001's Note - I would rather have my foreskin removed with a cheesegrater personally.}

22 May 2017 14:55:14
Brilliant ed.

22 May 2017 15:36:47
Ed I can arrange that for you. And we'll put it in a little jar for you to take home.

{Ed001's Note - cheers RS very kind of you.}

22 May 2017 15:37:08
Recommend the parmeasan grating side. more refined.

22 May 2017 15:50:44
Thanks Marshy, it really depends how much cheese there is.

22 May 2017 12:22:47
I also see dean Saunders has been back on the pop saying greizmann is considering an offer from Liverpool. don't get me wrong I'd love to see him but I think il have what Deano's drinking please.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has not made an offer for Griezmann - where would he play with Mbappe in the side?}

22 May 2017 13:34:59
Come, come now Ed002. I'm surprised you haven't heard. Griezmann will slot in nicely next to Mbappe in our 4-3-3, right next to Neymar.

22 May 2017 13:50:15
Then in behind them we will have Couts, Firmino and Mane.

22 May 2017 13:51:47
No ambition from the club and the owners, aiming at a bunch of United reject (or) s.

22 May 2017 14:23:26
Jeez Ed002, Mbappe will play at left-back next season, isn't that obvious enough? Of course, since he's right-footed I'd expect him to also cover the other flank for whenever our new right-back Griezmann gets tired.

22 May 2017 17:09:23
Well, I remember just after we beat Dortmund, Griezmann tweeted implying he had been watching and thouroughly enjoying it. Can't read much ito that, but who wouldn't fancy playing for that crowd.

22 May 2017 23:49:57
Players watch football all the time and watch other teams as well. They are fans of the game just like supporters are. It means absolutely nothing if they say they enjoyed an LFC match as it doesn't mean they wanna play for us.

22 May 2017 11:42:18
To me the most important thing this summer is to keep Coutinho. He is much more consistent and only 24. He will only getting better and better. Hopefully we can build a team around him and win some trophies.

22 May 2017 11:32:16
The season is over. It's had highs and lows but we have managed to get ourselves into the CL - it is a step in the right direction. This is just a mention for some of the players who've stood out this season, would be good if posters added their own:


Player of the Season: Sadio Mane.

Lightening quick, almost always made things happen against even the most stubborn defences and was noticeable, in both our form and performances, when he was out of the side.

Goal of the Season: Emre Can. Take a bow son. It might be the best goal I have ever seen (in my lifetime) from a Liverpool player - it was so audacious, so difficult, yet executed so perfectly - if it isn't the Premier League goal of the season I'll be shocked.


Best defensive player: Simon Mignolet.

Can't believe I am saying this but his improvement, especially in the past few months when the pressure has been on, has been unreal. He's looked good in the air, a lot better with the ball at his feet, has not panicked, has made saves with the minimum of fuss - in short he has become a proper goalkeeper. I was certain he was on his way out this summer - now it looks certain he will stay. An unbelievable turnaround.


Best midfielder: Georginio Wijinaldum.

I was adamant he was a bad signing, convinced he would be a waste of 25million. Never have I felt so good to be proven so wrong. He has been consistent, super consistent. He hasn't had the flashes Coutinho has - but he's also performed at a consistent level, without any real injuries, for the entire season. He keeps the midfield ticking over and his role within the team has become as important as any other. I hope he kicks on and continues to improve and impress.


Best attacker: Sadio Mane for reasons mentioned above.


Most Improved Player: Adam Lallana.

He has come on leaps and bounds this season and shown how good he can be. A huge turnaround from a player who seemed to lack decisiveness and speed of thought in his play. I would've gone for Mignolet but for the fact his upturn in form has come at the end of the season whilst Lallana's has been on show for most of it.


Youngster of the year: Trent Alexander-Arnold.

We have only seen him briefly but what he clearly has - confidence, a level-head, pace, maturity - sets him apart from all the other youngsters his age. Ben Woodburn also looks to have huge potential but Alexander-Arnold is the one who really caught my eye. After a shaky first half against United he came back in the 2nd half and dominated Martial to the point that United threw attacks at Milner as they saw that as the easier side to target (which is unfortunately proved to be) . A special talent.

Miss of the season: Adam Lallana.

In one of the most frenetic, entertaining 1-1 games I've ever seen Lallana, presented with a gift from Firmino, managed to miss when a few yards out from goal vs City. It was a clanger but it happens to the very best, his goal scoring record this season has been decent.

Most entertaining game: Arsenal vs Liverpool (3-4). I had 3 games in mind for this, the draw at City (which was an incredible game of football), the Palace game away (Firmino's celebration a highlight) but I think the first game of the season, for it's drama, for the entertainment on offer as well as the mistakes on display sort of summed us up as a team: great going forward, generally good to watch, a few very special players but a few too many average ones as well.

Scandalous moments: for us I'd say Lucas' dive was a real bad one, the sort of thing you never want to see from anyone let alone one of our own players. In terms of opposition probably Barkley getting away with 2 leg-breakers home and away against us - how he never saw red in either game is still a mystery to me.

High points: Undefeated against the top 6 all season which is impressive and demonstrates the quality we possess. In general (though not always) entertaining, attacking football with an emphasis on trying to score. Getting into the Champions League - an important step in the right direction.

Low points: Pretty much the entirety of January and February - in particular exiting 2 cup competitions in the space of a couple of weeks. Henderson being crocked for much of the season as his quality really makes a difference to us. Mane's absence affecting us so adversely was also a low point as it showed the fragility of the team.

Next season: We seem certain to strengthen the side and anybody who reads this website regularly will have a good idea about what sort of positions and personnel we're running the rule over. I will be more than happy for a couple of fullbacks to come in, I think it is essential to our squad. The centre-backs are also on shaky ground IMO and next season might be their last should performances remain as they have been for much of this season - it will be a huge season for Joe Gomez, fingers crossed he rises to the occasion. Any other signing will be a luxury - the hope is our best players will stay now we have CL - if we can keep the nucleus of the squad together, and make some more good additions, we will be looking in good shape next season. Recruitment is everything though - we cannot afford more mistakes in the transfer market.

Final thought: The editors on this website do a tireless (and often thankless) task in running this place, moderating posts, sharing insider information with us fans and generally just providing an excellent service to us. A huge thanks to the Ed's who continue to improve this website and who always offer interesting opinions and contributions with regards to football - I've been coming here for god knows how long and will keep doing so - thank you so much ed's, try and enjoy the summer (and the inevitable madness it will entail) - I (and I'm sure many others) will be here throughout summer and beyond, a testament to the quality you all bring. Sincerely.

22 May 2017 12:28:19
Good post Seano.

22 May 2017 13:54:06
Good post!

22 May 2017 14:22:36
great post seano mate.

22 May 2017 10:17:45
Eds just on the subject of wingers is it really that hard for someone like Salah who you have said is a right to just play left wing rather than the right? Like Sane has gone to city and went from playing right wing for Shalke to playing left wing for city. And if it was upto you not asking if there is interest who would you like realistically like to come in and play on the left week in week out? If it was upto me I would love Douglas Costa.

{Ed002's Note - It makes much more sense to play someone in position rather than out of position. Brandt is the preferred option and one in my view be by far the best option for Liverpool.}

22 May 2017 11:00:45
Brandt is a natural LW while Salah is a RW by trade. We have Mane for RW, so why try to shoehorn Salah in LW when we could buy a natural LW in Brandt for a slightly lower price and who arguably has a higher ceiling? Its really not that difficult to comprehend why Brandt is first choice for Klopp.
Costa is a pipe dream. Will be more expensive than Brandt and looks like he is Juve bound.

22 May 2017 11:25:19
Dont think Brandt is what we need ed. Watching him play he reminds me of a playmaker that plays on the wing. I think we need a more similar player like Mane with scary pace for the left side which I think Costa is.

{Ed002's Note - You need to get hold of Klopp and explain what is wrong with his picks.}

22 May 2017 14:15:37
Does he not read it on here Ed?

23 May 2017 00:06:06
Cyklopps, Costa won't be coming here and he's on the bench for a reason, that being his stinking attitude. Is he a great player? Yes. But Bayern are fed up with his antics of trying to get a better deal whereas he has not earned one in their eyes. Brandt is the real deal and that is why Klopp wants him and I'll be chuffed if we get him. If the great Ed02 who doesn't care for Klopp, thinks Brandt is the best option for LFC then you better believe the boy is good enuff.

22 May 2017 09:55:15
Ed001, just been looking at the 'Other Posts' page.

Please could we do a one day takeover to have it renamed the Supermane96 page?

Please?

Lol!

{Ed001's Note - I was so tempted to put this on the others page as well!}

22 May 2017 10:53:37
I was expecting you to, but the opportunity to goad poor Supermane96 a bit more was just too great, eh ed001?

{Ed001's Note - I know, I know, immature but so much fun!}

22 May 2017 10:07:11
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new player profile about, Ben Gibson

22 May 2017 08:02:04
Would love to see Mo Salah at Anfield next season rather than the Ox. Phenomenal stats this season. 19 goals and 12 assists.

22 May 2017 08:18:35
He plays in same position as mane and I would rather have mane. We need a LW that's why we were looking at Brandt. Personally I would have loved to have Mertens or Insigne, but unfortunately we don't have interest in either of them.

22 May 2017 08:23:48
Salah can play either wing. Moreover if this season has taught us anything its that we need two players for each position. Our squad is too thin to compete on two fronts.

22 May 2017 09:04:25
He can play on either wing but he is predominantly a RW like mane. And would it better to buy a LW if we need a LW instead of buying a RW and playing him there?
Also first off all we need to buy players for the positions we actually need, then may be think about buying players for competing positions.

22 May 2017 09:16:53
If we are brining in someone to play alongside mane and to be replacement for mane when he's not available then probably not get someone who will go with him to african cup of nations.

22 May 2017 06:36:55
Epl 16/ 17 season finish, I like to say thank to Ed 1 and Ed 2 for your transfer info and match review etc . We lfc fans appreciate your efforts on this site thank .

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, let's hope next season is a better one for you. Maybe stay injury clear and get a few more games under your belt.}

22 May 2017 06:42:25
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Middlesbrough Match Review - A Liverpool Perspective

22 May 2017 07:12:56
Hey ed1, interested to know if you wrote this review, it's a little different to your normal tone (not in a bad way)

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, I try and do something a little different each time, so it doesn't become stale and boring. The match previews and reviews otherwise just end up being the same things said each time. So I try and search for a new angle or thing to write about for each part of them. Even if it is a criticism of something a player does, I try and not just keep banging on about it, even if the player is still doing the same thing. That is why I am putting them on FNV now, rather than the Liverpool page, so I can find the last one I did more easily and read it before I begin to try and say something different.}

22 May 2017 07:40:23
Interesting read ed, I had thought the same during Milner sub. very strange he didn't look happy. Any clues what it's to do with?
Maybe he doesn't see where he fits in team next season with all the various LBs being linked?

{Ed001's Note - I think he was disappointed with his personal performance and he sees it as a farewell game, being perfectly honest. I do not see him staying to play at fullback for another year. He wants to be a midfielder, he wants to be first choice, neither of those things are likely to happen at Liverpool next season.}

22 May 2017 10:19:16
Ed001. I can believe what you are saying about Milner - and whilst he's probably no one's favourite Liverpool player I think we should show him appreciation for the professional job attitude this season.
Spaking of appreciation, thanks so much to all the eds for this site and the insights it brings.

{Ed001's Note - what can't you believe? I don't get what you are on about. The lad has had plenty of praise for doing his best, what more do you want? He is on a ludicrously high wage, that should be plenty of thanks for his performances, which have not deserved that high a payment. He has been a poor captain, since Henderson went out injured, he has wasted numerous chances to create scoring opportunities by refusing to cross with his left. He has tried but he is simply not good enough, just like when he played in midfield.

Thank you for the compliment.}

22 May 2017 05:01:51
I think Ajax has too little quality to cope with man u.

21 May 2017 22:02:31
Hey ed01! To commemorate the achievement of top 4 do we not deserve the shiny gift of a small transfer update from your side? Prrrrretty please?

{Ed001's Note - I will work on that today, first need to check if anything has changed due to where we finished, so it will probably be this evening.}

21 May 2017 23:29:11
Does Klopp hold any interest in Alvaro Morata? Good size and work rate, decent speed and can score goals as a striker and make runs to create space.

22 May 2017 01:55:26
Off to Chelsea I believe, and would be too expensive anyways.
A lot will depend on whether we get any decent offers for Sturridge.

22 May 2017 10:44:50
Luan Vieira is an option only if Studge leaves.

21 May 2017 23:41:11
Well done Liverpool

Well done to all the EDs for yet another superb season of keeping us all in check.

Well done Ron Keague for all your optimism - long may it last

And well done to all Liverpool fans for making this site so interesting.

And finally, well done to me for still being sober - it won't last!

22 May 2017 10:50:48
Great job to all involved with LFC. We deserve this achievement as we have overcome a lot of obstacles to get here and we should go and enjoy it.