Liverpool Banter Archive July 23 2014

23 Jul 2014 23:37:01
Have we dropped interest in a GK? Thought we would go 4 vorm if we were after backup

Will reina start season with us or go?

{Ed002's Note - The club want rid, the issue is his wages being high for other sides.}

23 Jul 2014 23:23:12
Lads sturridge is a machine. just been looking at all his goals on LFCTV we have a very good striker on our hands, let's hope we can keep hold of him! Do yourselves a favour and watch his goals, gave me a little boost for next season! 2-1 win tonight.

Check out Coutinho on YouTube if you are looking for a lift mate, and that's him having a hit and miss season.

23 Jul 2014 23:06:30
Maybe some people on this site have been misinformed. Lovren is not a RCB, nor does he play both sides. He is a LCB plain and simple.

He was a right centre back at Lyon. He has played both sides for Southampton and Croatia. You need to stop taking this so personally mate. I'm sorry but you are wrong.

Hes right footed mate which means his normal side would be RCB he's versatile just what rodgers wants.

23 Jul 2014 23:38:16
He was not a RCB at Lyon, You are beyond wrong. He has played more games at Fullback than he has at rcb. So please tell me again how is he a rcb? you guys must be reading too much twitter.

23 Jul 2014 23:47:17
Cris was their RCB for years. Maybe it's time to stop posting so much EMS. He was not a rcb at lyon. Ever.

Lyon are my French team mate. I have seen him play both sides of the pairing for every team he's played for.

Even if he has played most of his games at Left centre back, why does that stop him playing right centre like he has so many times before for multiple sides?

Rodgers will not sign a £20m centre back to replace a £17m centre only 10 months later. Especially not as he is our best defender by a mile. Lovren if signed will play right centre back alongside Sakho. He is right footed, has played plenty of games there in his past and is a perfect partner to Sakho. I saw him for Lyon multiple times and from memory he was on the right just as much as he was on the left. Where he has played in the past is still completely irrelevant though. Kuyt was a striker before we signed him and played right mid. Lucas was a number 10 and played holding midfield. It's completely pointless to even be debating this. He'll partner Sakho, end of.

24 Jul 2014 00:14:51
Please stop embarrassing your self. You're wrong he's naturally more right footed but can play either side anyway so it's a pointless debate he will be replacing skirtle.

Lovren is predominantly right footed but equally comfortable with his left. He can play both RCB and LCB. He has played both positions for Lyon and Southampton. Would be a replacement for the error prone Skrtlel and will partner Sakho in defense. Atleast that seems to be BR's plan. So get used to it sickpassbro.

24 Jul 2014 07:52:23
Always nice to see someone come back for a fight even when clearly wrong - well done sickpassbro.

Just look up what footed he is. Seriously, if you don't believe it look it up, any profiler that is even semi-professional will tell you.

In terms of his career - Lyon basically the entire time he was there rotated their back line, Cris and Lovren both played about half their matches and Lovren played LCB when next to Cris, and RCB when Cris wasn't there. After Cris left, he played almost all the games at RCB before moving to Soton as a first choice RCB. However, when Hoosvield played over Fonte when Fonte had a suspension or a knock, Lovren switched to RCB. He can definitely, 100% play both

23 Jul 2014 22:27:34
Really like to hear eds(1&2)and other fans opinion on the way Liverpool is heading; is fsg the right owners for lfc, do we got the right manager in BR too take us too the top?

Personally I like the way Fsg work and learn from their mistakes as they go along. Even if they look to sell Lfc with a profit at some point the have to "make us better" to do so.

For me the coming season is what defines BR. Really hope he can keep us in top 4-5.
He and the comity need to more accurate in the transfer market. Can't keep buying players like Aspas and Alberto that don't just fit the in the team or the Pl.
Finally we keep on missing out on quit a few transfer targets. Is this because our poor negotiation skills or do players just don't want to sign for us?

{Ed002's Note - I have said all along that the owners are working hard to do the right thing. They have a plan for the stadium now and they will look for commercial deals to bring money in and this will involve naming rights. They have no endeared themselves to the boards of other European sides terribly well, but that is part of their learning curve. They have been surprised at the cost of running the club and they will be pleased to be rid of Suarez. At this time their investment and the debt is beyond the value of the club, and they must address that. Brendan Rodgers is a generally well respect coach who is still learning and us wiling to continue to do so. He has learned to speak at the appropriate times and to try to avoid saying dub things. He is ambitious and one day wants to manage Barcelona or Real Madrid. Next season will be interesting and perhaps more challenging than last season. The critical target will be to get top four again.}

I'd have to question your assertion here Ed regarding their investment and debt being beyond the value of the club. Until a meaningful buyer comes along and makes an offer, valuation is merely an expression of opinion. The club is in no doubt worth a lot more now than what they paid for it.

{Ed002's Note - The owners have had the club valued regularly Ozone - I have explained that before. A valuation at the end of the season put the investment and debt above the value of the club. The club has also been valued separately for the purpose of raising the funding for the stadium work.}

I think we are doing fine and the owners seem to be taking a more sensible approach to affairs both on and off the pitch. I don't think its any big secret that if a substantial offer for the club were to come in they would sell but as has been intimated that is very unlikely to happen until the stadium upgrade is sorted anyway. Hopefully the current owners continue in the same vein, keep learning the business and sport, keep us financially secure and most importantly successful on the pitch.

I may sound a tad generous to the owners but I still remember Hicks & Gillett nearly destroying our club - I'm thankful for owners who seem to want the club to grow as much as their profits as opposed to being money-grabbing rubbishs with no concern whatsoever for the club, its history, the fans or anyone else.

But you make it sound like this is a surprise. The previous Yanks took us to within the brink of administration. On the pitch, off the pitch we'd fallen massively behind. It'll take FSG 10 years to cash in but they went into it with their eyes open and were attracted by the potential to bring American commercial nous to an under-developed brand. TV rights also attractive. Of course they wouldn't have expected to spend so much money on players but you can't underfund a team in the PL and expect top 4 where the real money is.

23 Jul 2014 22:20:22
Cracking job your doing eds, quick question for you eds or other reds fans! As we all know jim white is in the know, so lovren looking nailed on, do you believe him and sakho could form a decent partnership, do either have that leadership quality or voice required by at least one of your centrebacks to be successful! Like carra, hyppia had! In my opinion I fear neither do! Just wanted to put it out there! Thoughts please! Thanks

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea who Jim White is.}

23 Jul 2014 22:25:29
Both are leaders.

Not a fan of Sakho and really don't see the great things about him that so many fans here do. I think he will be found out next season but hopefully we get Lovren in and he will save many blushes.
I think Lovren and Ilori will be the Liverpoll future, this beast stuff is rubbish.

He's the guy that Sky use on Deadline Day to hype up the tense deadline deals such as the nail-bitting saga of Tom Carroll on loan to QPR last season.

He also only owns one tie, and its yellow.

{Ed002's Note - That doesn't help me.}

Jim White is a reporter on ssn

{Ed002's Note - I don't watch television too much, abd certainly not sport shows.}

Sakho is the youngest captain in the French Ligue 1 history. 17 years old at the time. He is the national team captain for France as well. Sakho is a leader and a serious voice on the pitch! Don't forget last season he was settling in, getting used to his teams mates as well as learning a new language. Shouting at Martin Skrtel and John Flanagan in French is about as useful as a concrete window!

Central defenders are the ones who take time to settle down more than the others in a new league. Kompany started off slowly and is now the best centre back in the England. Laurent Koscielny was considered a flop in his first season in England and is now one of Arsenal's most consistent performers. U cannot expect any centre back, especially someone coming from a much weaker league to just hit the ground running in the premier league. It takes time, have faith. Sakho will come good, all he needs is a decent partner who he can communicate with. Skrtel certainly doesnt, and needs replacing

23 Jul 2014 22:13:25
Lovern will cost similar to what Manchester United are looking to try sign Hummels for one would wonder why not put a bid in for Hummels similar to Lovern plus proving in Europe class player

Also how many more player.do we sign think defenders only then maybe 1 more in Jan idlf needed

23 Jul 2014 22:26:10
Dezy , if Lovren signs for us on a five year contract , are you going to call him Lovern for the whole five years?

23 Jul 2014 22:45:25
Ooooor you could try and support the player that we are actually targeting?! Instead of putting him down against a player we have no interest in.

23 Jul 2014 21:51:19
I don't want to blow smoke up your ahem Ed002 but your replies further down about Chelsea, Liverpool and loaning players etc makes perfect sense to me. I've banged on about Liverpool wasting some of their young talent by buying players unnecessarily though I'll always support those brought in. On the whole this transfer window we've bought good players but realistically how many games will Kelly, Suso, JC Teixeira, Ilori, McLaughlin etc get now; not to mention the on loan Alberto and Wisdom who are both decent players in my opinion. I hope we find the right answers with loans and so on because not only is it wasteful for them personally, but financially for us it's bordering on incompetence.

Apple-polisher ;)

23 Jul 2014 21:49:56
Just a silly question to Eds and others.

If you could have one mildly realistic player who would it be?
I may be wrong but think ED01 would say Vidal and maybe Ed002 Pedro

For me it would be Turan.

Obviously we have purchased many so maybe not needed now but I am just talking one player you would, would have liked over last year or so to now.

And yes, I know Vidal was never that realistic but more so than messi and ronaldo!

23 Jul 2014 22:15:44
Sanchez.

24 Jul 2014 09:30:55
Guessing Reus isn't realistic?
Antoine Griezmann seems viable if PSG sign Di Maria as they'd most likely drop interest, leaving us with weaker competition for him.
Defensively Benatia would be great, seems like he's City bound.
And, to name a third, Leon Goretzka. I watched the odd Bundesliga game last season, and this kid was a standout talent. I wouldn't be surprised if he's sold for £35-40million within 5 or 6 years.

23 Jul 2014 18:29:11
I see Jim White of ssn says Lovren will be completed by the weekend, who I think is someone in the know - which would explain why he so famously does deadline day.


Opinions and comments on this are most welcome.

I hope so mate. Lovren was incredible last season. Can't wait to see him and Sacky form a partnership and hopefully command our back 4 for the next 6+ seasons.

23 Jul 2014 20:17:56
Here's to hoping! I'll be happy only when it's done and dusted.

Got my fingers crossed too, our defence needs to be better than last year - we leaked far to many silly goals - the Palace game cost us the league after all.
I thought Lovren was class last season and looked good in the world cup, scores goals too as we all know!

23 Jul 2014 17:39:09
Hi Eds

Can you try and explain to me our tactics re the Louvern and Moreno deals now? - Are we waiting for the players to put enough pressure on their teams to release them for our original bid? Or do we think they are so desperate to get rid of them/get the money that they will release them anyway eventually for our original bid or are we waiting for some specific decisions (in those clubs or in ours) or other transfer deals? Or do we believe that they do not worth one more penny than our initial bid and if say Spurs (let alone one of the Manchesters or the big London teams) go and pay the Saints 1-2M more we won't mind (surely we will?). So what are we waiting for?

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool know what they need to do.}

23 Jul 2014 19:26:00
Haha good reply 002. I assume you decided my post a couple of hours ago wasn't worth the agro?!

{Ed002's Note - I didn't see it.}

23 Jul 2014 21:51:53
No worries Ed002. It was just asking if you like to tease us a little when you say Liverpool know what they have to do when a team sets an asking price potentially above what we are willing to pay. Then when we set a price for say suso or assaidi, you suggest that Liverpool have priced them out of moves. Rather than saying, Porto knew what they had to do but failed to do so.
I find it amusing. I know you mean no bad will!;)

{Ed002's Note - It depends whether the club want to sell or not. If they don't want to sell then they are in the best position to bargain. If a player wishes to leave or the club wish to sell - as in Suso and Assaidi - then the club should value the players sensibly.}

23 Jul 2014 16:49:20
Edd002, not sure your interested but my daughters going to England( Newcastle/Liverpool, shes undecided) even with the fees. Shes going to go next September depending on her results. Why there? I asked that myself and she said the cost of alcohol! I give up

{Ed002's Note - I believe the term is "chip off the old block".}

Big Al, I hope your daughter chooses he school that is best for her and I wish her and you luck

I will keep an eye out for her in the bars mate ;)

Welsh thanks mate
, Mikey there will be one less poster on this site :) jokes aside, you from Liverpool or Newcastle? I've been to Liverpool a few times but never got round to seeing the whole city. I've confidence from my experience its overally safe. Thankfully its not as big as london'

23 Jul 2014 21:33:54
Big al. Where are you from?

I'm from the Wirral al. It's just over the river Mersey, all the scousers are jealous of our posh accents. Lol

Born in south Africa but.lived here in northern Ireland most of my life mate

23 Jul 2014 16:12:26
I don't get the big uproar over not refunding people who got Suarez on their new jerseys. You don't hear a sound from the people who got Aspas on theirs.

{Ed001's Note - I think they were both related to him, so it still holds true for them....}

23 Jul 2014 17:42:38
Harry wouldn't want a refund on his Suarez jerseys Ed001.

I'd be surprised if there was even a couple Of people who chose to get Aspas on their jersey!

23 Jul 2014 14:51:16
Hi Eds
Quick question, what is the latest on the sale of Hummels, Reus, Benzema and Pogba

I know its unlikely that LFC will get any of them but I just wanted to know on it all

Cheers

{Ed001's Note - try our Eurosoccer site then.}

23 Jul 2014 14:30:03
Robbie Fowler all day long. How many goals would Fowler got 13/14 season?

In last seasons team Fowler would've scored 50 plus. He was hitting the same figures as Suarez in a much worse team playing a far less attacking style!

Flower the greatest goal scorer to play for Liverpool in the last 20 years, my favorite player ever,
and even he'd tell you Luis Suarez was a better player than he was

{Ed001's Note - that is called modesty.}

I don't know where Flower came from. Tim Flowers was c**p

God is a ledgend

I would argue the team Fowler played in was a better team. Also came 2nd in the PL and won more trophies.

23 Jul 2014 17:59:28
I think you'll find a certain Michael Owen had a better goals per game ratio for LFC, both in the EPL and total games, and quite a few of them were as a sub.

23 Jul 2014 18:13:06
Nobody cares about Owen so let's stick to the point. Fowler was the best finisher that we had during the PL years and it was injuries caused by burnout the stifled his career. Robbie is vastly underrated for he offered a whole lot more than just finishing. Luis Suarez is one of the top 3 players on the planet so he is undoubtably brilliant but he would not have out scored RF during 2013/14 if both were at their prime. Fowler would have gotten 50+ if he stayed injury free and fit! I admit Suarez missed several games through suspension but even so game for game! chance for chance RF would have converted more.

23 Jul 2014 18:38:09
That's why I love this site - people pressing disagree on facts, Michael also scored 40 England goals in 89 games.Robbie scored 7 in 26. However great Robbie was, his goalscoring record does not stand up to Mikes.

Robbie Fowler did not play in a bad team at all.
Colly more was a good striker, mcmanaman was brilliant!Bjornebye, Redknapp, Jones. Tese guys were not saps!

Lets get 1 thing right.in the league. 69/110 =.62 goals a game for suarez
118/216 =.54 goals a game for owen.

How do you figure owen was a better scorer even includin cups suarez has a better scoring ratio.

Internationally. suarez at the age of 25 or 26 became his nation's top ever scorer, 40 in 78.

Seriously this isn't comparable using figures. Fowlers fitness and drinking would probably mean he wouldn't even get in the Liverpool team

23 Jul 2014 19:35:51
Owen: 0.53 goals per game

Fowler: 0.49 goals per game.

Owen's advantage in goals / games is marginal. Over a 50 game season, it would amount to 2 goals.

Now consider:

Owen played the bulk of his LFC career as first choice, in a team built around him. He was rotated occasionally, but was very rarely was used off the bench unless he was returning from injury. Fowler on the other hand was dropped to third choice by Houllier, because Houllier preferred to bring in Heskey so Owen could feed of knock downs and flick ons, and as a result Fowler came off the bench a lot.

He also came back and played for 2 seasons when injuries had put him well past his prime, which hurt his ratio even more.

I don't agree with people coming out and saying Owen was always useless (he clearly wasn't), but I bet if you got a goals / minutes played stat, Fowler would be ahead of Owen.

23 Jul 2014 20:44:28
Do the maths - like it or not, Owens goals per game for LFC was better than Robbies, I personally I saw must of Robbies, and Michaels home goals - both were fantastic finishers. And Owen played all his career at the top level, Robbie didn't.

Owen relied on pace.
Fowler didn't.

I'd have fowler at his peak over Owen. Houlliers team was built to supply Owen.
Evans had Fowler and Collymore(another).

Robert Bernard wasn't always the best professional. And to say he's not motivated by money is one of those dewy eyed Scouse myths he put about himself. Count his houses.

I love Robbie, but to say he would have scored 50 goals last season is surely going overboard, I got very very excited watching Suarez bamboozle defenders (and goalies)scoring 31 goals was it last season, I'm sure I would have sung in my bubble car if Robbie had have scored 50 plus!

Fowler was definitely the better finisher, doesn't matter how their careers panned out. If you take it on simply who was a better finisher - fowler all day long.

Fowler was the better instinctive finisher but Owen was class in his prime before his injuries.

23 Jul 2014 13:57:09
Hopefully when fifa comes out and all the "crap" players ratings are upgraded people will start saying how amazing our team is! Sounds ridiculous but it really would not surprise me the way some people on here are and being so fickle!

Fifa 13 was brilliant for speedy teams, we would be amazing on there, unfortuately its all about momentum, ball control and passing now.

More realistic/less fun.

23 Jul 2014 14:20:58
Let the new season speak for itself. I'm full behind our team but we clearly won't do as well as last season. If you are happy with signings like javier manquillo be my guest

I'd love to be your guest.

Should we call you Nostradamus instead of Kman92? How on earth can you come out and comment on Manquillo not being good enough?
The modern day Liverpool "supporter" does my head in! They say we shouldn't be wasting our money on overpriced, home-grown British players, but when we sign Jonny Foreigners they aren't good enough for them (despite probably never seeing them play), purely because they aren't costing us £50m - £60m (which for some reason proves they are going to be a quality signing)!

23 Jul 2014 18:26:41
Suarez was about 82 but now he's left for Real he'll be about 97. Pro all day long for me, Fifa for kids. Bought it for ps4 sold it within a week.

23 Jul 2014 13:05:19
I can't believe how many people have voted yes to Suarez being our most gifted player ever. We have had players who were indisputeably the best in the world in their postions here in the past (Clemence, Nicol, Hansen, Souness, Barnes, Dalglish, Keegan, Rush, Gerrard etc.) and other players who've been equally as gifted (at least) but not been lucky enough to play in a great team (Fowler, Owen, Hyypia). Suarez is a great player but an argument could be made for him not even being in the top 5 strikers in the world today, let alone the best player of our clubs history.

This once again just goes back to my argument the other week. People want a flashy super star rather than a quietly brilliant player. I'd rather have Ronnie Whelan in my team than Suarez, and if you disagree with that, then that's your choice! There are different ways to be gifted. Sadly, nowadays people only care if you have flair.

I think Suarez is a supremely talented player. Certainly the most talented we've had here since Gerrard was in his prime. To me though, Suarez was not our best player last season. Henderson was, as proven by how much we missed him. The best players are not the ones who look good on highlight reels and are the most naturally gifted, but the ones who consistently do their job to a world class standard, regardless of whether or not that job is boring or exciting. Suarez is good, but he's not even in the top 10 players in our history. Gerrard was one of the best and that is why he single handedly dragged us to multiple trophies. Suarez couldn't match that feat even in a better team. So sorry, but for me, it's a no Luis. You're good, but you're not the best. Dalgish or Gerrard are and you will never be on either of their levels.

Suarez is our most gifted footballer that I have seen and I saw kenny in his prime

the closest for pure ability was barnes imo

Your statement that they he will never be on the level of gerrard or dalglish sounds like sour grapes to me

suarez was almost the best player in the world last year

You're having a laugh! Listen. I never liked Suarez as a person, sometimes as a player as well. At times He'll fail to make a pass when it would have been the better option or misses a extremely easy vhance in front of goal(seldomly) but the goals he scored and the skills he had can't be rivaled by many in the premierleague let alone Liverpool! He was definitely one of the most talented players at Liverpool (certainly top 5)

23 Jul 2014 14:28:05
I think I'll listen to the professionals who indicate Suarez is currently the best striker and some from the club stating he might be the best players to play for the club. Suarez never had an ego, never got injured (although he made up for that with bans) and had a very high work rate and have everything for the team. Along with this he had talent that only two players can better in the world today. He was our best player last season, and for a number of seasons now. It's nonsense to suggest otherwise.

However I do think we will have a good season next season, (even with the signings we've made) it will just not be as good as last season. And I'm sure everyone expects that.

So which 10 would you place above him? I could say dalglish fowler Barnes souness and Gerrard but I could still argue he's better then some of them, just interested who else you put above him to make 10?:)

Gifted is the clue. Not club legend, not most effective, not most likeable. I have spoken to some of the players in our great teams and all of them have told me Suarez would have walked into their team and fitted in because that lot were all about winning. Suarez just has an aura and to deny it is to be churlish. Ask our opponents. A player who struck fear into them has gone. For me Luis is the most gifted player I've watched regularly since 1977. In terms of legendary status he's way below the King, Stevie, Carra, Rushy, Cally, Souey, Keegan and Hansen and Hughes to name just a few. But Suarez had the guile of Kenny, the all-action style of KK and the sheer will to win of Carra.

Just to play devils advocate here EMS

Surely you could argue Gerrard had better teams expecially the houllier era 2001-2003 time.

Gerrard didn't even have that bad a team around him in 2006 or 2009.

also let's not forget the money and teams that got flooded into football after 2005. Arguably opposition for Suarez's time at Liverpool was MUCH tougher than what Gerrard experienced in his mid 20's

For me Suarez's touch and vision are incomparable to any one else I've ever seen play at Liverpool.EG his control of sturridge's misguided shot vs UTD.

Multiple lobs over keepers, pin point accuracy on free kicks. Tenacity to chase down. The way he strikes volleys, EG vs nowrich and when he hit the post vs arsenal. He is technically up there with the way he moves in tandem with the ball with the messi's and ronaldos.

He does things that you just don't expect, he plays percentages which a lot of strikers don't he runs at the defender knowing the ball will likely bounce in his favour and leave the player flat footed.

Have to disagree, most of the players you mentioned were all excellent though better as a collective. Suarez is brilliant in both ways. As for not being top 5 striker in the world I'm not sure who's better? Messi yes but not in great form. That's about it. He was the best player in the premier league for 2 years running( he was robbed the first time) 2 out of 3 years best in the league! How many of the others could you argue the same.in such a short time. If he took penalties like shearer he would have smashed the PL goals coring record too.No-one can say definitively he's the best but he would easily make the top 5 and probably would have gone for a record fee had he not bitten someone or had a clause in his contract.

Hi EMS mate;

I hope all is well with you; I always like reading your posts as I believe they are very well balanced.

I agree wholeheartedly with you on your comments regarding this. and 100% agreed on Henderson being our best player last year and not Luis.

Now, why did most people vote this way; These days people are a lot more fickle by nature, what they see recently in front of them is the best thing ever without any level of objectivity, rather than an old timer like me who was priviliged enough to see the likes Dalglish and co in their prime for LFC. I mean I still argue with people about who I think the greatest footballers of all time are (1. Ferenc Puskas 2. Di Stefano 3. Maradona), so if you don't mind indulging me and my thoughts.

People tend to live in the here and now and look at everything as they currently perceive it to be, and often swayed my the over sensationalised media influencers; when Torres was here; "wow he's the best striker in the World", as soon as he moves. "nah, never really rated him. etc"; It's this fickle nature that also see's players get hyped beyond their abilities (Beckham etc), when there are clearly a shed load of players around who are better (at that time; Ronaldinho, Rui Costa, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Cannavaro, Ronaldo etc); but peoples perceptions are based around minimal pivotal/extraordinary events surrounding said player; atypical being Beckhams free kick against Greece. and for Luis Suarez it was his remarkable Goals/Assists from last season, but when you look at this record objectively, there are obvious flaws in their play (the selfishness, the 8/10 times something spectacular didn't come off resulting in lost posession etc; also what people don't scrutinise is their off days too, of which they have many, usually always redeemed when they next score or have another rare pivotal/extraordinary moment; these are Headline players and will get all of the praise for what in essence is a team effort; But the ones who are consistent throughout the season get hardly any praise whatsoever, they do all the hard and dirty work, are totally dedicated but are not recognised or appreciated by some fans, whilst players like Suarez get the glory no matter what they do (in his case dragging the reputation of LFC through dog muck).

I absolutely Love Suarez the player and think he is an amazingly gifted but flawed and troubled footballer, but do I think he's the best we've had; like you EMS. Hell no! I grew up with to name a few; Dalglish, Hansen, Neal, Keegan, Whelan, Barnes, Beardsley, Souness, Fowler, Gerrard, Alonso, Istvan Kozma and Torben Piechnik. errm sorry lost my chain of thought with this last 2.

Now, I have found it really difficult to read this website of late due to some of the really brain dead posts (doesn't stop me looking at least 4-5 times a day:)); and the division amongst our fans with regards to transfers, and knowing all about Finances (which I know the Eds hate discussing), to some of the downright bizarre posts (especially Harry's); and the constant repeated posts with the standards Eds response; RTP, RTFP, FGSRTFP, FFSRTFP, to; That's it you have pushed me too far, I am going to eat you with a nice bottle of Chianti and some refried Fava beans you m0r0n.

So it is a like a breath of fresh air to read your posts mate; keep up the good work.

Peace out!

JFT96
YNWA

It depends how you intepret the question. In terms of being naturally gifted (pure talent) yes he is up there.

He is not gifted with a good footballing brain or attitude though. I think he is a great player, byt I interpreted the question as gifted meaning 'overall football ability'. Skill/technique, perhaps only Fowler, Barnes and Dalglish are better. But that means even if you answer the question based on talent alone, you are still placing him above three players at least who were better than him. They did magical things with less rules to protect them, worse pitches/balls and far less understanding of fitness and medical science. It's easy for footballers nowadays. Everything is engineered to maximise performance whereas in years gone by, you first had to overcone the conditions. Then you could start worrying about the boots that would come flying in aiming for your shins.

The same reason is why Messi will never be on par with Maradona for me. Modern footballers would struggle more in the 20th century than the older footballers would in this century.

Cheers RedSanity and Bobatron although I don't agree, that is the best counter argument on here and a fair point that I'll take on board mate.

I`ve been supporting LFC since the 74 cup final (1st game I can remember) and I reckon the King is the greatest player I`ve seen at the club, I phoned my dad before to ask him as he`s been going to games since 1952 an he is adamant that Billy Liddell is the best player we`ve had bar none.

Just because he's decided to leave, you don't think he deserves to be called the best player to play for Liverpool. Yes Kenny Stevie and Fowler all played out many many years at our amazing club, but player vs player, Suarez is the best, and many current players and former Anfield greats (who know a lot more than we do) say he's the best to ever wear the shirt

{Ed001's Note - sorry but Suarez never reached the heights Fowler did in my opinion. He could have been the best ever but for his injuries.}

Fowler for me that left peg was divine, but the technical ability and vision/awareness of suarez is top draw

Suarez is def top 5 in the world. You would be insane to say otherwise

I'm only 14 but, in my humble opinion, Suarez is alongside Lahm as the most gifted player I've seen in my lifetime.
Messi has had a team built around his talents and though some would argue we built around Suarez last year, we didn't. He was moved out to the wings on occasion.
Ronaldo is more physically gifted which sets him apart alongside Messi and Suarez.

Edd001 Fowler the best ever for.Liverpool or best ever.player?

{Ed001's Note - for Liverpool. Maradona or George Best would have to get my vote as best ever.}

John Barnes followed by Louis SUarez. I remember John BArnes playing for Watford against us. We were a great team and he made us look foolish at times. We bought him the following season and he was breathtaking at times. Not given enough credit really. If the tv coverage was the same back then there would not be anyone who would think different. Watching him every week was brilliant. Like I say, not enough credit.

Robbie77
I'm not sure John Barnes doesn't get enough credit, I think he is thought of by most as one of our greatest ever footballers.
I loved watching him on the wing when he first arrived and when he eventually moved back into central midfield his ball retention was something to behold, barely ever gave the ball away in the congested centre of the park.
Legend in my eyes!

Anfield boy has it bang on.

Anfield boy, your last sentence wrappedvitvup perfectly lad.
My two pencecworth, Suarez, not a nice guy but what a player, all the red legends that are mentioned are complete heroes of mine but I can only put one or two maybe three at a push on a par or ahead of him, as an example Emlyn, what a player what a man, Liverpool legend for sure but a better player than Suarez, sorry no.

23 Jul 2014 12:42:24
Today's Poll

My lord people have short memories. or are not old enough to remember when there wasn't a premier league.

Billy Liddell (too old for even me that one)
Roger Hunt (and that one)
Emlyn Hughes
Jan Molby
Kevin Keegan
John Barnes
Ian Rush
King Kenny
Alan Hansen
Phil Neal
God
Graeme Souness

Even some more modern players like Gerrard or Litmanen.

Suarez was clearly an amazing talent and such a gifted footballer, but the best we've ever had? Really?

{Ed001's Note - people keep saying it, so I thought I would ask the question, even though I wouldn't put him above any of those you have listed. I also loved Terry Mc too, and Steve Nicol could play anywhere and you would swear that was his natural position.}

Steve Nicol and his size 13's running with his thumbs up was a beast of a player

I've just sent in a very similar post mate. It's unbelievable that some people honestly think Suarez even deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Dalglish or Gerrard. Actually, it's a disgrace.

Sorry lads but I'm with Kenny, Stevie and Carra on this one. Suarez was the best to wear the shirt

Completely different eras. it's like the whole boxing debate about best heavyweights. You can't compare cus there were so many different variables over the decades. I don't think some of those players, EG barnes hunt hughes, could last the modern games tempo honestly. let alone flourish, though theyr were goo in their day. These debates are pointless.

Though I will say that I think generally players today are better than yester year. the sport and player are always improving. Remember when every one used to bust a nut at cruyffs turn. No 1 would really bat an eye lid now

Problem is that most posters under the age of 21 will vote for Luis as they have less of a comparison

The most gifted player the club has ever had. Kenny was the closest but you have to be honest and forget sentiment Squares was the best we ever had. The modern game players are physically much closer matched so to stand out you as much as he did you need that bit extra something, luis had that and more. When you talk of Kenny and co you can't over look Gerrard in that. Squres was something else

Your not wrong about short memories.There is Ray Kennedy, Alan Kennedy, Ray Houghton, Steve McMahon, Jimmy Case, Peter Beardsley, Craig Johnston et al. I'd also put them above the man that left for Barca.

I agree Suarez is the best we have had. It is hard to compare though from different eras. Players are physically stronger, different pitches, boots, balls. All that has to come into the debate. that's why I always say Bestie had it all! ;-)

Im with bobatron. not saying Suarez is the best, but bobatron has a point which we should all consider in this case.

{Ed001's Note - I disagree, it is much easier in today's football as the pitches are better, so the skill level doesn't have to be as high to do thing.}

It all depends on your age, its like the Messi Maradonna agurement. Young cub side with Messi aul hands would say Diego. i'm lucky enough to see great teams and players we have had but none bar none is up there with David Speedie!

Too much nostalgia in your head 001 ;)

23 Jul 2014 15:12:16
A lot of the players mentioned were better than Suarez but not necessarily more gifted.

I though first of Robbie Fowler, than also of Beardsley, Kenny and Digger.

I think therre were actually a lot more. Suarez' success on the field wasn't all down to talent. He is very athletic, and he works incredibly hard as well.

Come to think of it Jan Molby was probably more talented, just didn't run about as much.

I'd love to pass judgement on whether Liddell was more gifted but I only saw him once and I was very young at the time.

Well its a matter of opinion like most things in football, suarez was an enigma to watch and could see and create things others on the pitch didn't see but for my personal greatest players I ever seen in a red shirt:
1. Fowler, to me he was just lethal the day he chipped smechal(sorry spelling) from near the six yard line, ipiomised how lethal he was
2. Hansen. as young defender I idolized the man growing up, and by far the best center half I've ever seen
3. Whelan, in my opinion a very underrated player at Liverpool who was actually booed at anfeild but he was an early day alonso who probably should be ranked up there

just my opinion and I can't wait for the new season its time to get behind the club.

What I meant ed was that the players were from a different era. its hard to compare, suarez might not even get in the team of our old teams, but that doesn't mean our old players would be ahead of suarez in the current team.

again i'm not at all saying suarez was the best to me. i'm just saying we should consider that.

personally I don't like to pick the best to ever wear red. I like to consider each of them as different players and each has their own abilities/weaknesses. just like I don't like to see player being tagged 'next gerrard' 'next zidane' etc. let them be themselves instead of trying to make them into something else.

23 Jul 2014 12:13:43
Got to say I'm glad Liverpool aren't after Vidal people seem to forget the bad knee injury and op he had last season got to think will he be anything like he was before, sure didn't look right in the World Cup would be a massive gamble at that price.

{Ed001's Note - seriously? He was excellent after struggling in the first game. The best box to box midfielder in world football currently, and among the best I have ever seen. I can't believe anyone would really be glad not to buy him!}

I agree! With Ed.

Ed001 where do you think.vidal will end up if you were to have a punt? I think he would be at Madrid or barca if they wernt looking at other positions. Strange the lack of interest from the big clubs

{Ed001's Note - I expect him to stay and Pogba move.}

I have read that he is quoted as saying "I am interested in a new challenge and welcome interest from Real Madrid, Man. Utd and Liverpool Football Club. These are the only teams I would leave Juventus to join"

I posted a while back, when it looked like Utd. would sign him that LFC were working hard to try to secure him.

I still believe he will end up at one of these clubs this window (although it would be difficult for RM to be able afford him after there latest purchase, but anything is possible)

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

I also agree with Ed001 regarding Vidal.
I have no idea of the possible interest we do or do not have in him but he is one hell of a footballer.
He would walk into our starting 11 guaranteed.

23 Jul 2014 11:26:31
Is Flanagan going to be a starter next season for us do you think?

And do you personally think he's good enough? I certainly think he is based on last season, but I wonder if there's some underlying problem that I don't spot.

I personally think he is an ok defender who did a job for Liverpool last season. He has plenty of guts and determination but I don't think he is the long term answer. We shall see.

23 Jul 2014 12:00:01
Flanno had two major issues last season and both were related to him being out of position:

1. He offered very little going forward because he is right footed. He couldn't whip in a cross with his weaker side so constantly checked his run and plsyed the ball inside. In affected our width.

2. Right wingers found it too easy to go on his outside because it was his left (and weaker foot). He was tenacious enough to go with them and make a side on recovery a lot of the time by using his aggression and strength to get his body across them. This was a problem against faster wingers whom he could not recover against.

However, he showed excellent decision making on the ball and rarely conceded possession in silly areas. He was also solid in the tackle and often sent the attacker flying but fairly (that kind of passion gee's up the other players). He was excellent positionally and I don't remember him getting caught upfield once because he had to desire to get back even if he was shattered. He wasalso very good at reading the game though cutting out passes or just watching his man and stopping him running Iin behind. He was stronger in the air than I expected although that should also improve with age and coaching. Overall, he easily showed enough to be a first team player for years to come, and his too major weaknesses could be eradicated simply by switching him back to his correct position, right back.

If Johnson starts ahead of Flanno, it is a joke because defensively, Flanno is already better than Johnson has ever been.

23 Jul 2014 12:25:53
Why an underlying issue? I think he's good enough not only ability but his attitude is superb.

Agree with ems on the whole. Love the commitment and effort, but he still tends to jump in and is a bit slow. Also gets caught stranded between the man with the ball and who how should be covering. Ball watches on corners and looses track of his man. Gee that sounds negative and whingy, sorry.

EMS.

From what I saw It's simply pace that does him. He's too square on a lot of the time, and is too slow to show the winger outside. It didn't help agger was so ruddy slow in coming across, but the trick that kept doing him was the winger stepping in then knocking the ball wide past him. He was left turning whilst Agger was still 20 yards away covering no one. He'll learn lateral movement I'm sure.

He's still learning his trade, but I would say, at this point in their respective careers, Flanagan is ahead of Johnson in the pecking order. Flanagan just needs to be playing on the right side to further his growth, because, as many have said, he is hopeless delivering a cross with his left.

I think his game is less like a modern fullback -- he is much better in a well-defined defensive role with an attacking midfielder on the right side -- Sterling or Henderson. I thought we suffered a bit in the latter stages of the season because our center backs were being stranded, and I'd prefer Rodgers being a bit more defensive next season.

I think Flanagan has earned the right to start at RB this coming season. He still has flaws in his game (most players do) but he will get better and I think playing on his favoured side will help him. If we do sign that Manquillo its provides a good quality competition for places and, if Flanagan (or a left back) gets injured, good cover. How good Manquillo will be I don't know as I have never seen him play - I hear he is highly rated, but that is all I know.

23 Jul 2014 10:11:10
Really hope Remy has come here to make the most of the prime years of his career. if he has we have a serious player on our hands. He needs to start taking on board what the manager tells him and tone down his ego. the report tat he has taken a decent pay cut to join does give me hope. stuge sterling Remy backed up with markovic and lalanna or coutino providing the through balls is a frighteningly fast counter attackin prospect. I for one look forward to this.

23 Jul 2014 07:59:40
Hi Eds,

Something is puzzling me with the Markovic deal.

If Chelsea could have got him for 7.5 million Euro as you stated, why did they not buy him and loan him out for a year, if they thought him not ready?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea were not going to stand in the way of a player progressing just for the sake of making money and they had no immediate need for the player.}

23 Jul 2014 10:43:28
Here is a few reasons

Hazard
Salah
Marin
Oscar
Schurle
Willian
Moses
Fabregas

How many attacking MF do they need?

{Ed002's Note - Putting aside two f those players laving, I have explained the reason why Chelsea did not pay the €7.5M they would have needed to pay and why Liverpool chose to pay the €25M. Additionally, it is only one player on that list that Markovic should be directly compared to.}

Isn't that what they did to salah? Bought him so rivals couldn't buy him?

{Ed002's Note - No. Don't be stupid - Liverpool made a derisory offer and then Brendan Rodgers made an extremely embarrassing statement that pissed off Salah and Basel. Try and stick to the truth.}

Hi Ed, I don't see how buying him then loaning him out stops his progress. As you say he wouldn't be the first they have done this with. It isn't a case of making money as they were prepared to take him next season. This is usually what Chelsea do with others they see as not ready, I know you say they don't need him yet, but they surely don't need all the other players they have on loan also. Again I just found it strange seeing as he is a highly regarded prospect?

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea will not stand in the way of players who have an opportunity the club cannot give them. It is a good approach that in most cases suits players very well.}

Ok Thanks Ed, Fair play to them, hopefully he turns out well then!

23 Jul 2014 12:12:22
You all need to realise that this is not the world of fantasy football, it is the real world.
Chelsea didn't need Markovic so they didn't sign him, end of. There is no question of Chelsea buying him to simply treble what they paid the following year. Clubs understand that players need to be given the opportunity to develop. Besides, what young prodigy would want to join Chelsea in the future if they felt/feared they may just be getting used as a cash cow?

You have got to give chavski credit for letting people go where they want and not pricing them out of moves . I will be forever grateful for us getting studge for a steal cheers chavs!

What was the statment that Rogers made?

{Ed002's Note - It was dealt with at the time. There is no point opening it up again.}

23 Jul 2014 09:13:38
Mornin Eds hope all is well,
With Vorm agreeing (oddly) to go and warm Spurs' bench I can't help but wonder if a late bit of business might be done for a keeper.
I know it will depend on getting rid of Reina but, after looking at many options, the one I keep coming back to as the perfect fit is Begovic. It seems the ideal time in his career to leave Stoke and play in the CL. Rodgers fancies him and if we splash the bit of extra cash our GK position would be sorted for the next 5+ years. In an ideal world, would that be your preferred option? I'd be interested in both Ed1&2's opinion on this.
Personally, I hope it is even a remote possibility. Thanks!

{Ed001's Note - Begovic would be 100% my preferred option, he is unlikely to leave Stoke at the moment though. As for Vorm, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lloris return to France, personally.}

Hasn't Lloris just signed a new contract though?

23 Jul 2014 10:07:50
Are his family super happy there or what is the story do you know? It seems strange that he doesn't have more ambition.

So Lloris' new contract could just be to get more money for him?

{Ed001's Note - his missus is happy where she is and the club are making progress under a new manager. Yes.}

My choice would be to take Lloris. I think he is brilliant, and perfect for our high line. He is quick off the mark, a good shot stopper and very good with his feet.

I know he has just agreed a new deal and fancies a move back to France, where surely only PSG and Monaco could afford him.

He would be my choice, in a dream world of course.

{Ed001's Note - in a dream world it would have to be Neuer.}

What about julio Cesar ed?could do a job for the time being?

{Ed001's Note - I don't rate him at all, even if he wasn't consistently overweight.}

23 Jul 2014 10:26:51
It doesn't seem that Reina is any closer to leaving us. It looks like he will be at the club next season. Unless i'm mistaken.

23 Jul 2014 11:16:10
Plenty of time for sb to take Reina.
My dream would be Neuer as well but that's silly, Begovic is a realistic target.
I agree Hughes is doing a good job there but they're not about to break into the top 4 anytime soon. Sb tell Nicolle about the delights of Liverpool life stat!

23 Jul 2014 16:04:57
Theres a couple of really good keepers about.
I like Ter-Stegen as an up an coming keeper, much as I did Butland, but he is in an awkward set up with Begovic now.
Neuer is the best in the world, no doubt about it. He will be the model for training modern day keepers, sweeper keeper I think the World Cup pundits called it.
In the prem I really like Krul, Vorm, Marshall (Now championship) Begovic and Butland. Cech has lost it since his head (understandable). De Gea's first season still troubles me. Howard goes down too much too soon. Lloris charges out, but not in a controlled manner like Neuer and it leaves Spurs exposed at times. And iv not seen enough of Courtois to judge.
The only keeler worldwide I see as being as good as Buffon and Casillias in their prime is Neuer, and he raises that bar.

I'd personally keep Reina and spend my money elsewhere. While I'd rate Begovic slightly over Mignolet, Migs did a fairly solid job for his first season in red and only needs to improve his situational awareness (particularly from crosses/corners). Having him a mainstay in the side would be preferrable to signing another similarly talented keeper. Reina costs a lot in wages, but it may be worth it just in case the worst happens and we're left w/ Jones -- who is a nice fellow and, on his day, can be a workable keeper, but must realize he's never going to a first teamer for us (or any other top class club). Reina is quite familiar with big games and isn't finished putting trophies on his resume IMO

Cant think of his name, but the forest keeper looks handy

{Ed023's Note - Karl Darlow}

I like that so many on here are so quick to want anothe rkeeper over mignolet, and praise neuer.

Watch some games from his last season at schalke, and his first season at munich.

his goal keeping was horrendous. It's taken a lot of work to get him where he is. Originally his kicking was among some of the worst and he was far too quick to come out when he had men back.

23 Jul 2014 08:55:30
Can anyone help with where/time I can find the game today? (UK)

23 Jul 2014 09:57:51
BT Sport at 12:30 Tonight mate

Bt sport chum or lfc tv website but you have to join.

hope this helps, ynwa

BT Sport at around 12.30am (so that's effectively Thursday).

Either stay up and watch it or set it to record and get up early before work to watch it (which is my plan) if applicable

23 Jul 2014 10:27:35
It's on bt sport at 12:30 am tomorrow morning

King Luis

Bt sport at like 1 in the morning I think!

For anyone in Australia, its being shown on Fox Sports 3 at 9.30 am (AEST)

23 Jul 2014 08:26:58
Question for ed001 do you know why Brendan does not want agger I would have thought he would be perfect for Brendan's style very good on the ball etc the only reason I can think is he is injury prone
Up the pool

{Ed001's Note - injuries, lack of pace, tendency to fall asleep and lose the player he is marking at setpieces and lack of aggression in the challenge.}

Loved the look Lloyd jones

ED001

- the instances you have earmarked for Agger - remarkably like the best defender I have ever seen play for LFC

A certain Alan Hansen. .

23 Jul 2014 07:42:19
greetings Eds just a quick opinion as to why Ryan babel was sold in the 1 st place as I see he is linked with a return to Everton. Was due to off the field issues and if so which of our current players have such problems eg heavy partying I remember R Sterlin having some problems last year.

{Ed001's Note - no, he was just not very good. Nice lad, but he just wasn't quite able to perform to the level required consistently. Flashes of it, but not regular performances.}

Thanks ed I have always been very fond off him, but could agree with you he never really lived up to the hype, remember seeing in Hoffien colours looked very dreadful at times. Its scary the amount of money being invested in buying just potential. I asked a question earlier during the month if you guys (eds) ever do consulting work for clubs but never got an answer. Personally bliv a lot clubs could benefit from the info you guys have on players talent and potential. Keep up the good work

{Ed001's Note - I don't know about Ed002, but no I have never done so, not for clubs anyway.}

Always liked Babel, lad had talent, just no consistency, so he was just very frustrating most of the time. Noticed that he scored a goal almost every time he was played up the middle instead of out on the wing. (goal from kickoff in champions league against Chelsea was my personal favourite) Maybe being played out of position was the reason why he didn't live up to his potential ed.? Rafa had a thing for playing players out of position.

{Ed001's Note - he was supposed to be able to play anywhere up front, though he spent large chunks of his career prior to joining us on the left wing. He always said himself he preferred the centre, but personally I just don't think he had the mental focus required. He seemed to have too much going on, he was never really completely focused on just being the best player he could be. A bit like Frimpong was at Arsenal, too busy selling that idiotic dench stuff and forgetting he was a footballer.}

Personally thought he was not good at all.

A player I always wanted to see rise to the top. But far too inconsistent. Really great to watch on his day though, world class one day and Sunday league the next.
I remember he used to do tons of extra training sessions to learn how to shoot properly etc but it still didn't work out.

23 Jul 2014 10:02:58
more like david Bentley lol

I was pleased when we signed him I really thought after the u21 tournament he looked well classy . just shows how it pans out sometimes

23 Jul 2014 03:42:14
hey ed001 question for you mate.

do you know if jose enrique is happy here at Liverpool? he seems to be very happy with where he's at right now (just what I see from twitter) and sometimes seems really passionate with the club.

just would like to get some insight if you know anything.

{Ed001's Note - he is oblivious to anything around him, to be honest, but yes he is happy to stay. I don't think he would be kept if we could have found takers for him though. He is not held in high regard within the club, he doesn't listen to anyone else and just does his own thing. Carragher has a number of times referred to the issues playing alongside him, so it is not just the coaches that are frustrated by him.}

Yeah I do remember that jose enrique hardly listens. however as I follow him on twitter, he seems very happy here. still would prefer Brad Smith playing there though.

{Ed001's Note - I would be happy if I was earning his money.....}

Id leave my wife here in Malaysia to go there and play for the club I've been supporting since I was a kid, while earning his money.

haha yeap. in my dreams.

{Ed001's Note - I hope your wife doesn't see that!}

Well I don't have one. i'm just going to crawl under my table and cry now.

{Ed001's Note - no wonder if that is how you treat them!}

Maybe he just couldn't understand Carra!

22 Jul 2014 22:11:13
New poll people are crying for barkely (not happening) but I bet of we signed him for 35 or 40 million the same people would cry over the price haha

If we were looking to take a player from Everton, I'd rather have Coleman than Barkley, personally.

Clueless fans who are NEVER satisfied. We have Sterling, Ibe, Suso who are better than him right now IMO but they are just too stupid to see it. If they want Barkley so much, they can go support the Bitters FC then.

22 Jul 2014 21:10:22
Ed 01 I love reading your viewpoints on our current crop of players and would love to hear your thoughts on how you think we should line up next year (formations, further additions, player sales etc.) I think in an attacking sense we will be more than fine, but our defence worries me particularly Johnson at the back.

{Ed001's Note - I don't really get into the formations etc mate, it really doesn't matter, the formation should be flexible and change to suit the game's current situation.}

23 Jul 2014 00:20:31
Jordan Rossiter

There has been a lot of talk about him lately, and I'd like to add my bit.

This kid really does look good. There are Gerrard and Keane comparisons, but I'd like to throw one in.
He reminds me a lot of Marco Veratti. Robust, deceptively quick, but with a great range of accurate passing.
He's a true 360degree footballer. He has he same approach and vision, regardless of where he's passing the ball.

Over the next few years, without Luis, I think we'll see a more efficient and assured build up in attack, a bit more about ball retention, and I see this kid as the perfect pivot point in all that for the years to come.

Masch was smaller, but his physical presence was made very clear. I've no doubts about Jordan.

22 Jul 2014 20:31:48
Just a quick question, who out of the reserves do you think is seriously ready to make some sort of step into the first team this season? Surely need to give some of the youngsters a chance rather than buying in all the time giving them no alternative to seek first team football elsewhere?

Jordon Ibe and Rossiter for me; two of the brightest academy players so far that has impressed me during the pre season and I hope they have some type of playing time to develop as they all have qualitites that can offer in the future.

Jordan Rossiter, Jordan Ibe, Lloyd Jones, Brad Smith are all just about ready for the next step. Wilson, Kent, Brannagan, Randall, Paez and Peterson not that far off.

I have high hopes for Ryan Mclaughlin. Looks very comfortable on the ball, and brilliant going forward. No idea why he is not getting a chance with the first team. The kid could be our first choice RB for years to come, he will kick Flanno aside to make the position his own based on sheer talent itself. Whether he has the hunger and desire, only time will tell.

{Ed001's Note - it is just the injuries he suffered last season while on loan.}

I hope Ibe can be a permanent feature in the pre season, I still have a deep belied that he can be better than Sterling, given his size and skill but boy does he needs to learn how to score, but that will come with age and experience