Liverpool Banter Archive August 08 2014

08 Aug 2014 22:15:54
I don't want a 'star' striker. Ego's and wage demands worry me.

Out of curiosity, could anyone actually recommend a non-star player, a player that graces a league without the burden of being a star player? Or does the value of a player linked with our club immediately inflate beyond our expectations and budget?

There's got to be some hidden gems out there without an inflated price-tag. Loads of you follow other leagues much more than I do myself.

None of these big names interest me at all as our club has a proven track record in making strikers, well, better!

Danny Ings

Ricky Lambert?

09 Aug 2014 00:02:01
Theres a few, Lacazette, Muriel, Bacca etc. they would all be top class strikers who would score us goals but they just aren't 250k aweek superstars like Falcao and Cavani

I think Liverpool have actually missed out on gems already by not acting quick enough.

of those available
destro
castaignos
Dzubya

Which are these gems that we missed out on because we didn't act quick enough? Did we even want them?

The Mexican Carlos Vela, plays for Real Sociedad in Spain (used to play for Arsenal, yeah that one.)

He is doing pretty well over the last three seasons and has been increasingly getting better.

2011/12, 37 games 12 goals 7 assists.
2012/13, 36 games 14 goals 9 assists.
2013/14, 52 games 21 goals 13 assists.

The Colombian, Carlos Bacca. He plays for Sevilla in Spain, he's jumped from club to club seemingly handling the step up in quality doing a fairly good job at each club.

Barranquilla, 2006-08, 75 games 38 goals.
Atletico Junior 2009-2011, 130 games 73 goals.
Club Brugge 2011/12 - 2012/13, 54 games, 31 goals.
Sevilla 2013/14, 52 games 21 goals.

Jordan Rhodes
Bony to a extent
Lacazette
Castaignos is a good shout
Vela
Dos santos
Son

Muriel, 23
Lacazette, 23
Ibarbo 24, [Henry type; pace, strength, dribbling, skill, height and some more pace]

Castaignos no chance if you would want him over Lambert you're mad!
Dos Santos never been able to make the step up don't see that changing
Vela similar to dos Santos but think he has grown since arsenal so perhaps deserves another shot
Rhodes would probably command as big a fee as bony
Lacazette seen little of but people think he's very good.
Son I would love him! He has got real quality and last season was very impressive
Bony underrated and misunderstood player he was phenomenal at vitesse and was just starting to get to that at Swansea and I expect him to get 20+ pl goals this season

So the bottom 3 which are imo undoubtedly the best options the eds have confirmed we have looked at so I'm confident the club know what they're doing.

{Ed001's Note - Dos Santos has a poor attitude, drinks and parties all night, hence why he can only perform in short bursts, such as the World Cup. Once he goes back to his club, he will be back out on the lash and his performances will dip again.}

Surprised that no one has mentioned jackson Martinez, he's genuine quality, quick and scores all kinds of goals, plus he's built for the premier league.

08 Aug 2014 21:21:53
I wonder if Mourinho would be wiling to let one of his wingers leave. He has Hazard, Salah, Schurrle and Willian.

Also would City be willing to let one of their strikers leave? They have Aguero, Negredo, Jovetic and Dzeko.

Any 2 of those would be excellent signings. Of course Hazard and Aguero are out of the question, but if we were to submit respectable bids for one or two others, surely some would be attainable. Surely players will feel there is a better opportunity to feature regularly at Liverpool.

My choice would be Schurrle and Jovetic. Unless we are still buying Reus and Falcao of course ;o)

Red Rum

08 Aug 2014 21:43:48
Chelsea bought Salah, Schurrle and Willian last season and there is no chance of these players moving out.
And Schrulle is slowly becoming a Mou fav player.

City won't sell established players to their rivals, And Jovetic is showing what he was at Fiorentina. Not a chance.

More importantly I doubt we would be able to pay wages of any "in contract" Man City player we wanted to buy.

Jose loves to strengthen the opposition.

08 Aug 2014 19:47:28
Does anyone know if Markovic trained today or is he still injured?

08 Aug 2014 21:16:50
Back at the start on next week.

08 Aug 2014 19:16:54
Liverpool echo says we are interest in cavani
and bid to him.
also cavani's former agent say cavani offerd to Liverpool and arsenal.
Cavani is very good option cheers

I doubt cavani is going to be a Liverpool player, imo he's overpaid but he is a decent striker, I just think he won't be our player that's all. I have no inside information but a lot of rumours are thrown out there just to get hits and a betting splurge going

08 Aug 2014 21:50:23
Cavani would be on Rocket high wages. Not a chance.

08 Aug 2014 23:07:45
I think the echo were just reporting what his agent had said in the past . I don't think it reported this in the sense that this is a fact and that we have bid for him. I am hoping for a striker to come in as to who that may be I will leave that to the club as I have no idea who it's going to be

08 Aug 2014 18:37:03
Why are none of the media outlets reporting any sort of fee for Reina? I just find it odd as it's normally the first thing they wrote about. This happened with Kuyt and Maxi when we let them go for sod all.

Some have, I've seen a two million fee banded about, not entire sure whether pounds or euros.

08 Aug 2014 21:25:02
Actually it's something every media has been doing, the figures on various media is between 2-4 mill.

Last season (allegedly) we paid 50% of Reina's wages whilst he was at Napoli - just removing him off the wage Bill is an advantage.

09 Aug 2014 00:02:11
The fee was around £2.6mio.

08 Aug 2014 15:43:44
Hi eds,

Yesterday you said that naming rights could be an option for the stadium. Do you know of any companies that have approached Liverpool about this?

Thanks,

{Ed002's Note - The owners will have talked to many companies about it already.}

As much as it pains me to do it, it does make sense, we have to make as much money as possible in the modern game to compete with the oil teams. And before anyone goes on about selling our soul, David Moores did that selling to the crooks Gillett and Hicks, if FSG get us a good revenue from the sponsorship of the stadium, at least you know the money will go back into the club.

08 Aug 2014 20:13:18
No problem with selling the naming right because as proved by Newcastle and Arsenal - if there is no identity e.g. in a new stadium then it doesn't take away anything, and if it does already have a brand and identity then no-one uses the new name. They go with the existing name and the new one is basically a giant advert on the side. How many decades would it take before anyone actually called Anfield the Krispy Kreme Areana?

I don't get the selling our soul. This will help the future of the club. I'm sure there are other ways to raise funds but we need to look forward not backward.

It will always be anfield to me and you, s I would say . if coke or whoever want to pay us money that gets us top players go for it is what I say

It will always be anfield, I always say St. James Park as that and not the sports direct arena or whatever. That said, I hope that any potential sponsor doesn't make us look ridiculous.

I would hate for anfield to be called something like Poundland Park.

{Ed007's Note - Have a look here at what a company offered Rangers in the midst of their financial problems. Would you be happy with that kind of thing?}

Thats a real shame rangers didn't take them up would certainly have been different don't think the fans would be tickled pink by the idea tho

08 Aug 2014 16:21:54
I know a lot of people will disagree with me
But Does anyone else think Allen should start the first game?
Can has not u played in the pl so starting him would be a big risk
Lallana is out injured
Allen can be utilized in a 4-3-3 with him gerrard and hendo in middle and Sturridge cout and raheem up front
markovic may not be fit till then
in allen you have a player with pl experience and one who has had a relatively good preseason
thoughts people?(though I have braced myself for the "he is not good enough for us " replies)

08 Aug 2014 17:34:34
He is good, though he needs to relax a bit, I think the team selection should be based on who will be fit and productive against the Saints. If the choice is between Can and Allen then I would go with Can, I just think Can offers better penetration, with physicality and that little bit of a surprises package.

08 Aug 2014 17:40:52
Nothing against Allen starting but I feel that we have better options for what will be our game against the weakest opponents of the opening 3.

08 Aug 2014 18:33:43
Allen would start ahead Can with Hendo and Gerrard.

I want the best possible team on the field when we kick off for the first game of the season.

If Lallana isn't back it would be Coutinho, Gerrard and Henderson in midfield for me.

Red Rum

He is under major pressure to perform this season with the extra players purchased. He hasn't really set the world alight, bits and pieces of form. We need all our players on top form this season and I hope he steps up. A defining season for him I guess and his carreer at Lfc.

08 Aug 2014 18:46:19
Not really; if Emre Can is doing better than Allen, then he should start.

08 Aug 2014 19:13:52
Dustopia, if you're looking for "better penetration" and "that little bit of a surprises package" then I think it's Thailand you're after!

Can has made a very good case for starting. I still think this will be our opening day lineup:

Sturridge
Markovic, Coutinho, Sterling
Henderson, Gerrard
Enrique, Sakho, Skrtel, Johnson

Skrtel will be leapfrogged by Lovren as soon as he's ready, Markovic for Lallana, and Flanagan for Johnson.


If Markovic is not ready to go, I would suspect that Allen will start in that position, dropping deep (doing dirty work) instead of Coutinho, who should play a bit further up the field since we have a single striker.

However, Can can (lol) do that exact job particularly well, IMO, so I wouldn't be surprised if he did start on opening day. I see him as the perfect complement to Gerrard and Henderson.

08 Aug 2014 20:23:33
You're killing me Puzzled, as you seem to be very well versed individual, I think I might consider taking your advice, if you can get through it, I think I could do too ;)

08 Aug 2014 21:53:33
Puzzled Red

That's deadly, But you have to be careful in choosing the right one, Or else you going to have a tough time.

09 Aug 2014 05:22:19
How do you choose the right one Boom, and how many years did it take you to perfect this process?

I suppose you must fluent in Thai by now?

:)

08 Aug 2014 15:01:35
hi eds

do you think it would be possible to put up a page on transfer targets and the status of the transfer players as in say betrand you could put next to it we never bid just enquired, and moreno you could put in negotionations, transfer stalled or transfer called off, and so on and so on, it would save you having to repeat yourself over and over, its only an idea plus people could check the page for any updates, i'm sorry if this has been suggested before, roll on the kick off against the saints,

{Ed001's Note - people never bothered looking at it when we did that before.}

Ed 001
This time you could send all posts (provided you do something like a transfer page) to me and ben
we can get our sarcastic guns out:-D

{Ed001's Note - you would be swamped under the flood mate!}

We'll create a dam ed;-)

{Ed001's Note - more of a damn with this lot!}

How far is Lallana off being fit?

08 Aug 2014 20:33:12
Based upon his last couple of seasons at Saints, don't hold your breath-otherwise you will truly be a Red!
You may think me a little biased but check out who was the most substituted player at Saints last season.

08 Aug 2014 14:06:24
With Arsenal agreeing a fee for Vermaelen's transfer to Barca, it seems unlikely that they would bid on/inquire about Daniel Agger (as has been suggested for weeks and weeks).

Is it now Brondby or bust for Danny?

08 Aug 2014 14:24:50
You're bit dramatic don't you think?

Cant see it being Brondby at all. There is still a few years in Agger's career before he heads home.

08 Aug 2014 14:40:20
Or to Arsenal.?

I think Napoli are still interested

08 Aug 2014 14:47:22
arsenal maybe?

Agger wasn't present at open training session this morning. If not injured he looks on his way out. what a shame our best C.B, just hope he doesn't go to Arsenal!

He's off to arsenal as they don't have enough players injured currently.

08 Aug 2014 13:35:46
Eds,

-Is MCFC serious about Falcao? Then they need to offload 1 foreign player accommodate Falcao's arrival.
Is that why LFC enquires on Jovetic?

-Heard we are in for Edinson Cavani. Is it true player considering offer from LFC and Arsenal? Hope Suarez will tell him to go to LFC.

-Any other big names linked to LFC to replace Suarez other than Falcao/Cavani?


tqvm eds.

{Ed002's Note - You need to read the posts and try not to be quite so gullible.}

I wouldn't expect any of these over-priced, highly paid players to be joining.

08 Aug 2014 12:33:58
Here's a thought: If Agger leaves who should replace him as vice captain?

Toure certainly has the experience and leadership but I don't know how often he will play I would probably be tempted to go with Henderson quality first team regular and given our young squad actually one of the more experienced lads

thoughts?

{Ed002's Note - Lamela.}

08 Aug 2014 12:59:42
what?

{Ed002's Note - Or Lallana - I wasn't going to tell you about the Lamela transfer until Ibrahimovic was finalised.}

I can already see all the posts pointing out eds mistake

{Ed002's Note - What mistake?}

Assuming you meant Lallana there ed?

{Ed002's Note - Sure, assume what you want.}

Christ, it was a joke. Lamela. Lallana. Not the golden age of comedy (no offense!), but a sarcastic remark nonetheless!

{Ed002's Note - You haven't really grasped any of this "communication" related stuff have you. Why get so upset over it.}

08 Aug 2014 13:34:27
You want the Spurs Rumour's page for this Ed002

08 Aug 2014 13:37:04
whats with the mockery! wtf is wrong with that post

{Ed002's Note - Looks like some of the vegetables are getting a little restless today.}

08 Aug 2014 13:37:34
Sssshhhh, Ed!

The Lamela/Toure swap isn't meant to be public until Monday.!

;-)

08 Aug 2014 13:51:59
..........abuse removed...............

{Ed002's Note - That gets rid of something nasty someone trod in earlier.}

Does this mean that Lamela is dead and buried in Tim Sherwood's back garden?

Not at all infuriated in fact, I'm just easing into my first cup of coffee. Not at all opposed to a Lamela transfer either (see, I can do sarcasm too).

{Ed002's Note - I have a real dislike for Israeli coffee.}

08 Aug 2014 14:18:10
Is today dumb question day?

You might as well ask the Ed wether your neighbours dog is having a female or male puppy.

{Ed002's Note - The bitch is not pregnant - just fat.}

08 Aug 2014 15:13:03
Ed002

Lamela?Ibrahimovic?
Ed looks like you have found about my secret takeover of the club?
p.s just to inform you guys cavani falcao vidal Pogba and reus are to follow

p.p.s even I didn't see it earlier but Ed002's Note was deliberate and he seems to have succeeded

They do say that it's better to see a pregnant woman stand up on a bus/train than see a fat bird sat down crying.

08 Aug 2014 18:51:27
Dennis, man, that's deep.

Hold on are Falcao, Ibra and Lamela all pregnant? Is that why we are not signing them? Lol

Sorry, if I read the other posts above I would have understood what this was all about!

Now that's sarcasm folks. I thank you :)

08 Aug 2014 11:36:04
Hi eds, with the current rumours of song having been told he will not play first team football this season unless he finds a move, do you think Liverpool will show any intrest as rodgers seems to want to strengthen our options at the back?

{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea.}

08 Aug 2014 11:47:02
Alex Song at the Back?.

08 Aug 2014 11:53:11
Gauranga no

08 Aug 2014 13:38:25
What would Song's song be if he joined?

08 Aug 2014 13:58:02
Zeddious

Thats one to be checked. A song for Song?

Your Song by Elton John?

We've only had 2 songs.

Best not talk about Rigobert! Disaster!

08 Aug 2014 11:30:45
Looks like Vermaelen is off to Barcelona. Does this mean that Aggers only serious suitors will now be Arsenal? and would we sell to them.
I also see that the Suarez appeal starts today, if they concede and reduce his ban then it will be seen as a disgrace and a soft approach for anyone on a football pitch to bite someone with little repercussions. I really hope they stand firm on their initial judgement which to be fair I thought was quite lenient given the circumstances. I know he is not our player to worry about anymore but this needs to be upheld for the sake of world football at all levels.

{Ed002's Note - They have already changed the initial judgement in respect of being allowed to train with the team before the 4 months is up.}

08 Aug 2014 11:53:48
So Agger is slow and not good enough for Liverpool, With Skertel and Toure being the best back up.
15 years of Mangerial Expereince, Top manager Wenger thinks Agger is certainly good enough for Arsenal, If he moves across.

I disagree mate. The Suarez ban was always harsh, and my opinion on that will not change just because he is no longer a Liverpool player. FIFA are dogs and barbarically tried to make an example of a player they knew would be an easy target. Suarez is a muppet and a disgrace. Not the sort of player I want at my club; but he deserves to be treated like a human being by the so called 'impartial' organisations that run our beloved sport.

FIFA have simply embarassed themselves by attempting to impose a ban that was never going to hold up in court. The 'independant' board who decided on that punishment should be hung out to dry for the embarassment they've brought onto the game. My inital views are the same. A bite is nowhere near as bad as an elbow, punch or fly kick etc. It was only jumped on because it is so completely unheard of in football that it shocked people into a gross over reaction.

I hope they stick to the 9 game international ban (due to the repeat offence), but the ban from all footballing activity was more disgusting than the incident itself. This is the 21st century, and we should stand for justice, not making scapegoats of people to rule masses with fear.

08 Aug 2014 12:48:34
Thanks Ed, I was not aware of that but if he comes out of this being able to train with the squad and being allowed to play again at the end of the month (which is the important factor for me) then it shows that the the rules and guidelines of football including disciplinary matters are farcical. It sends the message out that you can physically assault another player (for the 3rd time) and realistically suffer only missing out on pre season. I will be so disappointed if the length of his ban is reduced.

{Ed002's Note - The change in of training has already happened. The focus is on the international ban and an offer that has been made. You may wish to take this to the Barcelona page.}

Best post from EMS ever. I actually read all the words too

Lol thanks eez eh. See, we can agree on things ;)

Not sure I completely agree ems. I would probably rather be elbowed than bitten, that's what's disgusting.
I don't think his punishment is harsh at all but I do think there should be harsher punishments on players who repeatedly elbow for example.
I'm not sure how many chances he needs, if a doctor bit someone he would likely be struck off, if a policeman bit someone he would be sacked. I'm not sure why Suarez deserves a fourth chance just because he's really good at what he does.

My Dude, EMS had done it agaiin. Great post and agree w/ every point.

Thats a fair point Mikey, but you cannot compare sport to a normal job. Sport is sport and some people are lucky enough to get paid for it. They make sacrifices to do so, but when they step onto the pitch, everything changes. It is a game. Hence the phrase "it's just a game". Anything that happens on a football pitch when passions are flaring cannot be taken too serioisly. If I bit someone in my game tomorrow I'd get a red card.

The world no its different rules for real and barca ill be shocked if this appeal doesn't make chiellini pay damages for jaws teeth

Adam, I disagree fella. Its not the first time he has bitten, its the third time. I am all for rehabilitation but serial transgressors need to be told in no uncertain terms that biting is not acceptable.
I do agree that there are worse things that happen on a pitch such as spitting in a players face/elbowing/ etc.
We should have written into his contract that he had to wear a gumshield!

08 Aug 2014 15:52:14
There's not much biting in the women's game.

More's the pity.

Or wrestling on muddy pitches.

I think that should be actively encouraged

Think it shows the power of Barcelona - I'm not sure things would have become as lenient as quickly if he was still a Liverpool player.

There is not much biting in the men's game either zed. Let alone someone who does it 3 times. Lol
He should have been ordered to get some help as part of the punishment. He obviously has some issues that need sorting. And I'm not sure the fact it's sport excuses his behaviour at all ems, like I say it's a problem more or less unique to Luis.

08 Aug 2014 11:10:13
Question for anyone, what happened to Ganso? I remember a few years ago he Coutinho and Lucas Moura were touted as the future of Brazilian football. We know what happened to Coutinho, Moura got a big money move to PSG but as far as I know hasn't exactly excelled (could be wrong), but you don't hear anything about Ganso any more?

Perhaps with Ed002's knowledge of French football you could enlighten me on how Moura has been getting on?

Another player who seems to have gone off the radar is Iker Muniain?

I am not saying these players are going to sign for us or should sign, just trying to come up with a few names that will give everyone a different topic to talk about other than Moreno, Lacazette, Lavezzi, Bony, Huntelaar, Cavani, Reus.

{Ed002's Note - He plays for Sao Paulo.}

08 Aug 2014 10:49:48
Edd001, can I ask mate your opinion on the quality of strikers and CB's in European football. IMO there is a shortage of top CB'S and strikers especially coming through. The PL has probablyone or two top out and out strikers in RVP and sturridge. Sanchez is.more of a wide player natutally. there's a lot of quailty in no10's and attacking players in the PL, but I believe that's due to the lack of quailty frontmen. Even in Spain there is a.lack of top no 9's. Edd, is it that the games just changing or lack of quailty in your opinion?

{Ed001's Note - the game never really changes, the basics always hold true, it is just that nowadays the best players are more versatile. Cristiano Ronaldo could be a top out and out striker, for instance, as can Alexis Sanchez, but they can do so much more too. The best players can do more than just one role, I would also say Sturridge can too and did at times last season. It is more about how they are utilised than a lack of real quality. There are still the poachers about, but they are marginalised like Javier Hernandez at Man Utd, purely because managers want more tactical flexibility.
I suppose it depends a lot on what you judge as top class mind, as the truly top end players are always thin on the ground.}

Thanks edd top reply

Aguero is Definetely up there!

Yes aquero when he's fit is unplayable

08 Aug 2014 10:11:40
Hi eds. just wondering if you know why adam morgan seemed to have been bombed out at Yeovil? What happened to him after only 3 months. is he off to st. Johnston. Anyway, main question is about lack of a striker in our reserves coming through. Plenty of great defenders and midfielders ( brannagan, suso, teixera, adjoran, jones, lussey, wilson, trikett smith etc. ) but no out and out striker. it has been glaring gap in first and reserves for a while now.

Wasn't scoring

He's no good? Seriously though young strikers are the hardest to find because if a good young striker like Sinclair who is as good as I've seen at his age he's a bad patch like last season then he's out of it. For a striker to play he must score goals. Ngoo was about the most awful footballer I've ever seen in my life but because he was a monster he scored goals & so was picked ahead of Sinclair, yesil, bjev, Morgan who were all miles superior footballers but less effective for the u21's. Add to that the injury problems 2 of those had (the 2 most promising too) & that's why we haven't had a proper striker break through, academys don't have 5 top potential strikers one at each age group because theyd all get in each other's way so they make do with a few like Ngoo, bjev, morgan, to some extent dunn to fill the gap between yesil who was expected to be a 1st team squad member by now & Sinclair who should have been around 17/18 in the u21's. The problem with the lfc academy is that for years players have been allowed to block chances though the guys at the tops sentiment the likes of ngoo, sokolik, mendy, bjev, coady, roddan, Peterson, sama, belford, adorjan, lussy were sitting comfortably in the u21's with no hope of making the first team.

08 Aug 2014 09:56:22
to the eds. . .or anyone else who wants to comment.

with games coming on wed then saturday. .

do you reckon people like sturridge and maybe gerrard getting one game a week. .?

and what do u think the priority will be the league or europe? of course they should go for both. but u know. being back in the cup might mean they seem to want to go for it.


my opinion is. . . . if Liverpool start off really poorly in the league. I think they will make sure their best 11 plays in the league . and then anyone who seems fit will play in the champions league game.

{Ed002's Note - Gerrard will need to be rested on occasion, but right now it is only an additional six games. Less that the Europa League. Other clubs manage without this fuss.

It is critical that Liverpool establish themselves as a top four team again. Anything in the CL is a bonus beyond the group stage.}

08 Aug 2014 11:10:35
I agree with Ed002. The league has to be priority. We need CL football again next season. Unless we can win the CL? Then I would settle for 5th spot and Everton getting 4th

08 Aug 2014 11:11:00
I agree with Ed002 on establishing as top four again. It is absolutely crucial that we remain in top four.

08 Aug 2014 09:23:34
Hi eds, how many more, if any, signings do you think Liverpool will make? Who? Moreno? Cavani? Icardi? Jovetic?
Thanks for all the good work.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool would like a left back and a forward still.}

My dream choice would be rodriguez/rojo and jovetic

08 Aug 2014 09:01:37
Greetings all,

I just wanted to give my 10 pence worth about the summer so far .

I am generally happy with the signings we have made .

Lambert is a real plus as he is ready to go in the premier league and gives us a much needed plan B . All this rubbish about him being 'not ready' .He is proven in the prem and will come good.

Lallana, Markovic mmmmm good players but we already have some real quality youngsters in those positions . Expect Markovic to take a little time to settle in & hope fans don't start getting on his back.

Lovren, great signing & signals BR stamping his authority by triggering a real hange at the back .Love Agger but at his age he needs to play and he is 3rd/4th choice ath the moment.

Manquillo, don't know enough about him but cover /competition is always welcome.

Can, looks special, early days but this lad looks like he can do the lot .Really impressed by his desire to impose himself physically in games . In my view could put Gerrard's position under real pressure which can ony be a god thing for the team.


Concerns :

1) Striker, we may have excellent forwards but With only Studge & Lambert looking certain to start the season I think we really need another striker who can lead the line, In my view we need at least 1 striker maybe 2 if Borini leaves . Ibe will feature but mainly as an impact sub.

Left back, a real priority and a bit confusing why this has not been sorted as yet . If we sign Moreno he will not be ready for the start of the season and may take time to adapt . Seems like a good player but again not proven in the prem and may need time to adjust.

Overall I am happy but at the beginning of the summer I would have said Left back & Striker were the two positions we needed to strengthen and so far neither has been strengthened in my view .


Welcome any thoughts from the Eds & fellow reds

08 Aug 2014 09:26:25
Pretty much echoes my thoughts!

08 Aug 2014 08:08:54
Ed's I am pretty confident that we will still sign Alberto Moreno but should that fail can you think of any available left-backs that would improve our team?

{Ed002's Note - You make it sound like Liverpool will buy just for the hell of it.}

08 Aug 2014 03:25:42
Hello Eds, if Ed001 is around, I was wondering if you could possibly give us a quick summary of how you think this transfer window has gone for Liverpool. such as do you think we've bought well, do you think we've filled the positions we needed too in order to improve, which signing(s) are you most excited for and which player do you think will disappoint(if any)?

Plus anything else you wish to add.

Thanks ^_^

{Ed001's Note - I think it is a mixed window, one that is leaving me with mixed feelings. I am not too unhappy with who we have signed, except that the main priority was left back and we have yet to get one, it is just the amount of signings that bothers me. We seem to be signing players to fill positions we didn't need signings for. I just wonder how the academy youngsters are going to get a chance now? We seem to be replacing those, before they have even had a run in the team.
Bought well? To a degree, yes. Some of the signings, on the face of it, look to be what we need. Lambert provides experience, heart, desire and plentiful ability and I am looking forward to seeing his face on his debut. I want to see that look of happiness at fulfilling the dream we all have, of turning out for the team he supports.
I do have fears about the rest of the signings, I like Lallana a lot as a player, but I didn't see a need for him in our team. He seems similar to Suso, Teixeira and Coutinho.
We did need an experienced frontman, so I think Lambert will be a very useful signing, even if he is not getting goals, I think he will help inspire the academy lads.
Lovren is the one I am most excited about, he is, on paper, exactly what the club needed. I just hope he and Sakho can build a good solid partnership.
The player I fear will disappoint this season is Markovic. I think a lot of people will be expecting him to do too much and he will struggle to live up to initial expectations this season. I think it might take him a while to adjust and so I am not expecting him to be outstanding this season.
I just hope we get a left back soon, before it is too late for them to get settled in. I also think we need a keeper, Jones is ok, but he is not Prem quality and I am not convinced by Mignolet at all. Migs is a good shotstopper, but his distribution is woeful and he is not good at coming off his line quickly and sweeping up, which we will need with a higher line. Hopefully the coaches can work on those aspects though and it will just be a higher quality back up we need.}

08 Aug 2014 07:04:01
Ed could Emre Can not slot in at left back if all else fails?
Ollivander

{Ed002's Note - A retired player suggested that to me a few weeks ago.}

I agree mostly with you Ed except over Lambert. I know the fairy story is great but sentiment apart I'm not sure he's good enough. I really want to be wrong about that though as he seems a top lad and you can already see what it means to him.

08 Aug 2014 07:45:02
Mng Eds.

Absolutly dead spot on Ed01, Regarding couple of players.
1. Over expectations on Markovic
2. Mignolet

I would like to add some points Like Lallana. Ed, He is the most importnt signing for me and different than Coutinho and Suso.
Lallana fits in perfectly to a position which we tried last time with Allen and Lucas and failed to some extent.
He would be a perfect fit in a 3 Men Midfield.

Markovic would need time to settle as He is very young. He is ot going to score 15 goals and 10 assist in a debute season.

Lovern is a good signing, But that won't stop us conceding goals. We haven't bought a top class DM, Any team who plays through the middle with decent passing and pressing would ease pass Gerrard and would make our defence vulnerable.
Its strange we haven't bought a player like Medal, Schniederlin when that was the area we should have looked first.

Chasing LB looks like a mystry. Moreno then Bertrand Bertrand to Rojo. Back to Moreno.

Ed01, Like you said, We are not starting a campaign including CL with Jones and Mignolet?

BR said, We are not going to change the formation or Style of play, Which means we would be attacking.

Werz the Goals coming in? Apart from Sterling and Sturridge. I don't see a natural Goal Scorer.

I hope I am proved wrong and since Top4 becomes more and more difficult. let's Hope BR gets in a much needed striker and LB before the window shuts.

Such "opinions" before a season has even begun continue to baffle me. None of us on these pages are the experts, else we'd be out there doing what the experts do. Rogers has done a pretty good job so far, better start than most LFC managers recently, so a high element of trust comes from this LFC fan, who has no opinion on what he cannot know!

That's why it's called 'banter' newdawn, people expressing opinions to create banter.

08 Aug 2014 07:57:11
May I tender an idea in regards to your concern on not needing Lallana Ed001? Naturally you know better than I do but I would have thought a large slice of what we need Lallana for is his drive and leadership beyond his ability. In our entire starting XI, Gerrard displays leadership because of who he is, not because he's a classic driving force. Coutinho, Sturridge, Sterling, Suso, Texiera, Markovic, Can, Flanagan, Johnson, Skrtel, Mingolet etc are all quality players, but they are also all quiet. Last season, the only people who played regularly and you actually every heard getting people in position, making calls on other peoples behalf and driving people forward were Gerrard, Henderson, Toure when he played, Sakho (but mostly in French) and Suarez. With Suarez gone, we needed another player whose 'captain material' in the classic sense, and Lallana provides that in a way that most of our squad don't. Maybe this year if Hendo gets another red, or picks up an injury, the midfield suddenly won't look quite so lost and motionless with Lallana.

{Ed001's Note - you make a good point there.}

Agree on lovren ed001 said all along he will be the best signing.
Also agree in that I have huge doubts over markovic as well, he's the one I worry about. That £20m could have been spent sorting out a left back instead.
I think Lallana has the potential to be very good for us as long as he settles, likewise with lambert.
Can will be a very useful player as well.

BOOM, fully agree with your post, I've said all along that LFC are the easiest team to play against. just that we had top forwards to score and piss poor defence which let in loads, and as BR said he won't change his style it's going to be more of the same, so enjoy the ride people.

I think the problem Ed001 is that we have been pushed into it because of Suarez. We knew he would be going but its still hard to replace a player of that quality.
At least we have done it early so we can bed in as many of the news players as we could.

08 Aug 2014 00:28:53
*You'll Never Walk Alone plays in the background*

Right lads and ladesses. This is a little bit of motivation, geeing up, excitement building.
Marco Reus. The name's been uttered, called for, cried for by many a Liverpudlian's lips. But only to be put down.
"That's not realistic" they might say, sneering patronisingly away.
It is accepted. The realists have spoken. They must be right: they don't show a bias. But oh no guys. We should not accept that!
We are Liverpool Football Club.
The great Liverpool Football Club.
The most successful team in the country of the game's origin. That's who we are.
We aren't restricted financially anymore: we have Champions League funds, Suarez funds and FSG are prepared to open their wallets when it comes to younger players.
Alright. Even we can accept Real Madrid and Barcelona live in their own land as far as enticing a player goes but by all accounts neither are looking at Reus anymore!
Bayern are another huge club, and I wouldn't begrudge any German of turning any club down to head to Munich.
But Dortmund don't want Reus to go to Bayern do they!? It would make a mockery of the Bundesliga. But unless Dortmund sell now then next year all Pep needs to do is match his release clause and bang. He's gone. 3rd star to join their rivals in successive years.
No. If Dortmund want to avoid that, they must sell now.
But who to?
The next biggest clubs?
AC Milan? Juve? Inter?
Italian football doesn't have the draw it used to.
Athletico Madrid have enjoyed huge recent success which will have boosted their relatively limited funds, but they've just signed Antoine Griezmann- A similar player for a similarly large fee.
PSG and Monaco have attracted big names recently but Reus doesn't come across as a mercenary and French football isn't as enthralling as say the Spanish or English leagues.
Chelsea and City both have lots of money and big recent success. But as afore mentioned Reus is not looking for money chiefly, and moreover both clubs have plenty talebted winners.
I won't dispute the fact United are a huge club but they're out of the Champions League and far from assured of a return- and look at the damage we faced from that in trying to attract players.

But us?
Steeped in history.
A top level, competitive division.
Able to supply Champions League football.
Financially secure and with cash ready to spend.
A crowd comparable to the famously brilluant Dortmund supporters.
A great atmospheric stadium.
A place to become a legend.

It should not be unrealistic for us to attract a top player perfectly suited to the FSG criteria and Brendan's system.
I'm away at the moment so won't be at the game tomorrow but everyone show Reus what could be his.
Just remember. We are Liverpool. YNWA.

All good points but generally Liverpool needs to try to sign someone before they can make the decision either way. We can not afford simple as that.

08 Aug 2014 14:34:19
Lol! Bless ya mate, loved that little fairytale