Liverpool Banter Archive March 04 2016

04 Mar 2016 21:39:11
Hello Buttercup (Ed's 001). I know how upsetting it would be for you to see Migs leave seeing as your practically family and all but who would you replace him with if Migs were to hyperthetically leave? Personally I think Stephan Henchoz would be a great shout, he won us a cup final with some amazing saves against Arsenal. Ed's002 if your around who would you sign as a hypothetical Migs replacement?

{Ed002's Note - See previous answers about the GK I think Liverpool should be looking at - but I am not so sure Mignolet will be leaving - but Bogdan will.}

04 Mar 2016 22:23:06
We're going to need a bigger bus 😄.

04 Mar 2016 20:51:07
Good chat I enjoyed the opinion of fellow posters. I guess it's a catch 22. The young players need playing time except it's hard to afford them that. Can't see how just making them part of the squad to fill in the gaps and play the occasional cup game will develop them at all. On the flip side I don't think that you can start many, if any, of them. As most don't look good enough.

In your opinions what young players do you feel have the potential to make the grade at Liverpool?

For me I would say Gomez, Ibe, maybe Ojo, maybe Stewart (thought he impressed before injury) and then I'd like to see more of Brannagan before judging.

04 Mar 2016 22:52:58
not too fussed on ibe. big year for him next season.

05 Mar 2016 02:44:33
This has nothing to do with the post apart from when I read the catch 22 bit, I thought how funny that our number 22 can't catch.

04 Mar 2016 18:14:13
A lot of people seem to be suggesting we play Moreno left mid. My question is why? His crossing is inconstistent, and not exactly clinical, he's just quick. The only bonus would be his fitness and he'll be good at defending for a left mid. Why not just play a young winger there and not a makeshift winger, ie Ibe markovic (if he stays) ojo for example.

04 Mar 2016 18:28:59
I don't argue about Moreno but Markovich and Ibe are not an upgrade on him and at leat Markovich prefer to play on the right I think.

04 Mar 2016 18:30:08
Id try Moreno on the wing at least for the remainder of this season.

Going forward his speed is something we are lacking at present and going forward and he can give the opposition problems.

Take away the need for him to track back and defend and I think he could do well.

04 Mar 2016 18:42:08
Not sure how he would give the opposition problems, to be honest. I'd just let him run with the ball and inevitably turn it over or fire in a harmless cross.

04 Mar 2016 18:57:25
how will moreno get a place up top when ibe can't even get a game. I expect the bubble to keep bursting till klopp finally realises who his best players are. At this point players like ibe must have zero confidence especially when he sees his mate sterling playing regularly for man city, and he can't even get into an average liverpool side.

04 Mar 2016 19:31:53
Question for so called Wiseryan. Who would you like to see as manager of lfc then? You seem to be a massive expert and I presume you know more about football than Klopp.

04 Mar 2016 19:56:24
Ojo and ibe will benefit from the game time more, especially if it's just for this season as you say.

04 Mar 2016 20:08:51
Wiseryan - he got many chances and did very little with them. Zero goals and one assist in 34 league games over the last two seasons is a pretty bad statistics. Raheem Sterling scored 7 goals last season and 9 the year before. This is why he was bought for 50M and this is why he plays in City (though I don't think he justify his price and he still doesn't score or create a lot) . Ibe has been one of our weakest players over the last two years and I will not be surprised if he will go in the summer. Nothing to do with confidence just very one dimentional player with poor decision making.

{Ed001's Note - glad you aren't the manager with that kind of assessment, Cristiano Ronaldo was a useless show pony for the first few years of his career. The difference was he was given time and good coaching. You would have thrown him away after his first season with that kind of thinking. Fans like you are why Ibe lacks confidence.}

04 Mar 2016 20:15:30
Does moreno in a front 3 or as part of the attackig trio behind a striker really make you excited? Not me. He is a terrible terrible defender at left back, why do people think he'll do any better defending when based further up the pitch? His redeeming "skill" is his pace, that's about it.

And as some others have said his crossing is erratic. Lauded a few weeks ago for creating th most chances in our team. bur honestly, if you think back, how many of those do you remember as moments where we scored or even almost scored!?

04 Mar 2016 20:22:02
I know our front 4 is interchangeable but Coutinho normally plays from the left, which is probably his best position, so what do people suggest doing with Coutinho if Moreno plays left wing?

04 Mar 2016 21:17:34
I hope you mean when you said on the wing . that's the wing of a plane . shocking player goes forward losses ball turn around flicks his hair then walks back into position . get rid only IMO.

04 Mar 2016 21:34:43
sorry, I forgot klopp is incapable of making mistakes. He wasnt a fan like us who watch our players each week. Its taken him time to recognise who's quality. he's been manager for about 6 months now. In that time he has iced benteke which I commend. But he's put faith in players I don't agree with because he believes workrate ousts player's with a bit better quality. I feel this leads to an unbalanced average team selection.

When our quality players our fit we look a lot better, but we could still be better. I don't believe in playing a bunch of midfeilders unless they're absolute quality. While I really like continho and firmino, I wouldn't play both at the same time, not when origi, ibe and sturridge are available. clyne and moreno would hardly get a game. I would also replace milner with allen, just ahead of hendo and can. allen is a really creative guy and also breaks up play really well. I know workrate might drop a bit, but the team suddenly becomes a lot more dangerous in my opinion, and workrate becomes less important in our performance. flano, sakho, lovren, clyne is probs our best back four for now. I would replace clyne but I would stick with some consistency for the time being. having players like Skrtel, smith, milner, lucas, lallana, continho/ firmino, Ibe/ origi are good options for resting players. good competition to figure out who's first choice. eventually, I would move players on and use the younger players as competition.

As for sterling, he played every game. he had all the confidence in the world, down to his managers faith in him and his own self belief no matter how bad he played. he even played striker for a while too. I think sterling knows his limitations and plays to his strengths when he can, he has good decision making but lacks the intelligence to be a real game changer, coupled with the fact he lacks ability too. The reason decision making is harder for ibe is because he's actually thinking of ways to go past a player and create chances all the time while sterling always chooses the safe option because he knows he's incapable, ability wise and intelligence wise, so he naturally makes less mistakes. I believe ibe given that same chance as sterling being striker, he would be able to adapt and make us much more dangerous, a lot more than I can say for sterling, I barely consider him a good winger/ attacking mid tbh. I think Ibe has pace and power like sterling but with a lot more intelligence. he's also slighlty better ability wise too. Right now ibe is clearly lacking confidence. so yeah, the reason sterling got goals was because he was playing with suarez, sturridge. and in his second season, he was practically our striker. I have a feeling Ibe will shine at another club were he feels wanted, eventually getting a move to a bigger club and he will be a one who got away. It kinda already looks like he wants out tbh.

04 Mar 2016 22:02:51
A stupid suggestion and even more silly argument if I'm honest, ibe will improve hugely over the summer and hopefully Moreno moved on and as for markovic honestly I would prefer to see him sold and wish him the best as he's a decent player but not the standard we need, we need a better winger than him.

04 Mar 2016 23:10:42
Why suddenly, are people trying to push a pathetic excuse of a defender in Moreno forward? The guy is nothing but a true headless chicken who can't shoot, can't cross, can't tackle and can't even head a ball for fear of getting his hair or makeup messed up. They guy is pants and needs to get gone instead pushed forward to do what exactly, no one knows.

04 Mar 2016 19:01:18
At best Ibe has been bad all season, no where near as good as sterling.

04 Mar 2016 21:26:02
That's my point really ed, what's the point in keep playing a player who probably won't last with us, especially at left mid when we can give the time to Ibe or ojo who will benefit more and produce more probably.

{Ed001's Note - to allow Smith to gain experience. Moreno is here for the season, putting him in a different position showcases versatility which increases sale value as well. I have seen people suggest Milner, but Milner is playing well because he has freedom to roam, why would you want to take that off him?}

05 Mar 2016 04:25:44
There is so much Milner bashing. He has done a really good job on the whole for us throughout the season, consistent solid performances. He has the experience we want on and off the pitch. Seeing as we don't really have good natural wide players I am not against sometimes playing Moreno up there with Smith in behind, especially if you want to give Coutinho some rest time.
The suggestion that Ibe has been bad is ridiculous. Last year most people were saying he had a better future than Sterling in the longer term due to his directness and powerful running. He clearly needs coaching time, guidance and game time, just as Ronaldo and Sterling had.

{Ed001's Note - not sure I would use Sterling as an example, he has done nothing over the last two seasons. Being hooked at half time was just a cumulation of repeatedly poor performances. Ibe has had coaching guidance, spending the summer working with Kenny Dalglish not least of that. The issue is that it takes time for the coach's guidance to become a natural movement. Sometimes it can just be a case of it suddenly clicking out of the blue, when a player finally understands exactly what the coach has been saying and why. Ronaldo is an excellent example, as is Neymar. Both showed real improvement all of a sudden after years of offering little. They were both just show ponies until it clicked and they suddenly realised that a trick should always have a purpose to it, not be for the sake of it. For Neymar it happened when Messi was out injured and he was forced to take responsibility. Ibe, I believe, is of a similar ilk, he needs the responsibility to bring out the best in him.}

05 Mar 2016 09:18:29
Ed001 I so agree with you on ibe think there is a sensational powerful player inside him and I do think if klopp can play him up top central it will push his development on no end. With all the bashing he gets no wonder his head drops when he misplaces a pass etc it's not helping I often wonder when us fans changed from supporting young players on the pitch to moaning and groaning during a game it's disapointting. Ed can you remember when it changed for example when Jamie carragher broke into the first team the support he got was first class and he learnt very quickly now at the games especially at home it's all groans it really pisses me off
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - seriously? Carra got a lot of stick mate.}

05 Mar 2016 09:30:42
Rose tinted glasses maybe but you know what I mean it's just groan and moaning rrrrrrrrrrr
Up the pool.

05 Mar 2016 11:03:40
if I remember rightly carra started his career in midfield and got plenty of stick, not sure which manager decided to play him in defence, I think he started at right back before he became a centre half.

{Ed001's Note - he did play a few times in midfield for the first team. Scored against Villa if I remember rightly from there.}

04 Mar 2016 15:32:14
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Belgium Hit By Match Fixing Allegations, Drogba Refuses To Play On Artificial Turf, Greek Cup Cancelled And More

04 Mar 2016 16:46:51
Manchester United want to create "a wall of white"?
More like a wall of $hite. Haha.

04 Mar 2016 14:00:43
Anyone else feels bad for Lucas he's being are best player under kloop.

04 Mar 2016 14:09:16
Why what's happened to him?

{Ed001's Note - injured out for 5 to 6 weeks.}

04 Mar 2016 14:26:21
Anyone know what the craic wit Rossiter is? was due to be back weeks ago!

04 Mar 2016 15:40:28
He'll be missed against Man Utd.

I think we've got enough to take palace though 😎.

04 Mar 2016 16:16:37
Rossiter is still injured I believe, Klopp mentioned he was still out before the Villa game so I assume he is still not fully fit.

04 Mar 2016 11:47:26
Next season with the potential of two from Sturridge, Ings, and Origi playing up front which I think could be potent I have a problem with trying to accommodate Courtinio and Firminio. they are not wide players and both have a tendency to move to the centre which deprives us of width. I am just fantacising but it will be very interesting trying visualise our attack formation next season always assuming full retutn to fitness for Ings and sturridge.

04 Mar 2016 12:07:54
If you consider the front 6 I see Hendo, Can, Couts, Firmino and Studge being 5 of the preferred starters. If we do buy a class winger they'd be the 6th. That leaves Grujic, Milner, Lallana, Ibe, Origi and Ings rotating in and out of the team depending on injuries and fixture congestion.

04 Mar 2016 12:40:49
Lucas would be the sixth - especially if we want someone who can win the ball and communicate.

04 Mar 2016 13:59:44
Kloop likes playing 1 up top so it leaves 3 behind the st.

04 Mar 2016 14:19:26
If you go by Klopp's team selections then Lucas won't be in the front six, since Hendo's return Lucas has only started when Hendo, Milner or Couts hasn't been available. He may be the first reserve for CM, I should have included him in the squad players.

04 Mar 2016 14:20:22
Diamond would be best formation :
Firmino at the tip, Coutinho on the left of midfield, Hendo on the right of midfield and Lucas or Can as DM.
Sturridge and Ings/ Origi up top.

At the end of the day we need to be flexible and adaptable with our formations and tactics - almost like "total football"

04 Mar 2016 16:13:17
I also feel Adam Lallana will feature massively.

04 Mar 2016 16:43:36
Why not Origi up top with the three behind as Sturridge and the Brazilians? Mouth watering stuff for me!

04 Mar 2016 20:21:38
Its not really a case of yougsters taking us to glory, but looking at established first-teamers on high wages ruining the season so some fans thinking f*** it throw on the kids! But seriously, what's the point in an academy if we're not using it.

04 Mar 2016 12:05:16
That's a really good point mate. The club did struggle under Rodgers for the same reason. Trying to accommodate very player in which ever positions available.
I wouldn't push Firmino wide. He should be paired up with one striker up top Simple. Else it's a waste of talent.
Same goes with Lallana. You could only play one of Lallana or Coutinho.

04 Mar 2016 10:41:05
Hey ed02,
the update you provided about the players we are monitoring was greatly appreciated!
However, do you have any info, or could you make an educated guess, which positions will be considered a priority for the summer? Thus far, the only clear indications for the Klopp himself are that a wide player will be sought after - though I would think that Lazar Marcovic could fill that particular need.
Secondly, could post the list of players that YOU would add to Liverpool, had you been in charge?

Greatly appreciated!

{Ed002's Note - I am not so sure that I could prioritise in to an order they will be looking to do business but Liverpool will seek a goalkeeper to replace Bogdan, they are certainly looking at wide players and have persisted in looking at left backs. Much of what happens will be dependent on players leaving - for example, if the club do want to add Subotic or someone similar, and with Matip arriving, then at least one from Sakho, Wisdom, Lovren, Skrtel or Ilori needs to leave with Toure. I don't see any future for Ilori and the club is still overloaded at centre back. In midfield Henderson, Can, Lucas, Milner, Stewart, Allen, Brannagan, Rossiter and Chrivella are going to be joined by Grujic where typically only two will get a start. Again - massively overloaded. As for the players I would suggest - all available but none looked at by Liverpool, Begovic (G), Gaya (LB), Diawara (DM), Ousmane Dembele (W).}

04 Mar 2016 11:48:03
Thanks, ed! Would that be Gaya of Valencia? I thought he was rather overpriced.

{Ed002's Note - They don't want to sell - hence pricing him out of a move.}

04 Mar 2016 13:37:46
Gaya has looked like a really good lb when I have seen him play and still young.

04 Mar 2016 10:16:29
I see couthino has been selected for the upcoming WC qualifiers but no sign of firminio. Does this surprise anyone as I think he has been very good lately. 7 goals in 6 or something along those lines. Personally I only see Brazil having Neymar ahead of him.

04 Mar 2016 10:44:05
And Douglas Costa.

04 Mar 2016 12:08:12
Brazil's squad continues to be heavily influenced by sponsors and it's more about profile than actual ability.

04 Mar 2016 13:14:11
The fact that Firmino didn`t make it but Kaka (Yes, a 35 yr old Kaka playing in MLS), Hulk and a 35 yr old Ricardo Oliveira made it should tell you all you need to know about that shambolic manner in which they pick players based on sponsors.

04 Mar 2016 14:59:41
We are fortunate that Coutinho and Firmino are not involved in the Brazil setup right now. Much prefer them fit and healthy for the run down.

04 Mar 2016 05:55:28
Hi Eds,

Everyone believes that moreno's liverpool life almost ended after cup final.

He is certainly not fit to be LB. What abt switching to left wing, .

Familiar with left wing, quick, good shooting capability, need to work on crosses.

Plus we do not have any wingers. We have recently seen that players in bale and bale improved their game playing as wingers. Also he can assist another LB in defense. If you want Ill remove defense line for sure.

Your thoughts?

{Ed001's Note - he can't pass, cross or shoot....}

04 Mar 2016 06:52:17
Rather get rid of him tbh. Like Ed001 said, he does not fit the criteria for any of a winger's necessary qualities like passing or crossing, so why bother? We have Ibe, Ojo, Kent, markovic and possibly a new wide player arriving in the summer, so Moreno is not needed any more. Had really high hopes when he first came, but probably the biggest disappointment after Balo in our 2014/ 15 spending spree.

{Ed001's Note - the only reason I would consider it until the end of the season, is so we can blend Smith in and give him some protection while he gains experience. If Smith is not seen as the long term answer, then I would get Moreno a defensive coach and make him work with him every day until he either gets it or is sold.}

04 Mar 2016 07:08:10
any idea what's they currently think of smith ed001? haven't seen him in awhile.

klopp has had some time with smith already maybe any initial thoughts?

{Ed001's Note - the worry is over his defending. They want him to be better at that.}

04 Mar 2016 07:14:06
That is very good point ed, smith is also a prospect and can be blended well in with that approach. When 20 mil is paid on a player, he must have some qualities and should play in multiple position with ease. LB is not the position that suits moreno right now, but with his pace LW could.

04 Mar 2016 09:40:27
Moreno has only himself to blame for where he is right now. He was bloody good in Spain. He bears a man and reach the byline but that's it nowadays. The lack intelligence is his problem.

Now moving to left wing? Y should you even think about that? Let's buy a genuine LW who possess the attributes of a winger. Until summer give Ojo a run, Afte all the kid is a winger.

04 Mar 2016 09:03:28
Tbh Ed001,if Smith needs someone on his flank helping him out with his defensive duties, i would rather it was Milner than Moreno. Not convinced Moreno and Smith will work well together.

04 Mar 2016 12:44:19
If moreno can't defend at left back what makes you think he could defend on the left wing? Again i'd rather, if push comes to shove, that milner was the one covering moreno, even if he has also been poor but he would provide the cover smith needs.

04 Mar 2016 13:21:31
Moreno is aweful at everything he does. Check the penalty he gave away when he fouled Naismith TWICE in the same play. There as so many things wrong in that sequence alone that it`s too painful to describe. That sequence alone summarizes how aweful he is. In addition, He can`t and won`t head a ball to save his life. He`s the only defender I`ve ever seen or played against that will jump for a ball and either not head it or deliberately dock even when he has leverage to do so because he`s afraid to get his hair messed up. I`ve played against women recreationally here in the States, with more bottle than him as defenders. The guy needs to get gone and I think the Cup final was the last straw.

05 Mar 2016 02:00:30
Dude the only reason why Moreno is a fullback is because he's a failed winger. That's the mentality these days- if he can't play wing, just shove him back to fullback and hope for the best. Like ed001 said, he can't shoot, pass or cross; not to mention that his decision making is terrible.

03 Mar 2016 23:46:09
Eds, Does Allan inclusion in Brazil U20 team help in getting a work visa?

{Ed002's Note - Certainly.}

04 Mar 2016 02:01:05
Can anyone explain the problems regarding visa and work permits that happened to a number of players?

{Ed002's Note - There are certain criteria that need to be met in order for a non-EU citizen to qualify for a work permit to play in England. Right now Allen and Awoniyi do not qualify.}

04 Mar 2016 10:44:41
suggest you search for "the situation with work permits is" - then you will find an Ed002 description of the English work permit criteria. (Although how these are different from country to country within the EU I do not know. )

{Ed002's Note - It has recently changed to a points based system in England so I should update it. It varies considerably across other EU nations and some individual countries already impose local limits, e.g. Italy by a quota system for purchases outside of the Italian league. Spain has the Cotonou Agreement where African and Caribbean players are not counted against non-EU quotas (due to the Kolpak ruling), Ukraine limits non homegrown players on the pitch to seven etc..}

03 Mar 2016 07:27:05


Couple of points from the game.

Lallana is not a wide player and would never suit in the flanks. Plays centrally and play good. You ll have to drop one of Coutinho / Lallana for the overall balance of the team.

Milner was good in fact one of his better performance.

Toure - Comng to form at the wrong end of his career may be. Top class performance considering his age and the opposition.

Clybe - Poor and I mean it. Navas enjoyed plenty of freedom down his side and had some decent crises for Aguero as well. Out of position and never looked comfortable.

Firmino - his touch is world class and that's his position ( Natural striker and free flowing role up top ) . I would drop Sturridge further and play Firmino up top ( Sturridge take too much time on the ball trying a lot more tricks and flicks )

So same team, Same opposition different tactics different results. Klopp learned the lesson of shedding the shitty possession based and slow build up football to much high press, move around the ball quick and the result is evident.

On to the next game and let's be consistent.

04 Mar 2016 03:29:02
Firmino a more natural striker than Sturridge? Hmm, where to start. nah, can't be bothered.

04 Mar 2016 07:18:51
Sturridge is our best striker.
It is unlikely that we can sign anyone as good without Champions League qualification.

If we can keep him fit, he plays.

04 Mar 2016 07:45:20
Sturridge is a better finisher than Firmino. When both are fit, Sturridge will score more goals any day of the week. The man has been out for 2 years almost, he needs to clear the cobwebs in his head.

04 Mar 2016 07:45:56
I do agree that on occasions that Sturridge does tend to want to hold onto the ball more than he should, especially when there is a simple ball on.

04 Mar 2016 09:44:03
There is no doubt that sturridge is greedy but he is also our best finisher.