Liverpool Banter Archive June 29 2015

29 Jun 2015 22:49:58
Ed 01 what do you think of the appointment of Sean O Driscoll as assistant manager as is widely reported. I don't know too much about him and would appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I like him a lot, I lived in Doncaster for a while and met him a number of times, he was a genuinely nice guy and loved his footie. Very much into the keep it simple, pass and move, style of football. I have always thought he deserves a chance at a higher level as his ideas were fine, he just never got the backing. When he managed Donnie, they had the smallest budget in the division, yet he managed to avoid relegation for years playing some really good footie.}

29 Jun 2015 23:11:42
A Keeping it simple, back to basics type is exactly what's needed to counter Brendan's moronic ideas.

{Ed001's Note - he is a very good coach is O'Driscoll. Not the most exciting and inspiring of talkers, so probably best as a coach.}

29 Jun 2015 23:16:06
I know Brendan Rodgers spoke very highly of him in the past saying something very similar about not getting a chance at a higher level too. He's done quite well with the U19's in the last 12 months or so. How do you think he will do?

{Ed001's Note - I hope he does really well, he has a lot of experience and is very well respected. Players used to join just to play for him. When Billy Sharp was hot property at Championship level, he took a major pay cut just because he wanted to play for O'Driscoll. His players always seem to love him.}

29 Jun 2015 23:48:06
If we could just get a coach who is good at organising defences now, then I'd say there has been some very good work done behind the scenes.

29 Jun 2015 23:27:06
Thanks for the insight, it's easy to find out his past if you know what I mean. You told me what I wanted to hear about the man himself. Nice one.

29 Jun 2015 23:28:14
So is that the coaching team sorted now, O'Driscoll for Pascoe and Pep for Mike Marsh ?

30 Jun 2015 08:22:24
Ed001- So O'Driscoll is not a talker !
Thats what they said about Paisley wasn't it :-)

{Ed001's Note - very true, Paisley was sharp though, he said little because he would let everyone else talk and find out about them. O'Driscoll is not an inspirational talker, but he does inspire loyalty, respect and admiration from a lot of his players. So he must have something about him.}

29 Jun 2015 22:51:12
How long do our medicals typically take? And what are the most common causes of delays?

30 Jun 2015 07:05:02
6 weeks. Brendan likes to make sure they have an outstanding attitude first, so that takes a lot of time because he is a little slow our Brendan.

30 Jun 2015 07:24:25
Mark. Why the dig?

29 Jun 2015 22:34:58
Edwards . Thoughts on Sean O Driscoll

{Ed001's Note - he used to play excellent passing football at one time with Doncaster Rovers, nice guy too.}

29 Jun 2015 23:17:16
Cheers Edward . Folk loosing their minds about this . Because Steve bould Brian Kidd and city number 2 was wonderful managers in a previous life

29 Jun 2015 22:32:14
Liverpool fan arda Turan off to Utd

29 Jun 2015 22:46:37
Gutted if he ended up there!!.

Any chance of Liverpool getting arda turan eds??

{Ed001's Note - no.}

29 Jun 2015 23:36:02
If he does end up there, don't think it will end his involvement with LFC.

Agent Moyes did his job well, but got ousted to quickly.

He's now been replaced by Agent Turan ;)

29 Jun 2015 22:24:23
Talking about higiuan!!! I can't see it happening ever.
Or any big name striker. I just don't think we can attract the big name players anymore eds. Look at sanchez last yr. Did we not bid more than arsenal?. He chose them. I'm not in the know on the mikataryan, Salah etc deals but was this the same. They didn't see us as attractive as dortmund or chelsea. Who are champions league regulars,well up till last season for dortmund. to see the likes of benzema, cavani, higiuan, diago costa,etc coming to us if available is just hard to see. i'm a Liverpool fan all my life and love this club to bits but the likes of benteke is where we are at.

29 Jun 2015 22:47:43
I see your point mate but what about Firmino? one of Brazil's best players has just signed for us despite lots of reported interest from around the globe.

I think a lot of players will see beyond one bad season. There will always be those who find other places more attractive but this is the same for any club, you just have to choose your targets wisely.

29 Jun 2015 23:19:04
Lol he is not one of Brazils best players

29 Jun 2015 23:26:34
Very true mate on firmino but I'm just worried it is another player who clearly has potential but still raw an Unproven . Aka markovic, .I know Rodgers is to blame on not giving game time to markovic so will he do the same with firmino. my point is when I have the likes of benzema, cavani, higiuan in your team u no they are well established proven world class strikers who has been there done that and I think when it comes to a player like that we are finding it hard to get them. I fear we are turning into a team that will bring in the young talent and if they become a success sell them on.

30 Jun 2015 00:08:06
I think there's no reason Liverpool can't attract top players with a top coach and paying the competitive wages, but obviously we need to build. I like the young side we have now and with a few years together under a top coach I think 2-3 years time will be really competitive (Clyne, Illori, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Hendo, Coutinho, Ibe, Firmino etc. ), I just wish we'd gotten in a coach we all felt could be the future as much as the players.

30 Jun 2015 07:09:53
In fairness to the Sanchez deal quoted, the story I recall was not that Sanchez turned down LFC for Arsenal, more that Sanchez's girlfriend told him London over Liverpool.

Looking at Man Utd last year, Man City's rise to power it appears to be a "pay them and they will come". Now to pay them, we need to comply with FFP etc.

Liverpool can compete, but history does not appear to be work for people of today who have grown up watching Man Utd and more recently Chelsea dominate the last 25 years (with a splash of the gunners). Need to spend more to attract more proven / more marketable stars.

30 Jun 2015 07:42:03
Don't think I would want benzema, cavani, higiuan, diago costa,

Although you didn't say this but its Quite amusing so many people saying oh bent eke doesn't fit our style yet if one of these signed they would be over the moon, Benzema, Higuain and specially Cavan are really lazy strikers come in and out of games all the time - Yes they score but we do like to press high and trust me these players would not give you that

29 Jun 2015 22:13:37
A question on expectations. We all know our first 7 away games are as tough as they come. Some of you are glad about this as you think it will hasten Rodgers' departure. This question isn't for you.

For the rest, when we reach 13 games, what would be considered good? How many points do we need to consider we're doing well and are on track? For me it's 20. What's everyone else thinking?

29 Jun 2015 22:41:49
For me it would be 39. that's my definition of good but I'm old skool like that :-)

29 Jun 2015 22:44:43
From the corresponding 7 away fixtures we only got 5 points last season so I would think more than that is easily achievable.I'm not going to predict points but I remain optimistic. i would never wish us to lose any game no matter who was in charge.

29 Jun 2015 22:45:21
39 or thereabouts

29 Jun 2015 22:56:22
I've lost faith in rodgers abilities to manage this club back into the CL (stoke was the final straw), but I hope you won't mind me giving an opinion.
A top four place will probably need about 74-78 points next season, so anything less than 2 points per game means we are off the pace for a CL finish.
If we have 26 points after 13 games we'll still be well in the running. If we have any less than about 23/24 points I don't personally think we can consider we are doing well.
If its less than 20 points we will be verging on leaving too big a gap to catch up, as we did last season.
For me the definition of doing well is bring on track for a CL spot, not falling behind the leaders.
Next season there will be no excuses about a difficult away run or injured strikers. I wish him luck and I hope he can learn from his mistakes and get us into the top four, I really do- but I just didn't see enough last season to make me think he can pull it off.

29 Jun 2015 23:04:27
39 obviously, but perhaps realistically 28 & up ?

29 Jun 2015 23:18:08
Over the season we need 2 points per game you're right, but that's over 38 games not when our first 13 games are loaded with the hardest games of the season. If we're on 26 after 13 I'll start thinking we're title challengers again.

29 Jun 2015 23:19:44
No point in guessing, with Rodgers in charge we can beat man city one week and get smashed by Stoke the next.
Rodgers needs to sort out the consistency and make sure the team is at least trying to win every game. A lot of the time last season the team looked as though they had given up.
The worry is if we do go on a poor run at the beginning, no way will Rodgers motivate the team after that.
The hope is that we emerge from that horrid run of games with a bit of belief and a few points against the big teams, the team will be more likely to fight for the remainder of the season knowing they have something to play for.

29 Jun 2015 23:33:47
Anything less than 39.1 is a failure ;)

30 Jun 2015 00:11:28
21 OK, 24 would be a successful start for me

30 Jun 2015 01:05:52
I would say 24 points would be good. That would leave 52 points from 25 games which is definitely attainable (to get to the 2 points per game threshold).

29 Jun 2015 21:14:18
Not saying this is a rumour or a likely thing to happen, looks like Lucas and Borini is going, so would you be happy if we eventually got Kovacic and somehow Higuain as replacements of sorts?

29 Jun 2015 21:25:05
No. Yes.

29 Jun 2015 21:27:04
Kovacic deal is also off. you should go for someone like diame he would suit you better for a midtable team

29 Jun 2015 21:48:54
Englishwhite1 - fantastic name

29 Jun 2015 21:55:05
you're welcome

29 Jun 2015 22:07:29
Your username alone implies you are an uneducated imbecile.

29 Jun 2015 22:11:04
Comment was dripping in sarcasm you nitwit

29 Jun 2015 22:29:18
So who do you support Englishwhite? Chelsea by any chance?

30 Jun 2015 04:34:13
Wrong Irish Rover, it's Britian First,

29 Jun 2015 20:57:53
Now it becomes clear. All that groundwork for benteke was actually a smokescreen for the signing of higuain! Brilliant work from the club.

Cheers

29 Jun 2015 21:05:02
I really hope your right

29 Jun 2015 21:13:37
What?

29 Jun 2015 22:51:50
Congrats Greggers! By my reckoning that's the first use of 'smokescreen' this closed season!

29 Jun 2015 20:25:05
Higuain's agent is to demand a transfer from Napoli and attempting to make direct contact with Ian Ayre (God help us).
Would be a great signing, although 3 years too late!!!

29 Jun 2015 20:40:49
Another boring dig at Ian Ayre.

29 Jun 2015 20:40:50
Obviously I'd be happy if we signed my name sake! Higuain-mode!

29 Jun 2015 20:57:47
50m for a 28 year old on mega wages?

Good luck selling that to Mike Gordon.

Might as well just give Sterling to Man City for free as financially its the same end result.

29 Jun 2015 21:18:33
Good one, Boom!

29 Jun 2015 21:31:42
Do we really want to buy a player that has an agent that demands transfers?

We've had enough of that toxicity over the past couple of years.

29 Jun 2015 21:34:27
Killing time in a London hotel room redohio! A bit of to and fro with Ed01 is a welcome diversion from Escape to Italy on More4. Watching two old Charlie's try to bag a pad on Lake Como for 50 grand. The presenter says they're after their dream home! For 50 grand? On Como? Sheds go for that in London.

29 Jun 2015 19:54:20
Can anyone confirm if we have enquires about Luis Adriano from Shahktar?

In last 12 months of deal and apparently not wanted by the club who would prefer to cash in. I would take a punt on him. He's 28 and has CL experience.

To be honest like most I'd prefer Higuain but seems more unlikely.

29 Jun 2015 20:22:52
Too busy doing the Benteke deal Jonesy.

29 Jun 2015 18:20:02
Ed001 you said Benteke doesn't fit our style, but isn't Rodgers the one who wants him? So maybe our style will be different next season. Or is Rodgers just that stupid?

{Ed001's Note - I think you answered your own question, it was a roundabout way to reach it but you did get there in the end.}

29 Jun 2015 19:16:27
All this talk of our style and pressing etc did we even do that more than a handful of times last year? Maybe that's not actually our style anymore lol

29 Jun 2015 19:27:59
Maybe he is going to copy Tim Sherwood's philosophy after the battering we received in the FA Cup semi?

29 Jun 2015 20:21:30
I tend to agree with OGs comment a little down the page,
The fast,pressing attacking football was IMO seldom seen last year.
We could well be gearing up for another season of bedding in 7 new players and all learning a new system.
I'd love to be proven wrong, but the type of strikers we are pursuing would suggest otherwise,
I have no issue with a Benteke type striker, but I don't want 25 players trying to adapt to a new formation and new tactics again,

29 Jun 2015 21:05:55
It's more.

Wr had our most success playing a pressijg game and we zero success last year not playing that way.

Our players play better in the press (ie Tottenham game) than long ball etc

29 Jun 2015 17:33:27
I am really excited by the Clyne deal being reportedly done. If true, regardless of what you think of the player, this is the first fair price for a player that actually will address an area of weakness in the team.

Don't get me wrong,I think Firmino is a good player. But we massively overpaid for him and I don't think we really needed him. How are we going to fit Can,Milner,Henderson, coutinho,Firmino, lallana, Lucas (who I think is most important) on the pitch!? What about markovic, Ibe, and Allen? By the way I think Kovacic is an awesome player, but we have too many midfielders as it is.

Benteke is the same for me. I unlike most posters on here who watched just the FA cup final and one Belgium friendly and have decided he's no good, am of the belief benteke is a good striker. I don't think we need him; We have balotelli origi ings sturridge and I assume we will move lambert and borini; 4 strikers is a good number. I can assume that maybe if bent eke arrives then balotelli is gone, although I still think he hasn't been given a good run with a partner striker. Who does that leave out of the roster, as well as the starting 11?

Adam Bogdan? That's supposed to push mignolet?


Seems to me like we are going down the same road as last season, putting the club in even more financial turmoil. I'm generally a positive person, but I am starting to worry.
This is all too familiar.

TjRed

29 Jun 2015 18:01:59
Agree with u mate. Apart from Clyne, the rest of the players that have been signed so far were not really necessary. Firmino and Milner are both quality players but the money spent on these 2 could have been used to sign a top GK and CDM instead of making life for the likes of Markovic and Can in terms of game time even more difficult. Why was Bogdan signed? I would have rather given Ward a chance to compete with Migs rather than sign Bogdan who certainly will not. Could have gotten Begovic and kept Ward as back up and shipped out Migs but clearly the club sees differently. Ings was another unnecessary purchase. We had Yesil, Sinclair and Origi waiting in the wings but Brendan had to go out and sign another rookie player with just one top flight season under his belt.
The club clearly is trying to make a statement but i'm afraid not in the right way. Just hope that the striker we sign is someone who offers good movement and pace to the front line than another target man like Benteke who is just wrong for the style of play Brendan wants.

29 Jun 2015 18:11:34
Milner -Gerrard
Clyne -Johnson
Firmino -sterling
Bogdan -Jones
Gomez -Coates

29 Jun 2015 18:40:54
Firmino is quality. We need quality. We will lose Sterling. We lost Suarez and Sturridge has been out for ages. We have have over paid (though it seems it was necessary to beat others to the punch) but I have every confidence Firmino will be a quality addition to the team.

Bogdan fair enough.

Milner seems unnecessary with big wages when we have other options we could have tried.

Ings could turn out good, time will tell.

Origi is a big concern.

Clyne worries me, not because we have overpaid, but I think fans are convinced he is better than what he is. He is still young and has plenty of scope to get better, but as of now he is similar to Moreno - prone to errors, positionally at risk and defensively just not that good. RB is certainly an area that needed strengthening given Flanno's never ending injury nightmare - not convinced Clyne will be the answer. I hope I am wrong.

29 Jun 2015 18:41:36
Four strikers is a good number but not if none of them can hit a barn door. Sturridge can't finish from the operating table can he?

29 Jun 2015 19:38:51
Generally studge just finishes on it.

29 Jun 2015 20:06:12
Yeah Seano I agree there; but what right backs and left backs aren't prone to error that are available? Heck, the commentators in the Brazil game were going crazy about how good Dani Alves is, one even called him best in the world. I thought he had a horrid game. Good getting forward but got bossed by the young winger for paraguay.

29 Jun 2015 20:27:58
I see Milner and Clynes contribution being more than Gerrards and Johnson's last season, but I don't see any of the others as much of an improvement.
Coates didn't play and chances are neither will Gomez,
Sterling had a decent season, will Firminio go one better?
Bogdan and Jones? Meh,
Origi or Borini? Borini found his chances limited and so will Origi,
I don't see the squad as much improved, and I'm generally pretty optimistic,

29 Jun 2015 20:36:53
Pretty much nailed it Welsh boy

29 Jun 2015 21:47:34
Coates, jones, gerrard and johnson were all surplus and could all have been replaced from within the squad, although a right back was needed.

sterling is a big player who did nee dto be replaced, but didn't ibe already do that during the season? What about markovic?

We're so screwed from the tea lady upwards, its all just a massive non sensical mess, same mistakes over and over again. If we get benteke i am done.

29 Jun 2015 16:48:00
Seen quite a few posts on this player or that Player not fitting in with our 'style'. Can someone please explain what our ' style' is? because if it's what we saw for half of last season then what are we fussed about? We developed a high press system for 1 season built around the dynamism of Suarez and sturridge. Clearly both are irreplaceable ( without CL) so we probably need to start thinking about evolving a new style with the players we have and thinking towards those which may sign. Everybody loved the attacking football we had 2 years ago but perhaps we need a more defensively minded approach and move to a more counter attacking style. BR's death by football strategy( possessions) doesn't seem to work and judging by the amount of midfielders we have its seems likely we will pack the middle and quickly counter ( hence benteke interest?)

29 Jun 2015 16:54:57
I've mentioned this further down

If a player is good enough they can adapt, balo looked ok playing with sturridge it's just balo can play as a lone striker where as benteke can.

Do Belgium play to bentekes strengths I ask you?

29 Jun 2015 17:05:55
You're suggesting a coach who say that defending is "uncoachable" should play a game based primarily on defense?

29 Jun 2015 17:18:58
Lol Nevada, just going by what we have in the squad and what the reported interest in players we have. If we are going to have 10 MF's one would assume 5 will get played. Ideally we ' d just move the coach on and let someone else develop a style but it seems unlikely that is going to happen. Besides maybe the coaches coming in will have more of a say on actual coaching priorities!

29 Jun 2015 17:21:22
Spot on swish cleaner and Lavers. Completely agree. If Continho, Firmini, Ibe and Milner can't do what Delph, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor and Weimann do, ie put the ball in the box either on the deck or in the air, then our problem is not Benteke. Our biggest issue last season was nobody attacking the area. Borini and Sturridhe pull into the channels, Balotelli was too lazy to keep up with play and Lambert barely got a sniff of game time.

Ings and Benteke will make runs into the area and give our players a target to aim for. What is our style? Pass it sideways and hope Coutinho or Henderson get fed up and score a screamer? No I'm sorry but we need players willing to attack the area or else we'll always just be hoping for a moment of magic. Not everybody is Luis Suarez!

{Ed001's Note - does Benteke make many runs in your opinion? Because whenever I watch him he is not providing any movement and just expecting the ball delivered to him. I have never understood the deal about him, he has a stinking attitude. That is why he does not fit a style that requires work rate and movement. Coutinho is at his best when he has movement ahead of him to pick out, he will not get that from Benteke. Oh and you clearly do not watch Villa much or you would know that when Benteke was at his best Agbonlahor and Weimann were out of the side and Villa played a long ball game. Benteke was not making runs into the area, he ambled in, or just stood static waiting for crosses, he doesn't have the quick movement that great strikers have. The sudden stops or changes in direction that top forwards use to create a gap between them and their marker is completely alien to him. He wants everything handed to him on a plate, which is exactly what Sherwood did.}

29 Jun 2015 17:27:01
@Swischcleaner, exactly we need to think about a style for the players that we have. E.g. How can you not see that we do not have players to suit a style for Benteke to flourish?

The high press is what has worked the best for us so signing Balotelli last season is possibly the worst striker we could have gone for in terms of players fitting our style. Otherwise I believe we have plenty of players who can play the high press, quick attacking football where they use their technique and speed. None of these really suit Benteke.

29 Jun 2015 17:35:14
Benteke isn't that quick so who will be finishing these "quick counters" off? The real truth is that Benteke is a good, though far from great, player. He offers a certain set of traits and the general consensus, at least among fans, is that those traits are going to be of limited use at Anfield. We are not a long ball term, we are not a team who pumps cross after cross into the box, we are not a team who looks to batter there way through a team (see United, punt to Fellain tactics) - we look to play football, on the ground, with attack being the priority. The only reason we should resort to defensive football is when coming up against superior opposition - if we consider ourselves top 4 material that shouldn't be happening too often. Benteke is going to be another transfer we rue for being the wrong choice, the wrong fit for our team. Add to this the ridiculous fee Villa are demanding - we should just walk away with demands of 32.5million: completely above and beyond his worth and, for that price, we'd have a chance of recruiting a player whom better suits our philosophy.

I've no animosity for the lad I just feel like the transfer is the wrong choice for us.

29 Jun 2015 17:52:54
Completely agree with you Ed001.

29 Jun 2015 17:56:46
In all fairness Ed, I see your point about benteke often waiting for the Ball to be played in the air or into his feet but when he's that strong and can easily turn/ shrug them off it becomes less important that he gets behind them. A lot of his goals come from cut backs which suggest another striker ( and/ or midfielders get behind the opposition ). I one for one wouldn't be terribly disappointed to see him join (though I think there's others that would require less adaption from the team) but I do think there isn't a defender in the league that would want to face him. We missed that fear factor last year. Judging by how many times BR jiggled his team / system last year I bet there's s not one person that can say what our best combination was last year ( BR certainly doesn't) so at least we'd have time to get the team working to his strengths.

29 Jun 2015 18:09:30
Seriously Adam, do u honestly believe your opinions on Benteke? Ed01 summed him up perfectly there. That is the player I have watched for the last 3 seasons.

Lambert tried to play a possession built game and Benteke did not score that many at all and was probably one of the reasons why he got the boot. Then tatics Tim came in and built a team to lump it in the box at any opportunity to him.
He will score goals if u play a certain way but Rodgers is not building a team like that so the link seems very odd to me.

I see Benteke for Liverpool as a very expensive plan B, if u want a player that is good in the air and has good movement in the box Hernandez would be half the cost.

He would offer about as much as Benteke outside the box and a more cuteness inside it.

29 Jun 2015 18:27:14
Chris
I wouldn't call Hernandez cute mate. Something there you're hiding from us all? 😉

29 Jun 2015 18:30:42
CTR
He's a sensitive guy leave him alone 💜

29 Jun 2015 18:24:29
Edd001 Adams and your replies are amusing. He keeps coming back for round 2 in relation to benteke. I don't believe you will change his opinion mate'.

29 Jun 2015 19:23:40
To be fair when Rodgers said our defence problems where uncoachable, when you look at skrtle, Johnson, Enrique and mignolet you kind of have to agree completely with him. Haha

29 Jun 2015 19:35:13
I can't remember the number of times I swore at Balotelli last season, and I fear the same would be repeated with Benteke. With the way we're set up and the players we've in midfield (especially Coutinho), what we need is a mobile forward. Even Marc Wilmots complained about his lack of movements against Wales.
Watch Neymar/Suarez/Sturridge/Torres (at Liverpool). if you've someone like Coutinho behind you and you don't make the necessary movements (like Balotelli did all last season, and Benteke might do if we sign him), then you aren't going to put pressure on the opponents.
I wish Brendan would forget about him, and either go with what we have, or look for someone willing to get behind defences. Even Theo Walcott would do, if not for his injuries. or he should read Ed002's posts and get Mitrovic.

29 Jun 2015 19:36:22
Can't help myself AL. :)

29 Jun 2015 19:38:18
Ahhhh he's a man amongst men dags2 lol

29 Jun 2015 19:50:12
I don't think its a case of changing opinions. Only if he signs will we see what he can do for us.

29 Jun 2015 20:39:21
I've already explained that I don't want us to sign him. But it's not due to lack of talent or the fact he won't fit in. Must've missed the Belgium games where Hazard and De Bruyne just lumped it for 90 minutes.

I personally think he does make runs Ed. But I hate the way he sulks when his team are losing. He doesn't have any fire in his belly. I see no issues talent wise, and think he'd link up absolutely fine with Coutinho etc. He is much faster than he's given credit for. My only issue is with his attitude. I just think people are wrongly criticising his ability to play with more technically gifted players. He's actually pretty good with the ball on the deck. I know a fair few Villa fans down hear in the midlands and the younger ones call him Bentekkerz because of how skillful he is. They are all very loathe to lose him though as they know just how good he is and that they simply don't have the pull to attract a player of similar calibre.

{Ed001's Note - you do realise he is criticised constantly by the Belgians for being awful. Simply because they don't lump it to him so he offers them nothing. No one is saying he doesn't have ability, we are all saying he refuses to use it so is a waste of space. As for Villa fans, they have Gabby Agbonlahor to compare him to, a three legged donkey would seem like a quality player in comparison to that useless waste of space.}

29 Jun 2015 20:41:21
Ed01 & Ozone - respect your opinions. You don't like Benteke clearly but which striker do you think we could get that would fit the bill?

{Ed001's Note - already said a million times we should save the money and stop buying dross and just go with what we have.}

29 Jun 2015 21:00:37
And that'll get us top 4?

29 Jun 2015 21:54:51
Boom
We currently have eight attacking players. That does not include ballotelli borini and lambert all who i expect to leave.
The strikers are ings, origi sturridge and firminho can play anywere up front. We will likely sign another striker so what is the point of ings? Or buying origi last year? We should have only bought one striker this window and a top one at that. Benteke will just be an awful ssigning. 30 million to warm the bench? Or a player if starts who will disrupt our attack and weaken the teams attack as a whole? Terrible potential buy.
We need a striker who can finish, make them runs and adapT to tweaks in the team and that is why when sturridge is fit he is the best around imo.We cannot rely on sturridge every year. Benteke is a better ballotelli which is no compliment.

29 Jun 2015 16:11:02
The Benteke Debate
-----------------------

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about Benteke I thought that I would weigh in with an opinion.

There are a number of questions to consider when discussing any potential new signing -
Is he talented enough?
Does he add something that we currently lack?
Does he fit our style of play?

Ignoring the financial aspect of signings (as most people don't understand football finances) these are the only questions to answer.

1. Is he talented enough?
The short answer is yes. 42 goals in 88 appearances for a very average side is a great strike rate for any striker, what's better is his goals are spread over a couple of seasons so he is no one season wonder. In addition to that he has also scored against many of the top teams and in important games (such as cup semis). These are all the hall marks of a very good striker. It's debateable that our system requires more of a front man than just goals (something we will get to soon) so let's have a look at his other contributions.
He averages 0.4 tackles a games which isn't too bad for someone labelled lazy (Suarez - who is often labelled a hard worker - averages 0.7) and his 0.7 clearances a game say that his defensive contribution isn't that bad at all.
That's the stats, not a complete picture, having watched him myself I can understand why he is labelled lazy, when attacking his movement is lacking (backed up by the fact that his distance ran when attacking is lower than distance ran defending) and prefers to sit up front waiting for the move to finish not very helpful when trying to create chances (the exact same fault Balotelli has). Is he talented enough? I would say yes, just.

2. Does he add something we lack? This is a pretty emphatic yes in my opinion. We have next to zero physical presence up front, this is what Benteke has in spades. At times he reminds me of a less talented and finished Drogba with his physical and abrasive playing style, but he also hides a little finesse in his locker too. Watch him for Belgium and you'll see what I mean.

3. Does he fit our style of play?

This is the sticking point for many, and I have to agree. He does not suit our intended style of play - high pressing and fast fluid attacking style. Benteke simply does not fit in, his brutish static style is more suited to a team playing a long counter attacking game (would probably suit Chelsea really well). However - he is only 24 years old and it seems really unfair to assume that he can't learn a different style of play and adapt to a new system. Is it worth a high transfer fee to find out? I don't know, but I don't think he would be the disaster that many think he would be.

I'll be honest, before I started writing this I was against signing him. I'm not entirely in his favour now, but I'm not against him either once I separated emotion from my argument.

That's all for now, hope you enjoyed reading, comments welcome and appreciated as always.

29 Jun 2015 16:42:50
Well I can only guess that we are going to try a bit of long ball football when Benteke plays.

This style of play theory is nonsense, we have no style of play. We are just dreadful. Someone made a good point earlier in the year our attacks seem purposeless we just hope for a rabbit out of the hat. At least Benteke gives us a purpose in our attacks.

People seem to forget we could play 70 odd games next season if all goes well in competitions. (That's just a figure from thin air I'm too lazy to find out the exact maximum, and true maximum includes FA Cup replays so it's probably more than 70.) For this to happen we need a squad that adapts and plenty of talented players to come in and rotate. It will be a difficult task to rotate effectively but it has to be done.

Maybe just maybe these signings are being made with a view to change the approach. For instance Clyne signing is also under scrutiny because of the protection Wanyama provides that we don't play with. Maybe just maybe we do plan to utilise a DM this season!

I am very very ticked off with Rodgers stubbornness and his clear inability to learn from errors, but he did deliver 2nd place that cannot ALL have been down to Suarez. Okay I would definitely have sacked him, but he is our manager and I have accepted that FACT even if I'm not happy with it. So I am going to give him a final chance to win me over, but if all these signings are being made and he still tries to play "death by football" nonsense, then we will most certainly lose and considering our early fixtures, we will be out of the top for chase.

One final word about long ball negative football. is it really THAT bad, I am all for being entertained by incredible football, but what entertains me the most is watching Liverpool win.

29 Jun 2015 16:51:11
In my post I highlight that just because Benteke is more suited to a long counter that does not mean he can't learn a different style.

I also, very purposefully, used the phrase "intended style" not our current style. I think it's pretty obvious that Rodgers would like to play the style that saw us get 2nd place and not what landed us much farther down the league last year.

Thanks for weighing in, healthy debate is part of what this site is for.

29 Jun 2015 17:10:59
No Balo's problem is he drops deep and tries to create too much which leaves no one in the box. That's why he's more comfortable and better in a two striker system.

29 Jun 2015 17:30:50
@Nevada, I think it's a case of most people will back him if we sign him but generally it is two issues for me - 1) the style as you have pointed out and yes I'm sure he could improve and adapt due to his age, 2) his price is ridiculous - for this type of money you should not be going for a player who does not really fit in with the rest of your good players.

He's way over-priced. I agree with you he would suit Chelsea better but at that I don't think he'd be worth £20m.

29 Jun 2015 17:40:21
"when attacking his movement is lacking (backed up by the fact that his distance ran when attacking is lower than distance ran defending) and prefers to sit up front waiting for the move to finish not very helpful when trying to create chances (the exact same fault Balotelli has)"

For me this is the crux - our system, or what remains of it, requires that forward movement, that work ethic from our forwards. Balotelli is a more talented played than Benteke (IMO) yet has been woeful this season, inpart due to his attitude, but in part due to his work rate (or lack of it) in the final third. It is a hugely significant point: if we sign Benteke it gives us two choice - score few goals or change our style of play to a hoofing/crossing team. How we currently set-up is in direct contrast to what Benteke brings to the table - he isn't going to be scoring many goals with our current philosophy.

29 Jun 2015 17:52:51
These type of discussions is why I love this site. Benteke or no Benteke?? Lookin at our current setup of players if we were to add a benteke type player would this mean a revert back to the 442 diamond? I think with our crop of players this could be a huge success for us. 2 full backs(clyne & moreno) who love to bomb forward & put crosses into the box. Think clyne put in the most crosses of any full back in the prem last year. Then 2 solid cbs not sure who they would be. Sakho is a must for me with one other. Lucas in that holding role just covering the full backs when they bomb forward whilst providing protection for his cbs. Henderson & miner in the middle pressing & harrying the opposition all game & doing what they do best. Tip of a diamond coutinho pulling the strings creating all the chances. Up top firmino & benteke could be a nice duo,the Brazilian flair of firmino & the power of benteke. Use his strengths & encourage the likes of moreno & clyne to whip the crosses in early & let the likes of coutinho & firmino feed of benteke knock downs. When studge is back fit (if he ever is) then rotate the top 3 along with ings & origi. Hey ho jus my opinion & won't happen but that's why I love this site. Everyone has different opinions

29 Jun 2015 18:48:18
I'd sign benteke for 50p wait no. no I wouldn't total jizz who plays for a jizz tean

29 Jun 2015 20:53:23
Long ball or long pass? Gerrard & Alonso by-passed midfield pretty much every match. Was that long ball football?

When Chelsea played off Drogba were they a long ball team or a team using a physical striker with a good touch to get them into an advanced position early with pacy runners coming onto his lay-offs?

I am not suggesting Benteke is Drogba class but he is more like him than 99% of strikers.

Where they are very similar is their strike rate but Benteke had scored more than Drogba at the same age (having played 3 seasons more in the Premier League which is where we play last time I looked)

I've seen Benteke bully several sets of LFC centre halves and over the past 3 seasons there won't be many strikers who've scored more against us. And it's Aston Villa we are talking about.

And if Rodgers won't see Christmas (as a lot of the Benteke haters reckon) then Brendan's style of play won't be an issue will it? Old Ron Koeman fancied a big lump, sorry a physical threat, when he took over Saints. Don't think they're long ball.

{Ed001's Note - how do midfielder bypass midfield? That makes no sense. And Chelsea did use a fair amount of long ball direct football with Drogba yes.}

29 Jun 2015 21:11:38
Gerrard & Alonso picked it up of the CBs toes and pinged it over the rest of midfielders heads?

{Ed001's Note - but they were in midfield, so they would have been unable to bypass themselves.....}

29 Jun 2015 21:17:19
But it's a real debate Ed01. LVG actually argued it pretty well last season. The long pass (as he called it) won a few games for United and saved them in a couple of others. And they finished how many points ahead of us? In fact it was instrumental in setting the tone in our game at Anfield. They constantly by-passed our midfield and we didn't have a scooby. We'd press, realise it was pointless pressing, they'd fanny about at the back, we'd jog up, they'd by-pass us into space or Fellaini again and we looked a ragbag army. So it does have a place in the game. That was a very important case in point. Our season turned on it.

{Ed001's Note - no it is a useful tactic, but it was not a pass. A pass is to feet, not to a player to challenge for with their head, which is what United were doing with the hoof to Fellaini.}

29 Jun 2015 21:24:11
Ha ha. If the midfielder is picking up the ball on th D he's not in midfield by definition!

{Ed001's Note - how so? That is not any definition I have heard. Seems like you are making it up to try and obscure the facts.}

29 Jun 2015 21:28:31
You can pass into space! So a pass isn't always to feet!

{Ed001's Note - but that would arrive to feet, as it would be on the ground by the time the player reached it. It is not the same as hoofing it in the air to contest. Doesn't matter how much you try and deny it, an aerial ball to battle for is not the same as a ball along the ground.}

29 Jun 2015 21:37:16
It only arrives to feet because the feet move to the ball to catch it up. If the feet didn't move to the ball the ball would be stranded, possibly for the whole game.

{Ed001's Note - sounds a bit like you are describing the women's world cup there....}

29 Jun 2015 21:52:35
I'd rather watch Fergie: The Glory Years than that!

29 Jun 2015 22:07:12
Ed, do you think thar Benteke could adapt? That his attitude/laziness can be corrected?

Personally I feel that's the only thing making his signing questionable

{Ed001's Note - no, I can't see it.}

29 Jun 2015 15:08:56
Really don't know what to think about benteke. Benteke is big, strong, good in the air, can shoot. You could argue that he doesn't suit our style of play but you could also argue that the club haven't had anyone with these strengths to play to for a while. My main concern with benteke is his attitude which in my opinion is one if not the most important things the club should look at before signing a player after all that's what the great bob Paisley used to do. If benteke works hard for the team and gets his head down I think he will turn out to be a huge success. (Sticking my neck out now) all this said a transfer may prove difficult with the amounts of money being mentioned

29 Jun 2015 17:41:36
Andy Carroll had all those traits you mentioned.

29 Jun 2015 19:09:11
Andy Carroll in no way had those traits, he used to hit the deck as soon as a defender jumped with him or shoved him chasing the loose ball, used to frustrate the hell out of me.

29 Jun 2015 19:37:31
Carroll was a drunk and a wasted talent. Harsh? Not at all.

29 Jun 2015 14:22:04
Positivity time. I'm stunned by the attitude of Jordan Ibe.This guy just seems to be doing everything right at the moment. Getting his dad to help him with his contract and signing it quickly. Extra training with legends of the game. Coming back to training early because he wants to improve.

Every great player has inherent determination to improve and is motivated by being the best. If Ibe has even a little bit of that he has an awesome future ahead of him. I cannot wait to see him develop over the next couple of years.

29 Jun 2015 16:36:57
CR7 for example, did not get to where he is by talent alone. His work ethic is almost unrivaled

29 Jun 2015 17:14:04
Messi too. People always seem to forget about Messi's hard work and determination in getting to the top when there's a Ronaldo v Messi debate.

29 Jun 2015 17:44:01
Great signs that a youngster is so dedicated and serious. Unrelated but still good my friend said he is one of the nicest fellas you could meet - very humble, always happy to stop and have a chat, generally very down to earth. Hopefully he goes far with us.

29 Jun 2015 13:54:53
I don't think it matter's what players we sign all the while BR is manager. Another season shipping goals like there going out of fashion and just praying that we can score enough to balance out a top 4 finish. that's not being negertive it is just how I see it with Rogers in charge

29 Jun 2015 14:24:52
Its always going to be that way with clueless Brendan in charge. The man has made it clear that he sees teaching how to defend to his team is a waste of time. The club will not win trophies while he sticks around, i'm 100% sure of this. Every club needs a strong backbone with a compact defense to win trophies on a consistent basis, and we do not have that at the moment. Signing a top GK should have been this season's priority to improve the communication and understanding between the defenders, in stead we end up with Bolton's back up who is even worse than Migs.

29 Jun 2015 16:06:51
The crime of not improving the defense is
bad enough but we can't even attack now either!

The priorities for the team on the pitch seems to be to play as many players out of position as possible, with at least 7 of them being midfielders, and then to pass the ball around slowly and aimlessly.

29 Jun 2015 16:40:52
He watches Barca a lot BUT thinks Barca can`t defend. They actually can by possessing the ball a lot, pressing you high up the pitch when they lose it and making you defende every blade of grass on the pitch with the attacking talent and ball movement they have hence, you can`t ever have the ball enough to attack them. If he thinks defending is a waste of time then he needs to get out of our club and go talk that rubbish elsewhere.

29 Jun 2015 13:27:38
Hi eds just wondering if anyone has showed an interest in mahrez from leicester not necessarily liverpool but any other prem clubs

{Ed002's Note - Try the Leicester page.}

29 Jun 2015 13:23:21
Adam
Disagreeing is not abusing. Posts that are abuse do not get posted. You need to suck it up when fans disagree. You are passionate but also bias.
However on betrand yes as you have pointed out many times you were correct he was more solid defensively and would have been a decent buy.
Few fans are disagreeing that benteke is a decent striker but there are better options out there.

29 Jun 2015 14:49:51
Just forget about it mate. I'm going through a lot of crap in the real world right now and it's probably manifesting itself in me raging at people making light hearted jokes on here. I'd take a break if it wasn't the transfer window and I wasn't addicted to this site.

I need to start getting more sleep! Maybe then I won't be so on edge.

29 Jun 2015 15:08:40
I have to say i just scrolled thru the posts and i didn't see any abuse. Unless you count disagreeing as a form of abuse. It all comes down to opinions, plain and simple. Only time will tell.

29 Jun 2015 15:10:16
👍 no worries

29 Jun 2015 15:12:27
Get it all out of your system ems! Haha

29 Jun 2015 17:45:52
Change your name to PMS lad !

29 Jun 2015 12:18:19
Hi Eds,

why are liverpool going absolutely mad and buying up all these players again? They did a full season review, released some of the back room staff made some large changes yet keep the manager and start buying as many players as they did last season!? I thought the whole point was to learn by their mistakes and see were they were going wrong? we have an academy that's being ill used and are in debt so what are they doing this for?!

{Ed001's Note - because they are not learning some lessons.}

29 Jun 2015 12:40:30
I think they are building a young squad of 12-14 players let them play together for a few years. I do not see this repeating again next year. Clyde is being bought because flanno is injured. Look at the squad a few years ago where the bench was not reliable and look at it now. A stable group of players n strong bench.
Kit

29 Jun 2015 12:44:41
Thanks Ed1

I just don't get how the owners are not learning, they did a full review, they got rid of some of the backroom staff (positive) but then blow it apart by still signing all these new players?! Surely after last season they would have learned?!

they haven't even sold any of the players that they feel are no longer required at LFC is this not a major gamble!

{Ed001's Note - I just hope they do know what they are doing.}

29 Jun 2015 13:16:17
me too!

and Kit i get what you are saying, but they have signed 9 players last season and another 5-6 so far this season with another 2 likely to come in, when they haven't sold anyone that they class as not being required anymore, building a team for the next few years is what the acacdemy starlets should be used to do, have a settled team and introduce them whislt players are injured or out of form. Flannagan is injured ok that's fine but what about wisdom he's a ready made RB who can do well if given the chance.

29 Jun 2015 13:32:55
The only problem Betty is that supporters won't wait for the youth to be established. They want big names signed and immediate success. No coach is going to be given that time. It's a perfect solution in theory, saves a fortune in transfers etc but with what's at stake at playing level unrealistic.

29 Jun 2015 13:43:14
The transfer window isn't even open yet. Why are people obsessed with instant action. I am sure the club are working towards releasing a few players.

29 Jun 2015 13:47:11
Last season was obviously a mess, but this season feels different to me.

Milner is a great signing, adding maturity and steel to midfield in Gerards absence, while Firmino is a top class addition to replace Sterling if he leaves and Clyne a necessary strengthening at RB. All players that improve the first team vs. last seasons additions that broadened the squad. Only Ings and Bogdan really additions for the future/backup.

The big issue is if when we sign a top class 2nd striker - and if we can't get one right now, I'd happily see us be patient for the right player.

29 Jun 2015 14:52:49
Get what you are all saying guys, but buying big names don't bring success, you just need to look at the high priced players brought by the top clubs and not many are what you would class as successful, the owners i'm sure can see the value in the academy but they don't pick the players the manager does so i think it really stops with the manager, and its ok saying they will sell some players, but they over priced the biggest waste of time we have ballotelli, so its not leaving me with much confidence, and its fine signing milner and saying he's a good player but we didn't need him, so unless the owners learn quick top 4 is going to be out of our grasp another season!

29 Jun 2015 15:19:00
Unfortunately the owners are clueless.
It is evident they don't know what they are doing.
Probably relying on some software programme or other.
Microsoft football club ownership,or something like that.
All done with a key stroke.

29 Jun 2015 16:51:35
Betty, we don`t want big names all over the pitch. our squad is already more than decent to challenge for the CL places in such a poor PL. We just need 2-3 top players in areas we need hekp and impact in to get over the hump and that is the frustration. We keep buying young potential YET the manager doesn`t even plays them nor plays them in the wrong positions. At that point, you are stuck in neutral because you won`t buy the 2-3 top players need and you don`t play the youth you do buy, so what do we do? The club hasn`t learnt from their mistakes at all and with BR in charge even if you take all responsiility from him, can`t fix it because he can`t coach defence and has no plan nor other system to rely on except his boring pass-pass dross that is a proven failure. For example, Bacca is a top player and built for our system yet we let Milan take him. If his age was an issue then that is just stupid because we could have gotten 3-4 years out of him. If it was money, that`s another topic. Now, we are looking to overpay AGAIN for Benteke who`s strengths don`t mesh with the high press and movement our team thrives on. How does that make sense?

29 Jun 2015 11:12:19
Eds, Do you see benteke signing and what other strikers could we be in for maybe??

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

29 Jun 2015 11:08:40
Hi Eds! Few reports linking us with Javier Hernandez as Bacca seems to be going to Milan. Is there any truth to this or is this just the same old media trash?

Also, with the club reluctant to pay the 32mil buyout clause for Benteke, Hernandez could seem as a possible alternative. Would also like you opinion on Hernandez to LFC.

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

29 Jun 2015 10:58:39
I don't buy into all this about Benteke not suiting our style. If our attacking players are so incapable of getting the ball into the box that we desperately need a striker who can create their own chances, then I'd suggest the problem is our attackers; which it isn't.

Benteke is a proven double figures striker at a bang average side. He isn't just a hit and hope target man. He is a world class striker. As proven by the fact he is first choice for the 2nd ranked international team.

I have no doubt he'd cone in and bag 20+ goals in all competitions because he is a proper old fashioned striker. He gets into the box and he scores poachers goals. He is powerful, fast, and has a lethal shot.

Don't get me confused though. I don't want to sign him. He is injury prone, doesn't really work that hard for his team, thinks he is gods gift and deserves to start every game and just to top it off when the team is playing bad he just walks around sulking.

So let's not make stuff up about how he won't score goals in our team because he will. He'll score goals in any team if he can score at Aston Villa! His issues are nothing to do with his ability. I just hope we go for Rondon myself if it comes down to him or Benteke.

For the people acting all confused about why we're signing a big striker, Rodgers' main man at Swansea was Danny Graham so don't act so surprised. My biggest gripe with signing a big man is that Lambert is sat in stands itching to play!!

29 Jun 2015 11:21:37
Lambert is crap mate

29 Jun 2015 11:25:36
Im with you EMS

Not sure on the world class bit but benteke and sturridge upfront you've the best of both worlds.

You can't compare him to balo because balo has never really been a prolific goalscorer.

29 Jun 2015 11:47:20
I believe you need glasses or a small bang to the right side of the head ems. (you're thinking side)

Firstly not one poster said he will not score goals .
Secondly everyone's main problem with benteke is his price.
Thirdly benteke is not worldclass. Any player we show interest in is a top player or worldclass according to you. Bias would be polite to describe your posts.

Benteke also does not suit our plaY. YoU are playing fifa manager here expecting any player to be successful in any system. You compare villa to liverpool last season as if we created hundreds of chances and scored loads of goals. Fans that watched the club last season seen that we were awful offensively and defensively. Benteke scored in a team that suited him even del boy Sherwood highlighted that.
I believe you are the only one confused ems.
Benteke would not be a good buy financially and on the pitch

29 Jun 2015 12:00:20
I love watching benteke play, unfortunately I don't think he will fit in at Liverpool and our playing style.
But. And it's a big but, I also said the same about Sturridge and I was really wrong there (and gladly so) so if benteke signs let's hope I'm wrong again, I can't see him being a complete disaster by the way, just think that 1 in 2 goal ratio for villa might be more of a 1 in 3 for us. Better than most of the other strikers at the club still.

29 Jun 2015 12:11:34
I wonder if Liverpool have ever been linked to a player and Adam has madea post why it's a bad deal?

{Ed001's Note - never, he is always really positive about signings.}

29 Jun 2015 12:13:24
EMS
He's a proven striker in a bang average side?
What does that make us then bearing in mind they were miles better than us in the SF and have beaten us a couple of times at Anfield recently.
I personally don't think Benteke will suit our play but as Eds says we seem determined to move on him. We seem to be linked to any tom, dick or harry on that front.
Big Al is pretty much spot on.
Here's hoping for more than bang average team performances this season.

29 Jun 2015 12:16:35
I can only assume you've missed my posts on the likes of Moreno, Clyne, Markovic, Origi etc. I don't just bang the drum of whoever we sign, I just give an honest opinion. It's not my fault if they then flop due to poor coaching or not being used properly/at all. Last summer when literally everyone except me and Ed002 was banging on about the world class Moreno I repeatedly told you all he couldn't defend and that Bertrand was better. Do you know hpw much stick I took for that? Well guess which left back made team of the season, and guess which left back was directly responsible for the most goals across Europes top leagues.

This is pathetic. What is "our style" then? Because I sure as hell don't know. It's changed 5 times in 2 years. You set up the team to suit your players.

Can you please tell me what Hazard, De Bruyne and Mertens have that Firmino, Coutinho and Ibe don't? Or are you suggesting our 3 can't create chances?

Lambert isn't a bad player at all but I expect nothing less from the typical Liverpool fan nowadays.

What's wrong with his price? He is young, and first choice striker for Belgium. You are nothing less tgan a hipocrite Iif you'll take over £30m for Sterling whilst refusing to pay that for Benteke.

I don't even know why I'm justifying myself to such an ignorant, disrespectful. In fact, I won't lower myself. Good day kiddo.

{Ed001's Note - excuse me, I was saying Moreno couldn't defend!}

29 Jun 2015 12:17:22
Oh and thanks Lavers.

29 Jun 2015 12:32:44
EMS Benteke might come in and score 15-20 goals which is possible but he doesn't suit our style. He cannot press the ball nor he is someone who runs in behind a defence.With players we bought we need a moving target .On top of all this his attitude is not good for the team.So basically we are buying another Balotelli who is more costly.

29 Jun 2015 12:35:38
World class?

Roy Keane has seen enough decent players in his life, and I will sway with him on this one, which worries me.

29 Jun 2015 12:38:09
I will give you that ed01, but you also repeatedly said he was your first choice for left back.

Not sure why you're fanning the flames of abuse being directed at me though. There's not much point in editors if you're merely going to encourage abuse.

Every time I come on here people start and then (albeit different posters) people expect me to give up about 12 hours of my time doing extensive research and video scouting of certain players so I can write player reviews? Or pour hours of precious time into writing blogs only to torn to pieces by people who disagree?

Must be wonderful for all these small, insignificant, children to be able to hide behind a username.

{Ed001's Note - what? Stop being so oversensitive, you are positive, don't be such a baby. Fanning the flames my arse you are asking to be abused for these kind of petty whines for heavens sake. You need to be an adult and stop blaming others for the fact that if you put yourself up there you will attract abuse. I don't know what you are moaning for anyway, most of it is deleted and you don't have to read it, unlike the abuse us editors attract, which we have to read.}

29 Jun 2015 13:15:21
Well I'm going to continue giving honest opinions, and if people want to persist with the personal attacks that's their perogative. I'd rather look for positives than cry myself to sleep over Bacca and Kondogbia! *sarcastic thumbs up*

{Ed001's Note - see you make snide little comments like that and then complain people have a dig back. Man up or hide, but don't whine.}

29 Jun 2015 13:24:12
Bertrand??? You wanted your boy brad smith!!!

29 Jun 2015 13:37:42
You say Benteke is a world class striker and then you go on to say you wouldn't like him at Liverpool and that he doesn't work hard?

29 Jun 2015 13:48:19
Besides, it's all just banter at the end of the day ;)

29 Jun 2015 13:59:35
You usually write some well reasoned interesting point EMS, however, just because people disagree you go on a mad bitch about how you get abused. I love this site because we all have different opinions and we all share those opinions. We share a common bond (love for LFC) so as the Ed's suggest man up and take the differing views onboard like an adult or don't (in your words) expose yourself. Personally I don't think Benteke is suited to the high press style it appears we are leaning towards with the squad with are assembling, but with Firmino and Coutinho behind him he would get double figures easily, my concern is that Balotelli would probably do that too, so why waste 30mil on someone who isn't interested in playing for the team when we already have that striker in the squad. We need to spend the money on a dynamic, hard working, defend from the front type player who closes down the opposition and plays on the shoulder of the last defender

29 Jun 2015 15:03:38
Saying that he doesn't suit our style doesn't translate into that people think he won't score goals. One of the main problems with our attacking play last year was an absence of runners in behind the oppositions defence to stretch them and create space and confusion.

Benteke won't offer this.
Our attacking players were also unable to get the ball into the box due to the fact that Rodgers refused to use our strikers in any sort of sensible way that suited either the players or the team. He even resorted to playing Sterling upfront and leaving actual strikers sitting on the bench.

I don't believe Rondon is the answer either he is quite similar to Benteke. If we are going to sign anybody it needs to be a mobile striker with the ability to play in the wide positions on occasion to allow our attacking players to interchange.

One of Rodgers first moves coming into the club was to sell Carroll so to suggest it is him who is pursuing Benteke seems a but strange. Danny Graham is also not a big striker. This doesn't seem like a Rodgers transfer but if it is why sell a 35m striker who doesn't suit the style you want to play then wait a couple of years to buy an identical striker for a similar fee?
The fact we are pursuing Benteke makes little sense if any.

29 Jun 2015 15:21:28
Yes EMS did say Benteke wss world class but then said he didn't want him at LFC but the reasons he gave were frank, honest and valid IMO. His reasons for not wanting him are the same as what most of the rest of you have been saying so why the having a go. Falcao or Cavani are world class but I wouldn't want us to spend that amount of money. A player can be world class and not wanted by fans. EMS I actually agree with you, Benteke is a very good striker but who has some irritating habits.

29 Jun 2015 15:24:07
Ems take a chill pill lad! You do spout some bs and set yourself up for these kind of reactions! Keep em coming! Haha

29 Jun 2015 16:35:37
Would I choose benteke probably not but the club seem to fancy him.

When people say villa play to his strengths course they do, he's there main man and scores plenty of goals.

Does that mean to say he can't play a different way?

He's a proven goal scorer in the PL he can hold up play, hit a ball, head a ball and he's no slouch.

I don't watch Belgium play so I was wondering do they play to his strengths as well?

29 Jun 2015 17:30:19
Cheers poolie mate.

29 Jun 2015 17:34:58
How is he WC when he barely tries, plays for a team in relegation fudder, couldn`t be arsed to even try and bully a poor CB like Mertesacker in the biggest game of his career (an FA Cup final), his international manager can`t stand him, lazy, and most of all, doesn`t fit our style of play? Scoring goals in a bang average club where you can go ten games w/o a goal and still relax, is not a sign of a player being WC. At least, ings has the desire, determination and zeal to fight for us and has the movement and skill set that fits our system. Benteke lacks ALL of these and then some so again EMS, how is he WC?

29 Jun 2015 10:27:33
I think a lot of people under estimate Benteke's footballing ability. He is seen as just a big lump target man. However his movement is much better than people give him credit for. He has good close control, can run at pace with the ball, has an eye for a pass, can shoot well with both feet and is excellent in the air.
I honestly think he would have no problem linking up with quality players in and around the box.
He is very versatile and could play in several systems. I came across this link on Utube from last season and it shows a lot more than just the goals he scored. It's worth a look for anyone who hasn't seen a lot of him play. You might be a little surprised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbzDc8eS1xw

I am not saying he would be a guaranteed success, but I wouldn't be at all disappointed if we signed him.

29 Jun 2015 10:55:03
Andy Carroll looked good on youtube

29 Jun 2015 11:22:23
SNabi
To be fair, Carroll isn't a bad player. He just had an injury record like sturidge and didn't fit our system at all

29 Jun 2015 11:24:40
The point of this particular link was to show he is not just a target man for long balls from our own half, or long balls from the wings. I've seen quite a lot of him because my brother's a villa fan and if he has the right mindset he is a fantastic player. I am well aware of the popular opinion of him on here, but how many have actually seen him play other than highlight reels from MOTD or goals on Sunday.
I just feel people are writing him off for the wrong reasons, and comparisons to other big strikers ala Andy Carroll etc

29 Jun 2015 17:50:23
He is a good palyer, no doubt. But to succeed at a big club especially coming from a team like Villa where a good season for them is 12th and he can go 10 games w/o a goal and the fans won`t slate you, you need to be more than that. You need effort, attitude, determination and a will to be great everyday to get going and his reputation for being lazy, non-chalant and the rest does NOT bode well for him. if he is willing to work hard and adapt, he could be a good player for us but if not, stay away from him because this will be AC all over again as in, overpaid and doesn`t fit the system.

29 Jun 2015 09:33:31
I'm not sure if I'm being paranoid but does it seem that we are actively chasing a 'big lump' to play up front? . this morning Mario Gomez is the latest big man to be linked with us (weather true or not I don't know). This follows hot on the heels of names such as Benteke, Llorente, Rondon and other big lumps.
Does this suggest a change in footballing philosophy? I mean, how can we play a pressing game with a big static battering ram as a centre forward given that the forwards are required to hustle and harry the opposition as a major facet of the pressing game? Is there something afoot eds/anyone?

29 Jun 2015 10:23:55
or all this is a smokescreen for a very certain striker we don't want any of our rivals to know. *cough** pedro

29 Jun 2015 10:24:35
I am not sure about Benteke? I do not think he is anywhere near as bad as some people suggest on here, but if we do go for him i hope the agreed price is significantly lower, whether it includes players moving the other way or not

29 Jun 2015 11:09:15
Pedro isn't a striker, he is a very very lightweight winger.

29 Jun 2015 11:33:19
I don't think people are questioning his ability Gareth.

Just his suitability for our team.

People are using as a defence his ball skills etc. lambert is probably more technical than him, and how has that worked out?

To get the absolute best out of benteke you have to get the ball up early to him, and rather than long ball hit and hope its more direct play, hitting it up with a purpose of finding Benteke. This falls apart because out current manager and even the potential new coach 'pep' don't play teams like that. They want to press and have the ball on the ground. Now I'm not saying were to good for benteke, but we have a manager who won't use him.

Andy Carroll required the same style of play as benteke how people aren't making this connection is shocking.

29 Jun 2015 18:07:22
Lambert is better technically BUT at the Saints, he was the support striker behind Pablo Osvaldo then Jay Rodriguez. He was never the target man because that is not his position. Benteke needs massive improvement to fit our system but that will take time which we do not have so why bother?

29 Jun 2015 08:21:31
Eds, Do you ever suspect any mainstream news outlets use you as a source for their articles??

The whole Hernanes thing coming out now,months after Ed2 said it got me thinking about this!

{Ed002's Note - Ed001 has suggested in the past that they do and that he has tested this out in the past. I rarely have any involvement with what you would consider "mainstream news outlets" and I rather suspect that most here don't really understand how different aspects of the media deal with news and rumours. Some (the wire service as was and news agencies) only care about confirmed stories, some (papers looking to maintain a decent reputation, perhaps the high profile providers such as Sky) will do what they can to ensure what they are saying is good by filtering down sources of information to those seen to be more reliable - and they will have reporters at points of interest ...... and then this degrades down to the collection and publication of any old crap by some web sites, newspapers etc..}

29 Jun 2015 09:01:29
I was going to ask myself if you have ever made up a few names yourselves just to see if they'd crop up elsewhere on the Internet but Ed1 is obviously ahead of the game on that one so!
I'd like to think some of them fell for it!

29 Jun 2015 15:48:58
I remember a few years ago looking at the 'tangled web' part on the back page of the guardian sport section (which basically rounded up stories from the web) and seeing football-rumours.co.uk mentioned. I know it's different to what you're asking, but it suggests they do know of the sites I guess!

29 Jun 2015 06:19:18
I don't buy into this theory that "we shouldn't buy player X because he doesn't fit into our system".

Systems need to be adaptable. At points last year we became very predictable. Sometimes systems need changing and we need to have flexibility in the squad to play different ways.

Being able to switch systems from game to game or within games shouldn't have to mean players being moved out of position.

Most importantly, our "system" last year involved up to 6 AMs / wing backs and we finished 6th.

And Captain Colgate has gone very quiet and the coaches have gone. Who can say what our "system" even is?

29 Jun 2015 08:16:16
I agree but there are 2 distinct things. Systems and tactics. 4-4-2 might seem great for a player like benteke with 1 striker playing off him and 2 of the midfielders playing as wingers but If the tactics employed are to play through the centre and not play the ball up to a target man then it's fairly useless having him there. In part I do agree I don't know why anyone would want to keep with the 'style' we played last season. It was abysmal for most of it.

29 Jun 2015 08:23:44
I gave you an agree purely for your use of Captain Colgate. That was a new one for me. Tip of the hat to you good sir.

29 Jun 2015 09:40:58
You have a system of play and buy players that fit into it - not the other way around. That is the only way you get seamless transitions.

29 Jun 2015 10:01:12
I don't completely disagree with you Lenin. You need a plan A and get the players you need. But you also need flexibility to sometimes go with a horses for courses approach.

Swish: Glad you liked that one. I hope it sticks.

29 Jun 2015 10:02:39
I'm not saying that I want benteke to join us anyway, but will he want to join if he is going to be used as an alternative plan if the first plan isn't working, which means he won't get much game time anyway.
If we had CL to offer then maybe, but I would have thought that there are some clubs in CL this season that would suite his style of play, can offer more game time, will possibly be in a stronger position to challenge for the league and be in the CL.

29 Jun 2015 18:14:46
BYou have a system and buy the players to suit the system or players who you think with adequate coaching and adaptation, can fit the system. You don`t change all that just so a player you like should be signed.

29 Jun 2015 04:54:41
We need a Striker that can get goals and Bony is proven in the league, so sorry if you all want someone we'll never get or an unproven striker in the league that will come in and need time to "settle". Its just my opinion so don't get any headaches, we have no physical players up front nor a striker that can stay healthy so Bony IMO would do us some good, that's all i'm saying

29 Jun 2015 06:53:24
I don't think it's fair to call Benteke an unproven striker,
He may well be an awful fit for us, but I'd say he's still pretty established.

29 Jun 2015 08:57:42
The problem we will have is i really don't see Benteke be able to form a partnership with Sturridge when he is fit.

29 Jun 2015 09:50:58
I like Bony and I think he would be good for us. I can see why you commented in an earlier post in relation to him but I can't see the point in starting a new thread on you wanting to sign Bony. Your comment below was just before posting this so just after reading Ed002 confirm that he won't be coming to Liverpool this summer.

29 Jun 2015 18:26:17
BR is responsible for Bony not being here because he would have been a huge upgrade on what we have and is defo better than balo and benteke especially with his ability to pass the ball and with his footwork.

28 Jun 2015 19:05:25
Ed's and Red's can you please help me.A friend of mine was away on holiday and he's missed a lot of gossip and transfers so I'm filling in the gaps.I can't for the life of me remember the U-16 coach's name who may be getting promoted.
Barry inLouth

{Ed001's Note - Pepjin Linders.}

29 Jun 2015 05:59:27
Ed with Pepjin's high press style you mentioned players needing to be ubber fit. Is this where Pako would make ideal sense as AM?

{Ed001's Note - not sure he would, yes he is an excellent fitness coach, but he gets players fit for a different style, and works with the principle of rotation and rest, rather than increasing stamina to cope with more demand. I would rather get in a fitness coach that doesn't treat players like they are fragile children and made them earn their money by training them harder. I used to train with triathletes and they were capable of doing full time jobs and much harder training than football players, while still improving the times they would do in competition. A few of them used to take their holidays from work to go to training camps where they would train even more. Yet we hear all this crap from footballers about them being tired if they have to play more than once a week. It is pathetic and completely untrue, they are just not looking after themselves properly. They are too busy trying to live the high life rather than realising they are professional athletes and living their life accordingly.}

29 Jun 2015 09:17:52
That's it Ed thanks.Is he still I'm with a good chance for the job?
Barry inLouth

{Ed001's Note - Pako? No idea.}

29 Jun 2015 10:44:28
No mate Pepjin Linders.Is he still in line for the assistant job?
Thanks again
Barry inLouth

{Ed001's Note - first team coach I believe.}

29 Jun 2015 12:51:40
Right 1st team coach thanks Ed
Barry inLouth