Liverpool Banter Archive November 03 2015

 

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03 Nov 2015 20:20:18
Just wondering if any of the Ed's were around to give me a bit of insight about Aspas and La Liga? Was he simply not good enough to make it in the premier league? He has 6 goals in 9 games this season and he has done it in previous seasons in La Liga, which brigs me onto my second question. Are some players just not cut out for the style of certain leagues or can they be coached to suit it? May be an obvious answer but I appreciate your insight.

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{Ed002's Note - Aspas was never really given an opportunity in England. Arrived, a few cameos, a kick in the gonads, a loan, a sale. It is the Liverpool way after all. He is well thought of in Spain for the couple of years before the move to Liverpool.}

03 Nov 2015 20:49:11
I know he only made 14 appearances, only half of which were starts, but don't think I've seen a player anywhere be as ineffective as Aspas was for us. He started the first six league games of the season and he barely got a kick in any of them. Players have been slow to start before (and since), but I've never seen anything quite as extreme as that.

He clearly wasn't up the physicality here. Now maybe he'd have found a way to play around that if given more games, but BR decided very quickly when Suarez returned from suspension not to invest any more time in Aspas. There were games later in the season when Aspas could've come on for half an hour and was given three minutes, if even that - that was clearly a case that the manager thought playing him at all was a waste of time and intended to move him on as soon as he could.

His record in La Liga would suggest he's not a poor player, but ultimately it was just a bad transfer for both him and us.

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03 Nov 2015 20:59:50
That is a ridiculous statement from a Chelsea fan, its hard to count the number of midfielders you have brought and not played before they move on.

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{Ed002's Note - Chelsea have managed players very well - they have had a plan for all loaned players and when moving them on have done very well financially. That is some light years from the situation find themselves in. Another pitiful attempt to simply blame someone else and turn the tables.}

03 Nov 2015 21:30:41
Not good enough! About 8 stone pissed wet through with legs like match sticks.

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03 Nov 2015 21:34:46
Brendaned for being a commity buy i guess. But Suarez and Sturridge were firing and Aspas is a restless type of guy. He needs to play or he will moan and moan, just like he did at Sevilla as well.

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03 Nov 2015 22:23:38
Ed2 I don't think you can give Chelsea as a good example as to how to manage loan players. They buy players with no intention of ever playing them and then loan them straight out. Moses being a prime example, how many loans has he had now? He will never kick a ball for Chelsea again they just treat him like a commodity that they can make money out of. If this is the future for football transfers then god help us.

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{Ed002's Note - Chelsea are a very good example of how to manage loans players. Each loan player from Chelsea has a liaison officer assigned (some are ex-players) who regularly see them, deal with any issues and report progress back to the club. For instance there was an issue with Lukaku and the club decided at the start of 2014 that he would be sold in the summer. His liaison tried very hard to reverse that decision, but to no avail. There was also a problem with a couple of players in the Netherlands and that resulted in the club having them get involved with spending some time with the local community (schools and charities). Chelsea has also helped clubs they have and are building relationships with - this may include providing training facilities, loaning coaching staff, having ex-players works with them in some capacity etc.. They have a structure in the Netherlands and Belgium in addition to relationships with South American and old Eastern Bloc countries. They are currently working a deal with a Champions League side as well. In Italy I know that the clubs with a significant number of players on loan have regular contact and bring them back as a group for training on a couple of occasions mid-season. I am sure there will be someone at Liverpool keeping contact with the younger players on loan.}

03 Nov 2015 23:02:25
Aspas never got a proper chance, throw into the mix he was competing with Studge and Suarez, you have a recipe for disaster for him.

I bought Gerrard's autobiography for a long bus journey. And for me the telling thing is how he speaks of Brendan as a mate, and how he judged other players. Looking deeper into it and his assessment of players that do and do not make the team and his praises and criticisms, you might think Stevie G. was actually picking the Liverpool team last year and it could be the reason some players were ostracised.

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04 Nov 2015 00:09:11
Aspas never got his chance hence, it is stupid to judge a player you never saw really play.

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04 Nov 2015 00:39:59
Ed002 - I agree and by no means is this set to condescend you or your comments; but while the loans are managed well - what do you think of the number of loanees and the fact that very few make it back in the first team?

I'm only mentioning this purely that Liverpool have a lot of players on loan and I've heard rumours of Klopp stopping/reducing this - which questions the reason for the loans!

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{Ed002's Note - The thing about Chelsea is that they have built a managed structure that is helping the players and the club. They have youngsters they will cherry pick and bring through, as they did with the likes of Courtois. They also have players they will sell with buy-back clauses, sell to move them on, leave on loan as planned and in some case let leave. Sales for both January and the summer are already agreed and others know that they will be available.

The numbers are not the issue, mismanaging the process would be. Although there is a residual issue in some countries where support from EPL sides is being called unfair - but that is the nature of the game and the money in the game.

The problem Liverpool has is that it is an unstructured system. Loans have been used simply to move players on from a bloated squad. It is very different.}

04 Nov 2015 01:35:13
How can you say Chelsea haven't done good loans? If they don't play them in the first team they normally get a tidy profit from resales. If they're not good enough or have problems (lukaku, and de bruyne not wanting to fight for his place) they use better judgement and move them on.

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04 Nov 2015 06:49:15
Chelsea are way ahead of us in relation of transfer policy.

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04 Nov 2015 07:57:17
Back to the question at hand - Aspas got a massive stroke of bad luck in the form of Sturridge and Suarez while he was adapting to the league, so never really got going because the dominated the gametime. Then he had that corner in the Chelsea game that no fan would ever let him forget and it became not worth him trying to make it work here anymore. Maybe with more gametime had we kept going things would have happened. But all factors taken into a account, best for everyone to just call it a day.

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{Ed001's Note - sadly for him, he had not been well scouted to realise that he was so ridiculously lightweight that he would need a lot of time to adapt to the physical demands of the English leagues. He has quality and a fantastic work ethic, given time and opportunities it would probably have been a good signing, sadly he was not getting either. Best of luck to him in the future.}

03 Nov 2015 19:47:23
Really hope klopp gets the best out of Emre can. I have to admit I get really frustrated watching him play. Really good attributes ie height strength pace (when he gets through the first 3 gears) but my God he is constantly trying to run with the ball in area's of the pitch with no space. He needs to be shown the right times to pass and the right time for a burst. definitely a good player in there tho.

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03 Nov 2015 20:40:32
I think he is trying to hard and also unaware as is klopp of his actual position.

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03 Nov 2015 20:50:20
Like when he run two weeks ago and the Rubin captain brought him down and got sent off?

If Klopp works with these players day in day out and is giving them time to adapt and work as he wants them to play then shouldn't we also although some time after being played in defence by the previous manager?

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04 Nov 2015 00:10:20
He needs coaching and good management and Klopp can help him IF he is willing to learn.

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04 Nov 2015 04:24:11
Why would he not be willing to learn?

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04 Nov 2015 07:03:21
Can at best could be a kick ass B2B player much like Ballack. I honestly don't think he could ever be a DM.

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03 Nov 2015 18:53:29
Do any of the eds know anything about villas New manager. ie is ilori his type of player? Hope not!
Also would Markovic suit Klopps style of play in your opinion, personally I believe he really would, but your opinion would be appreciated.

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you mean by is "Ilori his type of player". You are talking about someone who has never played for Liverpool and has only played a handful of games in the past couple of years. If Ilori and Markovic return that is two further places taken up in the squad.}

03 Nov 2015 20:00:06
Maybe eds 001 opinion is what I wanted eds 002 as he's been very vocal in his support and knowledge of Ilori in the past.
Put my mild Eds 002 roasting in my diary, big fan!

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03 Nov 2015 21:46:13
I guess you're trying to say that you value Ed001's opinion on Ilori?

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04 Nov 2015 07:59:05
In fairness Ed002 - if all he's doing is training and playing in reserve games, better he's training and playing in our reserve games than Villa's.

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{Ed001's Note - if he is not going to play, he is better elsewhere, as he would be unhappy and that would cause issues. Plus Villa are paying his wages and a loan fee, which means it is financilly better for the club. It is only worth him being with us if he is going to be playing, which I would like to see him do.}

03 Nov 2015 17:52:22
Younger brother has a game against Liverpool u17s development side at the academy tomorrow. anyone know if scouts watch these kind if games?

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{Ed002's Note - Yes they do.}

03 Nov 2015 17:59:28
Ideal, thanks 👍.

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03 Nov 2015 18:02:49
Good luck 😉.

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04 Nov 2015 16:43:12
Bro got two assists and hit the post but they lost 5-4. Waiting for a call from Klopp now 😅👍.

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03 Nov 2015 17:27:33
At this point does anyone give Brendan Rodgers any credit for assembling a really good squad?

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03 Nov 2015 17:40:55
Its a weird one for most supporters. Maybe he built a good squad but couldn't get them to play together.

Techinally he failed because he wanted these players and none of them really fitted the system he wanted. As a director of football just signing the players and hiring head coaches then yes it could be deemed a success.

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03 Nov 2015 17:49:07
Had he utilized the squads actually potential and not continually played players out of position, tried to sell key players and sent promising young players on loan he would probably still be in a job.
Imo, Benteke and Firmino were purchased with Klopp in mind to take over anyway. can't be proved though.

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03 Nov 2015 17:58:27
Has he built a good squad though?!

He's spent a hell of a lot of money so obviously there is some quality in there (Firmino, Benteke, Sakho, Coutinho etc. ) However, I'm not sure how much credit should be given for generally overspending on players where quality is almost a given at circa £25m for many players!

Furthermore, what he built was a very unbalanced squad, lacking numbers and quality in wide areas with an excessive amount of no10s.

If he'd had his way this summer we would have moved on Lucas and Sakho. Crazy! What would the squad look like then?

Looking at the squad from a wider perspective he also fragmented the squad, particularly our loan players (Ilori, Markovic) .

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03 Nov 2015 18:02:32
But lots of people said he'd been screwed by the transfer committee. Especially pundits.
If they come out now and say he built a great squad I'll be pissed off.

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03 Nov 2015 18:03:06
Nomisyoung, the last part of your post is the biggest load of nonsense I have read on here in a long time.

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03 Nov 2015 18:16:13
The players themselves aren't bad necessarily as individuals, it's the buying of players we didn't need in positions we didn't need cover in for far too much money and then loaning many of them out on pointless loans that was the problem.

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03 Nov 2015 18:18:47
Give him credit for buying a load of players he didn't need and had no idea what to do with, who forced many other players out of the side, many of whom were overpriced and were not as good as the alternatives out there and as such landed us in huge amounts of debt and spendt all our money? And to think that he probabky would have sold all of them if he had had the full season and cocked up again?

Yeah, cheers brendan, i'm sure you spent that £330 million better than any manager, especially klopp, ever could.

I'm not slating the players, they're our own now, but don't seriously tell me our transfers still weren't the cock up of the century under brendan.

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{Ed002's Note - You are continuing to live in the past and whine about what has gone. Seems impossible for many of the Liverpool fans to look forward to anything good that might happen.}

03 Nov 2015 18:25:58
Come on nomisyoung. Yes Brendan failed continually but you can't take every bit of business he did an make excuses when something works. You have only mentioned fir and ben but it happens from a lot of users with any player that was succesdil.

And now fir and ben have been bought with klopp in mind, granted there perfect for klopp but saying they were signed for him and not that Brendan wanted them is bad.

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03 Nov 2015 18:41:11
A good squad? We've got an average squad with a world class manager.

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03 Nov 2015 18:48:45
Entitled to my opinion. Found it strange we sign Benteke when Rodgers previously stated he wasn't a fan of the target man type player, got rid of Carroll and rarely used Lambert.
Firmino was another strange signing. not needed when you look at the squads balance. but both players are openly admired by Klopp even before he was manager.
I've read far worse on here! 😅.

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03 Nov 2015 18:58:15
There's some good players in the squad, but it's not a good a balanced squad. Out the ones he's signed, skrtel, lallana, milner, origi, lovren are regularly slated on here. This year, the signings were better, benteke, ings, gomez, firmino, clyne have all done well in my eyes.

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03 Nov 2015 19:17:07
I get what you are saying nomis and I don't have any problem where i hate users for it but it does my head in haha.

Carrol and lambert aren't a patch on benteke btw. We also targetted costa a couple of seasons before and he is more like benteke and I'm certain klopp wasn't in the clubs mind then. Benteke is a total striker, not completely strong running in behind but his work rate and everything is all there, as was the idea behind ballotelli (yrs complete disaster) but he is another total striker.

Firmino was bought because we needed goals from midfield like when we went for willian and mkhitaryan, again before klopp was in the clubs mind.

I agree I have heard worse on here but if there such good players would the club risk buying them and helping Brendan succeed and put his sacking out of the question, I they wanted klopp and Brendan gone before the signings tjeu wouldn't of got anyone and let him fail and then go for klopp the risk of getting those 2 in and Brendan doing well wouldn't of been a good idea.

They are perfect for klopp which is why we had to get him in because he was the manager to get the best out of them!

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03 Nov 2015 19:22:38
Brendan signed Skrtel? hehehe!

Anyway we have a very unbalanced squad, Skrtel is competing with him self, Only one left footed LB, no wingers apart from Jordon Ibe and Markovic who is out on loan, and 4-5 number 10s in Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino, Teixeira, Alberto. Only Lucas who is a true DM and we have like 4-5 RBs, Clyne, Flanagan, Gomez, Wisdom, Randall and Mclaughlin.
We have spent so much money under BR still we need a GK, RCB, DM, RW
hopefully Klopp can create a more balanced squad by selling players who are too similar. I think the likes of Allen, Milner, Ilori, Markovic, Alberto, Balotelli, Toure, Enrique, Mignolet or Bogdan will be moved on in the summer, maybe Lallana, Sturridge and Lovren as well, they will all have to step up in different ways!

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03 Nov 2015 19:44:01
Nomisyoung, I jokingly said to my son after we signed benteke and firmino that it would mean klopp is coming, I had previously read about klopp talking about signing benteke and the firmino signing came out of nowhere. i wish I'd put it on here in print (to much ridicule ha ha) . like you said never be proven, but there may just be a hint of something there pal.

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03 Nov 2015 19:41:22
Harsh response as ever Ed002. It's not living in the past. That is the squad we have presently so it's only relevant.

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{Ed002's Note - There is always one halfwit - he is bleating about the money spent by Brendan Rodgers in the past. I appreciate that you are far from the brightest bunch, but one would hope that even the simplest of concepts, in this case the passing of time, would have sunk in.}

03 Nov 2015 20:03:55
And again ed002, you continue to try to pick an argument with the liverpool fans on this page.

The OP was specifically a post relating to rodgers. If anything i think its you that needs to lighten up a bit. Sorry for trying to state my point of view, i'll know better next time xx.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not picking out you for an argument, pretty much all of you are absolutely obsessed with the past - and whining and bleating like pre-pubescent girls about everything, the players, the owners, the managers, the staff, the coaching, how the world, is against you, the colour of the kit, ... on and on and on.}

03 Nov 2015 20:25:16
This is the idea behind a director of football guys and gals

You pick a style you want your club to play with, sign players for that and also then you can just keep trying for the right head coach without worrying about changing the academy, loans, transfer policy, scouts etc

You also have the power to day to the incoming coach this is what you are playing with, we are moving ahead with the targets idetified, no change. You don't lose if it doesn't work because you only get rid of the HC, no infrastructure damage 😊

There will always be slight changes between coaches and there is so much you can give ie if they like a certain player the club can look at them and they will decided who plays out of the team but aslong as there playing to the signed players strenghts then it os fine.

This is a big reason klopps working oit quite well, because these players are made for him.

Wow gone on abit there and repaeated myself a few times but whose got the time for proofing haha.

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03 Nov 2015 20:32:57
Ha, well never know.
In fairness, all that matters is we have Klopp now.
Our squad will be sorted out well and truly next summer, for the better.
Looking forward to the Squad Klopp assembles and the success we achieve in the future!
End of debate. 👍.

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03 Nov 2015 20:43:56
What makes everyone think klopp os this beast at transfers.

I don't think he actually made that many at Dortmund, I'm pretty sure its a lot down to there DOF, much like Monchi at Sevilla.

I think he wants to prove himself at transfer or more to the point wants more control at his own team.

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03 Nov 2015 20:44:40
Brendon who? Don't waste your energy boys. He's long gone thank hunk.

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03 Nov 2015 20:58:25
I agree with Sabona.

You should have two players that can compete for each position (even if one player competes for more than one position) .

I do think that (not just BR by the way) we've bought poorly for a long time; then we have trouble moving on players we do not want (not blaming the players as they signed for us after we bid for them) .

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03 Nov 2015 20:58:31
I don't want to bring up the team you support Ed002 (Banter only! ) but 'the world is against us' sounds familiar! Not picking a fight, just making a point that all modern fans and clubs are the same pretty much. We all whine, we all complain about referees, we can be suspicious of the motives our owners have etc. You get my point, but yeah, as this is the most popular site, you are more likely to see that stuff here than anywhere else.

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{Ed002's Note - I have zero interest in that sort of bullshit be it from you or any other side. The point is yet again you are trying to twist the inadequacies of the Liverpool fan base to try and make it about Chelsea.}

03 Nov 2015 21:58:32
Paulo you are wrong, because klopp had the final say and Dortmund also signed many players he wanted like Subotic from Mainz and Zidan from Hamburg who he had worked with before, he also signed the likes of Sven Bender, Grosgruetz and Piszczek from the 2. bundesliga players that were originally scouted for Mainz. Like Brendan had the final say Klopp will have the final say.

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03 Nov 2015 22:20:43
Back to the original post, Rodgers built a very unbalanced squad which is very evident during our present injury list.

The squad itself is full of average pros, but that does not mean that they can't achieve something this season. With a little better bit of luck after xmas (after all all teams need it) and more time for Klopp to implement his ideas and his infectious personality who knows?

This years premiership is again very average and any number of teams can finish top four imo! why not the Reds, a bit of confidence, hunger, desire bring it on.

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03 Nov 2015 22:31:05
I do love how you haven't said whether he had a say in their recent more poor signings btw.

Personally I just feel in this day and age he would be better served having someone he trusted about him doing every bit of due diligence on players as he just can't dedicate the time to scouting (the same with all managers nowadays) he and others shouldn't have the final word because they shouldn't have more of a say on players than people who have watched them over and over again. My view.

Klopps tenure now will be decided on his transfers and the shame is, if they go wrong je will go but he is possibly one lf the worlds best coaches. Why not just coach.

He may suprise a few and have one or two players in mind. I know he is a huge admirer of tielemans, wouldn't say no to that for potential purposes not what he will immediately offer, but I imagine hw will be off to a city, psg or even athletico.

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03 Nov 2015 22:42:50
So when ed002 or ed001 make a comment about the way the club has been run in the past its 'harsh reality' but when a poster does it is 'whining about everything'?

Everyone moans about football. The whole foundation of this site is, as well as banter, for people to debate about football and, in the process, moan. Why is it such a crime and why is it impacting your day so much. In fact even you have just moaned at someone who specifically said it was only banter.

I'll leave it at that because i have no interest in an argument, but for gods sake man please relax.

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{Ed002's Note - Generally I will stick to the here and now unless asked otherwise. Generally many of the Liverpool fans will be craving the return of Gerrard for the next four years. The fans got their way with Dalglish and then that got screwed up somewhere between abject failure and the Runt losing him his job - but still everyone harps on about the one person who has done more damage to the club than anyone else in, I suspect, the entire history. It is pitiful and embarrassing to keep seeing this stuff.}

03 Nov 2015 23:30:46
Ed, re: your third last reply. that sounds like José Mourinho.

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03 Nov 2015 23:38:22
Why are you mentioning Gerrard and Dalglish, Ed? You just sound bitter tonight, sorry.

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{Ed002's Note - I was making a point - if you were not a dribbling idiot you would understand that. I have nothing to be "bitter" about.}

04 Nov 2015 00:18:35
what are you on about paulo? i mentioned those as i know they were players klopp wanted 100%, he also signed Reus, Hummels, Kagawa, Lewandowski, Aubamayeng, Mkhitaryan etc. etc. so i don't see the point you are trying to make because i clearly didn't even mention his best signings but signings i know he wanted and no commitie or DOF recomended them, he might have signed all the top players as well but i don't know that for certain.

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04 Nov 2015 00:46:22
Noone sees ed002 is here just to get the. banter going. It's class watching when your not involved in an argument with him/her.

I suppose the above is the only way I can except some of the stuff number 2 comes out with because if it isn't staged then. well I don't have an answer for that.

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04 Nov 2015 00:57:08
Calling ...................

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{Ed002's Note - I deleted your post because, quite frankly, you have to be the cretinous knuckle-dragger on the site today. Find someone who can read the post to you - and perhaps explain what the words mean.}

04 Nov 2015 02:03:02
I agree with Alfie11 and to a certain extent Ed002 (I think) .

Why waste time and effort thinking about ex-managers.
Rodgers has gone, his record is there for all to see and can't be changed or re-written.

Onwards and upwards.

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04 Nov 2015 07:24:50
Er, I only asked. In my opinion he left us with a pretty good squad, he just couldn't get them playing in the end. Not the abject failure people here would have you believe. So the transfer committee worked? I think they did in some ways. Thing with buying predominantly younger players is that you have to have patience. Every manager/club in history has made bad signings, look at some of Fergusons and he had an incredible record. I think many of you will be surprised at how little Klopp will do in terms of transfers. The raw materials are there for me, all the rest is propaganda.

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04 Nov 2015 09:30:45
HP: I see what you're saying and my only response is "not many complained about the majority of new signings when they were bought".

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03 Nov 2015 16:47:40
Hi Eds

First time post here. Wondered if you can give me an update on Flanos timescale of return to fitness. The type of player that gives everything he has got. And it would be just like a new signing for us.

Thanks and keep up the Trojan work

Doyler.

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{Ed001's Note - he is expected to be back in full training next month, fingers crossed.}

03 Nov 2015 16:09:52
Eds do u think vardy will move on in jan? What a season so far.

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{Ed001's Note - try the Leicester page for that.}

03 Nov 2015 16:07:46
Ronaldo saying Liverpool bid £5+m for him. I thought it never went that far because Tommo said he show boated to much. Am I correct or is it time to sign myself in Ed001?

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{Ed001's Note - we had the deal all agreed mate, Rick Parry pulled the plug on it, as he said the price was too high for a teenager.}

03 Nov 2015 17:08:29
With regards us failing to sign Ronaldo have there been any other really high profile players we have been about to sign yet inexplicably failed to do so? I seem to remember something about villa and silva but not sure if I made it up.

Cheers.

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{Ed001's Note - there have been hundreds through the years, from Frank Worthington in Shankly's day, right up to the present. Davids Villa and Silva were among them yes.}

03 Nov 2015 17:19:51
Anothet one is Michael Laudrup. Everything was agreed except the length of the contract. He wanted an extra year, then the club called it off.

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03 Nov 2015 17:20:15
Houlier had a choice between cisse and Ronaldo. He is claimed to have said he didn't want to spend x millions of the clubs money on an unproven teenager.

We lost out on simao and Dani alves.

Villa and Silva were identified after the season we came second when we were meant to add and push on but we ended up having a cost effective summer after lol

As ed have said there have been tins over the years and yes Brendan dropped the ball around transfers buts its been far to much over the years.

It feels like were always with everything in the middle market where we are paying top prices but not going for top players. Even are managers we always look at every bit of business as coups and bargains or flops. We don't ever get someone we have no questions over. Klopp or anchelotti for example, we maybe couldn't of got varlo but we have the manager who could go either way instead of the one who just does it. It's the same with players. It is engrained in our dna.

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03 Nov 2015 17:26:18
Seem to remember we could of got Aguero eds was also told he was a pool fan. Mind you every player we have been linked to is a supposed fan.

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03 Nov 2015 18:09:59
Nothing suprises me with rick parry .

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03 Nov 2015 18:14:46
I really don't think being a fan of a club has any bearing on the professionalism of footballers. Fowler Carra and Owen were Everton fans didn't stop them doing their utmost for Lfc. Lambert is a massive fan but it won't stop him trying his best for Villa when next we play them.

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03 Nov 2015 18:19:25
Cantona and Schmeichel were both for the taking during Souness' tenure. Schmeichel even offered to pay for his own fare to come for a trial as he was a Liverpool fan.

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03 Nov 2015 18:34:44
Always been an interesting one with Ronaldo for me. At the time, do you think he would have been given the time to develop at LFC? Always thought one of utd's strengths at that time was they could put these young kids into winning teams and give them time. His first season wasn't exactly mind blowing if I remember and all his step overs etc were a bit infuriating. Utd could afford him time, with us I'm not so sure we wouldn't have all been pinning massive expectations on him and putting him under pressure. Would love to know the eds thoughts on this.

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03 Nov 2015 18:36:17
Pele - according to himself anyway.

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03 Nov 2015 18:59:35
Didn't we want to sign silva if the downing transfer didn't go through or was there these separate events?

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03 Nov 2015 19:01:46
Lamberts not allowed to play for Villa against us.

He plays for WBA.

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03 Nov 2015 19:18:21
No fencey it was Mata and downing apparently. Althought I'm sure one of the eds has put water on that rumour.

It was as far as I know downing chosen over Mata rather than we lost out on Mata and opted for downing.

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04 Nov 2015 06:08:54
It was Payet and Downing, not Mata. Kenny wanted Downing, but Comolli wanted Payet.

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{Ed001's Note - that is crap. Comolli chose the players, he consulted with Kenny, but he was making the decisions based on stats. Downing's stats were excellent and he wanted to join. Payet's stats were just as good, but he had attitude issues and the club were advised against buying him, so a joint decision was taken to target the man desperate to play for us, who had Premier League experience. Mata was a target, I had it confirmed that he would be interested in joining us, by his father, but Chelsea then came in for him and we missed out. It never got any further than interest from us.}

04 Nov 2015 08:06:40
There are lots of funny stories in football like that - Parry didn't want to pay £5m for an unproven teenage Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic telling Wenger that he 'doesn't do trials', West Ham (not sure what manager) telling Shevshenko that he should give up because he's not talented enough to make the grade. plenty of great tales of mistaken judgement of young players.

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03 Nov 2015 14:38:57
Hi Eds and fellow posters,

How do you rate current liverpool squad? and what is the best thing apart from klopp which should help us move forward.

I personally think fitness of benteke and sturridge. I have read in an article that apart from aguero in last 3 years our strike pair has better goals / ratio. other two were suarez and van persie, they are not in EPl now.

Benteke also justifies it with 4 in 8.

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03 Nov 2015 16:06:31
I think the squad is better than the results over the last 12 months suggest. I really hope he gives this lot a good chance to prove themselves. I wish we would get away from this attitude of thinking we can only get better by buying players rather than developing current ones and working on some decent strategies and tactics. We are never going to out pay the big four anyway.
Having said that it does terrify me what happens when Lucas gets suspended or injured. So far Joe Allen hasn’t proved he is up to it, evinced by Klopp subbing him at half time against Rubin.

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03 Nov 2015 19:02:45
I think of we had sturridge and benteke fit for every game from now on we would challenge for the title, but that won't happen. On their days sturridge is up there with aguero or not too far off him, and benteke has proved he is better than most thought, holds the ball up well, helps us mix it up, scores headers can finish.

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03 Nov 2015 12:32:40
Nathanial clyne is right up in the stupid hair cut brigade he looks like chairman Mao.

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03 Nov 2015 14:21:51
Hehe, i always wondered why they insist on these weird haircuts, Look at Sakho's head, or Sterling last year, or Balotelli. Even Emre's hair never moves a mm no matter what he does with his head! Skrtel's haircut is the way to go! ;)

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03 Nov 2015 15:15:41
You must not know about that perm. I think it's very retro, sugar ray robinson -esque. Clyne just has a bit of a forehead/deep hair line combo.
Now Sterling's last year pre-season look was just too much of Prince diamonds and pearls, not a pretty sight that one. As for Skrtel, he just has no choice, same goes for Rossiter. Some people just can't be choosy so have to go clean military cuts, but then again Gerrard did grow out of the boys cut.

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03 Nov 2015 15:18:14
They've got to spend their money on something.

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03 Nov 2015 16:56:26
Maybe it's in the contract, you must have one or all of the following
1. Stupid Haircut
2. Ability to piss around directly in front of your own goal
3. Ability to miss sitters for a sustained period
4. Have no healing capacity at all and be permanently injured
5. If you are half decent use Liverpool as a stepping stone.

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03 Nov 2015 12:07:18
Does anyone else think Henderson will improve under Klopp?

I think the high pressing game will really suit hendo as he has energy to burn.

If we can keep Benteke fit i can see Klopp making him one hell of a striker and hopefully a strike force with Sturridge if the later can stay fit for more than half a season.

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03 Nov 2015 12:28:52
One of Henderson's best attributes is his engine I think the rest of the team will see the captain press at a high intensity and be inspired to do the same, Coutinho and Firmino are doing most the pressing up front at the moment and Lallana, but not every one else always joins in. I think Hendo will come in for Can and get further forward and probably be less wasteful with his passing (Can's passes have gone very awry recently) It would also possibly be nice to see Ibe given a start or more game time as a sub. He's coming out that bad patch of form under brodge and looking much more confident.

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03 Nov 2015 12:43:40
I don't see CAN getting replaced but i do milner being replaced.

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03 Nov 2015 13:12:10
I see Can getting replaced. Milner is currently playing right wing. I would be disappointed if we accommodate Can by sticking Hendo out on the wing. Hendos best position is CM and I would rather him play alongside an experienced Lucas rather than a raw Can. Lucas is 1 of the first names on the team sheets for me.

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03 Nov 2015 13:37:24
Lallana was actually the one with the highest pressing actions in the last game with 35 presses, but he did that with 75% success rate. The best pressing came from Emre with 28 pressing actions with if I recall correctly with a little over 90% success rate. In terms of pressing in packs lallana and firmino pressed together 4 times which was the highest for the team. Lucas pressed a lot but i don't have the numbers for him. Not intended as a criticism for anybody I just want ed0001's take on it, shouldn't the DM hold his postion especially if Emre is pressing like a mad dog to provide cover for the defense like busquets does for Barca. Apart from that, it was our best pressing performance ever barring the tottenham game, but in that game none of our pressing actions resulted in any shots or chances.

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03 Nov 2015 13:38:20
and if anything Hendo should be a straight swap in for Milner not Can.

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03 Nov 2015 13:48:30
Agree that Lucas is a definite starter. But wouldn't take Can out of the team either. I think he's going to come good and be a very influential player going forward. I would take Milner out, put Hendo on the CAM position and move Lallana (Firmino) to RAM, with Coutinho at LAM.

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03 Nov 2015 14:12:03
So we're putting out team leader on the right of a front 3 attacking midfield? I thinktn hat's a poor decision, and he isn't a number 10 for me, we have much better 10's in couts lallana and firmino. The only player I can realistically seeing giving way for Hendo is Can.
we have so many more creative and attacking minded forward players.

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03 Nov 2015 14:27:20
I actually agree Bobatron, Milner will loose his place in the team before Henderson is back, and Henderson in my opinion is our best player. He will replace Can no doubt, Emre still has a lot of work to do to be as good a midfielder as Henderson. If Liverpool made Henderson available trust me you would be shocked at the top teams wanting him. Emre in time will become a very good DM in time i think, just needs to learn from Lucas how to anticipate the play and position himself to always be ready to destroy an attack. Lucas is so underrated its good Klopp knows what he is doing!

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03 Nov 2015 15:35:49
Hendo for Milner 100%. Henderson is best when he is not in CM, as he feels the need to control the tempo too much and that is generally slowing it down to the point where teams aren't even in a rush to get the ball off us. I see no need for Can to be replaced for the sake of keeping Milner at RM and no reason why Henderson should replace Can alongside Lucas. A Midfield with both Milner and Henderson is total torture to watch. Henderson is the midfielder most likely to get on the assist and score sheet and has proved he is way more effective playing a strong role in the attack. He needs to play with a sense of freedom and that is the only role in midfield that gives him that.
The only reason Can should be dropped is if we starting playing 231 instead of the 321 we have been while Henderson is back in the team.

Ibe is good where he is, starting from the bench. It gives our attack another dimension with pace and directness as opposed to having Lallana come off the bench to strike fear into the opposition.

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03 Nov 2015 15:45:13
Echoing a lot of the thoughts here I see Hendo replacing Can, and I hope Firmino will replace Milner in the starting line-up on the right wing. Can off the bench covers three positions ClyneLucas and Hendo and Milner has already proved to be better off the bench when at Manchester City. This scenario improves our first eleven as well as our bench.

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03 Nov 2015 17:06:19
I'd say Henderson should come in for Milner and Can should stay in the side next to Lucas. But I also think it will depend on the quality of the side LFC is facing, and whether Benteke is starting or not. I'm not convinced that Benteke started only in the second half (against Chelsea) entirely because of fitness issues. I think Klopp likes the idea of having 4 midfielders up front, providing a better press than playing with 3 midfielders + 1 striker. If Benteke starts, then I think there is a better balance with Henderson next to Lucas, and Lallana, Coutinho and Firmino. And if Benteke does not start, then Can plays next to Lucas, and Henderson takes Milner's place next to Lallana and Coutinho, with Firmino up front. I see nothing wrong with playing 4 midfielders up front, without a striker, as long as the goals keep coming. Chelsea has done it and won a title, and so has Spain.

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03 Nov 2015 17:54:30
Haych we're not talking about keeping Milner in the team. I don't think any one mentioned that. It's about putting players in their most effective areas. For me I disagree on the ''Henderson is best when not CM, that for me IS when he's at his best, he is not as effective in any of the attacking 3 roles compared to Pipco, Firmino or Lallana for me, even Milner is ahead of him for me wide right.

I am one of those that loved the signing of Can I watched him when he first played deep, and his tering runs up the pitch, but in recent weeks, he's given the ball away cheaply not followed his runner and marked poorly in general and is letting the team down a little in terms of keeping possession. This is why I see him being replaced, not to fit any player in.

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03 Nov 2015 17:57:48
I think Hendo will replace Milns if he's still in the team. Though i suspect Jimmy milns to be dropped if he carries on. He might rotate hendo with Can a bit. Lucas is invaluable atm. You can't really get all 3 unless you play a 4 3 3 i think. we know klopp likes 4231. I can't see Hendo or can playing in a wide role either!

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04 Nov 2015 00:22:35
If you want to play the full high press system, then Hendo and Can who are superb athletes are the ones to come with Lucas holding. Milner? The less said, the better.

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03 Nov 2015 12:01:22
On the recent subject of coutinho I think I have a theory. When we play slow full football coutinho plays dull and boring, can't pick passes and resorts to shooting lots. When we play fast pressing football, coutinho comes alive, more runners make space and provide better options to pass to. His goals were from be edge of the box not 25 plus yards, and how many shots as he had from less than 20 yards in the last 5 or so games? Our best two performances have been a half against Arsenal and Chelsea, and coutinho was great in both, and we pressed high and played well, like its hand in hand.

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03 Nov 2015 15:58:42


the problem for me is how we play once both sturridge and hendo are fit . it would be very difficult to chose first team . and can milner lallana will be out i believe because hendo lucas couts and firmino just need to be in the first team and sturiddge and benteke surely means goals. also it translates to a very strong bench, with likes of lallana milner can ibe and i guess lovren on it. so any which way i look at things LFC should get top 4 atleast . on paper it is a very very strong team.

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03 Nov 2015 18:43:59
I said it weeks ago, when Couts is playing bad WE don't WIN! He turned up at the bridge and we won.

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03 Nov 2015 18:45:23
I think Coutinho plays best when he hasn't got time to think about what to do with the ball. When he's being closed down, he relies on instinct and usually gets the better of his opponent. When he's got time on the ball, it's like his brain farts and he just goes route one.

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03 Nov 2015 19:06:50
He gets more time on the ball when we are playing well and press high, and can influence the game higher up the pitch.

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03 Nov 2015 11:33:08
I don't want to get ahead of myself too much after our last performance but with a similar team to what we had against Chelsea where do we see hendo playing if we had a similar formation.

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03 Nov 2015 11:54:02
He could come in for milner on the right or can. Ideally you'd want a more natural wide player out there, which we lack.

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03 Nov 2015 12:00:31
In place of Milner/Can. Much depends on what Klopp feels he needs in the middle. 3 CM or 2 CM with one aditional attacker. I feel he would play similar to Dortumand with Lucas being our Bender and Henderson doing the Gundagaon.

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03 Nov 2015 14:02:31
Doing the Gundogan sounds like a hip, new dance.

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03 Nov 2015 09:34:28
Hello everybody. New to this page. I've actually commented on here a few times, but that was a long time ago so I'm more recycled than knew I suppose. I'd just like to say WELCOME TO ANFIELD JURGEN KLOPP!

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{Ed001's Note - your avatar didn't upload mate, sorry.}

03 Nov 2015 14:27:27
As long as we have a world class manager now, its cool Ed. Nothing seems to piss me off these days :) Ed, I know you're busy and such but please make time for one question on my part. Are you enjoying the downfall of Chelsea as much as I am? I am absolutely loving it tbh.

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03 Nov 2015 06:39:49
KLOPP: I know it's early days but I must say that Klopp's passion is infectious. As a former player he knows what the players are going through and can relate to them. I love the way he hugs and high fives ALL the players. It irks me when managers just want to buy new players instead of working with what we have. If you can motivate your players you can get the best out of them! I am generalising a bit with that last comment but 11v11 is quite simple if you break it down - who is hungrier, more determined, more focused, more passionate, more "never say die" attitude, etc? Those players will win you games!

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03 Nov 2015 08:44:27
Scruffy

You're correct in what you're getting at but if you can get a better quality off player and get them hungrier and more determined then you're laughing.

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03 Nov 2015 12:37:40
100%.

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03 Nov 2015 05:49:01
Ed001 do you think leicester can last the pace and finish in the top 4 come the end of the season. To be honest I would not be surprised if they did. Injuries to key players is the only thing that can derail them imo.

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{Ed001's Note - maybe not the top 4, this season. I do expect them to be in and around European places though and to invest with the aim of breaking into the top 4.}

03 Nov 2015 08:13:17
I would be shocked if they finish in the top 8.

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03 Nov 2015 08:35:25
They will drop off like Southampton did last year, it happens year in year out.

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03 Nov 2015 09:35:31
They are this year swansea/Southampton.

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03 Nov 2015 09:51:00
Depends if Vardy keeps banging in goals every game. They can't defend, so if they dry up so will the points.

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03 Nov 2015 09:59:27
I remember Hull and Blackpool being top 4 at this time of year.

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03 Nov 2015 11:54:31
Happens all the time, whether it be Swansea, Southampton, Newcastle, Hull, Leicester or whoever. After January/February the cream starts to the rise to the top while they slide back down the table.

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03 Nov 2015 13:05:37
Think a lot of you are both:

1. Underestimating the ability in that team - they have some very, very talented players in there in the prime of their career. And a very experienced manager as well.

2. Overestimating the ability of the top teams in the league - no-one looks convincing for more than a few games on the trot and everyone is dropping points on a regular basis.

They won't be there but they won't be far either - neither will West Ham. 4-10 will be a lot closer than usual.

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02 Nov 2015 22:27:18
Ed001 what are your thoughts on Tottenham this season and where do you think they will finish in the league?

Also what do you see as realistic targets for this season for us?

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{Ed001's Note - depends on injuries and the January window, as they still don't have enough forwards and are relying on Kane. They are a solid team, a good defensive base to build on and should be very much in the top 4 shake up.

For us, the only realistic target is to challenge for the top 4.}

03 Nov 2015 06:04:43
And a cup I would say.

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03 Nov 2015 06:11:18
They are a decent team for me, Nothing more. They have a stable CB pairing and a good keeper.

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03 Nov 2015 09:25:50
Are you sure Harry? I remember you extolling the virtues of Eriksen, Soldado, Chadli, Dembele, and Lamela, and saying that if Spurs replaced Bale with these players, they will win the league, and you mocking Silva, Aguero etc when Spurs got these players.

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03 Nov 2015 09:34:36
Harry they are much much more than that, They have for me one of Europ's top up and coming managers, they have a creative attacking midfielder who is brilliant on a dead ball in Eriksen, and can pick out a pass, not only that but his link up play at times with Kane is sensational, Kane is also a brilliant prospect coming off the back of a great 2015 season, and they have just strengthened their attacking department with Son who can play pretty much anywhere in the forward half, and have a brilliant young deep mid in Mason who can tackle and make a pass, and if required go forward and create.
The only place they lack depth and atm true quality is out wide. I don't think lamela has come close to fulfilling his potential, and chadli is out injured.

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{Ed001's Note - Son is a brilliant player for their system, and Lamela is finally showing why I thought he would be a good signing for them. His technique and skill is excellent but he did really struggle with the physical aspect of the English league at first.}

03 Nov 2015 10:37:07
Deli Ali seems to be doing well for them as well.

I would be suprised if they were not challenging for top 4 spot this season, they seem to be playing pretty well so far.

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03 Nov 2015 11:25:56
Mason and Bentaleb are sensationally Average top 6 finish I'd expect.

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03 Nov 2015 12:03:06
There team is incredibly young, i can't even think of a player in midfield or attack apart from Dembele over 24/25.

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{Ed001's Note - youngest squad in the Prem.}

03 Nov 2015 14:36:55
I actually like Chadli and think he is very underrated. Mason is overrated but hey he is English so no wonder there, Bentaleb is just as overrated, Dembele i really like, Dele Alli as well is brilliant for a 19 year old, who i though we had a long long interest in. Alderweireld and Vertongen are solid but Walker and Rose are headless chickens and this will be controvertial but i really think Lloris is overrated! Eriksen is decent but he is no Coutinho, Lamela still is nothing special imo, Son will probably become Spurs best player! Harry Kane is good but he is no Sturridge or dare i say Benteke. Then they have a lot of very very average players, Davies, Trippier, Townsend, Vorm, Fazio, Wimmer. I don't know about Dier, some games he looks solid others he looks lost, but he is young. Overall i think there squad is more balanced than ours, but we have more quality i feel apart from the GK and RCB.

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