Liverpool Banter Archive July 03 2014

03 Jul 2014 23:12:22
Eds. does Kroos leaving impact Shaqiri leaving as we'll?

Thanks

{Ed030's Note - I don't see how it would, Completely different players, Playing in completely different positions. }

03 Jul 2014 22:50:01
why do so many insist on judging betrand by his time at a shocking villa team?
Have you all forgotten how well he performed for chelsea in the prem and europa clashes and champs league final

Well said mate. Villa made a proven 15-20 goal forward in Darren Bent look like David N'Gog. Never judge a player based on his performances in a shocking team.

Bertrand is an excellent defender. He's not the finished article, but he does represent value for money which is a rarity in the modern market. We could even sell Enrique and let Smith fight Ryan for the starting role.

04 Jul 2014 08:33:42
When Bertrand was a regular at Chelsea, he played as a Left-Midfielder.

I don't agree with almost everything you say here Adam.

I think he played left wing in about 3 games, AG most appearances have been a replacement for ashley cole, or fill ins when he's been injured.

I just think people are judging Bertrand based on two things.
1. His loan at aston villa - in that case we best sell Jordan Ibe for failing to do well at Birmingham ey? Oh, thought not. You don't judge a player based on half a season in a bad team.
2. The fact he hasn't been given a chance by Chelsea - in that case we better not sign Sturridge. Or that Coutinho bloke who can't get into Inter Milan's team. Oh wait.

You see my point? I watch a lot of youth team football and for that reason have seen enough of Bertrand to know he has serious talent. Had I been in any other academy he would now be a first team regular. Unfortunately for him he came through at Chelsea who not only already had the nest left back since Roberto Carlos, but also have a sugar daddy in charge who treats football like a game and would rather spend money on a more ready player because it makes him look a bit richer.

Bertrand will be class for us if he signs and I just hope people will apologise for all the jibes if/when he signs and proves them wrong. He is 24 which in defender terms is very young. Most don't peak till they're 30. Give him a chance and go watch him play in a good team before you judge him based on his FIFA rating.

{Ed001's Note - you really have no idea about Abramovich do you? Way to ruin your whole post with an idiotic comment! Considering he has lavished huge sums on the academy there, with the desire to have it produce players rather than him having to go buy them. The fact that he has spent money is not for the sake of it, just like City's owners, it is called investing. You put lots of money in for the short term, in order to get a business on its feet and towards profitability. That is why Chelsea have managed to turn themselves around from a club that was dying under Master Bates, to become a club that aims to run within its means on a permanent basis.}

Defenders don't peak till they are 30?

Rafa played him LM mostly. Anyway I personally would see him as a waste of time. He's not an improvement on what we already have and we don't need a LB for the squad we need a 1st team LB. If I was given the choice between signing him or no LB I would say no LB.

Flanagan is about the same as him LB, Johnson can cover LB, Brad Smith is very highly rated, Enrique is still with us, Emre Can can cover LB.

I've listed 5 players above and I don't think we have a great LB but we have plenty of good cover. Sign a great LB or don't sign any at all.

Sorry Ed, badly worded. My point was not that abramovich does not value his academy, but that hardly any players who come through their academy get gven a chance to nail down a first team place.

I am well aware of Chelsea's excellent academy (i'm sure they won the youth cup the other month) and I know they have produced some good players. However they just seem to sell them off and use their academy as a profit making machine rather than a method to supply their team with talent. Who was the last player to come through Chelsea's academy and actually nail down a spot in the first team? Terry? A perfect example is the fact that they are looknig for a centre back when they have (in my opinion) two of the best young centre backs in Europe already at the club in Zouma and Ake.

It was naive of me to assume it is Abramovichs doing that their youth prospects rarely get a chance, but the point I was trying to make was that Chelsea's academy does not produce any players for their first team because they spend money to have a squad of like 50 players, and then loan out 20-25 of them. It was ill informed to say the least. I know he invests a lot into youth players, they just never get a chance.

{Ed001's Note - most get chances, it is just that they have yet to prove themselves. McEachran was highly rated but couldn't step up, despite numerous chances. Bertrand likewise has had a decent number of games. It takes ten years for changes in an academy to really show benefit or otherwise.}

Stop with the whole left midfield thing. HE WASN'T! he played 3 maybe 4 games there.

@bobatron, you're wrong, get over it. Go check yourself if u don't believe us

Season before last Bertrand had 19 PL appearances 12 of which were full 90mims. 11 of the 19 were LM, 8 were LB.

Only checked that now but if you actually had been watching you'd have noticed without needing stats to prove it

03 Jul 2014 22:05:24
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has revealed at a meeting in Rome that he is close to selling Mario Balotelli to a top English club. Are we interested in him

Its arsenal

I am one of the few who will come out and say this at this point, but I hope we do get Mario. He's just the type of character to come into a team on the back of losing a star and actually ignore any criticism/harshness long enough to bed in. Sturridge is our main man now, whether Suarez plays another game for us or not. Mario would cost a high wage, but a 1/3 of Suarez's transfer fee and I have no doubt he'd bag 15 goals and be AWESOME in some games. His consistency isn't great, but then again, that's something you can say about all of world football at some point in time. Ribery's been rubbish, Robben's been rubbish, Gerrard's been rubbish at different points in their career. At 23, Mario has a much greater story to tell, I think. He's already won pretty much everything in some great teams.

So let's say 50 million euros is left over from that transfer. Hypothetically, Rodgers gets a left back (Bertrand), a center back (Lovren), and another young striker to supplement the attack (Origi). First influx of cash, get a winger or a striker to round it all out (Shaqiri, Bony, I suppose even Huntelaar).

Sounds logical (and more importantly, affordable) to me, and quite like an FSG "Moneyball" move -- shift a giant asset in order to bring a well-rounded group. I'm sure Suarez's transfer will be exactly what he wants, Barcelona will actually be forced to pay the price Liverpool want (as most clubs are do these days) and we'll all be watching a brand new squad in September.

Borini's still in there with a shot as well. I like how well he played for Sunderland, as he showed a lot of character to help them stay up.

{Ed030's Note - If we don't get Sanchez, Personally I would expect Rodgers to go to a 4-3-3 and play Sturridge as a lone striker with Lallana and Sterling supporting him. }

Ed030: I agree with you. If our squad stays the same, no Sanchez, no nothing, that would be our best lineup. Presumably with Gerrard, Henderson and. Can? Or is it Lucas? Or perhaps Allen?

Even those who want to indulge Mario end up giving up. He would not be a good signing.

03 Jul 2014 21:56:06
Here's my thoughts. It's just my opinion. I'm sure some will agree and some disagree.

Suarez will be sold, no question. I think the fee will be in the region on 60-70 million. Less because of the recent saga.

Replacement for Suarez?. I don't think you can replace Suarez. However I feel with the way this club is being positively manipulated by Brendan Rogers, Suarez's attitude toward the club in my opinion STINKS. He is only out for himself. Ok in some eyes, not a bad thing and we all need to look out for number one.BUT this is LFC. A club that has ALWAYS been united in everything they do from the players to the fans to the staff to everyone associated. Just take the Hillsborough tragedy as an example and the way we ALL are NEVER going to rest properly/forget/forgive even when justice prevails. That shows how close knit/passionate/loyal this club is with everyone that supports it.
Suarez does NOT fit in that category. Great player but a complete misfit as a person. He will continue to be a burden on the name of arguably the most well known and loved football team on the planet.

As far as who comes in?. Tell you what Sterling, Lallana, STURRIDGE and lambert ain't a bad forward line. If I had to pick one more goal scorer to look at bringing in, then my money would be pushed in the way of shakiri.
This guy has bags of energy/quality and most of all passion.

I have a family and kids and they are my life and will always come first, my football team are a very close second and that is why I'm so glad I share this club with you guys. What we don't need is egotistic, nasty and down right sorry individuals in MY TEAM.
Thanks Suarez but your not welcome.

Thanks for reading

I think what suarez has forgotten is that although he will be remembered as a truly great player, he will never be a club legend anywhere, because in every club he has shown utter ruthlessness and disregard for the fans in forcing his way out as soon as a bigger club beckoned.
Good luck luis, thanks for your hard work and entertaining talent.
Will I miss you?
Nah, not really. Becaise I know you won't miss this club.
In a Game filled with hard working but callous mercenaries, you stand out as a true mercenary.

I agree with and I wrote a similar post a day or two ago we really do not need people like him in the club unsettling other players all the time. He is a good player yes and that is it nothing else but there are a lot of good players out there that have not been found yet and our squad is very good .
I really think it is best he leaves he has constantly been looking to leave since he came so good riddance, we will with hard graft and work be in the top four again.
Every time the club is settled he rocks the boat in the summer with his moaning about leaving.
Enough is enough.
Embarrassing us time and time again.

Anonymush, aren't Lallana and Lovren showing ruthlessness and disregard for their fans in aggressively forcing through a move to a (supposedly) bigger club?

Or doesn't it count if they're coming to us?

Nice post Still. I think Ed001 might disagree with you though.

I really wouldn't ever begrudge a player for looking to force a move to Barcelona or Madrid, they can offer huge salaries, champions league and trophies. Suarez is a great player, the main flaw in keeping him is obviously his bans. We don't need him at Liverpool, at Liverpool you don't NEED any one individual. I still wouldn't look to force him out if by some miracle a deal is not done this window and he returns from his ban to play with us.

04 Jul 2014 08:11:48
Alan,

Lallana has turned down moves to bigger clubs over his 12 year tenure at Southampton and didn't leave them when they sank as low as league 1. I'm not entirely happy that lovren seems to be demanding a move but in his defence the manager who brought him in is no longer there and they have sold shaw, lambert and lallana which is likely to be a concern.

Less bothered about the lovren comment but very unfair on lallana mate

Alan Measles. You make a fair point about the Saints lads but as I understand it they feel promises have been broken. Footballers also have a right to manage their career and ask for moves. LS antics are at a whole different level though.

Anfieldboy, I agree that his antics are something else, yet my comments were in reply to him forcing through his move and being labelled a 'true merecenary'.

You can't have it both ways, slagging him off for forcing through a move then welcome with open arms others who use it to get to us. Regardless of the players background.

At least we will get a huge fee for him, as stipulated in his contract, maybe those players like Owen and Mcmanaman, who shafted us in order to maximise their own personal wealth, are the ones who should be labelled the 'true mercenaries'.

Anfieldboy, I agree that his antics are something else, yet my comments were in reply to him forcing through his move and being labelled a 'true merecenary'.

You can't have it both ways, slagging him off for forcing through a move then welcome with open arms others who use it to get to us. Regardless of the players background.

At least we will get a huge fee for him, as stipulated in his contract, maybe those players like Owen and Mcmanaman, who shafted us in order to maximise their own personal wealth, are the ones who should be labelled the 'true mercenaries'.

I agree with all of that Alan

03 Jul 2014 21:03:19
Hi Eds
What price do you think Pedro would convince Barca to let him go? And do you think he would make a good addition to Liverpool or are we looking for a more out and out striker?

{Ed001's Note - £3.50 and no he is not good enough.}

Aspas and Soldado looked like world beaters in Spain until they came to the EPL.

Pedro = No thank you.

03 Jul 2014 22:55:19
First off Soldado or aspas never looked like world beaters. 2nd off, Aspas has barely been given a chance and played behind the top two strikers in the league, yet always cheered on the team and gave his all. I hope he is sold, not because I don't believe he could improve, but so that the many fans like you can have some humble pie.

Torres went ok when he got to the EPL.

But Pedro is not good enough.

Soldado scored 24 goals in 35 La Liga matches the season before he joined Spurs which is e very good return and to me world beater status. Aspas had all the time in the world on the ball in La Liga matches and played for a team fighting relegation and looked IMO as good as Pedro.

See, I am only being honest. When Jon Flanagan introduced Soldado to the Premier League in one of my most favourite tackles of last season the message was made clear that Soldado needs to go back to Spain or move to the Serie A and then he will be bale to return to scoring form.

Nowhere have I said Aspas is rubbish, I am merely stating that the EPL is not a place where he is going to shine and I believe for Pedro it will be no different.

I cannot understand why you are basing Pedro's criteria as a success or failure on the form of Soldado and Aspas. Pedro is different to both of them. Still though I think Liverpool can do better.

Agree with Calmdown here. Pedro is a different player than both of the other two. Do I want to see him in a Liverpool kit? Simple answer. No.
Jack

03 Jul 2014 20:26:15
I really hope these Huntelaar rumours are'nt true, he's a very lazy and selfish player, he does nothing without the ball and with the high pressing game we played last season he's a bit off a luxury we really don't need.

03 Jul 2014 20:33:54
I think Ian Ayre could get Sanchez if he tried hard enough. Ok, he's getting on a bit but, if he knocked in a few Champions League goals it would pay us back for that Cup Final goal he scored against us in 1988.

Class! Had me laughing

03 Jul 2014 20:12:59
Eds, is markovic shaqiri's plan B or are they not mutually exclusive.

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

03 Jul 2014 20:01:27
Would love to see Sanchez as part of the Suarez deal but he looks as though he needs some convincing, personally I would go after Medel to try to tilt Sanchez our way, but if Sanchez signs or not I feel Medel is exactly the player we need for those hard European away games and to be honest looks twice the player Skrtel is at centre back as far as positional sense is concerned, with regards to his height that's what Sakho is there for.

03 Jul 2014 19:44:30
I was just wondering if any Eds can tell me what's happening with Lovren?
Are Liverpool really interested in him?
Thankyou in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Try the search function.}

03 Jul 2014 19:08:38
Ed's,

with Moreno going to cost roughly £16-20m and probably not likely to happen, would it not make more sense to take A Cole on a free on 100k a week for 2 years and have him spend time with Smith, Robinson over this time so we Will have a ready made replacement to take over.

Who better to bring in these 2 and other left backs at the club than one of England best ever??

Is this a possible option?

{Ed002's Note - Ashley Cole will be far from "free".}

If smith becomes as good as he is promised to be, I don't see the harm in giving cole A 2 year contract. Okay signing on fee and larger wages, but smith can learn off him, start some games if he proves himself and cole can play big games and hopefullybe pushed by smith for a starting spot.
If we bought Moreno for example we would be spending 20 million plus wages and smith would get less of a look in, cole, or a similar player as I really don't like cole, could be that guy to plug a hole for now

{Ed001's Note - Cole is done, he won't be cheap, and he is a massively declining player. It would be a terrible idea to sign him.}

Hes still declining from arguably the best left back in the world for the last 5 years or so though! Anyway, like I said don't like him, but have to admit he was anyway, a brilliant player.

03 Jul 2014 18:04:37
Apparently Man United are in talk with warrior, nike and adidas about a new 60m a year jersey sponsorship. Add that to the reported 50m a year they will be getting from Chevrolet for their Jersey sponsor. Hopefully this shows people why United can afford to spend way more than us in the transfer market, they have cashed in on their success, something we never seemed to do in my opinion.

Westernred

I think the only reason they managed to do that is the time in which they had success - we were the best team in England when there was no money in football - fell from glory and all of a sudden there was money and we missed out

03 Jul 2014 18:14:37
We have improved commercially in the past 3-4 years, massively. Ian Ayre has done some excellent work in that respect. Give it time, and hopefully we will get there.

Yes, they can afford to.

Yet my worry for them though is that every star/player that comes in will look at the reported Rooney deal of £300,000 a week for what is a player not currently in the top 10/20 players in the world. This will be the comparison.

Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera are presumably on close to £100,000 a week - an 18 year old and a talented, yet unproven midfielder.

If they are to woo the stars of the game that they are targeting (such as Mata), fees and wages are going to be high. Wages are usually the one that sneak up on fans. Rooney is probably costing United around £15 million a year.

Couldn't give a fig about Man Utd.

Yeah funk em.

Blah blah money blah money money blah blah

03 Jul 2014 17:54:41
There are rumours surfacing that the Liverpool board had a clause in Suarez`s contract from December that if he made the same mistake again (Biting) that he could be potentially moved on.
Could it be that Suarez deliberately had a bite at Chillini`s shoulder,
Knowing that he would get a ban and the Spanish season starting later he could have premeditated his move that he has long wanted over the last two years?
I seem to think he planned this all along

I honestly think it's a ridiculous theory, in my opinion the kid has mental issues

I don't think so. I think he was trying to get chellini to elbow him and get sent off and give a pen. I don't see him being a success at Barca - team will not be built around him. Neymar seems to have struggled also - messi is the main man

You think he'd sacrafice his chance of winning the World Cup to force through a move? he's mad but that's a new level.

03 Jul 2014 18:39:29
Sorry Chris he doesn't have mental issues. It's just Suarez as a person. People need to stop making excuses for him.

03 Jul 2014 18:52:33
A no bite clause? Lol. Most ridiculous post of the summer so far.

That sounds unbelievable, why would Liverpool need a clause to be allowed to "potentially" move Suarez on?

Mighty, I'm sorry but if anybody "as a person" does that then I'm afraid they have metal issues.
I'm not using it to excuse him by the way but I'd think much more of him if he'd had the decency to admit that he's got a problem and try to deal with it.

Don't care about his motives or his mental issues.

It's obvious he's going so let's get it done and move on.

Couldn't agree more Ken

Suarez had it in mind during the world cup to put lfc against the wall an do somthing that would force lfc to let him go. Funny how barca pulled the strings with his apology. He's going let's move on and spend the money wisely not like spuds did eh .

I still just don't get it. Why? Would you do it again.

03 Jul 2014 16:13:04
Hey, just more a question about our centre backs. We've been linked with Lovren very much lately and even Caulker, though I don't know if that ones true. But I remember one of you saying we would need to get rid of a CB first as we do have quite a lot. It seems its between Agger and Skrtel but at first it looked like Agger was going to go but now everythings quiet. Is anything happening with Skrtel or either of them?

{Ed002's Note - There is nothing new.}

03 Jul 2014 16:26:09
Could not be more gutted that Liverpool announced the Can deal haha I thought I had some first
class news in the fact that I've just had a chat with him on cook street Liverpool! YNWA

Does he speak any English?

Yes he speaks clesr perfedt english tbh csnt reslly detect his german accent! He deems an honest lad was just walking round town tryingto find a bus to anfield haha he was wjth 2 people, agent and father I think judging b6 there age!

Haha you sure mate? He did his interview on lfc tv in German, but he can speak to fans!

It would be a bit weird for a German to struggle to speak good English.

He was looking for a bus to anfield haha! Please, I think someone was winding you up!

Great comments @Conbicks forgot you were with me lol You see much of Can to give me a full bio? He prefer Apple pie with or without Ice cream?

03 Jul 2014 15:10:33
Sideshow Bob made it top of FIFA rankings despite not scoring his goal.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/index.html

03 Jul 2014 15:09:10
Lovren is good but £20m is nonsense, hope its not £20m. If so they why as soon as the club gets a big fee for a player they start overspending?

But happy that Emre Can deal is done.

He is worth the 20m though lovren. to be fair, he looks like exactly what we need. last season what we lacked was a leader. it was evident after carra left. what say you ed001?

{Ed001's Note - I would like him.}

ALovrens 24 and is a top class CB! Just behind kompany(29) as the best CB in the PL. Honestly

Lovren is a very good player but he is not a £20M player for me but that's just my opinion.

But as Kaizer rightly said last season is was clear we missed a natural leader in Carra and Lovren will provide us with that next season, I think Sakho_Lovren partnership could well be something special.

Add to that Moreno or possibly Rodriquez as our new left back next season and young Flanagan as our right back ahead of Johnson and hopefully Mignolet will be improved and we will be a solid unit again.

He cost the saints 13 mil roughly and had had a good season, why is he not worth that?

03 Jul 2014 16:22:44
Sorry mate, plenty of better CBs in the PL than Lovren.

Vertonghen, Cahill, Chiriches, Ivanovic (when he plays CB), Sakho, Vermaelen, Jagielka to name a few.

{Ed001's Note - have you actually watched him play? Or Ivanovic for that matter, who can't get in the team at centre back because he is not a good centre half. You are just naming every centre half in the Prem, none of them had as good a season as him last year. Yet you missed out the only other one who was better, other than Kompany, when fit in Distin.}

03 Jul 2014 16:23:30
And Sakho is more of a leader than Lovren really.

I'm not saying I would be unhappy with him, not at all even for £20m but my point is we don't have a backbone when it comes to transfers. But if we did offer £20m for Lovren then it means the Suarez sale is close as I don't think BR would want to have this dragged out through the transfer window. He would want as much of a complete squad as possible in preparation for the season.

Its all about opinions.

03 Jul 2014 16:46:33
I have Ed001. And my opinion is not just abstractly based on his performances last season.

I believe Ivanovic is an excellent CB. I didn't mean to belittle Lovren, and I should have worded my reply better. Apologies for that.

But, I stand by my opinion mate. I think Kompany, Vertonghen, Cahill, Jagielka (who all have had multiple good seasons in the PL). Vermaelen has gone through a prolonged form-loss but I think he is an excellent player and probably at a similar level to Lovren.

Sakho, you already is a very good CB.

Distin had an excellent season last season and had good seasons for the past 3-4 years.

{Ed001's Note - I don't see what you rate about Ivanovic. He is big and strong, but his positional sense is non-existent, he is rash and he gets caught ball watching, a lot.
Vertonghen is decent on the ball, but defensively suspect, erratic is the word that comes to mind as he can be good but other times he looks like he has never played at centre half before. Very dependent on having a decent partner alongside him.
Cahill is ok, but he again is very dependent on his partner, looks good alongside Terry, but next to anyone else and he can be a bomb scare.
Jagielka is an excellent defender, on a par with Lovren, I would agree, but Lovren is far better on the ball.
Vermaelen is injury prone, weak and gets caught out a lot by simple passes. He doesn't seem to have that real footballing brain that some players do.
Chiriches was too in and out to judge him fairly, and Sakho is still settling in.
Distin and Kompany have been the outstanding centre halves in the Prem over the last few years. Distin seems to have raised his game every year, he really seems to respond to the extra responsibility he has had at Everton.}

@Haych - no winning is there? You refer to overpaying as the club's transfer committee having no backbone. Constant whining from fans then when we don't "just pay what they're asking".

I'm not saying you were whining but my point is there is no winning with the fans - overpaying and fans complain and don't offer enough (Salah for example in January) and it's all moaning as well.

Good shout on Distin, Ed001. Especially given his age, he's been brilliant for Everton and for me is one of those players who doesn't get the credit they probably deserve.

Oh and Lovren would be a great addition, in my opinion. In terms of a fee I would consider him better value than Lallana but I think both would be very good signings.

Haych. You say we don't have a backbone when it comes to transfers but we didn't sell LS for 40m & £1 and will now get nearer 70m despite a 3rd chomp. We got Lallana for 23m when Saints wanted 30m and we walked from Moreno when the deal didn't suit us. I'd say we've grown a pair in the last few windows. Not before time like.

I would have lovren even for 20m he's an awesome defender. Next to sakho, our central defence will be rock solid. He's also vocal so Johnson and whatever left back we get will also get a good verbal now and again like carra used to as well. If we do sign him he could possibly turn out be one one of the best signings we have made in years.

The way to make people see that 20m for Lovren is OK is to suggest Caulker for 12m. That usually does the trick. Same goes with Bertrand v Moreno. Some want big names, some dont. Some want us to splash out, some don't. At the end of the day it's not our money so just let it happen and don't diss a player before he's kicked a ball for us.

I think lovren is a must really, I'd personally like either Moreno or Rojo for the left back spot.

Sell Enrique if possible, and Can/Flanno/Johnson/Smith can all cover if needs be. A back 4 of Flanno or Kelly (If he can prove his fitness and maintain it I'd prefer him) Lovren, Sakho and Moreno/Rojo would give us a much improved back 4. All possess decent pace and good aerial ability. (Especially if we sign Rojo)

03 Jul 2014 18:10:25
I am glad I got an opinion on all of the CB's I mentioned from you Ed001.

I think it is a lot about partnership than individually as a CB; unless of course the payer is outstanding like Kompany, Benatia, Thiago SIlva etc.

For instance, wouldn't Ivanovic and Agger be a good partnership? Chiriches is a very good CB IMO. If Spurs treat him well, he could turn out to be a really good signing for them.

Ed001 totally agree about vertonghen, don't see they hype at all, he's like David luiz, cool and calm but just seems like lack the brain of a defender. Personally I think Cahill is better than jagielka, stood out more for me in the England games too.

Lovren definitely in top 5 CD's in EPL. Don't rate Cahill or Jagielka. Vertonghen is way overrated. Vermaelen is past his best and always injured.

As a chelsea fan I can say that Cahill is better than 'OK', and I'm trying not to be biased. Describing him as a 'bomb scare' is harsh to say the least ed001. He has come on enormously over the past couple of seasons. Last season he was also quality and JT was hardly ever in the team. I agree on Distin though - should have been in the PFA team of the year easily!

@MB1, I agree with you on Cahilll I think he's improved massively and is now very good but did Terry not play most of yere matches?

{Ed001's Note - I would just like to point out, I said he can be a bomb scare alongside a weaker partner. I can't believe anyone could think he played well for England this summer! His clearances were almost assists to the opposition every time. When he is alongside Terry, they have an excellent partnership and an excellent understanding. In those times, then he is top class. It is clear that he doesn't fit as well alongside a Jagielka or Ivanovic though, as he panics and rushes clearances etc, when he is normally good on the ball when alongside Terry. That is why I say OK, as he is just too reliant on a partner. Obviously he is just not a leader, so needs a leader to guide him. Jagielka, while a fine defender, offers little leadership, in fact he is similar to Cahill, though less dependent on his partner, so it compounds the problem when you pair them.}

@ED001, ya I agree with everything you've said there.

Just checked on John Terry there and last season he played the full 90mins in 34 of Chelsea's league matches. I'm now a bit embarrassed at partially agreeing to what MB1 (Chelsea fan? seriously?) said :)

03 Jul 2014 13:50:06
Ed 001 from your posts I think like me you are a Alberto Moreno fan. would he be your number 1 choice for Lb? I hadn't seen any of Rojo before the World Cup but he's looked good. is there anyone you would really love to see playing LB next season?

{Ed001's Note - I am not really a fan of Moreno, but he has got a lot of potential. For me, I would like to see Smith given a chance at LB.}

Isn't Smith 16 though, Ed? I think he should be introduced in cup games this year but we surely can't expect him to step up to CL level this year?

{Ed001's Note - he was born in 1994, he is 20 mate.}

Ok, my bad! Was just testing you, ;-)

Ed, Other than Ca$hley is there any other experienced Left backs available on the cheap that could rotate with Smith this and maybe next season. would like to see Smith and Flanno both starting consistently in a few years time

{Ed001's Note - Aly Cissokho?}

I honestly haven't seen a lot of Brad Smith and the few times I have he is/seems to be playing LW a bit like McLaughlin on the other side. would you be confident enough with his defensive abilities to be a first team starter or is it a case of we won't know until we try?

{Ed001's Note - I think he is good enough, from what I have seen of him. The only way to truly know is to give him a go though.}

I think learning from Cissokho would be a step back for Smith, would rather Johnson play left back

Didnt smith come on this season? He looked very nervous! Not saying this is bad, who wouldn't be, and i'm totally in agreement about giving him a chance, but if Enrique isn't fit, I think we need another left back and slowly ween smith into the side.

The only point I would make is that if BR rated Smith ready now why would he sanction a significant bid for Moreno? He must see things we don't get to see in training etc. maybe he just needs another year or two and BR is planning for him to go on loan or be back up.

03 Jul 2014 14:29:02
For me, only 2 players who could replace Suarez.

Gusseppi Rossi or Karim Benzema

I would also hope we looked at Morata and Tello as squad strengtheners

03 Jul 2014 14:46:25
I don't think Suarez could be replaced especially not with benzema

Sanchez or Shaqiri are much better replacements which is why we are interested in them.

As a footballer, Suarez will be difficult to replace in the short term
30 goals in the EPL players are very rare

Why would Morata and Tello leave Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, where they are squad players, to go and fulfill the same role at Liverpool?

@Believe - maybe they don't like Spains climate

No one picked up on the fact he thinks Rossi could replace Suarez!

Don't think anyone bothered about Rossi.

I actually like rossi, will never be as prolific as suarez but would be a good addition of he didn't have long term injury worries. Seriously nice guy too

03 Jul 2014 14:05:53
Hi Ed's! Would Giuseppe Rossi be an option to replace Suarez? Supremely talented and a good goal scorer. Similar stature and style to Suarez too. I know he's obviously had a lot of bad injuries over the last few years. But he's seemingly recovered now and was unfortunate to miss out on the Italian World Cup squad.
Cheers!

{Ed002's Note - No.}

03 Jul 2014 13:17:39
Would love Witsel as a replacement for Lucas. Any chance of that happening Ed's?
Cheers,
//Carl

{Ed002's Note - No.}

03 Jul 2014 13:01:16
Just a quick question for you guys. With some saying the Suarez deal isn't too far away from being completed, hopefully involving Alexis Sanchez.

Would you rather it was announced soon and we had Sanchez in our ranks but other clubs knowing about the extra £30-45 million?
OR
The deal is delayed until the majority of our other business is complete but the Sanchez situation appears wide open and there is still a chance others could swoop in?

03 Jul 2014 13:48:22
just want it over and done with so we can all just move on and forget him!

I don't think there are any surprises mate. If you know we might have 30-40m to spend I'm sure professional football administrators will too.

03 Jul 2014 12:53:54
Liverpool meeting Agger's agent in Monaco tomorrow to discuss his future/transfer.

Monaco?
Swap with James Rodriguez?

03 Jul 2014 14:56:08
Thanks Londoner, you were spot on about Barca.

03 Jul 2014 12:51:52
Would be great if we can get off to a winning start and begin to look to the season again instead of all this nonsense. We are all going round in circles with this issue over recent days.

We definitely could do with a good left back who is part of a solid back line who talk to each other. That and the keeper need to be a better unit this year. This is an area we can have plenty of scope to improve.

Going forward we've got bundles of pace and skill all types of goals and have added young and hungry players to the fold.

If there is to be one or two additions to that then great if not I will be ready to back the lads in our four competitions. We all know about Liverpool and those European nights and I can't wait to have them back if I'm honest. Its a magic feeling to be a part of that.

The first 3 games are tough but with the talent we already have they are games to look forward to. The City games were tense affairs last season and both decent games.

I hope the talk moves onto Champions League draws soon.speaking of which when is that? Anyone know?

{Ed002's Note - The draw is taking place on August 28, 2014 with meetings arranged the previous day for a number of teams to discuss other issues - such as financial caps on sponsorship and the pan-euro league concept.}

03 Jul 2014 15:13:06
Ed002, do you think the sponsorship issue will also include the RM/ Barca TV deal monopoly currently in place in Spain? if we are to have ffp, then surely collective bargaining is part of this?

Just canvassing opinion on the principle, not about numbers. before you rip my head off!

{Ed002's Note - The TV deal is of no consequence to UEFA nor the other clubs.}

03 Jul 2014 12:34:51
With all the transfer speculation, got to say i'm just as excited to see if sterling has another crackin season!

03 Jul 2014 12:31:35
Can anybody else see us playing one up top next season (Sturridge, lambert, borini) with some classy players on the wings and in the number 10 roll in support (sterling, shaquiri, Sanchez, Lallana)?
The side should be more balanced at least.
Midfield should be more solid with Can and defence will get a few tweeks and more protection from a more balanced team.
Next season we will be a different side but no less deadly at all. The 5-3 wins might turn into 2-0 wins but hopefully the 3-3draws might turn into 1-0wins as well. Plus the team has learned how to win and will play to win the league from day 1 now we all know it's possible.
Ps did Suarez bite someone? Lol

03 Jul 2014 12:42:07
I was thinking the same thing this morning.
There seems to be more attack minded midfielders around than out and out strikers.

03 Jul 2014 12:48:34
Thats Exactly BR is planning. Sturridge would be our target man and He wants an interchnaging back three behind him.

03 Jul 2014 13:05:45
If Sanchez signs, he can play with Sturridge up top; Sanchez really is now a second striker.

Would you rather not have Sanchez on the left or right of a front 3 or in the 10 roll AG? I think he will be better off there rather than up front with Sturridge. A deep second striker maybe though. He can cover a lot of positions effectively though and will give Brendan a lot of options (should he sign anyway)

03 Jul 2014 12:30:01
Ed - just a question,

in your opinion do you think the rumours of suarez requesting to leave have only came about through what happened during the world cup, or was he always destined to leave this summer

{Ed002's Note - Read the posts please.}

03 Jul 2014 12:20:10
Athletico Bilbao have announced that Iker Munian who have been linked with Liverpool has now signed a new contract with the club

03 Jul 2014 13:08:29
Thank frack for that.

Must be on his way then.

03 Jul 2014 12:16:34
interesting NON SUAREZ related question for debate. been chatting to the reds at work trying to decide who was the most improved player in Liverpool last season. what are your guys thoughts?

Raheem followed by Henderson

Raheem followed by Henderson

Those two are the ones we've been swaying towards. most people, myself included, agreeing with raheem

03 Jul 2014 13:09:17
Raheem Sterling.

Sterling without a doubt - I was left frustrated with him after many games at the beginning of the season and this year has done him no end of good, well and truly cemented his place in the first 11

Flanno has to have a mention!

Sterling's first season (although much praised) was average. The last six months of this season where simply phenomenal. He was direct, fast, aggressive and a joy to watch. He added a special something to his game - like the goal against City where he wrong footed both Kompany and Hart.

Henderson's progression has been ongoing for the last 18 months. He was integral to our team, as evidenced by how we were just found lacking without his energy and pressing in the three games he was banned for.

Flanagan. Well Flanagan just showed the drive, determination and ability to learn that cemented his place in the side, even when out of position. From 'deadwood' to most Red Cafu. While the other two may be better players, I'd say the fact most of us thought they would make it and had shown more glimpses of their potential beforehand. Flanagan clawed his way back, tooth and nail, into the team. So for me, it has to be Flanagan as most improved.

Steve Finnan. wait, what year is this.?

03 Jul 2014 11:52:46
Sorry Ed's, not solely a question about Suarez or the 60/70/80 million that he's going to go for. More a question regarding how and over what time-frame the payments would be made on a transfer such as this one?

Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - I have no interest in discussing finances.}

Afaik most transfers regardless of size are spread over 2 years - this obviously may vary slightly and clubs may ask for a higher initial installment

03 Jul 2014 11:39:51
Just seen this on ssn

Our reporter Vinny O’Connor has an update on the Luis Suarez saga from outside Anfield as he tells ssn that a deal to take the Uruguayan from Liverpool to Barcelona is edging ever closer. Talks progressed well yesterday and it looks increasingly likely that any agreement will only involve money rather than a possible player-plus cash arrangement. Alexis Sanchez had been tipped to go to Anfield in part-exchange but it is understood that Liverpool do not yet know what he wants to do.

03 Jul 2014 11:05:26
Who have we got intrest in that coulld replace saurez eds?

{Ed002's Note - It is not a case of simply replacing the player with like-for-like.}

03 Jul 2014 10:51:00
If Suarez was sold, would you rather invest in another world class striker, or wingers leaving Lambert as backup to Sturridge?
Thanks

Have to get another striker, trying to replace 31 goals is a tough task. We have to make sure that we don't do what Spurs did, and invest the money wisely.

First time for everything I guess!

03 Jul 2014 10:30:08
Dear Eds

I have been reading your posts for a year or two now - silently lurking and trolling this great website.

Looks like we are in for a busy summer. Some great signings so far.

Lambert - Great cover with plenty of experience and an eye for goal. Proven EPL. My guess is he will do well with us - his conversion rate is good and we create plenty of chances. A bargain at 4m.

Lallana - will either be a star or another Allen - i.e. a good player but where will he play? Will have to do really well to prove he is Gerrards long term replacement.

Emre Can - looks good. Badly needed. Lots of praise from Germany. A good buy from LFC. Don't see him doing much this season unless he plays LB (unlikely)

Kevin Stewart and lawrence Vigouroux - two promising junior players. Will not feature in the first team this season.

OUTS?

Agger - sad to see him go. Check out "THE AGGER FOUNDATION" - Daniel Aggers charity where you can bid on match worn boots by all of LFC's top players - including Gerrard, Surarez and Daniel Agger.

Reina - we should really keep him. In fact he should never have left (same goes for Kuyt and Riise). Better than Mingolet?

Lucas (7m) maybe to Napoli along with Agger (10m) and possibly Pepe (4m). Intrest in Agger from AC Milan (and has been for years)

Allen (7m) - no place for him but a good player. Deserves to be playing every game somwhere down the pecking order. Maybe Southampton!

Surarez (75m) - cheers munchy! You are a great player and have helped LFC greatly. Will do well at Barca and will surely become a LEGEND if not already. This best striker minute for minute the EPL has EVER seen.


INS

Adam Lallana (23m)
Rickie Lambert (4m)
Emre Can (10m)


Sanchez (pretty please)
Shaquiri (20m)
Moreno (20m) or Bertrand (7m)
Louvren (12m)

Divcock Origi - will maybe sign (he hasn't already signed) for @ 10m. worth it for the humour value - think of all the nicknames we can make from his name :)

Micah Richards (maybe - Jonstone is a great player but his incidence of injuries are like his wages - too high)

Delli Alli - not this season
Will Hughes - probably not this season

Cissokho, (gone already), Moses (gone already)

03 Jul 2014 12:01:55
Lallana...........

{Ed002's Note - I am sick of people like you trashing Liverpool players and those who have yet to kick a ball for the club. I though you had said you would not be posting anymore. How is it you support?}

Its DIVOCK, not DivCOCK. Although it did make me smile :)

Last season Adam Lallana had 61 key passes (9th in the PL), 9 goals (none from penalties) and 6 assists, was shortlisted for PFA player of the year and member of PFA team of the year. (Think about the players he beat for those PFA awards, and it tells you how good he is).
Yet before he kicks a ball for Liverpool there are persons spreading their hate toward him.

Unbelievable.

Lallana is exactly the type of player you would want at Liverpool.
A confident, technical midfielder/winger who has expressed his desire to play for the club.
I've never met the guy, yet he seems to have a great attitude and I feel he will give 100% every game.
£25m sure seems to be a sticking point with some people, saying its too much etc.
Well I say, FSG have been burned before when it came to transfers, so I would imagine they are a lot more cautious these days about where they put their money, which also makes me think that if they are willing to pay £25m for Lallana, then they must really think he's worth it.
Really wish people would stop moaning about how much players cost, its not you paying for them, shut up.

YNWA! RT96!

Ed's - does every club page have a Harry?

{Ed003's Note - Got a Tom and loads of Dick's on the main site rik.}

03 Jul 2014 06:46:28
Hi Ed's

I love this site.

First of all thank you for the hard work you do again again and again. I know you have been over this before but I hope you could go again for the last time. You have been saying that Suarez want's out and that his people have been doing a Big job of making sure all the Big clubs know this and this has been going on for some time. I feel this is a huge thing to clear Up because many LFC fans seem to forget it when they talk about him being sold or not. So please is it a fact that he want's out and that his people have been working on this for a long time and perhaps some facts that proves this to be the case. I Think that could make it easyer for people to understand the situation. I would like to see him go because I have had enough. Thank you again and have a nice summer all of you. I hope you find the time to take some time of but maybe that is difficult because of people like me:-)

{Ed002's Note - I don't really understand what you are asking. I have explained that Suarez wants to leave, and that his representatives have never stopped talking to a number of clubs about the possibility of a transfer. Right now it is down to one club who is interested - Real Madrid having dropped their interest after the latest "incident".}

It was only perez who was interested at Madrid, many inside the club were against suarez signing and were vocal about it.

03 Jul 2014 10:22:11
hi eds doing a great job. I bet you can't wait suarez to leave with all these questions. I just wanted to say how this sanchez saga remindes me os nuri sahin. everyone was convince he is off to arsenal and then we singed him. I have a feeling he will be a Liverpool player. cheers

I'm just remaining calm on that front.

On one hand, the papers are reporting that Sanchez would prefer Arsenal, or another club, to us. Ultimately, that's his prerogative. If he wants to live in London, play under Wenger, has a dream of playing for Juventus, or anything else - it's out of our control. He's a great player and he'll have options on the table. It's his choice.

I genuinely hope that he does end up playing for us, but we'll just have to wait and see.

All we know for sure is that we're discussing the Suarez transfer with Barcelona. If that gets sorted out, I'm sure that there will be a replacement for him - whoever it may be.

Let's just get behind the team and hope we can continue playing the best football in the league and maintaining the amazing progress from last season.

03 Jul 2014 10:03:46
Is anyone else getting the impression that this time the club have had enough of Suarez?

We've all read about the meeting yesterday with various figures with and without Sanchez included bla bla bla but the part I'm finding interesting is every single article is referring to the release clause and using the release clause as the reason why Liverpool are even discussing the issue with Barca.

Take yourself back 12 months and by this stage of the summer there was probably 2/3 clear statements of intent saying Luis is going nowhere, this summer there has been nothing(that I recall anyway). John Henry or anyone else senior hasn't said a thing.

I recall Ed saying release clauses are only binding if both parties are from the same country and even then it's only certain countries this applies to which I don't recall England being one of them so the release clause isn't the reason for Liverpool entertaining these negotiations, nor is it the fact Luis wants to leave( He would have left 2 years ago if that was the case) it's simply IMO down to the club being sick and tired of his Neanderthal ways which I support that decision 100%.

I'm sick of our club being in the press for the wrong reasons, Hicks and Gillett did it for long enough and then just when you thought it had all blown over this ****in Caveman has constanly dragged us through the mud yet again.

03 Jul 2014 10:35:53
Calm down for a couple of weeks. The deal will go through, Once we sort our transfers.

03 Jul 2014 10:46:52
I think we have got fed up with his antics, probably also our sponsors have had a say too, no doubt!

It's a combination of things - these are the most important though.

1. Suarez wants to go
2. Suarez value at its highest
3. LFC back in CL so attracting replacements easier this summer than last
4. Suarez has continually shamed the club and so from that perspective it's a no brainier to get shot

03 Jul 2014 12:02:07
Anfieldboy sums it up perfectly.

03 Jul 2014 09:41:33
I think Rodrigo would be a brilliant replacement for Suarez, He's 24 so roughly the same age as Suarez when he signed and has brilliant movement and good finishing with plenty of potential and at 20m could turn out to be a snip in the future

03 Jul 2014 11:14:32
rodrigo from benfica?

03 Jul 2014 11:47:25
I disagree.

Muriel.

I thought we'd already identified Sanchez or Shaqiri as the most like for like replacement with the extra cash going on a Markovich & Origi giving us perhaps two of Europe's brightest young attackers?

03 Jul 2014 09:12:35
All this Suarez/Sanchez drama aside, I can't wait to see Sturridge and Lallana team up next season! I'm pretty excited to see how all this will work itself out, just a tiny bit concerned with how many attacking players we are being linked with when our main issue was our defence

03 Jul 2014 09:42:55
BR wants to continue from where we left last seaosn. He wants us to score goals for fun. Most exciting team in the league.
regardless, We would have one LB and CB coming in which wil push one of our current CB out.

03 Jul 2014 08:39:16
ED01.

I am sure you are bored with all the suarez/sanchez questions. so excluding Sanchez as possible winger/striker. who would you really like to see up front who is viable

{Ed001's Note - Sturridge.}

03 Jul 2014 09:04:54
Sturridge is the only trusted one.

03 Jul 2014 09:20:57
Ed,

Seriously the best response I have ever seen in 4 years on this site. The fact that's its the right one also helps. I really don't get this obsession with bettering every single position. Mignolet is a good keeper. Sturridge was top English striker last year. Sterling was superb. Henderson came on so much.
We don't have to replace everyone, just add the odd player or two, and replace a certain Forward.
Sanchez would be superb but don't be narrow minded, there are plenty who can play that role well.

03 Jul 2014 09:46:04
Andy

Sanchez is the best available in the window right now. There aren't many of his quality. He was sensational at Udinese and looked brilliant for Barca. Any bookie would bet on him to score goals.
We should convince him to come to us.
I hope you haven't seen his pace and dribble. Could score from both feet, And He is a very good fnisher.

03 Jul 2014 06:30:52
Ed. Do you think that the suarez transfer will be a long drawn out saga like what happenend with bale to madrid, or could it be resolved a lot quicker?
Cheers

{Ed001's Note - it feels long and drawn out already.....}

To be fair, Ed001, it has been going on for the 3rd summer in a row.

{Ed001's Note - exactly, I am bored to tears of it.}

03 Jul 2014 03:20:32
Ed 1 mate
Suarez is off obviously.
If we don't agree a deal for Sanchez who would you like or think the club would buy to replace him?
IMO if we don't get Sanchez were gunna really struggle next year, I don't really see who's available that can make that world class difference apart from him.

{Ed001's Note - I have answered this question so many times, there is no direct replacement, I would prefer us to just use the money sensibly to add to the squad overall. A left back being the priority.}

If Liverpool do their job right we could actually become a better team instead of more of a one man band. We have a big opportunity here that might have us kick on if the money is spent right. My biggest fear of course is that it isn't spent right.

If Sanchez does not wanna come, then we should ask for the full release clause from Barca. Use the money to bring in Lovren, Moreno and Shaqiri. Just bcoz we are losing our best player does not mean we should panic. I would like to see BR adopt a more conservative approach next season, rather than go gung-ho at the opposition right from the start. It worked out brilliantly for Atletico. They lost Falcao, but still won la liga and finished champions league runners up. If we can't replace Suarez's goals, why not change the tactics which would make us better defensively to compensate for less goals scored?

03 Jul 2014 08:55:19
Ed1 is Shaqiri still a player you would take mate?

{Ed001's Note - still? He has never been a player I would have chosen.}

03 Jul 2014 09:03:40
ED01. I bit agree and would love us to be more ruthless. We need LB and CB, But we need natural flowing goals to take the pressure off from Hendo, Lallana and our Back 4.
We were successful last season, . largely because we scored goals with in 10 mts of every game.
Whe you score an early goal, The opposite team loose their confidence and will come to us opening up space in the middle. which we exploited with our pace.
Suarez or any kinda world class player could hit the first goal under any circumstances.

I am sorry, If I am wrong

03 Jul 2014 09:07:29
Indian Buzzer

Change the Tactics?. Means more defensive or possession play?. And then we mock Chelsea for being such.

The only player Chelsea missed last seaosn from winning the PL and probably the CL was a player of Suarez.

Looks like u will have to warm up to Shaqiri eventually ed001. He seems to be the next best option, with Sanchez preferring to join the gooners.

03 Jul 2014 09:55:06
Sanchez and Shaquiri are different players. Shaquiri prefers to play on the wings ( like Hazzard ). Sanchez is equally good on both position similar to Suarez.
Arsenal getting Sanchez would actualy be a big blow to us regardless of any cash we receive in Suarez sale ( We can't stop any team from buying players though )

Harry I never said we have to play exactly like Chelsea. Just that we need to have a better balance between attack and defense. We could do without Suarez and still challenge on all fronts as long as we stop conceding stupid goals. This gung ho approach BR adopted was simply to accomodate both Suarez and Sturridge in the same line up. I would expect BR to go back to his favored 4-3-3 formation. Why persist with a formation that was meant to bring the best out of Suarez when he won't be there next season?

03 Jul 2014 11:43:38
Indian

Makes Sense and thanks. But I still expect us to play the Diamond more

03 Jul 2014 01:18:02
40 million for lambert lallana & can. not happy. worried

Decent players but decent isn't good enough.

Im dreading who we'll waste 80 million on

Im worried about keeping that top 4 spot

We need to being going for Rodriguez, koke, vidal, pogba, pedro, sanchez and players of that ilk.

I appreciate it would be romantic winning titles and european cups with lambert allen and lallana but Rodgers need to understand CL and winning the league is another kettle of fish, everyone else improving greatly and we're selling our best player and going backwards

Not a happy fan

03 Jul 2014 01:40:46
Change that to "never a happy fan". And you're crazy if you think lambert is decent for the money we paid as a backup. Lallana is class.

None of the players you mentioned want to join us.

I don't know where you are, but here in Montreal it is still July 2nd. Look, Lallana and Lambert are good EPL performers they bring much needed depth to a squad that did very well year. Lallana was expensive, but there is nothing the club can do about that. Can is a promising youngster. Suarez is lost for the beginning of the season. He is also 27 and and off his best season ever. Even before the World Cup, 70-80 million for him would have been unwise to turn down. He is not worth that, neither is Lallana worth what we paid, neither is Shaw worth the fee he commanded; but the market is what it is.
If we replace him with an adequate forward, sort out the defence it will turn out to be a good summer for us.
Sterling, Hendo, Coutinho, Flannagan, Sturridge are all growing and dare I remind you that they contributed immensely last year. The club is not going backwards. Have faith my friend.

40mil would get you one of them - choose wisely

I hear you canadian we do have a you g exciting team and I guess we still have time to bring in more players but its that high calibre quality we need. atleast one to boost the team at the huge loss of suarez.

Were being linked with bloming bertrand now, I just feel uneasy about these types of signings. I was happy about the coutinho, sakho and sturridge signings when we got them btw and I think lallana lambert and can will be good but we also need to show our intentions as a club that were here to win things as selling our best player and buying a 34 year old isn't very attractive to the top players

Maybe thomas muller or julian draxler?

Is that you Red Lobster?

03 Jul 2014 03:20:34
Lol McRonald. Agreed.

03 Jul 2014 04:51:33
Maradonakebab

Sorry. the way people are slating you instead of making things understand.
Lallana is a very good player.
Lambert wouldn't harm our transfer policy.
Emere can would replace Lucas.

We need to be in CL for the next 3 years in running. So you could attract world class.

03 Jul 2014 05:43:40
Moaning already? How do you come to the conclusion it was £40 million? Popular opinion is that it is close to £36 million.

Your post is just ridiculous and childish.

First season back in the champions league and all the top players in the world will want to play for us.

1. Nope they all don't.

2. FFP - we can't afford to pay them let alone buy them (i.e. if someone want's 300,000 per week that's £15m a season - give that to one player for 5 seasons and there goes your Suarez money).

Therefore until we start constantly being successful (and I'm afraid that's doing an Arsenal and getting Champs league and top 4 each season) we will always have to be a little careful with money.

We will have to buy players with potential that may make us a lot of money selling them to the two spanish clubs, PSG, Man City or Chelsea. Business is Business.

If we yo yo in and out of the champs league each season then chances are players will come and go within a season never making the team truely settled.

For the record £40+Sanchez would be a good amount - roughly zero net spend (not including wages and agent fee's etc. ).

Adding a Moreno, Lovren and striker would cost £40m of which I'd hope at least £20 would be recuperated (if not more on sales) - a very successful transfer window and a settled team - with all players available not one missing 6 to 10 games per season through suspension.

There can only be one! Tjred-mcdonalds pff

Take out Lallana and add in Origi.

Then it's £20m for Lambert Can and Origi - I think that's decent squad building.

£25m for Lallana - now that's worrying to me.

Kebab. Lambert is clearly an upgrade on Aspas and Can and Lallana are additions not replacements to a squad that finished 2nd. That's where we are at right now. In a better position than we were.

MaradonaKebab has to be trolling. Absolute nonsense.

I would have to admit that I have my fears on how good Lallana is. We got him for a high enough fee but he is British and they do seem to go for a premium in the Epl. I hope i'm wrong about him.

Also I don't think you would get Rodriguez for £40 million and you can keep Pedro.

Emre Can and Rickie Lambert have both been purchased at sensible prices to give us better options - can you accept that?

Then Lallana is different, it's overpaying by £5mm or so to go get the player the manager obviously really really wants. This is overpaying but on the other hand it shows how the owners have been willing to back Rodgers. Lallana also is a great fit for us and he will add to our starting team.

100% agree with you on Bertrand but we haven't signed Bertrand so even though we seem to be interested in him, I'm still hoping we won't sign him.

Bertrand is a Sturridge/Coutinho style signing. If Rodgers thinks he has ability and can be developed into a better player let's trust him. Not sure Moreno is 13m better. That seems more of a risky signing to me.

03 Jul 2014 10:19:48
Good point, Anfieldboy. Clearly Bertrand isn't that highly rated on this site, admittedly I don't think he's great BUT he carries a lot less risk than Moreno and I trust Rodgers.

Is Bertrand better than Flanagan LB? If he is, then is he much of an improvement? I don't think so, so I don't see any point in signing him.

And people really need to stop comparing Bertrand to Sturridge. Now Coutinho as well? I know it's not comparing positions, it's comparing situations but both Sturridge and Coutinho have (and had at the time) much more talent than Bertrand. Bertrand is 24, not 21/22.

Anfieldboy or he will be an Aspas, Allen n borini signing. whom Brendan handpicked.

No manager gets all his signings right. You suggest Allen & Borini are in the box marked "failure" while I don't. Certainly Allen played his part for us last season. Aspas didn't adapt although to be fair wasn't going to get much game time with SSS all firing. Do you think BR should have dropped any of that trio just to be proved right? Thought not. He'll head back to Spain and the fact it didn't work out won't have cost us a fortune. I'm also not claiming Bertrand is a world beater. Just that I'd rather trust BR to make him better for 7m than risk 20m on Moreno.

My point on what you're saying on Bertrand is I'd rather Rodgers continue to work on the left backs we already have (and Flanagan) rather than waste £7m on Bertrand. I don't see him as an improvement so I don't see the point in going for him.

Flanagan isn't a LB. Enrique won't adapt. Smith is 2 years at least away from being a starter for LFC. People are going overboard on Smith off U21 performances and a friendly in Ireland. You can't just stick him into a side with top 4 ambitions and against CL attackers. He'd get destroyed.

{Ed001's Note - people said the same nonsense about Shaw. Two years later and he was sold for £30m. Utter crap to say you can't just stick them in. It is the only way to find out if a player is good enough.}

Anfieldboy - do you honestly think Bertrand is better than Flanagan? Question for LB.

Saints weren't going for top 4 or in CL. If you're right about how good he is he'll get picked. We'll see.

Sean. It's not what I think. The point I'm making is that IF Rodgers decides to sign him he must have a good reason for doing so. It cheeses me off that people slag him off without knowing too much about him and having watched 10 mins of the foreigners who'd cost more.

@Anfieldboy - I didn't say anything about the foreigners who'd cost more. I just asked you a simple question which you don't seem to be able to answer.