Liverpool Banter Archive July 29 2015

29 Jul 2015 22:03:39
The u21s lost 4-0 to Chester tonight

29 Jul 2015 23:23:50
It was rubbish

30 Jul 2015 09:03:22
Perhaps now we can have a rest from the constant post slagging off BR for not putting some of these u21 in the team. Some on here seem to have rose tinted glasses concerning the u21

{Ed001's Note - you think results matter? It is not about results in the youth teams, most of the players are being given specific instructions or positional changes to teach them things, not with the intention of winning matches. If you were talking about an U21 team in a competition such as the Next Gen tournament of a few years ago, then it was about getting results. In games like this, it is about teaching them aspects of the game. Hence why Flanagan, who struggled badly as a fullback at times in the U21s, was also playing as a defensive midfielder, to teach him improved awareness. I don't remember him struggling when asked to make the step up and playing the role with instructions designed to win the match, do you? I am sorry, but anyone who bases their view of the players at youth level on the results gained has no idea about youth development in sport at all.}

30 Jul 2015 09:52:59
Bolton and blackburn won the reserve leagues. where are they now. Most clubs loan a fair whack of their youth players. look at what chelsea have done of the past few seasons. s ed001 says it's about development,not winning. Also worth noting this was a friendly u21 game where the team was changed at half time quite drastically.

30 Jul 2015 10:41:12
They were playing against Chester men for a start and they made wholesale changes at 60 minutes with 9 subs I think!

30 Jul 2015 11:06:23
It was a pre-season friendly at U21 levels. Red since 64, maybe you need to take a break from all this pontificating and pandering of Rodgers.

30 Jul 2015 21:06:26
If was just owned and schooled the way Ed just schooled 64, I would crawl up in my bed and cry.

29 Jul 2015 19:05:19
Regarding transfers my personal opinion is that we are buying a lot of academy players to add to the ones that the club think are good enough to come through in a couple of years time.
We seem to have bought a few older more experienced players for the squad/team for the hear and now.
The reason for all this is that we will have a new part of Anfield to pay for so therefor will not be able to splash the cash in the next few years to pay for it. (Look how Arsenal balanced the books whilst paying for new stadium).
Feel sorry for the EDs in the next couple of years when we are only maybe buying 1 or 2 players and the questions why we are not buying everyone.
Also a question for the EDs.
When a homegrown player is sent on loan to another club, does that player become a homegrown at the loanee club or still homegrown at players original club?

{Ed002's Note - Players homegrown status remains with the player forever. So, taking Borini as an example, if he left to go to Dinamo Moscow on Friday and returned to play for Liverpool at the age of 34, he would still be home grown.

However, Gregory "Peckory" Dyke has other plans that would see him stripped of being HG as he wants to change the ruling from three years between 16-21 to three years beginning at 15 only. This is potentially devastating for football and he has not thought it through, as it will kick out the likes of Borini, Huth and others from being HG, but would also exclude any English born players who are not attached to a club until they are 16 or more. I can't see it happening.}

29 Jul 2015 19:55:31
Many thanks for your reply Ed002.
I think that the homegrown status needs an overhaul as some clubs like Man City for example get in so called HG players then they are hardly played (Adam Johnson, Jack Rodwell to name a couple). To my knowledge Richard Wright is still there and has just signed a new contract yet has never played for them. Surely that cannot be right so think if a HG player goes to a club he should have to play X amount of games a season. But this needs to be looked at by footballing people who know how the system works and fails and not by non footballing people.
Many thanks again for the knowledgeable reply and good luck for the rest of the window.

30 Jul 2015 00:59:16
Slaphead, that is their own tough titty. If they pad the squad with 8 Richard Wright style homegrown players then that leaves them with 17 over 21s in their squad and limits their options for rotation and injuries.

Nothing for us, or anybody else, to worry about.

30 Jul 2015 06:26:23
Hi Sean, whilst i understand what you are saying the point i am trying to make is that when a so called homegrown player goes to a big club they hardly ever get any playing time especially the youngsters so therefore cannot develop. Maybe they are happy to just waste 2 or 3 years of their footballing career to sit on the bench and get paid. I am involved in youth football and it really annoys me that some players and clubs are exploiting the system when there are genuine players who want to break into teams/clubs but are not given the chance because of the system.

31 Jul 2015 00:37:36
Slaphead, I actually don't think the system is really stopping that. If they are good enough then there would be no need to purchase 8 Richard Wright's as my example used above.

The best example I can think of for what you seem to be on about is Sinclair going from Swansea to Man City. I have never met anybody who ever thought he was good enough to get a game there. He was in and out of the Villa team whilst on loan this season after playing about 4 league games or something embarrassing over 3 seasons at City.

Jack Rodwell I thought at least had a chance. He had more potential, he was able to play both DM/CM and cover CB. At the time City weren't that strong there and one or two injuries and he'd have been in to the team. That being said though it was usually he was injured himself and his career looks like he'll have to be managed and wrapped in cotton wool for the next 8 years to get some 30 odd games out of him. I wouldn't have him in the Richard Wright category though.

29 Jul 2015 14:42:41
Hey All,

2 things have inspired this post, the first was Mourinho accusing Wenger of trying to buy the title (man that guy is steadily eroding all the good will he had) and secondly calls that the amount of money we have spent means we should be competing for the title.

I decided to have a look at the comparative cost of the current big 4's and our first 11. I don't post this to prove anything or draw conclusions, I was just thinking about it and decided to let you know what I found. I tried to think of each club's likely first 11 for this season and got the transfer cost from soccerbase. Here's what I found:

5. Arsenal - £145.2m
4. Liverpool - £148.5m
3. Chelsea - £199.5m
2. Utd - £233.4m
1. City - £246m

Utd would have been top but I left out Di Maria as I think he's off.

29 Jul 2015 15:54:48
Some context would have been handy

29 Jul 2015 16:15:14
Who would make our 11 though? Difficult to look at just 11 and show the above because the likes of Markovic, Allen, Lovren, Origi and perhaps Lallana would be on our bench and that’s near a £100m. Similar for the other teams too of course.

Mourinho is just a hypocrite. Was happy to spend obscene amounts of money when he first came to the premier league to buy the title but now he’s unhappy others are trying to do the same? Not that I even believe Wenger is. Also read an article that in the last 10 years, no manager has spent more on transfers than Mourinho, so very rich for him to be making such statements.

{Ed002's Note - He isnot unhappy, he is simply goading naive and easily led fans like you. I have told you repeatedly, hanging off his every word and believing it will end up in tears for you.}

29 Jul 2015 16:21:57
How about the many millions we have spent on bench warmers and talent for the future??

29 Jul 2015 16:35:13
Not exactly sure what you mean by ending in tears for me? Maybe he’s not unhappy and is playing some mind games, fair enough, however my point remains that he has spent significantly more than most managers himself so it’s hypocritical to suggest other managers spending money is “buying the title”. Not sure how that makes me easily led or naïve.

{Ed002's Note - He is teasing the easily led and maive into reacting like you have rather than just ignoring it - I understand you see it as a means to protect Liverpool - whereas when asked about I know exactly how he will respond "he bought success - Liverpool bought mediocrity". This is where the notion of "laughing stock" comes in. I would ignore it all.}

29 Jul 2015 16:42:16
What context are you looking for Bob, the players I used? I can expand if people want to know, just didn't want to type it all out if no one cared.

Ed2, don't mind if you don't want to answer but do you smile when Mourinho says these things or wish he'd troll a little less?

{Ed002's Note - I might browse the transcripts of interviews given by managers or press conferences but don't read the press per se. He enjoys teasing people and goading folk for a reaction - it is no more than getting a little psychological edge. I keep advising folks to ignore it but they can't help themselves and react. That leads to getting agitated; then angry; then protective of Liverpool; then it is the fault of someone else; then when questioned about the expenditure by Arsenal or Liverpool fans/reporters (and this is coming), Mourinho will admit that he did indeed buy success, something both of the other clubs have tried but failed to do; then the blood pressure goes up; then the fans start kicking stuff (doors or little sisters); and eventually the explode.

And then the cycle starts all over again.}

29 Jul 2015 17:06:05
To be fair I understand your point, but I thought he was more goading Wenger than anyone as he sees him as a genuine contender this year alongside City. Certainly not protecting Liverpool here, we’ve spent pathetically and haven’t grown as a club the way we should have. Chelsea, on the other hand, have spent and built themselves up wisely. No comparison to Liverpool at all.

{Ed002's Note - He is goading anyone who will bite Rayman1.}

29 Jul 2015 17:09:15
Jose knows how to use the money while rest of them all just spend. I am very sure Liverpool has spend much more than those numbers.

29 Jul 2015 17:13:26
Well he definitely is going to have Rafa’s wife bite soon. That response (albeit unnecessary) was hilarious.

29 Jul 2015 17:22:59
I can't see why any one reacts to what mourinho says as he's right and the truth hurts so why be bothered about it, he's won the prem league more times than liverpool have in the last 25 years. We have spent excessive and so has he its just he spent it well i.e even tho the player they bought frm athletico last year didn't wrk he sold him bk for a similar price liverpool buy ballotelli and will make around a 65% loss in selling him!! So y let someone like him make u angry when he is simply being honest!! How many times have man u man city and arsenal in the early 2000's bought the title and us liverpool fans have moaned bout it as we have never won it due to poor buys and management!

29 Jul 2015 17:29:32
jose is very good with his words. he is very different with his players, ignore how he portrays himself, i'd say listen to ed002, don't read too much into what he says. also use the search function and read what ed001 has to say about how mourinho really is.

29 Jul 2015 17:30:07
Cheers for taking the time to Respond Ed2

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

29 Jul 2015 17:30:08
Jose knows how to spend wisely. Hmm Cuadrado? Selling De Bruyne? I believe they lost money on Filipe Luis too. It's not all wise EG!

{Ed002's Note - Felipe Luis wanted to return for more game time. KdB made demands - and Chelsea don't accept demands nor make promises they cannot keep - so he was sold for a very significant profit and the problem removed.}

29 Jul 2015 18:01:11
essex

It wouldn't matter as they recoup from sales. Apart from Torres which happened 6 years ago, they have been fantastic in transfer market.
Juan Mata, David Luiz

29 Jul 2015 18:02:27
Exaxtly ed2 this is the point i was trying to make!! At least chelsea make money on their "flops" unlike liverpool who have been poor at sellinf their ones! what's the point in beating down the successful teams of the moment jealousy is what makes lfc supporters a laughing stock these days instead of appaulding other teams success i'm sure if in 2004 liverpool signed mourino instead of benitez this debate wouldn't be happening right now.

29 Jul 2015 18:37:09
EG you implied that Mourinho always spends wisely. I'm happy to correct you on that point. Having said that he's much better than Rodgers.

29 Jul 2015 19:32:53
Hahaha I love Ed 002.

29 Jul 2015 19:34:50
Stop listening to Mourinho people. Makes your existence much simpler

29 Jul 2015 19:34:57
I never blame mou for what he says. I blame and laugh at people who give him their time and energy. Oh and if they have spent loads of cash, so have we so don`t know why people are offended by him saying we are spending serious money? He isn`t wrong, is he?

29 Jul 2015 19:46:06
shevshenko Torres ?

29 Jul 2015 20:05:53
Mourinho is the king of mind games, probably why he and Ferguson get on so well. I believe the actual quote as well was not saying it's entirely wrong to buy success, but when Chelsea did it its all that was spoken about. This time the rules are different, FFP meant that clubs had to reign in their spending relative to their earnings, Chelsea have done so very effectively.

29 Jul 2015 20:07:22
Don't go crazy, But hasn't Jose got the right to be a little out there given all the success he's had? Everywhere he's gone he's been great, in terms of football. Yeah he opens his mouth, but would people really want a black and white world were people don't say anything!
I admire his philosophy, And his CV!
I can appreciate good work when I see it, I can't begrudge him. And I think LFC has spent a lot more than what's been stated and we genuinely have nothing to show for it.

29 Jul 2015 20:34:58
Whatever anyone says, Mourinho is still classless.

29 Jul 2015 21:17:01
In today game you have to. Ore or less buy success?!? Show me proof otherwise?

Exception would be spending less to gain success but you still spend.

30 Jul 2015 07:44:09
Mourinho and his mind games = Alex Ferguson with a Portuguese accent

30 Jul 2015 09:09:53
I am not ar*** what other Managers say, I just take it with a grain of salt. Our own Manager entertains the press and opposing fans in a stupid way. I bet Stoke fans are sh** scared of us, now that we have the "World Class!" Origi, sitting on the bench. I listen to Mourinho defend a dive or a stamp, after a game he didn't lose and smile. He's judged by results and by his own fans. Brian Clough was the same, he used to make me smile and at the same time think he was a C***.

30 Jul 2015 09:18:24
Manager's statements to the press mean nothing, I take none of them seriously. They are usually not making statements because they have something important to say, they are making statements because they are contractually obliged to do so.
As for comparing transfer fees, it is far too simplistic. What about wages, signing on fees, agent fees etc.
Sturridge cost 12 million in transfer fee, does that mean he is a 12 million pound player?

29 Jul 2015 13:57:11
Despite all the arguments for and against buying new players vs youth the thing that grates me is that many were not given a fair chance.

Liverpool in recent years have had numerous promising young players and many more than many other teams.

It is undoubtedly not easy to bring kids through, but spending money we don't have is in the long term suicidal for the club.

For Liverpool to be successful in the future a good youth system should not just be desirable but an imperative.

How ironic then that thanks to Benitez, Borrell and Segura we now have it, and yet it is being criminally squandered.

Buying players is part and parcel of football, but give the youngsters a chance to prove themselves first.

Will this situation improve in future? who knows, but one truth about the world is that stupid is everywhere, everyday, and you can't fix stupid. As you can probably tell I'm not optimistic.

29 Jul 2015 14:30:28
I disagree with you. You are optimistic. It is in the interests of our club that you point out the areas that you see we should change/improve. Some people never complain no matter what. Some people always complain no matter what. Then there are those in the middle, which I would class as the best type of fan.

29 Jul 2015 15:52:13
Good post mate.

29 Jul 2015 19:56:03
Great post, Spank! I have echoed your thoughts many times on this issue of youth.

30 Jul 2015 09:21:57
So to be given a chance you have to play a certain arbitrary number of competitive games?
These players are given a chance to impress in youth/reserve games. The ones who have a chance generally shine at that level. If they don't, they are very unlikely to make it. Give the coaches some credit, if the player has a chance they can generally tell.
How many former LFC reserve/youth players have been let go only to go on and star for another top club?
I can't think of one.

{Ed001's Note - the same old nonsense argument. If a player isn't given a chance at the right time, even the best will usually fail. Rush was woeful for years, never stood out in the reserves or at first team level, resulting in Liverpool losing the services of its greatest ever scout, Geoff Twentyman. A more recent example was Harry Kane, who was not highly rated at all in youth football, nor when he got loan spells away from Spurs. He was given his chance anyway, as Spurs had little in the way of options, and he grew into the role after a shaky start. You simply can not tell for sure until players are given a good run of games.}

30 Jul 2015 10:02:16
I still can think of any of our youth/reserve players who have been let go by us and then excelled at another top club or even a half decent club. Surely that speaks for itself. If they are good enough and let go then they will surely make a go of it in a less competitive environment.

{Ed001's Note - no it doesn't! Will people stop this crap. It means nothing unless the player has left at a very young age and then flopped. When they are leaving in their 20s, they have wasted the prime development years with us in the U21s watching the first team from the sidelines. To really develop they need to be playing in the first team. If they leave at 17 and then fail, that is different. By the way Coady is doing well, he had an excellent season at Huddersfield Town last time out and that led to Wolves buying him this summer.}

30 Jul 2015 10:58:41
So if a kid doesn't make the first team by the time they're 20 we might as well let them go? Doesn't sound right to me.

{Ed001's Note - is that what I said? Or are you just making things up in your head? I am saying it is stilting their progression by not giving them first team football, either with us or on loan, so that you can't judge them properly. I did not say anything about letting them go did I?}

30 Jul 2015 23:34:16
Ron, your argument has no basis in fact or reality and frankly, makes no sense. You and other posters like Muscatred seem bent on defending BR's incompetence or inability to play our youth with such baseless excuses just makes you sound desperate. Did you even know that your golden boy doesn't even go to the youth games to watch the boys play? That's because he does NOT, per Ed02. so ask yourself, how can you know if a player is good enuff if you don't watch him closely to see if he can maybe hack it? Don't answer that because like Muscat, you'll prolly have an excuse for that. Had KK done that, how do think he would have given Flanno and Raheem their chances for the results and successes they have shown (if you think BR gave them their debuts then you are fooling yourself because like your excuses, they would have no basis in fact)? The only way you will get success with youth is to play them, hang on on those you believe will make it and fight for them, all the things BR lacks nor is unwilling to do, and I can name examples for days. However, your reason is nonsense and no coach or expert will ever agree with you. I played the game for 25 years of my life at every level but the pros and I was lucky enough with ex pros, coaches and club academy players and in all those years of discussions with them, NEVER have I heard such garbage to explain why youth players should not be played.

29 Jul 2015 13:07:39
I've seen it all now.

SportBild reporting were in for Thomas Muller.

€100 mill and been rejected and were after him.

I'd say "you couldn't make it up" but obviously . YOU CAN!!

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

29 Jul 2015 16:28:04
Sure that wasn't United? Maybe said the Reds or something.

{Ed002's Note - He will have to sit on the bench with Lacazette and Reus arriving.}

29 Jul 2015 20:01:26
Nice one, Ed

29 Jul 2015 11:32:58
EG,

This is regarding our discussion yesterday, as I didn't get a chance to respond. I think you misunderstood what I said. I agree those are areas (GK and DM) we can certainly improve on but rather than moaning about what should have been done and being so pessimistic, I'm choosing to focus on some of the good coming through. Our attacking strength as a squad is at its best over the last 10 years. we have a number of young players coming through that have tremendous talent. The way we are shaping ourselves up commercially as a club is a definite improvement on what we saw under Parry. The expansion to the stadium.

Completely agree that we've wasted a lot of money under Rodgers (and prior to him) and its frustrating that with the money spent we're not finishing higher in the league. Also agree Rodgers can be a muppet with some of the lines he comes out with to the press. But with the new season a week away, think its time we give the player bashing a rest and support the team.

Despite the lack of signing of a new GK and DM, we have a very good team. And remember we came inches within the title with the same GK today and no DM. I do believe we have a more balanced team now than United and Spurs currently. We should be aiming for top 4 and if we can keep this team together and achieve that, we have a good team for the future.

29 Jul 2015 11:57:12
Rayman

Appreciate calling me out, I wouldn't want to start an argument as I would just like to stick to my points rather my wish.

There is no doubt on the depth and strength of the team compared to previous years. We look good both on papers and on the pitch.

I wanted two signings this summer over anything.
A decent GK at the expense of Migs.
A world class Playmaker or a DM ( Replacing Allen )

IMO these two signings brings stability to a team which is not driven by a star name.

As much as I like Henderson and Milner for the quality they bring in to the team, I wouldn't put them in the bracket of Creativity, I would rather call them Working Midfeilders.

When Liverpool decided to part ways with Alonso in 2009, Rafa who bought him decided to splash the cash to bring in an ACM from Italy to replace a DLP.
His intentions were pretty straight to play with two holding players in Lucas and mascherano in the middle.
And we know what happened next.

Aplogies for my Earlier replies mate.
No offence and disrespect to any players.

Thanks and Cheers

29 Jul 2015 12:48:16
We do have creative players in Lallana,Coutinho,Texeira.Milner and Henderson can also make a defence splitting pass,provided they can spot a runner or movement around the opposition Defence,which we lacked last season.Surely we could have done better buying a new GK but we can give another chance to Mignolet.We don't even know which system Rodgers is playing,so how can we say we need a Deep Lying Playmaker.Are we not worried about lack of opportunities given to our younger players,by bringing in another player we are spoiling Can's chances.Since we are not title contenders we can give a chance to these players.Also as Eds mentioned we are currently in debt
means we cannot afford to buy luxury players.

29 Jul 2015 13:02:36
Replacing Alonso was an absolute mistake. A player of his qualities is practically impossible to replace. If I recall correctly, Rafa was busy chasing Gareth Barry at the time and seemingly happy to let him leave. It's something that I still find hard to understand.

Still, we all know how the Aquilani situation panned out and it's history now.

Obviously, it would be fantastic to sign a player like Alonso, but how many are actually out there?

Of the players that are of that ilk, who would consider joining us, or even be available for a transfer?

29 Jul 2015 13:40:56
EG

Mate no offence or disrespect taken at all. This is football and we're all going to disagree on some things!

I really do agree with you on those signings. Dreamed of Cech and then Begovic. Same with replacing Allen as unfortunately I don't think he's cut out to be at a club that has such high demand and pressure.

On Henderson, I feel he gets underestimated because he is such a workhorse. I've seen him show some fantastic technical ability and vision, most recent being the rabona assist to Lallana. I feel he will become a good captain and a great player. Agree on Milner - was a signing we didn't need and I was disappointed as we have Hendo.

Overall I'm still excited/hopeful we have a good season ahead of us. The main thing I want to see is us going back to the fast paced, high pressing attacking football and not the tiki taka which simply doesn’t suit us. If we went back to that, that would be the most disappointing thing. The worst thing is, I wouldn’t put it past Rodgers to revert back to that…

29 Jul 2015 13:51:29
Indian.

Y do you think we are not title contenders?. Are we not playing 38 games ? Or do you think we just don't have enough quality players to go for the kill?
Man City won the title with pretty much the same amount Liverpool have spoend in three years.
Emre Can's future is under threat with the arrival of Milner and so does Rossiter.

Cheers mate

29 Jul 2015 15:12:13
EG.

Our Squad is not completely balanced as u have been saying about this all these times.There is a difference between challenging for a title and ability to challenge for a title.As I mentioned earlier if players in key positions such as Mignolet and Can can perform really well,then yes we do have a chance.But when it comes to Cech and Courtois they have been performing like that consistently so these teams are title contenders.Also If Rodgers can outsmart other top 6 managers tactically then we have a chance.So we have many ifs which we don't know,whereas we all know the genuine quality of Arsenal and Chelsea and their respective coaches.
Also the point which u have raised I have mentioned this when we were signing Milner.But since we signed him,it will be better if we stop bringing in anymore midfielders.

Thanks.

29 Jul 2015 18:31:45
I dream of a summer where a LFC manager goes out and buys 2 quality signings to walk straight into our starting 11, unfortunately we buy 10.

Everyone underestimates our squad probably because there's no confidence in Rodgers, but if Rodgers stops messing about and just goes for it like a couple of seasons ago then we are capable of challenging for the title.

{Ed002's Note - Give it a couple of seasons of transition and it may settle down under the new owners and manager Lavers.}

29 Jul 2015 09:50:29
Naming rights for the new main stand are almost complete after 18 months of negotiations with a number of companies. I expect an announcement before the start of the season.

29 Jul 2015 04:01:22
If Glen Johnson starts for Stoke against us, then that's the weak point to attack, tactics wise. Ibe on the left against him, will have a field day.

29 Jul 2015 06:44:15
I can see Johnson playing a blinder. Then we will get the questions why he never played like that for Liverpool.

29 Jul 2015 07:33:03
Gj has all the ability in him but just plain can't be bothered to try. When he has his occasional awesome game it's because he tries. I think the game against us will be one of his rare games

29 Jul 2015 09:18:48
When Johnson is actually interested he's a difficult player to pass.

He'll never be interested in football though and it seems he's only there for the wage packet.

29 Jul 2015 13:31:44
I have to say that I don't think Johnson didn't try, and you could see his massive frustration at times, I just think he didn't look like he was trying. Whether that was the way he ran, or what, but he could be excellent, didn't moan, and it was just a shame that for whatever reason we couldn't use him as an out and out winger, where he excelled. I wish him good luck, except against us, obviously!

29 Jul 2015 00:34:03
1st time poster so go easy !!!

My dream transfer this summer was Isco . Then I woke up
But I thought Asier Illarramendi from Real Madrid would be somewhat realistic ? Looks very unlikely now

My point being is Jordan Henderson best suited to be Liverpool captain? . Don't get me wrong I like the guy, but if above transfer did go through (or something similar) would he even get into the team ?? Especially with Milner now on the team sheet?

Plus the penalty thing with Balotelli last season made him seem weak? Or at the least not seen as the ultimate leader by the team?

29 Jul 2015 03:40:54
Henderson is going to shine, now that Gerrard is gone. In my opinion our team's only going to improve in the absence of Gerrard. Milner, Can and Henderson would be midfield tbh.

29 Jul 2015 04:02:26
henderson is very well respected by his team mates from what i see.

29 Jul 2015 08:32:29
"Fans" like you Bretstar that annoy me and many other supporters of the team. Nothing is ever good enough for a "fan" like yourself. Henderson being weak in the Balotelli penalty incident. Anything to pick on a player you want to be replaced by a fancy Spaniard. Henderson is well respected, leads by example and is professional. You'll be back on here next transfer window chatting utter rubbish again.

29 Jul 2015 09:30:29
Leave the kid alone. All the OP does is ask a couple of questions and express an opinion. None of that gives you the right to question whether he is a "fan".

Part of why we love football is the endless debate and banter it generates.

29 Jul 2015 10:24:32
Illaramendi starting over Henderson? Just because the lad plays for Real Madrid doesn't make him world class. Would rather Hendon start over any of the names you mentioned.

29 Jul 2015 12:05:36
Ljervis - if you would have read my post properly, you'd notice I wasn't having a Pop at Henderson was just saying I wasn't sure making him club captain was a wise move? Or at least not yet!!!

IF (big if) Liverpool did bring in a specialist DM SUCH as
Illarramendi or someone similar would henderson get into the team!!

Who would be dropped if not? Milner, Coutinho??

Hope that clears up my point for you Ljervis, you seem to have Liverpool red tinted glasses on to try and justify that your some kind of super fan!!!

29 Jul 2015 12:41:30
In regards to the penalty last season where he was the designated taker as both Gerrard & Balotelli were off the pitch. I actually think it made Henderson look a GOOD captain as he put the needs of the team first. He's not taken that many pens in his career and he may or may not of scored. But Balotelli, through all his faults,is a fanatic penalty taker. Some may say he looked weak but would you rather he said "No, I'm taking it" then he missed? I for one think he made exactly the right call. It takes strong leadership to also admit when somebody might be better suited to a certain task just as much as it does to not back down in the face of confrontation

28 Jul 2015 23:26:54
Are there any senior players playing tomorrow night? If anyone's interested it's only a fiver to get in.