Liverpool Banter Archive March 31 2017

31 Mar 2017 21:00:29
It seems Gomez is well rated by the manager and people who have seen him play before the injury. I haven't seen him play much pre injury. Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on his best/ defining attributes?

31 Mar 2017 21:19:55
He is tall, handsome and sexy. He is actually everything a modern young lady would want from a man. I could barely keep my legs together while watching him pre injury.

31 Mar 2017 21:20:50
Composure on the ball, decision making in general, and reading the game.

Prior to his injury he was also very quick and athletic. Not sure that is the case now but he has enough to his game that it will barely affect him if he reaches is potential in other areas of the game.

31 Mar 2017 22:32:11
I think he is close to being Klopp's ideal man.

01 Apr 2017 00:06:56
And African Red's ideal man by the sounds of it.

01 Apr 2017 00:16:06
He is hot property.

31 Mar 2017 09:40:28
So Lallana out for 4-8 weeks, natural move is origi up top and drop coutinho into midfield and firmino on left. That's what we normally seem to do anyway. I'd like to see firmino drop back into Lallana's position with origi up top, I think Firmino has the same work rate and pressing as Lallana and that's something we've missed previously when Lallana has been injured, just wanted to know what other people's thoughts are on this.

31 Mar 2017 11:02:37
Grujic in for Lallana.

31 Mar 2017 11:22:18
I agree with you on that one. Firmino is a hard worker and does press well. I think whilst Lallana is out, Firmino would be better suited than others in his position. We shall see though.

31 Mar 2017 11:42:28
Firmino into midfield? No way, no how. He can run around, but his pressing is better compressed to half - 3/ 4 of the pitch. I know he gets back but going box to box is a far different proposition to what he does currently.

For me, I would leave the front 3 as they are (why change that? ) . And then bring in lucas to anchor can and gini running all day for him.

31 Mar 2017 12:40:37
I'm with you Emre get Grujic in.

31 Mar 2017 13:48:12
I'd drop Coutinho deeper to left midfield, play Firmino left wing and Origi upfront. Coutinho was devastating there in 13/ 14.

31 Mar 2017 15:28:00
I wouldn't put Lucas in and move can up he hasn't been anywhere near as good when played in front of a dedicated holding midfielder his positioning sense doesn't seem as good either defensively or offensively farther forward.

Honestly if Henderson were fit (unlikely) but possibly for the next few fixtures I would try can in the deeper role and try Henderson slightly more advanced he's played more advanced for large parts of his career and clearly has the legs to match lalannas work rate?
Thoughts people?

31 Mar 2017 15:37:23
Grujic should get a chance in the midfield.

31 Mar 2017 15:40:45
Coutinho into midfield, Woodburn on the left wing.

31 Mar 2017 20:45:22
Coutinho doesn't have the legs yo play lallanas position. Jnless we're going to change system to accomodate. He's just gad 2 great games playing attacking football for his country. His mentality won't handle the transitiion to a box to box type imo.

31 Mar 2017 21:09:51
Coutinho in centre midfield in a derby? Seriously? You know it's going to be physical battle? Surely Stewart, Can, Wijnaldum makes more sense?

31 Mar 2017 22:43:18
Best way to beat a physical team is to pass it too quickly for them to get near you. Coutinho picking it up deeper and looking for the early ball forward will destroy them. They will probably have Gareth "ancient" Barry and Ross "headless" Barkley in midfield. Gueye may be good, but even Alonso couldn't play alongside muppets like that. Coutinho and Wijnaldum in midfield would out class them so much so that the physical battle would be irrelevant. Plus I think this is the perfect game for Woodburn to come in on the left. They will have an out of practice right back on in place of Coleman (possibly Holgate) which is the ideal time to blood one of our own youngsters as he won't be faced up by a player who can out-experience him!

Just me opinion lads, but it is how I'd play this one.

01 Apr 2017 01:41:26
I'm on board with dropping Firmino into Lallana's role, which is a central attacking MF role with some defensive responsibilities.

I mean, that fits Firmino to a T -- he already drops incredibly deep for a CF and takes on more defensive responsibilities than the vast majority of strikers; now, he just won't have to run as far!

His pressing is as good as, or superior, to Lallana. Also he's physically stronger, so he can handle the derby physicality.

Also, this is more naturally his position -- a 10 with defensive roles. Firmino is a fantastic creator-- more so than a clinical finisher or pacey striker. Plays to his strengths.

I think he'd be better in Lallana's role than Lallana.

Leave Coutinho out on the left (he just played superbly on the wing for Brazil) ; Mane on right, Origi at CF.

That's how I'd do it.

01 Apr 2017 06:10:51
I highly doubt Klopp will be playing Firmino or Coutinho in midfield.

Mane Firmino and Coutinho is Klopp's preferred front three. Can't see Origi taking any of their places at this point.

Lucas would be the best option for a massive match like today. He has the experience and composure for derby matches. Wijnaldum, Lucas and Can most likely will be the midfield three for today should Henderson not be fit for selection.

02 Apr 2017 10:35:58
In the end klopp got it bang on. Bringing lucas in allowing can and gini to be his legs. And also allowing the front 3 to remain unchanged. Spot on and thankfully klopp avoided crazy idea like putting firmino into central midfield.

31 Mar 2017 06:51:04
Ed 2 if you are about please. If this has been covered then apologies. What is your understanding of the possible transfer ban for tapping up a youth player from Stoke? Is this likely to happen or is it likely to be a ban? Thank u in advance, always appreciate your insightful answers. ynwa.

{Ed002's Note - A ban is unlikely. A fine and a final warning is more likely.}

31 Mar 2017 06:56:50
Thanks.