Liverpool Banter Archive February 07 2018

07 Feb 2018 22:59:20
Ed's, do we have any interest in .......

{Ed002's Note - These are simply random players.}

07 Feb 2018 20:48:40
On the Christian Pulisic debate, an acquaintance of mine who is well into MLS and a huge fan of Seattle Sounders, has told me that Alphonso Davies is better than Pulisic.

He's a 17 year old Canadian striker/ winger, who plays for Vancouver. Never seen him play but that's what his Wikipedia says 😂

Seriously though, i really like Pulisic as a player but he is a Man United fan and i will predict that is where he'll end up for a few seasons before he goes to Real Madrid (who love a good marketing ploy) .

07 Feb 2018 21:21:30
We'll see. Was it Carra and/ or Owen there were Everton fans?

07 Feb 2018 21:53:25
I think it must feel different when you come through an academy with a club, DiB.

I get the impression CP wants a United move. I'd still take him at Liverpool, but i don't think it will happen, is all.

08 Feb 2018 02:09:14
big difference looking at great player for Vancouver and one playing for Dortmund.

07 Feb 2018 19:03:57
{Ed's Note - MK Scouser has posted a new article entitled, Jordan Henderson - 'The Midfield Engine That Could'

07 Feb 2018 19:16:54
Henderson moves a bit funny but that does not take away the fact that he will bleed for his team.

If he was not as injury prone the we very well might have seen the next Xabi.

07 Feb 2018 19:46:52
Next Xabi? Seriously? Hendo could only wish that he could pass a ball like Xabi. I like Henderson, a lot but let's not go overboard.

07 Feb 2018 19:49:24
What a absolute fantastic read Adam brilliant mate. I love Hendo alway's did.

07 Feb 2018 19:55:26
To be fair max, i don't think we'll ever see another midfielder like Alonso. He was the best midfielder on the planet in a generation which included Pirlo, Xavi, Iniesta, Lampard, Scholes, Gerrard, Ballack and Schweinsteiger.

Xabi was special. Henderson is a top player in my opinion, but Alonso was truly world class whatever your definition of that term is.

07 Feb 2018 19:57:07
Thanks Barry, glad you liked it. I wrote it on request. I think it was Welsh Red? Hope whoever requested it enjoys it either way!

Sorry it took a while. It's the longest one I've ever written 😂.

07 Feb 2018 20:45:40
Alonso better than Scholes?

07 Feb 2018 21:00:53
Alonso won a world cup and was the main man in the best international midfield in history (Iniesta, Alonso, Xavi)

Scholes couldn't get into England's midfield ahead of Gerrard and Lampard. Case closed.

Scholes was class, but Alonso was just as good at passing, but far better at tackling and reading the game.

07 Feb 2018 21:02:36
Absolutely brilliant that MK, thank you mate.

07 Feb 2018 21:05:02
Fantastic read that MK. I don’t comment much mainly as I prefer to read through but I am definitely in the fan base to support hendo. I have to defend him enough in work to explain this but you are spot on in the sense of playing the carrick role. Utd with him were like lions. Without they were kittens and they still miss him now. I am all for hendo and really hope with keita coming in. He is intelligent and hopefully he will match hendo on the field to become another engine in the works.

Keep it up and look forward to the next one. Can I pop in a request and you do one for firmino, magic feet.

07 Feb 2018 21:07:43
Iniesta and Xavi are both better than Alonso MK.

07 Feb 2018 21:14:48
Alonso made the game look too easy. When a player does not need speed to look good, you know they have that perfect read where they always seem to be in the right position.

07 Feb 2018 21:19:38
Scholes was class truly class but Alonso was exceptional, just a fantastic elegant player who stood out in all the teams he played for. Only player I see in a similar mold is Julian Weigl of Dortmund but not to say he is at his level now or ever will be but the boy is special.

07 Feb 2018 21:25:37
I think Iniesta is definitely a worthy debate Cobra. He was just as special. Xavi though? Not in Alonso's league for me. Awesome player, but Alonso and Iniesta were genius. I'd definitely entertain a debate that Iniesta is better. He could dribble way better than Alonso ever could, but Alonso read the game better and had a much better shot on him.

Agreed Taurus. Alonso was unreal.

Thank you Salah and SI09. I'll add a review of Firmino to the list but i haven't followed his career as closely as Henderson's so it won't be this detailed. I have no knowledge of Firmino prior to his last season playing for Hoffenheim!

07 Feb 2018 21:30:23
The main man ahead of Iniesta. Now I'm lost. But then again, "case closed" on a subjective matter.

07 Feb 2018 21:31:51
Good read that MK, I'm a fan of Henderson also and think we miss him when he doesn't play . I also think having pacey players in front suits his passing range, I've noticed he loves playing a half volley dipping ball into the attacking third which Salah and Manè thrive from .

07 Feb 2018 21:41:54
Yeah that'd be a good read if you could do one from what you know of Firmino mate, looking forward to that, keep em coming :)

07 Feb 2018 22:00:44
Scholes was a brilliant at passing, fantastic, but he was always close to a sending off cos he was so bad at tackling, if anything, the fact that he was playing for united saved him so many times .
Alonso for me, any day of the week .

07 Feb 2018 22:06:03
nice article MK mainly agree with all that you mentioned I’m not convinced he should be captain, though alternatives are limited and mainly due to injuries I can see him being replaced or upgraded in the next few windows.

07 Feb 2018 22:08:50
How is it subjective that Scholes couldn't get into the England midfield? Scholes retired because he couldn't get into England's midfield. For the record, i actually think he was a better central midfielder than Gerrard and Lampard, who were both better behind a striker.

However, Alonso kept Busquets, Fabregas and David Silva out of the Spain team. He was also top scorer for the national side during the Del Bosque era at one stage, mostly from set pieces. He played bang in the middle of the team. Xavi and Iniesta played either side of Alonso, and Alonso pulled all the strings. He was unreal. None of England's best midfielders in recent football history would have even got into that Spain team, and Alonso was the main man in it!

I'm not saying you're not allowed to prefer Scholes, or that you're wrong in saying he was better. All I'm saying is Alonso bossed a world cup winning team and he also won the Champions league with 3 separate teams, including a bang average Liverpool team. Scholes played in a totally domestically dominant team and never really lived up to expectation on the big European stage, or internationally. He folded when he didn't have his own comfort zone of being able to get away with shocking tackles because refs were scared of Fergie, and playing against teams too scared to attack him because of the United dominance. I still think he was a true great of modern football, just not as good as Alonso because he couldn't do it on the biggest stage for his country and had a rash side to his game that Alonso didn't have. Alonso was always in control. Scholes was a nutter who could play a 90 yard diagonal with his eyes closed.

07 Feb 2018 22:10:08
Thanks liddelland. I agree, Henderson is better when he has runners ahead of him.

07 Feb 2018 22:14:33
I think you are spot on Happy to be a Red. Alonso for me too, fir the reasons you said.

Cheers Squizza. If injuries persist, i agree with you about phasing him out. Hopefully he is over them for good though. He's well in course to make 40 appearances for the first time in 3 years so fingers crossed!

07 Feb 2018 22:20:26
MK, funny you brought this article in. I was just watching our games vs Arsenal and City in that brilliant 13/ 14 season and how much I would kill to get that Hendo back. He was simply amazing. Having runners like SASAS (Suarez, Studge and Sterling with Cou alongside him) was a joy to watch cos as you say, he is great with runners ahead of him. I know that player is still there somewhere BUT his injuries have slowed him down.

I always knew the guy had the temperament to play for a big club when he told BR to do one when he tried to fget shot of him to Fulham in favor of his "son" Allen who is a third of the player Hendo is. People say he passes sideways as if that is some kind of indictment. It is only an indictment to those who according to Ed01, "lack the footballing intelligence to discuss the Hendo topic" if that is his only flaw. Also, comparing him to SG is another dishonest argument which should always be ignored when discussing Hendo. I love the guy and we miss him way more in midfield when he is not there for the most part.

07 Feb 2018 23:55:38
Yes that would've been me MK I asked for it haha, I have to say an absolutely fantastic read from start to finish, brilliant facts and absolutely spot on about Henderson, from start of his career to finish. You were right about him being criminally underrated as well, our title challenge really faltered in '14 without him, his quick passing could have been a major help against the Chelsea bus. Be careful Adam about being too good, you may find your time is continually being taken up writing articles ala ed1!

08 Feb 2018 02:11:06
Hendo will receive more praise if we actually compare him to midfielders playing now.

Prem wise.

Xhaka, kante, fernandino, dier/ wanyama, matic, gueye. Now where does he rank?

08 Feb 2018 02:52:05
Loved it MK. I am a big fan of Hendo. I think every team needs a solid consistent unspectacular midfielder. Hendo is ours and we're lucky to have him.

08 Feb 2018 04:35:51
That was long, thorough, and a good read MK.

If I'm not mistaken, I watched him once with Sunderland. He was very young but shouted non-stop to his teammates. I think he was the captain in that game. During that, I thought this is a very young arrogant player who thought he was better than any other players in that match. I didn't like him during that.

Now, he is my and my missus' favourite current LFC player.

08 Feb 2018 06:51:27
Agreed BRover. He should never be judged against Stevie. They are different players and different styles of leader to boot.

I thought it was you Welshred! Thank you mate. That's brilliant feedback to hear! I'm glad you in particular enjoyed it seeing as it was your request. Cheers mate!

Cheers Preso. I agree mate. There is always a player who gets overlooked and underrated. Petit, Carrick, Lucas etc. Hendo is that man in our current squad and that shouldn't let people think he's any less important!

Haizan, cheers mate! Appreciate that. Sounds to me like your memory is correct and that was Henderson! He was easily the strongest leader at Sunderland by 20 years old. That's probably partly why Fergie and Dalglish wanted him!

09 Feb 2018 11:10:00
He to is under rated. I know stats can be missed leading but his stats put him in the european top 20 midfielders. That's world class right? World class stats at least.

07 Feb 2018 16:56:21
That's what I was thinking but I wasn't 100% sure Mr. D. So then why the hell are we looking at him then!

07 Feb 2018 19:19:56
Me and Mr. Dennis were discussing the Navas rumours.

08 Feb 2018 00:20:37
Terrible keeper. We should avoid at all costs.

{Ed0333's Note - I will be astonished if we sign Navas.

07 Feb 2018 14:29:58
Ed001 would love your opinion on defending nowadays to the 80's or even 90's
today's defenders seem to rely on pace and barring that shirt pulling and wrestling.
Not to say that never went on back then as well but maybe im old and biased but I remember your maldini's and baresi, costacurta who seemed to defend with elelgance and ease.
I think Des walker was a top defender as well who seem to make it look easy
Paul mgrath also ronaldo koeman springs to mind as well.
Just defenders who actually could tackle and read the play without having to always foul their way out of trouble.

{Ed001's Note - I am in full agreement with you, people think carthorses like Maguire are good just because they are big, strong and fast. They are utterly unable to read the game these days. I don't know what has happened, because it can't just be down to the rules changes as they should make it even more important to be able to read the game, rather than less. I only used to watch the football italia to see Baresi, he was imperious.}

07 Feb 2018 16:35:45
Well said John and Ed1.

07 Feb 2018 17:43:50
Cheer for the reply Ed001 and comment Salah.
There is not one defender out there now to rival the ones I have mentioned which is a shame.

07 Feb 2018 18:45:33
The game is much faster now and all changes are made to help attackers I think that's the main 2 reasons why.

07 Feb 2018 18:55:23
Spot on, JJ. Defenders like Walker, Koeman, Maldini, Baresi, Sammer etc made defending look easy cos they had game intelligence hence, it allowed them to think quicker, anticipate the striker's move way before it happened and sense danger and snuff it out at the origin.

The defenders there are now, are robots with no game intelligence. Athletes who can't read the game. As for Maguire, he is the true sign of the problem with defenders today. The guy is pants, slow as a slug and lacks any positional awareness BUT cos he is big and strong then he must be good.

07 Feb 2018 20:04:27
As centre halves go today, Maguire is decent. He gets his head on the ball in both penalty areas, may not be lightning quick but always seems to get a block in and can carry the ball out. I’m not saying he’s world class but think he’s better than some on here make out. You would think that, with the state of some of the centre halves playing for us, people wouldn’t be so quick to slag others off.

07 Feb 2018 20:07:10
Great post John and Ed001.

07 Feb 2018 20:10:37
Last one i remember for us was hypia he didn't need pace was always ahead of the game.

07 Feb 2018 20:26:29
Greatest defenders never tackle. Read the game, snuff out danger, move on.
All before the striker has had chance to get on the end of a pass.

Best I’ve seen at it?
Hansen, easily.

07 Feb 2018 21:42:51
what about Agger Agger.

07 Feb 2018 22:23:00
Aggerdo, Paulo Maldini once said that making a tackle was a sign of failure cos that means he was out of position hence, failed to do his fundamental job as a defender. Nuff said!

07 Feb 2018 22:27:26
I loved the German sweeper style that served them well for three decades or more.
Every succesful German national and club side had their best player at sweeper.

07 Feb 2018 15:32:05
Ed002 how the hell are you mate?

{Ed002's Note - Not too bad Barry - all a bit chaotic. How about you?}

07 Feb 2018 15:51:21
Family all fine so that's all that matter's mate. You say Ed that JK could be looking at Navas so if he is I personally don't he would be a improvement on Karius. I'm only judging Navas on the last time I saw him play which was about 2 seasons ago so he could very well have improved.

{Ed002's Note - Good. Yes, Liverpool is showing an interest in KN to replace SM.}

07 Feb 2018 16:34:34
Is there any interest in Mignolet though Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Napoli may take him to replace Pepe R.}

07 Feb 2018 16:45:51
Barry, he’s not improved with age. That I can assure you. He’s worse than Mignolet. Actually worse.

07 Feb 2018 17:20:05
Great move for Migs if that happened.

Got to disagree Mr Dennis. I don't think he is anywhere near as bad as Migs or Karius, maybe not great but in my opinion certainly better. Is that enough tho or should Liverpool be splashing out for the best they can get? I certainly would be.

07 Feb 2018 17:44:47
I have hardly seen Navas in a football match.

Not sure Klopp is going to go spend a whackload on a new GK. Karius as Ed002 has suggested many times was signed to be No 1.

Maybe Klopp will just go try find an experienced keeper to fill in the gaps.

Whether Navas will want to join to replace Mignolet as our no 2 is another thing.

Karius has shown that he is better than Mignolet. The only way Karius will get better is to be given time on the pitch. He had a good game vs Spurs and does seem to have better command of the box compared to Mignolet who has been at LFC what feels like ages and has proven time and time again he ain't LFC marterial.

Lot's of GK's do well in the boring Serie A. If Mignolet does move to Napoli than I wish him all the best.

07 Feb 2018 18:57:05
I'm not sold on Navas right now even tho, he's a brilliant shot stopper.

07 Feb 2018 18:55:21
Ed with KN would you say he is an upgrade on what we have already. Also is he seen as N0.1 or N0.2. Or does that depend on which side of the bed Klopp gets out of?

{Ed002's Note - like Klopp, I have no idea about the GKs.}

07 Feb 2018 19:45:05
Nothing like a brilliant shot stopper. Unless the shots are straight at him, has a habit of being easily beaten at his near post and anything heading into the top or bottom corners. Let’s in lots of soft goals. A truly woeful keeper that Madrid are gagging to replace.

07 Feb 2018 19:56:08
I am just praying that Madrid come looking for De Gea😉.

07 Feb 2018 21:45:43
Brilliant Ed 002 .

07 Feb 2018 22:31:46
Bloody hell Mr Dennis that's given me confidence mate lol. Sounds like someone we already have.

07 Feb 2018 15:13:45
On navas reading from a thread below anyone watch real madrid regularly and notice anything about him?

I haven't seen Madrid regularly since he joined really apart from games when he first started and I seem to remember, one, he does not like to catch the ball, electing to punch most of the time.

He didn't seem to be too great at punching crosses and is quite small for a keeper if I'm not mistaken aswell. This concerns me greatly as I believe we need a calming presence in goals who can simply catch the ball and relieve any pressure on the defence. Obviously some may say, but if my memory is right on navas I think he would struggle in the premier league with crosses in general but especially in our team where that is the main form of offense against us for most teams.

So do I have cause for concern? Have I got this quite wrong on Navas or has he improved if I am right? I'm sure many more informed on here will let me know! Cheers all!

07 Feb 2018 15:33:00
Navas is a shockingly bad keeper, we would do well to avoid him. He’s poor on crosses and is a poor shot stopper. One to avoid.

07 Feb 2018 19:00:05
OP, I have watched Navas for the past two seasons and frankly, he has not improved. He is a brilliant shot stopper BUT lacks command of his box and is not the best on crosses. I would stick with Karius (provided he comes good ) if I had to choose.

07 Feb 2018 11:45:06
Ed01 did I miss your match review?

{Ed001's Note - no mate, having comp problems and it is really holding it up as I have to reboot regularly.}

07 Feb 2018 13:05:08
Thought I missed it too, was kinda bummed about it!

07 Feb 2018 13:23:12
Lol that can't be easy running a site with 1000's of fans posting daily.

Mk himself must be on 50 a day.

07 Feb 2018 16:02:06
Cheers mate - look forward to it but especially this time!

Curious as to whether you thought that first goal was offside in your interpretation. To me the rules are pretty clear, as it was as a clear deflection, which is not considered playing the ball (ie. he never had possession or any control) . In addition the ball was clearly played to Kane directly from his own player when in an offside position and no-one else could have been the receiver. That immediately puts him offside if he moves to receive it, and he doesn’t even have to touch it as per FIFA’s own website (which has a guide on this point) so the minute he gains an advantage after that then he’s done for.

The Kane dive and Lamela offside and simulation are pretty clear in my view. I know I’m not the most impartial commentator on this but I think Lamela in particular was poor.

07 Feb 2018 20:14:14
I don't smoke 😂.

07 Feb 2018 09:28:54
So the summer transfer window, what are we expecting Liverpool to do? My guess is

GK
RB/ CB
CM
and Naby.

I'm hoping for Allison and either Lemar or Pulisic but im not sure what defender or which position we will go for at the minute, will Gomez remain at RB therefore needing a CB or vice versa? What does everybody else think we will do this summer?

07 Feb 2018 09:43:40
Fprgot to add this would obviously be dependant on losses to the squad. For instance if we lost Mo we would also have to replace him too.

If we were also to add another Midfielder and get 2 in aswell as Naby i would like Ndidi from Leicester.

07 Feb 2018 09:49:26
GK and RB are priority for me, Gomez moves to CB and TAA is given a chance in the midfield. If we get a signing like Pulisic, then even better but I can't see that happening. It'll certainly be an interesting window, we have Keita coming in and we have a decent team as it is, it just needs a few positions strengthening.

We need a decent CB who can partner a fully fit VVD, who I believe will be Gomez, he is more then capable. TAA is meant to be a midfielder in the longrun, give him his shot at it and sign a top RB. With Robertson and Moreno the LB position is alright, we don't need to go daft and buy another LB, not yet at least. Unless we can get a bargain on somebody of top quality that is. Buying a keeper like Allison will sort out everything at the back along with a RB. In my opinion.

07 Feb 2018 09:51:17
I think people need to calm down with this whole Allisson stuff. I have not seen him play a whole lot in fact, not at all except for some games for Brazil. He has just gotten the Roma starting job THIS season and to me, has not even gathered enuff experience and body of work in the Serie A yet so how can one know if he is the real deal with so little info? People need to slow their role and look at this reality. I don't know if Karius is the answer BUT to me, bringing an inexperienced GK over to replace one who is actually getting experience, is a fool's errand cos Allisson will need time and time mans mistakes and this whole circus w/ Karius initially, will start again.

{Ed002's Note - You are right to say don't get carried away about Alisson - this is the fans being led somewhat by Twitter and the like about a bid. It was all nonsense. Start thinking about Kaylor Navas perhaps.}

07 Feb 2018 09:59:49
I would like us to go for Weiser at Hertha. Would be perfect for us at RB.

07 Feb 2018 10:00:03
Simple for me:

GK, CB (I actually don't have a problem with Gomez staying at RB if needs must), CM x 2 (including Keita) and I'd love a decent backup for Firmino. So 4 players, plus Keita.

I personally like the look of Callum Wilson, he's not spectacular but does a fine job in a team with ball playing tactics - might be worth a little gamble depending on price and he's not still developing necessarily, he seems pretty ready-made.

07 Feb 2018 10:11:27
Think we'll have a problem selling players as we do like to over-value our players.

Expect us to want to sell Origi but we'll surely ask £30m+ which will price him out of a move.

Can imagine the same happening with the likes of Clyne, Mignolet, Ward, Sturridge etc.

We can probably attract some good players but I'm hoping we can clear out a few just as much. Clear out some dead wood and a new GK, RB, and some midfieldy/ attacky talent and jobs a good'n.

07 Feb 2018 10:32:10
I don't think a 1st team gk comes. With migs on a long term contract, and no one outside the top 234 teams in Europe having no interest in him.

{Ed002's Note - ?}

07 Feb 2018 10:34:45
In relation to Alisson, since asking about him and other keepers a month or so ago i have actually made a point of watching Romas games to judge for myself and im sorry first season as number 1 or not he's a fine keeper and has everything you need to become a top top keeper and would be my choice in the summer without a shadow of doubt. Whether that will be possible or not i don't know, it has nothing to do with Twitter news of a false bid or anything like that.

It was actually Ed001 who brought him to my attention i think mentioning him in a reply to somebody.

{Ed002's Note - A month or so ago Twitter and the easily led media and fans had the Kleenex out over a bid. I have explained the situation on a number of occasions.}

07 Feb 2018 10:53:29
I was going to ask about Navas Ed2. I saw us linked with him the other day, I assume from your comment above that we have shown interest in the player.

It wouldn't however surprise me if Klopp sold Migs, promoted Ward to number 2 and kept Karius as number 1. Klopp is pretty loyal to his players and I now expect Karius to get a shot at sustaining the number 1 spot.

{Ed002's Note - I would certainly expect Ward to look for an exit, Liverpool are interested in Navas.}

07 Feb 2018 10:57:34
GBB, Karius was a fine GK and more highly rated and more experienced in the Bundesliga than Allisson currently has in Serie A. Look what happened to him when he started having growing pains when the fans got on his back. Even look at VVD. Hailed as the messiah by some here and in the media. Now, these same people are now on his back cos some way, the messiah is not the one they thought and blaming him for the goals conceded and blaming him for the Spurs draw whereas we all know what happened with the pathetic refs.

If you think this will not happen to Allisson who like it or not, is less experienced than Karius in the PL or CL currently, when he starts making his mistakes (which HE WILL) then you are deluding yourself. Not saying Karius is the answer BUT if we want a good GK, we need one who is experienced at this level and not a rookie (which is what Allisson is at this time) even tho he is not top notch which Allisson is not, regardless of his talent.

07 Feb 2018 10:59:05
If Alison was his first name, would you still want him? :)

On a more serious note though, he's 25 and it is his first full playing season in a top European league, if he was British, I have a feeling he'd never be mentioned as a wanted man for us.

We need a keeper who can make a difference, save us about 6 to 10 points a season.

Karius was excellent on Sunday, definitely kept us in that game and that nearly got us the 3 points, so he has my full backing until he shows he's not up to the challenge, or if he isn't giving 100% to the cause.

So far - he's done just fine by me generally and he's also younger than Alison, so he deserves a fair chance to claim the spot until May at least.

{Ed001's Note - sorry mate but you haven't seen him play if you are saying this. Alisson is the best I have seen this season. Karius is nowhere near his level. Not even close.}

07 Feb 2018 11:03:20
Navas is solid. Just saying.

07 Feb 2018 11:00:04
Thanks Ed, I will keep an eye on that one.

{Ed002's Note - I would. Right now he knows Real Madrid want two GKs and want him out, he also knows they missed one of their choices. He is looking to stay but I suspect they will look to ease him out as soon as they can.}

07 Feb 2018 11:03:27
Yes Ed002 you explained the situation to me clearly as below.

14 Jan 2018 20:49:31
Just on the goal keeper topic i also think we really need to go and get a new number 1 in the summer and ship out at least 2 of our current 4 but who is the keeper we need to go and buy that is going to provide what we need?  

Alisson - I haven't seen much of him myself personally but i have heard and read very good things about him but there is much interest in him from elsewhere which may stop us from getting him.  

Oblak - A real top notch keeper but i don't feel he is a realistic option for us and would have many other suitors.  

Butland - I personally don't think he's the answer nor is he much an improvement on what we have already. I think he falls under the English hyped up player category.  

They are 3 we have been linked with one way or another but thinking about it who else is out there that would be a viable option for us actually improve us and provide what we need i can't really think of that many?

GBB86

{Ed002's Note - Alisson is looking very good but has attracted the attention of others - but a perhaps come maybe. Oblak is not likely to be a viable option. Butland might be an option for the summer. But there are plenty of other goalkeepers out there if Klopp decides a change is necessary. }


All i was saying was he would be the keeper i would like us to pursue having watched him for myself since posting the above and listening to what you said previously i honestly think he is a very good keeper, i take no notice of the media or twitter and gain any football info from this site only really.

I understand that he may not be an option now and really do appreciate your knowledge you provide us all with on this site. This is the only football site on the internet with truthful, intelligent information and you contribute to that massivley.

07 Feb 2018 11:08:55
I don't think £30m is unrealistic for Origi at all considering Everton spending £27m for Tosun and Soton paying £19m for Carrillo. I think the rules of the transfer market have always been 'everyone is worth what someone will pay and with the money now floating around, someone will always pay if you're not in a rush.

07 Feb 2018 11:09:15
Think we will pass the summer window waiting for the RIGHT player and not settling for second rated.

07 Feb 2018 11:29:04
Brover i know exactly what you're saying mate but now i have actually watched Alisson play a few times for myself i think he is the real deal 1st season as number 1 lack of experience taken into account he's quality.

If we got him i don't think there would be jitters and anything to promote a lack of confidence in him, he looks a very very good all round assured keeper.

Kev that is a stupid comment im not 10 i base my opinion on watching players play nothing else.

07 Feb 2018 11:29:04
No I have seen him in maybe 5 or 6 matches (only recently vs Inter in fact) and he's looked fine to me sure, not spectacular but fine.

My point is that sometimes we get carried away with player origins or their YouTube highlights.

How good is he at coming off his line and claiming crosses for example, as he'll be asked to do so in the Prem far far more than in Italy?!
Can he adapt easily?
It's a position we have to be very very careful with our next move or it could be bye bye Jurgen and start all over again with a new manager - no thanks.

Not suggesting Karius is better or even close to being as good/ bad as Becker (struggling to call him Alison sorry lol), only that I think he deserves his chance until he shows he's either good or not good enough and if he proves to be good, we don't need Becker.

Karius has me worried every time he's near the ball in all honesty, but Mignolet is even worse, he's easily the worst in my 30 years as a fan - we just have to be so so careful with our next move in regards to this area of the pitch.

We're only 12 to 24 months from the endgame of Klopp either being called a success or getting sacked (in my opinion) with many fickle fans ready to jump on him at first opportunity.

GK position could be make or break.

{Ed001's Note - forget whether Karius deserves a chance or not, when you get a chance to get a top class keeper, unless you already have one, you take it. If we have the chance we go get Alisson, if not then this doesn't matter but Karius has shown nothing to suggest he is anything more than competent.}

07 Feb 2018 11:35:55
I expect

- unless Karius does something extraordinary (and maybe even then), another GK will come in to compete and Migs and Ward will leave
- a new FB will come in to be first choice RB, TAA to challenge them and Gomez to migrate to CB
- Can will leave and be replaced by Keita in starting lineup, playing box to box when fit, or deeper role if (when? ) Hendo is injured

What I hope we will also see.
- Hendo is injured way too often these days, I would love to see a proper holding midfielder come in that can play that position without forcing Keita to drop into the deeper role if Hendo is out for a couple of months. Potentially even someone with a bit more defensive nous if we need to shut up shop and I don’t think Milner or Gini can do that role. They’re going to be competing for game time with Keita, so personally I’d be willing to see one of those two sold to make space in the squad to get better balance in the team.
- In the attacking midfield we effectively have Lallana and Ox (sorry but Gini and Milner don’t score enough to qualify) and so I would like to see someone like Lemar come in who can give us a bit more from midfield and/ or cover the wingers for rotation. It’s obvious currently only Ox has the pace to do that so another player would help
- as for Striker, I expect Sturridge and Ings to leave if they can’t step up and provide they can add impact off the bench (possibly Sturridge regardless? ) . Personally I think Solanke is very good but he’s not a no.2 yet and if Ings can’t prove himself I’d love us get someone in so we have an impact player off the bench in the big games. alternative we can perhaps think about using Mane and Salah that way but in that case we need to deepen cover in the wing positions as per previous point.

07 Feb 2018 11:37:06
GBB86,

What was a stupid comment mate?

I didn't even see what you said or know what you're on about.

Whatever I said would be based on my own observations, not based on knocking someone else's as I respect everyone's opinion - think you got the wrong end of the stick there fella!

07 Feb 2018 11:43:08
Fair enough, GBB. As I said, I have not seen Allisson play enough so I can't judge. I can only base my fears on recent and current history which says a lot more about some of our own faans' mentality or lack thereof, than it does about the quality of the players, both Karius and Allisson who are good GK's as Karius makes us better for sure and Allisson per Ed01, is top notch. Will our own fans give them a chance to learn? I doubt it, unfortunately and that is damning, IMO.

07 Feb 2018 11:45:08
Being rated in Germany and Italy is one thing, but when watching a keeper you need to judge for yourself how they will do in the unique conditions of the premier league.
That means are they good under physical pressure on high balls into the box. Can they catch a ball. If they don’t catch a ball do they deflect it back into the danger areas or do they deflect it to safety.

Anyone who watched Karius in Germany knew he has major weaknesses in these areas, experienced or not. I feel sorry for the guy, he was in his comfort zone in Germany and he got put back into the mosh pit of the premier league which he was woefully unprepared for.

I don’t know about Allison, I’ve not seen him much. Trust ed001’s opinion on keepers for sure 👍.

07 Feb 2018 11:58:39
Allison is the Messi of goalkeepers according to his coach.
If there is a chance, no matter how small we should be going for him.

07 Feb 2018 12:08:35
I'm old school maybe, but I believe in giving someone a chance and if they take it, why change what's not broken.

Karius came with decent potential after having a good season in Germany (was voted 2nd best keeper there behind Neuer in 2016, which is a decent achievement and we got him at a decent price) - I see some parallels with Becker there personally and it concerns me a bit as I don't want to see it go wrong, but then whoever he brings in is a risk or pot luck or whatever you want to call it.

I don't think he'll come anyway if he's so sought after.
We shall see come July I guess.

07 Feb 2018 12:09:39
Yeah mate i feel he would fit in pretty seemlessly and has all the natural attributes to make it in the prem. that's my opinion anyway but by the sounds of ED002 comments he is going to be in the unrealistic catagory now anyway which is a shame.

I just hope we don't end up with Butland, that would be awful.

An Kev not having a go like i know your comment was tongue and cheek but i despise that "if his name wasnt foreign" shout. You're right though Becker does sound better!

07 Feb 2018 12:19:28
Agree with Brover and Ron!

Not like buying a car either, take him for a test run and hand him back if his handling (command of his area/ presence/ mentality) is not up to scratch :)

How long before he'd look for a move to Spain?

That seems to be the "in" thing with our prized South American contingent over the last 3 or 4 years.

Look, don't get me wrong, if he is great and available at a decent rate, go get him for sure, but if there's a sprinkle of doubt - it's a no thanks from me personally!

07 Feb 2018 12:27:47
Oh was that what you were referring to GBB86?

Sorry mate, that was 100% meant as a tongue in cheek to all pro "Becker" posters on here - I can absolutely 100% promise you that it was not aimed directly at you.

If you or another poster tell me that Becker is a world beater after watching him 10 or whatever number of times, I'll respect your opinion and believe that you really mean it - no worries there.

I may not agree with it but I'll certainly respect your opinion mate.
I have only seen him 5 or 6 times, he looked decent, not spectacular (doesn't have to be spectacular to be great) but I haven't seen him enough to form my own definitive opinion on him yet.

Value for money and reliability is what I want and the odd world class save would be nice - I literally can't remember the last world class save from a Liverpool keeper in the last 5 or 6 years - this makes me sad.

07 Feb 2018 12:54:40
Like you mate that's all i want, to be able to come home from a game we have won 1-0 and say our keeper made some world class saves to win us that. We haven't had that for a while.

An all those different opinions are what make football such a great sport!

07 Feb 2018 13:07:39
What's your take on Navas, ed001? I really liked him when I saw him at the WC four years ago and really wanted us to go for him then because he didn't seem too expensive and Migs, well, Migs was Migs back then too!

{Ed001's Note - he is ok but nothing special.}

07 Feb 2018 13:14:19
Would be nice to say it 12 more times in the league this season (the not conceding and some world class stops), people still would probably want Karius shifted though and I can partially understand why - he gives me palpitations and I'm only in my 30's lol.

I personally don't think he's quite up to it, but he gets my full support while in between the sticks for us.

Goalkeeping I think is a genuine dying art form now - it's becoming more about how you use the ball and distribution than actual saves with your hands in my opinion.

Missing the old days with keepers who are great with their shot stopping, but can't kick a ball to save their lives.

I remember Center Backs having to regularly take goal kicks for some top keepers down the years - Rinat Dasayev for example, what a keeper he was but terrible with the ball at his feet (a bit like Hugo Lloris is now but an even better shot stopper and even worse with the ball on the floor), ah the good ol days. :)

07 Feb 2018 14:11:01
Keylor Navas would be quite an underwhelming signing to be honest - is he that much better than Karius? Does he offer so much more that he is worth signing? I'd be inclined to say no.

07 Feb 2018 14:49:09
I'd have to agree Seano.

07 Feb 2018 16:30:04
Amazing how quickly players linked move into the unobtainable category. Sad really.

On the bright side we can always come up with our wish lists in the meantime.

Mine is Alisson Upamecano Sessegnon Pereira Torreira Dendoncker Lemar Guedes. Kleenex bulk order made.

07 Feb 2018 16:32:28
Navas is one of the worst keepers I’ve ever seen. He is literally thieving a living at Madrid. He’d make Charles Itandje look competent. That’s how bad he is.

06 Feb 2018 21:48:09
Hey ed02 if your about mate, sorry this isn't Liverpool related but I just trust your insight on stuff like this!

Was just reading about evra being sacked by marseille after that thing with a supporter. what happens in the case of a player being 'sacked'? You never really hear it much, I don't know if I've ever heard of that before, not off the top of my head anyway!

What would happen to the players contract, wages etc?

Thanks man!

{Ed002's Note - A club can sack a player for being in serious breach of their contract - such as Evra was. The contract is cancelled and the wages stop. If the player then signs for another club as a free agent Marseille could have a claim against any club he signs for (but history tells us that such claims go nowhere) or against the player for compensation (which history tells us work).}

07 Feb 2018 08:25:18
Did the same thing happen with Chelsea and Mutu ed?
Didnt Chelsea seek compo off him for his actions regarding drugs?

{Ed002's Note - Yes, and the €21M debt remains with Mutu after CAS said Juve and Livorna did not need to contribute to it.}

07 Feb 2018 09:02:56
21million euros dept, that’s going to hurt.

{Ed002's Note - It will never be paid.}

07 Feb 2018 07:31:00
Not a rumour just an observation and opinion on our goalkeepers. What I have liked about Karius is that when dropped he has been quietly determined and not outspoken. However, it always seems that minutes after a game in which Mignolet is dropped we hear reports that he is not happy with the situation and will need to consider his position. It could be media but personally I don't like the idea of players holding the club to ransom and I prefer Karius's quiet determination any day of the week.

07 Feb 2018 08:45:35
my opinion is there seems to be a bit of bias in the media/ pundits at the moment like sky and BT tell the pundits to get on Karius back if he does the slightest thing differently, take the game against Spurs he punched the ball 20-30, which is all he could do and still was being blamed after the game by some in the media.

{Ed002's Note - That is ridiculous.}

07 Feb 2018 09:05:12
Migs threatening to leave is hardly holding the club to ransom. Lol.

07 Feb 2018 10:10:52
To be fair he doesn’t seem to do as many brainless things as Migs does.
He’s still dodgy on any ball above head height. He’s too easily bullied in the air. Needs to bulk up and throw his weight around.

07 Feb 2018 11:10:10
At least Karius looked like he wanted to be there against Spurs, Mignolet looked like he didn't want to be there and looked like an U10 keeper against West Brom, hope he never plays again after that sulky display.

07 Feb 2018 11:08:07
There isn't a media bias. They exist to generate talking points which increases interest, and therefore traffic, and therefore revenue. LFC's defensive issues are an easy talking point so they exploit it. This week it'll barely be mentioned because Conte's future is the easy talking point. That's how it works, and it's why even on our Spurs-Christmas run of games where we were among the meanest defenses in the league they were still discussing our awful defense - because it's easy to and it keeps generating hits, so why stop?

07 Feb 2018 13:18:43
For god's sake but some of you are capable of some special mental gymnastics. Migs get dropped and is asked what he thinks about it, unsurprisingly he says he's not happy, now he's labelled a moaner. However good or not he is he's been a loyal and professional Liverpool employee and as a minimum deserves respect.

07 Feb 2018 01:48:29
I must say a Doucoure Henderson Keita midfield would be formidable. Throw in Demirbay, who we appear to have been tracking, to come in when Hendo gets injured with Doucoure moving into the dlp role and we'd still be grand. Keita has the creativity to be our playmaker of sorts, although he's primarily a box to box mid. I'd actually think he's what Klopp would want in a playmaker, given his loyalty to the 433 formation and demand of intense work rate. I'd assume Doucoure would be relatively easy to attain given that he plays for Watford, so here's hoping.

07 Feb 2018 09:53:23
Lemual, I LOVE Doucoure. He would be perfect in a double pivot in CM as that is where he plays alongside Capoue at Watford and they bossed Chelsea which well, is not a big deal anymore cos Fabregas is finished, leaving Kante to cover the whole midfield. Doucoure, all the way.

07 Feb 2018 10:59:14
id rather aoc with trent rotating in the box to box role as i feel that where his eventual position will be.

07 Feb 2018 11:02:39
Is Decoure good enough? I think I'd prefer Wiltshire for free. Who's that arsenal striker who used to play for utd. I reckon we could get him.

07 Feb 2018 11:07:23
Doucoure is that lanky midfielder from Watford? I think he or Pedro Obiang good enough for covering our defence.