Liverpool Banter Archive December 28 2017

28 Dec 2017 21:36:49
Haven't seen much of him play myself. Can anyone confirm what type of midfielder Leon Goretzka (spelling) is
Thanks in advdnce.

29 Dec 2017 06:45:43
he is a box to box midfielder often compared to Paul Scholes - for me the fact that he can play in the German National team means he is pretty alright - those Germans know how to do well in the World Cup over the past 50 years.

29 Dec 2017 11:54:03
B2B midfielder with goals and assists to his game. Very good player and may come to us. We shall see.

28 Dec 2017 21:15:05
Good evening EDS,

Obviously there's been a lot of traffic on here with the VVD signing, and of course the transfer window opening again in the next few days or so, however I was wondering if the club are preparing either a new, or a contract extension for Klopp at all?

Do you lads happen to know what Klopps intentions are if he is to be offered a extension, or a new contract?

I remember ED2 saying a couple of years ago he had one eye on the Bayern job, has this changed at all?

I know he still has a while to run on his current one, but thought maybe the club would want to secure his services for longer, or further beyond his current one expiring

Best regards.

{Ed002's Note - I would very much doubt it.}

29 Dec 2017 08:46:03
ED002, when you say you very much doubt it, are you referring to Klopps desire to manage Bayern, one day? Or the club looking at his contract?

Regards.

{Ed002's Note - The question was about a new contract for Klopp.}

29 Dec 2017 11:55:23
Klopp got an extension last season. Why should we be giving him another one?

28 Dec 2017
New image uploaded to the
Liverpool Player Sightings page entitled, Looks like Dejan Lovren is taking the knock slightly at our new signing 😂😂 Klavan getting involved 😂😂

28 Dec 2017 22:35:48
I should have copyrighted my avatar, this will only get confusing;)

28 Dec 2017 18:04:00
One for ed002.
With the huge money coming into the pl, why don't we see big big companies owning football clubs?
It always seems it's single/ group of rich men that buy them as a toy. But if there is money to be made, with relative ease if you stay in the PL, why don't we see such football club ownerships from say, McDonald's, Facebook, Microsoft et all. Where it would be a drop in the ocean of the financial power to own a club, yet maybe earn a good profit.
Something maybe to happen with the break away league?
Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - There is no money in buying and running football clubs that would attract anyone like Microsoft or Facebook. McDonalds is a business that sells lls franchises. The "big" business that have consid bying clubs include the ike and Adidas and they have looked at options for fouigh-end sides as I recall.}

28 Dec 2017 19:38:59
this akanji from basel is a left sided cb, makes no sense as vvd plays there, unless the lad is just as good on the right side.

28 Dec 2017 19:46:17
New on me where is this news being reported.

28 Dec 2017 19:55:20
They are both right footed but are comfortable on left foot, and both happy to play on right or left side of the cbk position. So if true gives us plenty options. Only watched him twice and 1st game I hadn't heard of him. Yet he stood out enough I did a little research. Then watched him again in the 1.0 win against Jose's lot and he looked good again. Hopefully others have more knowledge Thames myself about him.

28 Dec 2017 21:27:11
It will be interesting to see who leaves the club when all these CB's arrive.

{Ed0333's Note - I got a feeling it will be Matip

28 Dec 2017 21:27:41
Ohh now that would be exciting if we could get him too. He is a proper defender who can smell trouble before it starts and snuff it out. But the kicker is he has the same attributes as vvd in terms of strength, pace, passing and can score a goal or two.

It would be too good to be true tbh and spell the end of one or two of our defenders im afraid. It would actually make us contenders to win a trophy or two but i think im jumping the gun a bit. I bet this is twitter.

28 Dec 2017 17:36:48
Hi Ed's,

Reading through the posts and comments from the Ed's, just how good is Donnarumma? I read a lot about his potential, but how good is he now in yours and others opinions.
Is he De Gea standard potentially?
Another question how good was Karius in Germany, has he just lost form or is he just not quite up to it?

Sorry for all the questions, I know how busy you all are.

Thanks

Andy O.

{Ed001's Note - potentially he is up there with De Gea. However he has a long way to go yet to achieve that potential. I would still put him in with the best of the rest in the Prem though if he played here.

I have no idea how good Karius was in Germany, sorry, but here he has not been given a run of games long enough to show his stuff. It takes a long time for a keeper to build up an understanding with the defenders in front of him etc. I know Karius had been with City as a youngster, but he still needed to settle back into the country.}

28 Dec 2017 18:34:53
Give Karuis a run until summer and if we need to go for a keeper then so be it but the only issue the class keepers I would want and sure most fans in Oblak and Donnarumma would not move to us.

28 Dec 2017 21:44:36
Donnarumma tends to play the ball back into open play and favours the hollywood save over just catching the ball. He may get found out at first over here but would learn quickly as he has a fantastic base to work from. He would do well for us i think but we would need to bring in a better goalkeeping coach to get the best out of him.

28 Dec 2017 21:33:06
Karius is good enough but klopp is scared of making the same mistake with migs as he did with karius. I like him, he has a touch of grobbelar about him in terms of rushing out but he is a good shot stopper and much better than migs at one on ones. He was ropey with crosses at first but got much better. He just needs a run of games and a fan base that doesn't get on his back the first mistake he makes.

28 Dec 2017 21:36:43
Spot on, Alonso. No club will sell us their top GK's. NONE whatsoever so I find it funny that fans are yelling for a top GK then they say we should go for an overrated, poor and injury prone Jack Butland. Go figure.

I never saw Karius play at Mainz BUT in his final season there, he was a linchpin in their success story as they finished 6th (the highest they have ever finished) and made EL footie (again, first time in the club's history) . He had been there for three seasons as the starter there while art the same time, he was first choice for the brilliant German Olympic team of last summer with the likes of Brandt, Meyer, and Sule (all German internationals right now) . He declined playing at the Olympics to concentrate on preseason with LFC and Timo Horn (another LFC alleged target, took his place.

As Ed said, Karius needs to be given a chance and a true run at the position for all the reasons he posted and I think our fans were looking for him to become DDG right out of the gate and cos that did not happen, many of them threw a strop as if DDG did not struggle at first. KARIUS IN!

28 Dec 2017 17:09:47
Question for Ed01 if possible. I, like you, am a big fan of Bobby. I think his work rate is second to none, he is an extremely skillful player, his vision and reading of the game is exceptional and for me, when he is not playing on the wing and is playing centrally, he is the first name on the team sheet.
My question is, how is he thought of by the club in respect to leadership skills and also, is he a player that off the pitch is one of the lads or is he looked up to and listened to. I ask as if he has the right attributes he would be my first choice for captain if henderson continues to struggle with his injuries. I know a lot of supporters are already calling for VVD to be next captain but I think Bobby has earned it, again, only if he has the attributes to carry it off. Don't get me wrong, it's not a problem if he doesn't, there have been many top class players who, if you gave the captaincy to, their game would struggle as they are just not up to that level of responsibility as well as playing their natural game so I'm not suggesting give it to him anyway, was just curious as you have inside knowledge, whether you think he would be capable of it? Thanks for all your help.

{Ed001's Note - he is not seen as a leader but Klopp tends to pick captaincy based on long service as he thinks everyone should be a leader.

For me, a forward should be too busy working the defence, closing down, chasing the ball, looking to get into space and not trying to organise team mates. They are not seeing a full picture of what is happening, as they should be looking forward at the goal, rather than worrying about what their team mates are doing.}

28 Dec 2017 18:48:41
Although it may sound contradictory since I suggested it but I do agree with you ed, I've never been a fan of strikers or keepers as captains I just struggle at present to see who has it in them to make a difference should hendo not be available. We seem to have future captains and I don't agree with a new signing as captain as they have to earn the other players respect first. As always, I appreciate your response, thanks a lot.

{Ed001's Note - it is a tough one. We don't seem to have many leaders, though Ox's actions in the interviews lately have impressed. When he is saying that, even though he had a good game, he was coming off shaking his head because he knew he could do better and was disappointed in himself, will hopefully mean he will work extra hard in training to improve. His attitude in jumping in to protect Coutinho when a difficult question was asked was also that of a leader.}

28 Dec 2017 19:52:51
I didn't think of Ox, you're right in saying how he handled the coutinho interview and I do like the fact he wants to continually better himself, but again, it leaves a potential future leader as opposed to an existing one. I don't believe it poses a massive problem for us, don't get me wrong, it's just I've watched and supported Liverpool for over thirty years and I can't think of any time we've been this light on leaders. It may be that flair players grew up concentrating on their own game rather than the team so it's not the an automatic quality they possess or that it wasn't something we've been looking for in players, can you think of a Liverpool team in that time frame ed that was as light on leaders as we are.

{Ed001's Note - I honestly can't either, and I feel it is a big problem as teams with lots of leaders tend to win the trophies.}

28 Dec 2017 20:07:03
I appreciate your answers and your time ed, especially with you having the family over, hopefully we develop someone or someone's into leaders going forward and keep them for some time. Have a good evening.

{Ed001's Note - thanks mate, have a great New Year.}

28 Dec 2017 21:42:45
Spot on, Ed. It is the English media who throw a stop all over the place saying that "the capt. plays all the time when fit". Well if that was the case, why did Conte bench Terry almost all last season in the PL even when he was fit? Maybe cos that thinking is completely bogus.

Cou should not be capt. and neither should any forward cos they should be focused on getting it done up top. Even Messin in his prime was never Barcelona captain. We need leaders in this team and the capt. should not be the only leader. SG was capt. in 2005 BUT the true leaders were Carra, Hyppia, Hamann etc. There may be only one capt. BUT there should NEVER be only one leader in the squad.

28 Dec 2017 22:08:38
Wow just watched the ox and coutinho interview. I loved what ox did there, he could tell couts was struggling with the question and stepped in lucidly and intelligently. Loved it when the interviewer was forced to agree with ox that it wasnt a fair question lol.

A little early in his Liverpool career to be given the captaincy but most definitely a contender if it comes up.

28 Dec 2017 15:27:28
Ed001 if your around mate, what ever happened to the Irish lad Richie partridge. Did the club have high hopes for him at one stage.

{Ed001's Note - he just never made any progress after looking like a star at one point. Went to his head from what I was told. The club thought he was going to be special, he went on loan to Coventry and Gary Mac was the manager at the time, he converted him to play as the now usual inverted winger, right footer on the left cutting in to shoot or retain possession. Partridge played well and thought he would walk into the team on his return, it never happened and he didn't fight hard enough to deserve a place.}

28 Dec 2017 15:43:03
Cheers ed, such a pity.

{Ed001's Note - it is as I really liked the look of him and had high hopes myself. It shows how highly thought of he was that Gary Mac came specifically in for him when he got the Cov gig.}

28 Dec 2017 15:49:17
Isn't he now a physio at the club? I maybe thinking of another player but sure it's him.

{Ed001's Note - he is on the academy staff, though I can't remember off the top of my head what role he has. That does sound right, but it might just be the power of suggestion!}

28 Dec 2017 15:10:42
Question to Ed001 or Ed025,

Which goalkeeper would you have us sign to be our first choice?

Hard to find a decent keeper especially at the moment.

{Ed001's Note - are we talking realistic or fantasy? Realistic I would prefer to see us giving Ward or Karius the chance. Fantasy would be Donnarumma.}

28 Dec 2017 15:53:14
Ed, would Bernd Leno be a realisti option if Liverpool would decide to replace Migs/ Marius or both? Personally I think klopp should give Karius a chance to show what he is made of, so that Klopp can make an informed decision in the summer.

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure, the reason being that I know that Real Madrid checked him out a lot recently as an alternative option for their problem goalie position. If they are in for him, then he would not be a realistic option for us. However I don't know if the reports they received on him were favourable, so have no idea if they do want to sign him or not.}

28 Dec 2017 16:09:43
Thanks for the info ed.

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

28 Dec 2017 16:31:04
Do you rate Leno, ed001? I've yet to see him play but he's always talked of really highly but he never seems to be included in best goalie discussions.

Also, as a bit of an aside, how would you rank all the high profile German goalkeepers? Off the top of my head, there's Neuer, Leno, Ter Stegen, Trapp, Horn, Karius, Adler, Zieler and Ulreich.

{Ed001's Note - when I have seen him Leno was excellent, but it was only a couple of games. Neuer, Ter Stegen, then I would be struggling to decide who was where, though Trapp's recent performances would mean he would be nowhere near the list.}

28 Dec 2017 18:02:35
Real are close to signing Kepa from Bilbao.
Barca have Ter Stegen
Man Utd have DDG
Man City have Ederson
Chelsea have Courtois
Bayern have Neuer

That's most of the European heavyweights who have no need for Donnarumma. I could see PSG going for him or Oblak. If we show interest, there is an outside chance that we could get him, with the only downside being having to deal with his leach of an agent once again.

{Ed001's Note - PSG tried to bring him in the summer. They will still have interest, but I don't see them as an impossible task to convince a player to join us rather than them. If a player is joining them instead, then we are better off without them. After all Neymar is already wanting out!}

28 Dec 2017 18:09:58
Cheers for the reply ed.

I agree Neuer and Ter Stegen are the best two out of that list, Leno and Horn are ones I've never seen play but are very highly rated. Karius, I still have faith in, he's young for a goalie and I hope Klopp gives him an actual chance. Trapp, Adler, Zieler and Ulreich, although were all highly rated at one point, are average for me. They all seem to have concentration issues or lack any confidence and command. Trapp's still young-ish for a goalie though, maybe a move away from PSG will reignite his career.

{Ed001's Note - I really can't, off the top of my head, remember what Horn is like to be honest. Trapp folded under the pressure there, I doubt he would be right for us to be honest, but who knows.}

28 Dec 2017 20:12:25
I can tell you Horn's a miracle worker on Football Manager, he helped me win the league at Newcastle with Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson playing in front of him!

28 Dec 2017 21:46:13
Horn was Karius' deputy in the German Olympic team last year BUT Karius declined to play the tournament cos he wanted to focus on preseason with LFC. Horn took his spot. If that means Karius is better than Horn then so be it.

28 Dec 2017 21:54:49
I just had a thought, if neymar is so unhappy, when we get the couts money from Barcelona we should send klopp to a paris cafe to have a word with him. obviously after we have asked psg for permission. 😁.

28 Dec 2017 14:49:32
Henderson out until at least Feb with hamstring tear.

28 Dec 2017 22:19:06
What a shame. Such a great captain.

28 Dec 2017 14:28:12
Ed001, was there a match review for the Swansea game?

{Ed001's Note - not from me mate, no, I haven't got time at the moment with the family here.}

28 Dec 2017 17:07:03
Ah no worries mate.

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate. Be back to normal in a week or so hopefully.}

28 Dec 2017 14:05:46
Hey Ed001! Need a bit of advice from you! Personally, do you find the matches against smaller teams or bigger teams easier to review? I have just started my swansea review and i am finding it tough to write a lot because it was a very easy match for us in the end so it's tough to actually analyse players.

{Ed001's Note - the tougher the match, the easier it is to find things to write about. If there is not a lot to say, just don't say a lot. Better that then falling into the trap of searching for things that aren't there.}

28 Dec 2017 14:16:02
Cant wait for more articles from you Ed1 after the busy period mate.

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, I am working on them a little in the few spare minutes I get. Hopefully be back to normal quickly in the New Year.}

28 Dec 2017 14:35:13
Thanx mate! Will hopefully be able to post it by tomorrow if my nephew leaves my laptop alone! 😂.

{Ed001's Note - how old is he?}

28 Dec 2017 14:59:52
He is 7! And ipad and laptop is all he wants to do all day long!

{Ed001's Note - ah ok yeah kids do love to use what they see the adults using.}

28 Dec 2017 21:15:17
Does this explain why my little brother has no common sense? Wow, didn't expect to come to a Liverpool banter page to find harsh truths lol XD.

30 Dec 2017 08:10:18
Haha ed001! My nephew's case is a little different. His passion for cars is why he uses ipad and laptop. The amount of knowledge he has about cars is crazy. At times i learn a couple of things from him about cars.

{Ed001's Note - oh right, times have changed, it was books in my day.}

28 Dec 2017 13:49:31
Afternoon eds. What's the situation with Henderson? As in long term . I know he's captain at the moment etc but he's been left out at times in some important games, That would suggest to me klopp know his limitations persay and for me your captain is one of the most important players in your team and would be playing nearly every game especially the big important games. do you seen him being moved on over the next 12/ 18mths now the squad is starting to get some depth to it. and who would be his predecessor?

{Ed002's Note - There is no situation that I am aware of with Henderson. Henderson’s predecessor is Gerrard - I don’t see that changing.}

28 Dec 2017 14:03:28
hahaha. Good 1 Ed.

28 Dec 2017 14:06:44
I think VVD could become hendersons successor in time JIMMY.

28 Dec 2017 14:11:51
Brilliant Ed!

28 Dec 2017 14:21:36
Should of said successor. But I'm guessing you knew what was meant by it. And you said you wasn't aware of a situation. is the fact he isn't first name on team sheet in all games one. you look at other captains from over time and they wasn't left out unless it was pointless game or carrying a knock or coming to the end of the careers (gerrard Terry etc ) . In big games Henderson has been left out it's been for the teams best interest as to why he has so there an issue with klopp trusting him and his ability in those games. I'm sorry but if klopp can't trust or doesn't think he's right for a big game then he shouldn't be captain of LFC. That's where I see there being an situation.

{Ed002's Note - You are just creating these little weird scenarios in your head and creating a “situation.}

28 Dec 2017 14:48:53
Jimmy, there is no situation here. BTW, you are aware that it was BR who made Hendo capt. and Klopp has shown no reason why it should change so these scenarios your are painting are quite baffling.

Firstly, Hendo has played in EVERY big game this season vs the top 6 rivals and in the derby. Also, Hendo is well respected and trusted by the manager and his team mates and the staf per Ed01 so again, your suppositions are rather baffling.

I propose you just support the capt. and hope he finds form again as the injuries have ravaged him hence, he plays thru pain to help us win. Why don't you salute him for that alone as it seems you are on some kind of war path with him?

28 Dec 2017 15:53:55
I didn't see Jimmy on a war path with Henderson, just that he didn't think hendo was playing in big games. I don't think he praised or criticised him at all there, just asked a question based on observations (whether right or wrong) .

{Ed001's Note - he wasn't left out of big games, despite what the pundits on TV keep trying to suggest, the rotation is not done with 3 or 4 games ahead in mind. It is all about who is fresh and fit right there and then for the next game, not about the one after.}

28 Dec 2017 20:32:53
Yeah it wasn't an attack on Henderson I'll support him as long as he's got a shirt on. I do recall him being left out of 2 European. I could be wrong . maybe I'm just a bit old fashioned and think you captain should play unless injured or suspended. i was just pointing out he's been left out in games we have needed to win etc (I know we need to win them all, but you get my point) gerrard was never left out of games for example (until towards the end )

28 Dec 2017 22:28:30
He's been a decent player for us since Kenny signed him but he was never captain material and his showing (captain wise) since he took the armband has backed up my assertion. No vocal enough, doesn't organise, doesn't dish out bollockings when on many occasions they've been required, doesn't put an arm around a player when required because as a captain both are needed at times. Not a strong enough character and definitely not a leader of men.

28 Dec 2017 12:56:11
Eds/ Reds,

I was out with a pool fan last night who was adamant we are in for Ozil this summer as a cout replacement.
It's the first I have heard of it and typing his name in the search didn't throw up much.
Is there anything in it? And redmen would you want him?

{Ed002's Note - No, Liverpool has shown no interest.}

28 Dec 2017 13:00:52
Thanks Ed.

28 Dec 2017 13:06:46
I'd love him to join personally carra. Just can't see it mate.

28 Dec 2017 13:34:03
Tbh not really, I'm going to see Swansea vs Arsenal on the 30th Jan and I really want to see Ozil, maybe if he joins last minute?

28 Dec 2017 14:30:10
He wouldn’t be a starter for us.

28 Dec 2017 14:50:41
i doubt he has the work ethic to fit our team.

28 Dec 2017 14:55:37
I would not and I'm an Ozil fan. I think we are looking for younger, hungrier and brighter now and Ozil does NOT fit that bill any longer even tho, he is world class when he wants to be.

28 Dec 2017 11:50:03
Hello eds,

I've been wondering recently (as many LFC fans are) about Salah. I perused the search engine and searched "approach" within the search engine but didn't find my answer.

Ed002 had mentioned a coy bit about Salah approaching Real Madrid (via agent or otherwise; I'm painfully unaware of how this all works) .

Is he suggesting that Salah and his agent has contacted the Spanish club to force a transfer? I was hoping one of you privy to the situation could elaborate, if possible. So often, we read about clubs coming for players and not the other way around.

Is that accurate? Is that typical? I guess I'm naively wondering if players are considering leaving the club during what I feel could be a period during which they make a genuine push for the '18-'19 title (VVD and Keita incoming and such) .

It's easy to understand that Madrid has an allure for Salah. But to be concise, Salah has reached out himself (? ) to Madrid about a transfer and is he unhappy?

TELL ME HOW TO FEEL PLEASE (just joking and thanks in advance) .

{Ed002's Note - I cannot be expected to keep going over the same thing again and again. Try searching on Salah then search the page for Ed002. Or try searching oin Madrid.}

28 Dec 2017 13:46:58
How have you managed to write an essay on something that has been covered about 100 times.

28 Dec 2017 14:57:11
Beats me, Swischcleaner.

30 Dec 2017 06:56:18
Guess I didn't use the search function well enough. Have a happy new year.

28 Dec 2017 10:12:39
Hi Ed's, I'm glad for your sake that the VVD thing is done as there would only be so many times you can answer the same question without going insane lol just a question regarding money, do you think we are spending the Coutinho money in advance with VVD and Keïta coming or do we have this kind of money as we have been close to breaking even in the last couple of windows, I know you're not an accountant for the club but I was just wondering if you knew anything regarding the subject.

Many thanks

Red GT.

{Ed001's Note - nothing to do with Coutinho.}

28 Dec 2017 14:59:18
We were going to sign both Keita and VVD AND keep Cou last summer until things changed so why would VVD's signing affect Cou's situation if it would not affect it last summer?

28 Dec 2017 11:02:57
VVD stats. He is 1 of only 4 centre backs to play 60 games in last 3 seasons who have not made a mistake that has led directly to a goal. Last season he was dribbled past 6 times (Lovren 17 times) . He has a 62% long range pass accuracy (best of any defender in the league) compared to Matip 51% and Lovren 46%. Can't find where he rates in the clearance and tackle count but sure Sky sports news said last night he was first in them in the time he has been in the league (I maybe wrong though)

{Ed025's Note - stats can be very deceiving jayden, but i do rate him mate..

28 Dec 2017 11:18:20
Now for a Top class goalkeeper.

28 Dec 2017 11:35:15
Yuri01 totally agree, do whatever it takes, over spend if needs be just bring in a top class keeper and they will repay you in losses turned into draws and draws turned into wins and with a good spine from a team challenging for trophies into one winning trophies. If in an alternate universe we sold Coutinho for X amount, let's say £100 million or £130 million, whatever the amount and Man U said we are selling De Gea for same amount you sell Coutinho and De Gea said he would be open to joining us I would spend the whole budget on him. I say all that to demonstrate how a class keeper is an vital part of a winning team and if you look back down the years 90% of successful teams who won trophies and dominated over a sustained period of time did so with a world class keeper.

28 Dec 2017 13:27:20
Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with the need for a top keeper. Real Madrid and Barcelona have won Champions league with Casillas and Valded.

{Ed001's Note - great point.}

28 Dec 2017 15:02:49
Spot on, Lfcfan. Both GK's were pee poor BUT the thing was, the teams were able to mitigate against that cos of the talent level thaey had in other areas. We can't do that right now and neither can we get a top class GK cos no team will sell them to you (why would Spurs sell Lloris to us, fr ex. ) and NO, I don't want stop gaps. If you can't get a top GK, work with the talented one (s) one you are currently grooming and bin the one you know is a clown.

28 Dec 2017 10:17:59
Ed1 or Ed25, would like your take on which players Liverpool should look to buy in midfield to partner Naby Keita, and eventually when Coutinho leaves to fill his position? also one position I am struggling to come up with names is keepers, I know we have Karuis but Klopp is not giving him a chance unfortunately but let's wait and see. De Gea for me is the best keeper in the world and shows what a good keeper can do to the team. The only one that comes to mind is Oblak but he is destined for either Juventus, PSG or Real Madrid sadly.

{Ed025's Note - its hard to second guess klopps thoughts alonso as its probably totally different to mine, myself i would go for lemar but hes not everyones cup of tea i suppose, the keeper issue needs sorting out as a matter of urgency and some are suggesting butland who i think is a good shout, there are not that many top keepers available at the moment mate but anything is better than the present incumbent..

28 Dec 2017 11:17:29
Ed25 Klopp is a hard man to guess indeed unless its Mignolet who is guaranteed a starting spot despite making mistake after mistake. Not sure why but I am not taken on Lemar, although he clearly is talented just not sure he is a good fit for us. Do you know if Liverpool are still watching Julian Brandt? I know he was seen as first choice before we signed Salah. Coutinho will be a big loss and hard to replace like for like but feel Brandt can do a job in that deeper central role similar to where Coutinho plays now but also rotate on the flanks in the front 3. I would spend most of the money from the sale of Coutinho on a box to box midfielder to partner Keita, although in an ideal world Leon Goretzka on a free in the summer, a goalkeeper along with an attacking midfielder in Julian Brandt.

{Ed025's Note - brandt has certainly been linked alonso and he is a very good player but im not sure how feasible it will be to get him mate..

28 Dec 2017 11:20:19
Lemar, definitely.

28 Dec 2017 11:37:05
I still think this second half of season we should be looking at giving Karius a good run to prove himself. The lad is highly regarded in Germany and he just needs that chance I think. Him and Ward could very well be the answer going forward. Mignolet has had an abundance of chances already so time to give the others a chance, and regardless if they make a mistake too.

I like what Klopp has been doing with the full back positions. All four players get a chance and it is aiding their development no end. Alexander Arnold and Gomez are both developing greatly this season, and at some point Gomez will move to CB. Arnold a great prospect for first choice RB one day.

28 Dec 2017 13:48:31
I said awhile back that I think klopp will change formation once coutinho leaves. I think if goretzka comes in him and keita will be the midfield pairing with a new LW salah behind firmino and mane rw in a 4231.

Lemar would be a quality signing. Would much prefer if we bought him instead of Brandt even tho I rate him also or max Meyer (don't get the fuss about him to be honest) . Draxler would be my second choice think he is a class act and would fit our system to a tee also.

I said we were 5 players off winning the league vvd has made that 4 now and keita coming in the summer makes it 3. Goretkza and lemar and a new gk (oblak) and we can knock city off there perch next year.

28 Dec 2017 11:57:21
Ed25, if I am not mistaken but correct me if I am wrong in that Julian Brandt was interested in joining us in the summer but wanted assurances of game time which we could not give him. If that was/ is the case what is stopping us going back in for him in the summer and telling him he is Coutinho's replacement and therefore guaranteed game time which he was seeking, unless by not feasible you mean other teams have joined the race with Bayern Munich being the obvious one. Klopp clearly likes him as he was chasing him for the better part of this year and as we know if Klopp likes a player he would continue his pursuit in them Instead of buying for the sake of buying.

{Ed025's Note - i dont think he will guarantee anyone playing time alonso, but if he wants him then im sure fsg will give him the green light mate..

28 Dec 2017 15:08:56
Ed25, I agree with you fully that GK needs sorting and Migs is crap and that there are not too many top GK's available (there are not at all) . I however, disagree that Butland is the answer. To me, he is like many other English players, overrated, poor on crosses, can't play in a high line and lacks the distribution ability that Klopp likes and that Karius possesses. I would stay away from him.

Now like Jonesred, I have always believed that Karius can be good for us provided he gets a full run in the team as he has improved since last season and has made ONE mistake in the 8 games he has played. There is a reason the defence is more secure whenever he plays cos he almost seems to have anything to do. He would have to pass the ball into his own net 10 times to catch up to Migs in terms of mistakes.

{Ed025's Note - i agree that karius is well better than migs brover (lets be honest who is,nt) but it seems that klopp is not convinced by him, butland for me is one of the better english keepers about and knows the league, he may not be in oblak or de,gea,s class but hes miles better than what you have mate..

28 Dec 2017 09:52:52
Quick Questions for the Ed's, if I may?
I would like your thoughts on where you see the Liverpool team in terms of the Premiership Hierarchy. Whilst I think everyone will agree that Man City currently are a class apart, I feel that our squad, especially with the recent acquisition should be challenging for second, not bobbing around the fourth spot!
We've got a good team on the whole, YES, a couple of obvious weaknesses and hopefully the manager will identify suitable replacements moving forward?
As a Liverpool fan I am both excited and frustrated by this.
Your thoughts, as ever would be greatly appreciated.

{Ed025's Note - i have said before that liverpool are the 2nd best side in the prem EPC and i still believe that, chelsea and utd flatter to deceive and the door is wide open if the reds choose to step in mate..

28 Dec 2017 09:19:43
to ed01

do you think in your opinion that van dijk will improve our first team and defense?

also seeing that we signed him, What would be the next step for lfc to improve?

thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - yes he is a big improvement on Matip. Next step is the midfield which Keita will go a long way to sorting. Incidentally he is really unhappy at RBL right now so it is not entirely out of the question he ends up arriving in Jan. Fingers crossed.}

28 Dec 2017 09:30:41
And with just one reply, Ed001 has sent the site into complete and utter meltdown!

28 Dec 2017 10:02:45
The rumoured injury to Henderson might make us make a move for him earlier.

28 Dec 2017 10:23:16
Hope you're right Ed, Keita would be a great addition right now.

28 Dec 2017 09:32:43
Ed 01 what a Jan that would be if we could bring in Kieta as well. For me If we somehow manage to replace Mignolet in goal as well then the remainder of this season could be their bedding in period (whilst still pushing for 2nd) ready for a title challenge next season.

{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed mate.}

28 Dec 2017 09:35:29
Would we have to pay a little extra if we got Keita in January Ed1/ 2? Id love to see him join earlier, that'd be perfect.

{Ed001's Note - yes. They are not keen on it, but he is very unhappy and is trying to get them to allow him to go. He has been taking a lot of stick and it might be best for everyone's interest as the fans jump on his back for everything.}

28 Dec 2017 09:42:43
Ed001.

Wound we need to pay an additional fee to bring Keita in - in January? How fantastic would that be!

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

28 Dec 2017 09:46:57
TBH Ed001, I doubt RBL give a flying f*** whether Keita is happy or not. The deal was to see him join LFC in the summer and Ralf Ragnick is a stern man that will not let the player get his way just like FSG did with Coutinho.
Coutinho being sold in the summer and Keita arriving at the same time seems about reasonable. And what do u make about the Goretzka links? Where does he fit in if we pull it off?

{Ed001's Note - they do care because it is having a negative effect on the team.}

28 Dec 2017 09:50:02
That'd be huge for us to get Keita early. Are we looking to add other players to the midfield then ed?

{Ed001's Note - yes mate.}

28 Dec 2017 11:31:29
i don't suppose the keita deal, if were to happen would put us in a better position to allow can to leave in january?

not sure if itll happen, bt just like keita is a possibility in jan, so is can yes?

{Ed001's Note - Can would like to leave yes, so it is an option if anyone wants to offer money, but I can't see anyone doing so.}

28 Dec 2017 11:43:41
If we could get Meyer and Goretzka to sign pre contracts next month for the summer that would be great business. Then A keeper and Brandt in summer.

28 Dec 2017 11:53:33
Thanks for the info Ed1, let's hope it can happen mate.

28 Dec 2017 07:47:40
Ed01, question for you!
VVD Matip or VVD Klavan? I prefer VVD Klavan combination!

{Ed001's Note - same for me mate.}

28 Dec 2017 09:44:14
The issue with VVD-Klavan partnership is they both play on the left side of defense. That's why I would go with VVD and Lovren for now. And then sign a partner for VVD in the summer whilst moving one of Matip or Lovren on.

28 Dec 2017 09:52:11
Whoever plays alongside VVD will improve he's a leader and will organise others, a general at the back and something that's been missing for years.
I think another C/ B will arrive in the summer or Gomez to switch over.
I.

28 Dec 2017 10:00:50
Matip is way too relaxed at the back.

28 Dec 2017 10:02:39
Klavan has been very good for the past few weeks. Calm and composed.
And his long range balls are good too.

28 Dec 2017 10:29:04
It will be Matip and VDD, or even Gomez. Louvren and Klavan cannot be trusted - too many mistakes.

28 Dec 2017 09:50:56
VVD on the right ed? Would you think one of the other CB's might leave in the summer?

{Ed001's Note - I would have expected Klavan to leave soon enough but it is probably more likely Lovren will go as he wants to be first choice while Klavan is happy as a back up.}

28 Dec 2017 04:04:57
Hello Eds. Any insight into whether or not any players are due for a raise or extensions? I am particularly wondering about Bobby who, if he is not, should be earning top wages at the club due to his importance. Thanks for all you do and happy New year to you all.

{Ed001's Note - not a clue mate, it is not really something I take much notice of as contracts are meaningless these days.}

28 Dec 2017 04:12:30
Thanks ed01. Tell your contacts with the club to keep Bobby happy.

{Ed001's Note - Klopp loves Bobby mate, everything possible will be done to keep him happy and at the club.}

28 Dec 2017 07:32:25
If the leaked contract is right he is now earning an extra 85k per goal this season, got to think he will be happy with that!

28 Dec 2017 08:07:43
I read that, his flat rate is £68k but his goal bonuses are insane.

28 Dec 2017 09:09:14
Yesterday I read an article on the top 35 paid players in the premier league as it was based on how underpaid Kane is (35th by the way) . When VVD joins we will have 4 players in the top 35. Coutinho, VVD and then amazingly 2 squad players in Sturridge and Milner. Surely some of the other players must be wondering how them pair are still being paid more than them.

28 Dec 2017 09:54:10
Jayden, both Milner and Sturridge will be gone in the summer so u don't have to worry about the other players kicking up a fuss over two squad players making more money than they do.
And we are also likely to see Bobby and Salah enter that list very soon. Bobby has only 2 years left on his contract and considering he is Klopp's favorite (rightly so), FSG will pay a premium wage to secure his services for the long term. Salah is also likely to be rewarded for this season's form and to keep Real at bay (for now) .

28 Dec 2017 10:47:35
I agree IB ( pods add Couts to that leaving list as well) Both Firmino and Salah deserve pay rises as well. Soon as Mane rediscovers last season's form (class is permanent) then I'm sure he will be looking to come on par with the top earners as well.

28 Dec 2017 12:52:06
Jayden, The reason that Sturridge and Milner are on those wages, is because that was the contract they signed a few years ago. Milner was offered those terms because there was no transfer fee for him, and Sturridge was automatic first choice when he signed his contract. The contract is legally binding, and you can't just pay them less because they are no longer considered first choice. The other players in the club know and accept that situation, and it is up to them and their agents to get the best deal they can when renegotiating their contracts.

27 Dec 2017 23:59:25
VVD for captain?

28 Dec 2017 00:14:55
Its too early to decide.

28 Dec 2017 05:25:04
In 12 months I do see that happening, yes.
Kudos to the football club and Jurgen for finally getting this one done, seemingly with some 'dignity' this time around.

Am not even interested in the fee. Klopp has his man who really should take the team's levels many notches above. Make no mistake, this is significant signing, as is Keita. Buzzing.

28 Dec 2017 06:17:11
Perseverance + Ambition = Success
Good personal development lessons from Klopp.

28 Dec 2017 08:31:13
Captain? It is enough he comes in and organizes the defense.