Liverpool banter 8

11 Apr 2024 18:18:46
Scoring goals isn’t easy. The fact that Salah has done it so regularly and reliably has probably caused some of us to take that for granted. Even now when he’s at the declining part of his career he’s still going to end the season on 20+. To me that’s mind boggling. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be discussed as a world class player. If he was Brazilian, Argentinian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or French every man and his dog would bang on about him without hesitation, personally I think there’s some unconscious bias among pundits like Ince when discussing Salah.

Facts are that Salah has scored 20+ every season and assisted around 10 every season: He’s done that consistently at the highest level. He’s scored in European Competitions and proven himself against the best regularly. He’s scored some absolute corkers in there against top opponents. He’s not a tap in merchant/ goal hanger. That goal against City where he put Silva on his bum went past another two city defenders before slotting it past Edison (who is a world class keeper) sums him up.

For me, and by any reasonable measure, a winger who scores 20 goals and creates another 10 in any top class competition every season consistently against top class opponents must be considered world class. He’s got end product to match his skills. We’ve been lucky to see one of the greatest to ever wear a red shirt, I hold him in the same regard as John Barnes. It’ll be a sad day when he leaves and replacing what he brings will not be easy.

11 Apr 2024 18:26:31
He is a world-class player.

11 Apr 2024 18:46:32
Salah at his peak was lightning, stretched defences, scored an obscene amount of goals, pressed like a demon and would have gone straight into the first 11 of any club team in the world.

Not to mention he has won all there is to win as the key goal scorer.

I don't know what Ince's definition is for world class. Perhaps he only considers the top three players in the world world class. But even then, at his peak, Salah was close to this.

To be fair, Ince was a man who went around getting people to call him the guvn'r. His opinion would have very little weight with me.

I think the vast majority would admit that Salah at least during his peak years was world class.

He is still a great player too of course.

11 Apr 2024 18:46:45
Of course he's world-class.

11 Apr 2024 20:37:31
At Davey hope all's well. I am certain I saw an interview where the governor thing came up. Wasn't it just a joke to start with then took off from there?
I don't think it was intended to be like some people see how it looks nowadays.

{Ed001's Note - Ince was and still is an arrogant prick. There was no joke in the nickname, he genuinely believed it.}

12 Apr 2024 03:04:57
Take away Salah's pens and he has 17 goals this season. Not bad by any stretch but he is certainly on the decline from a very high peak. Can he still do a job, absolutely. Is he the player he was, no. If the Saudi's want to play top dollar for a 33 year old player (at the end of the season), a player who incorporated speed as one of his strengths, then we should be extremely grateful for his time and wish him luck away from the club.

Was he/ is he world class is irrelevant. Should we part ways is the question. For me the timing is right.

12 Apr 2024 08:48:50
6 times - the goal you reference was nearly 3 years ago, people are saying he isn't playing well now, as in right now, because he isn't. Contrary to what you say he is getting slot of tap in goals. When was the last time he scored a volley like the one against Stoke, an outside the area curler like the one against Roma or a thunderbolt like the one v Chelsea? Exactly.

No-one is saying he isn't quality because he is. No-one is saying he doesn't have the capability to pull something incredible out the bag, because he can, but that doesn't mean he is above criticism for playing rubbish for 85 minutes of a game, just like Haaland isn't. I genuinely don't think we are going to miss him as much as people make out. It was a catastrophy every time a talisman leaves, retires or is sold. Suarez, Coutinho, Gerrard, Torres, Fowler, Owen, Macca and guess what? Every time we have been just fine and so we will be again when Salah leaves in the summer.

12 Apr 2024 14:27:55
Why anyone is even giving Ince the time of day is what I really want to know.

11 Apr 2024 16:49:30
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Alexander Isak

11 Apr 2024 17:04:56
Nice one, Ed. Osaka is a baller who can play out wide on the left as well and has the ability to score near any type of goal. Like you said, he’s going to want to go play in a trophy hunting team at some point and Newcastle ain’t it.

11 Apr 2024 18:27:30
good one ED, would he have been a better buy than Nunez, while Darwin is a fan fave, he has taken soo long to settle, learn our lingo, ha part scouse, and finally start getting goals and assists, but not enough for me,
think Isak is more of a natural striker, so would we go for him .

{Ed001's Note - no.}

11 Apr 2024 19:59:13
You having a laugh? Isak over Darwin? Not for me.

11 Apr 2024 21:17:05
Have to, say I would take Isak over Nunez.

11 Apr 2024 22:54:14
I wouldn't touch Isak and don't see the allure he has to some on here. I understand it feels like we need upgrades to take advantage of the chances we make but he's not it. I just don't see him contributing to the team other than scoring which doesn't suit us at all. Much better options for us, and Isak is at his level for me.

12 Apr 2024 14:28:25
Darwin all day long.

11 Apr 2024 14:19:58
Hearing the fall back option if the main manager targets don't go well is, Steve Bruce as manager with a backroom staff of Jimmy Bullard and Robby Savage.

11 Apr 2024 14:49:45
I’d be happy with that, add Joey Barton as the new diversity manager and we’ll win the lot!

11 Apr 2024 16:04:41
Still better than Bull Boys Southgate.

11 Apr 2024 17:06:45
With Dim Sherwood and Jason Tindle as first team coaches and we’re off to a flyer.

11 Apr 2024 18:01:09
Matt LeTissier as head of sports science and Neil Ruddock head of fitness and conditioning, we’ll go far.

11 Apr 2024 18:49:06
I'm really hoping Paul Merson gets the job myself.

I wonder how he figures on Liverpool's data analysis.

11 Apr 2024 10:09:19
I'd like to see vvd rested 2nite, played a lot of football recently and I can't see where else in run in we would rest him. definitely need him for all 7 league games and I would think for away games in Europe if we make semi final.

11 Apr 2024 11:39:07
I'd be looking to give Virgil, Macca and Lucho a break today if possible.

11 Apr 2024 11:59:37
Cant rest core players away in Europe when it's are best chance at another cup get the win and try rest them elsewhere.

11 Apr 2024 13:03:32
I think the time for resting key players has gone for this season. Max of 12 matches left this season, every single one of which is either a cup tie or a must win league match.

If we find ourselves in commanding positions with 30 minutes left in a match, there will hopefully be opportunities to reduce the workload for some players, or if we go into the second leg against Atlanta with a large lead from the first leg.

Looking at it now, I wouldn't want to go into any of our remaining matches with van Dijk not starting.

11 Apr 2024 13:39:21
Fair point mate.

Thing is we can’t afford to slip up in the Europe. Maybe do the thing Klopp did before. First half VVD plays. Then second half Konate plays?

11 Apr 2024 14:29:09
Looks like Salah and Diaz getting a rest tonight, if rumours are to be true.

11 Apr 2024 14:52:19
I’d go all out for this trophy now. We took off players in the FA Cup and got Knocked Out.
The league looks a stretch after failing to beat City and United. This is our best shot as it stands.

11 Apr 2024 16:05:23
This is the only tournament Klopp hasn’t won.

I want this one.

11 Apr 2024 16:19:29
I would prefer to try and get the job done tonight and them rest them in the second leg if opportunity allows, as that's the start of the run of 4 away games in a row.

If we can leave some at home, I'd prefer that.

11 Apr 2024 16:31:20
I’d imagine Klopp is going to go as strong as possible as he can now until the end of the season. He has minimum 9 and maximum 12 games left with this squad.

Saying that I expect some rotation tonight and minutes off the bench if possible for the lads returning from injury but I imagine it will be a starting 11 of the nucleus of players that Klopp would use if needed in big games.

Taimikas is an example of a squad player that is outside of that nucleus at the moment and might explain why he is getting no minutes.

11 Apr 2024 16:45:00
We are at home danny.

11 Apr 2024 17:08:58
With you on that, RR. That ship may have sailed. Besides, VVD has sat out majority of the EL games this season to keep him fresh for the time of the season when you want to go for the comps. you’re still in. Klopp may go big and try to win the tie from the off.

11 Apr 2024 18:31:55
think we have to go all out for this match, we usually win at home and its vital that we take a good lead over for the 2nd leg .
out of the FA Cup, lost the advantage that we had in the league, yes we blinked first, so let's go big time and that Final is in Dublin .

11 Apr 2024 18:54:17
And that shows how much I know.

11 Apr 2024 21:56:53
Lucky the second leg is at Anfield.

11 Apr 2024 08:12:48
Question for ed001. Firstly hope you and yours are all good. What player/ players do you think we need this summer to improve the first eleven? Personally I think quality centre half and someone who can put the chances we create away although both are a tough challenge to find and expensive
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - I think we need a left-footed centre-back to give a bit of balance at the back, either to allow us to play a back 3 or to be the long term replacement for Virgil. If we are going to switch to a back 3, that would probably be the priority.

Then it depends on how we are going to play. If it is Amorim's current 3-4-3 I am not sure we need much, as Jota/Darwin provide the centre-forward role, but that would be if Danns is going to develop into the first team as Jota's fitness cannot be relied upon. On the right, it is a much narrower role and more creative, so Salah/Szoboszlai/Elliott has that covered. However, if we are continuing to play with no width from full-backs and need our wide forwards to actually play wide, then we need to replace Salah with 2 actual wingers for there.

So other than a left-sided centre-back I think it really comes down to style of play and buying players to fit it and replace players the new man in charge doesn't fancy.}

11 Apr 2024 09:22:49
Ed1. What would you do with Fabio Carvalho? I don’t watch the Championship but catching up on Hull highlights I see he has been scoring a lot. But those are just 3 minute highlights. I don’t know how his general play has been.

{Ed001's Note - I haven't watched more than highlights either, I have read comments from those he has played against though, just to see if they raved about him or not. The general consensus seems to be that he is a bit lazy and doesn't get involved enough but when he does he is excellent. I have no idea how true that is though.

Personally I would probably move him on, I just don't see where he fits into this team and we need to make space in the squad and lower the wage bill for the PSR. Then we can use any space to just buy only top class players. If they aren't top class, then we should not bring them in and use the youth academy instead.}

11 Apr 2024 09:34:28
Ed001, do you think Carvalho might have a chance if Amorim comes in? I know he made some silly comments about Klopp whilst he was away at Leipzig but there is maybe a chance for a fresh start now. I always felt he wasn't quite right for Klopp's version of a 4-3-3 as he wasn't quite suited to being a winger or a wide midfielder, and was a bit physically weak at a young age to play as a 9 or a false 9.

However with Amorim favouring two no.10 style players just off the striker, on paper that could suit him in my opinion. He's having a good end to the season with Hull City for sure. Just not sure how much damage he's done his reputation amongst coaching staff and team mates. Or if what he said was potentially blown out of proportion even.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure that whoever replaces Klopp will want to look at footage of him and if he has done enough, they will give him a chance in pre-season to show what he has. Then it will be up to the lad. Usually a new manager will want to give everyone a clean slate and start afresh.

Personally I am just not convinced he has the fight in him, that was why RBL were not impressed. He didn't work hard enough for their liking.}

11 Apr 2024 09:52:44
Ed1. Shame really because there is talent in there somewhere. But like you said it’s probably best to move him on, especially if it’s true that he is lazy.

{Ed001's Note - it is a shame, the one thing they really need though is to work hard.}

11 Apr 2024 10:31:44
And working hard should be the easiest! Especially when you have bundles of talent.
Less talent players that made it are always those that work super hard. They may never be as good be it in footballing brain or technical ability, but you know for sure they always give their best.
Really p. es me off when great talents don’t work hard and it eventually goes to waste, unfortunately this phenomenon will probably never go away. Just within Liverpool we’ve seen Le Tallec, Jack Robinson, and now FB et al, all training and playing with the first team since teenagers but non ever hitting the heights their talents promised, and the common theme is always - they didn’t work hard enough.

11 Apr 2024 11:14:51
My shopping list would be

Jonathan Tah
Jeremie Frimpong
Gonçalo Inácio
Cole Palmer.

11 Apr 2024 12:21:10
Thanks for the reply ed001 who would you take as a left sided centre back then mate?
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - in an ideal world, Bastoni. But it is more likely to be someone like Hincapie, Inacio or Lukeba. Murillo might be a decent option as well.}

11 Apr 2024 12:51:40
Bastoni is a sick player. He’s been the best defender in Serie A for about 3 seasons now. He is exactly who we should be going after.

11 Apr 2024 14:11:13
Murillo looks very good Ed.

{Ed001's Note - I doubt he would be good value though, which is why he was last on the list. I agree though, looks very good. Pacey, good on the ball and good defensively one on one. Not the best in the air though.}

11 Apr 2024 15:23:19
Edd001 I definitely see amorim playing 3 at the back. I can't see where trent fits in unless he gets a chance in midfield and majorly impresses. Macallister is undroppable if these performances are consistent next season so it's a fight out for a DM role. Bradley would be fantastic for the attacking wingback role.

{Ed001's Note - you and your anti-Trent agenda. It is tedious because Trent has been the best right wing-back around for the last few years, so why on earth would Amorim not want him in a system with even less defensive responsibility? Bradley doesn't have the quality of cross that Trent has.}

11 Apr 2024 16:36:31
I watched the Barcelona game last night, the young lad at CB looked good and played beyond his years, think he was only 17!

{Ed002's Note - No interest from Liverpool but there is from elsewhere.}

11 Apr 2024 16:41:57
Genuine question I’ve seen people say that Diaz wouldn’t suit an Amorim front 3. But Diaz plays in a Klopp front 3 already.

What’s the difference in the 2 front 3’s please?

11 Apr 2024 16:47:59
I’ve said this before Mizer will have a dig at Trent any given opportunity 🤷‍♂️.

11 Apr 2024 17:11:35
Exciting times indeed, Ed.

11 Apr 2024 17:19:59
Cole Palmer will never play for Liverpool.

10 Apr 2024 21:02:39
I predict the next manager will build a team around Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder. So signing a DM to compliment Macca and Trent will be a big priority signing this summer. As well as replacing Salah and maybe looking at Robinson of Fulham to challenge for a left back spot.

10 Apr 2024 21:19:41
So just bin off Endo.

10 Apr 2024 21:47:19
Dont think Amorim plays 3 in centre mid tho.

10 Apr 2024 22:15:56
Let’s hope the new manager isn’t Southgate as we know what he thinks of Trent. Hendo will be brought back In and the team will be built around Maguire.

With Southgate in charge the “I predict a riot”.

10 Apr 2024 23:19:50
Heard that the new manager wants LFC to bring in the DM from Porto, he is class, but do we need him .

10 Apr 2024 23:39:52
Baj is, back training.

11 Apr 2024 07:04:36
More "scout spout".

11 Apr 2024 08:40:37
Baj is far from breaking back into the first team he’s played barley a handful of games two whole seasons, at this stage he cannot be relied on.

11 Apr 2024 09:18:20
@ Jaydee, when Baj did play he was one of our better players. He made some of his teammates look like amateurs.

11 Apr 2024 09:22:58
The last thing we need is a new DM. That's Endos spot, he gets injured or is out, give it to Trent, rotate Baj in when fit, he deserves his chance.

11 Apr 2024 10:18:51
Jaydee, Baj has been out for this entire season so of course he has not played. When he was fit last season, he was playing in CM regularly. So, I don't think he is "far from breaking into the first team". In fact, I would say he is already a part of it as he is always included when Klopp provides updates on the availability of the first team as a whole.

11 Apr 2024 16:12:58
Trent isn't a defensive midfielder, in my opinion. Right wing back would suit him. Not sure where that leaves Bradley though.

11 Apr 2024 17:41:42
Baj is a class act, just needs to stay fit and he’s a regular, Trent needs to play somewhere his passing range and crossing is top notch and we’ve missed him big time, we romp United with him fit. If he’s to play in midfield taking Thiago spot…. we have an overspill of midfielders…. would we be open to selling 1 to create extra funds.

{Ed025's Note - but who gets dropped for Trent Magico?, Macca is a shoe in, Endo is the only fit DM....so are you saying Slob gets the chop mate?..

11 Apr 2024 17:44:32
Just what we need, another midfielder. We have Mac, Szob, Endo, Grav, Jones, Elliot, Bajectic, potentially Trent if the OG is correct (which I don't believe) and a new chap from Porto? All for two CM positions as Amorim only plays 2 CM's if he does come in.
As Jude says who's leaving?

11 Apr 2024 18:39:35
so many games over the season, people are only thinking of a first eleven, Baj is very young, in time I think that he will be an important player for us,
Ha Trent also Mizer .

11 Apr 2024 18:42:42
two players at least, we have so many injuries, we need good cover, I am thinking Goncalo Inacio at left centre back, plus Alan Varela at DM, plus a forward, one of Diaz or Salah could move in the summer .

10 Apr 2024 14:01:15
A gem of a beauty from Paul Ince. "Mohammed Salah is not a world-class player but yes, he is a world class goalscorer".

What does one expect from the forwards, in the first place, if it's not to score? Do I want tricks and dribbling and speed in the forwards? Yes, but only if it serves goalscoring. I'll still take the slow guy who can't dribble or do tricks, as long as he scores.

The nonsense some of these supposedly "learned guys" serve up, is beyond belief. And this guy really sounds like he is really up deep inside his own backside. 😤.

10 Apr 2024 14:11:43
Think Ince is just jumping on the Mo Salah bandwagon, yes Mo is slowing down but he is getting the goal or assist.

10 Apr 2024 14:58:33
I might get pelters for this or even worst case get called a coward again 😂.

But I kind of agree with Ince that Salah isn’t a world class player anymore but he does have attributes and moments that could be defined as world class and is still an excellent footballer.

For me the word world class gets thrown about far too much and the world class player and world class goal scorer is perfectly summed up with Haaland.

Personally I believe there’s only been a handful of world class all round players over time but lots of players who have attributes that are world class.

Longevity plays a huge part in it and Salah has 100% nailed this hence why I say he is no longer world class as it’s very easy to argue that he is no longer the same player in 23/ 24 that he was in 17/ 21 when he was world class.

It’s only my opinion mind and would love to hear others thoughts.

Great topic of discussion this Aray.

10 Apr 2024 15:04:18
Yes but why go into hyperbole and use extreme terms when all he is doing is showing his utterly confused brain and confusing the mind of readers? What he said does not sound the least bit rational if you know football, and he is supposed to know football too well. It's like saying Alisson is not a shot stopper but still a great goalkeeper.

10 Apr 2024 15:19:04
Jk23, I guess a lot of it rests on the definition of world-class, and I know that each one of us probably has his own. That's fine. So much of football and everything that goes with it, is subjective and open to debate.

Yes, Salah's powers are dimishing. But for me he is still up there. How many of us think that he can't produce the 20 goals per season this year? Or next year or the year after? And then, there you have it. We stumble back into the definition of "world -class" again.

What I didn't like about Ince's quote was the use of absolutes that seem contradictory to me, and then also being cute about it. From a guy like him, you would expect incisive meaninful stuff, not this drivel that has no meaning.

10 Apr 2024 15:29:48
Ince is a pillock.

10 Apr 2024 15:31:20
Salah might be having a dip in form at the moment (even though he is still scoring almost every match) but I think history with Salah tells us to avoid jumping to conclusions that this means he's in decline or no longer top level. In form Salah gets into most teams - including national sides - in the world. That, in my opinion, makes him world class.

I do think we have to acknowledge that the stunning solo goals, slalom dribbles into the box and brilliant curled finishes into the far corner appear to be mainly in the past now but Salah has adapted and evolved quite brilliantly such that the goals and assists continue. I think it's most notable how he has replaced those unstoppable dribbles from the left flank in towards goal with those brilliant balls in behind, especially that one he plays from quite deep with the outside of his boot.

His evolution reminds me a little bit of what Giggs did and is the reason why I think Salah would be good for us for at least another couple of years.

All of that said, his all round contribution in the last three matches hasn't been enough from a player of his seniority and ability at this stage of the season. I wouldn't object to resting him tomorrow evening and give Elliott a deserved start. Salah will be back though.

As for Ince; surely one of the thickest ex-players to be afforded air time on tv and radio.

10 Apr 2024 15:58:56
I listened to it on the radio live as he made the comments in a conversation with Andy Goldstein and honestly, Goldstein was just coaxing him into a soundbite that would make a good clickbait headline.

Having heard the comments in context, I don't see the need to have such a reactionary view on what Ince said. He followed this line up by saying Salah is therefore world class. The statement about him not being a world class footballer was purely with regard to his all around game. Something I regularly see and hear Liverpool fans saying online and down the pub. Ince did also go on to say he hopes Liverpool win the league so he wasn't trying to be anti-Liverpool. He just got led down a path where whatever he said was going to make a headline for Talksport that would generate a reaction. If he'd called him a complete forward with no weaknesses you'd have rival fans all over Ince instead.

Ince was actually very good on the show by the way and he's the first ex-United pundit I've heard who gave a balanced view on Mainoo, pointing out how he was a huge part of why Man United were so weak in midfield against us, despite his wonder goal. Most other people don't want to acknowledge that Mainoo is all over the place positionally, doesn't track runners and gives the ball away sloppily all over the pitch. Instead they focus purely on his neat footwork, 5 yard passes and the 2 wonder goals he's scored. It was refreshing to hear an ex-United pundit not going over the top with hyperbole about a kid who has thus far looked out of his depth in multiple games but has albeit showed in flashes that he could be special.

10 Apr 2024 16:12:00
Are you alright MKS? Having a bad day, is it?

It may seem "reactionary" to you, but it's my opinion. As always you have the choice of reading and responding or not reading and not responding. But spare me the judgemental stuff, alright?

I know you for well over a decade on these pages, we read each other's posts, but I don't ever recall reading such overbearing judgemental stuff from you. There are many others on here who thrive on stifling opinions and putting others down. I didn't expect it from you.

If you can't reciprocate the respect you are given, then better not to respond or interact. Have a nice day.

10 Apr 2024 16:16:42
I am donning my hard hat for this one. I wouldn't say Salah has ever been world class (based on what I determine to be world class) . Hear me out. In my opinion, world class means regularly being a step above the best players in the world (which he is) but also regularly delivering on the biggest stages in football and winning the big games with individual brilliance. Think Messi, the Ronaldos et al.
For me, Salah has never performed in those big, one off games, the finals either for club or country. In fact, I'd say his performances in finals is actually quite lacking and that, for me, is why he isn't world class.

10 Apr 2024 16:47:56
Ey up. Just to have my turn stirring up the pot. If you start your post with, “gem of a beauty, ” then criticise someone else’s wording without context, you’re liable to get a retort of some sort.

FWIW, I thought the same as MKS before I even read his post and without the context he provided.

Both statements can be true at the same time. I wouldn't call Jota world class by any stretch, but he time and time again proves himself to be a world class goal scorer. Plenty of defenders are world class tacklers, but are terrible at positioning. Great shot stoppers flapping at crosses etc.

To be world class you need more than one string to your bow - unless you’re Robin Hood.

That said, Salah would still be welcome in 99.9% of teams in the world. That makes him world class in my book.

10 Apr 2024 17:02:06
Aray 100% agree and football is subjective and some people will rate players that others don’t which is the beauty of the game.

In me saying I don’t believe Salah is still a world class player it doesn’t take away what I do actually think of him and I love watching him play for us week in week out.

If it was up to me he’d be signing a new contract and staying with us for a few more years. I know fans are concerned with his wages.

But I’ve very much come to terms with the fact that my tickets, Liverpool shirts, merchandise and sky tv bill etc will be exactly the same price next season whether he is here or not so why should I care what the club are going to pay him, or any other player at that.

10 Apr 2024 17:05:34
This the guy who couldn't watch a penalty shootout, let alone take one and he calls himself the guv’nor?
Mans a tool.

10 Apr 2024 17:22:57
Apparently Jota for two seasons used to play as if he had never seen a football before as he was SO poor on the ball.

Which makes you question is Jurgen Klopp world class because he played him over 80 times. In which he was that poor he managed to hit that round white thing in between the posts 34 times.

10 Apr 2024 17:27:58
Insisted on being called Guv’nor.
Still hate that he played for us.

10 Apr 2024 17:32:32
Agree to be fair, salah does little other than score goals and even that’s stoped.

{Ed025's Note - "does little more than score goals" Mr Bean?.....hardest job in football mate and will take some replacing imo..

10 Apr 2024 17:55:14
Apart from scoring, assisting and helping out defensively what has Salah ever done for us.

10 Apr 2024 18:20:05
I think the best way to look at it and I think most will agree I think salahs general all round play will be replaced very easily his goals won’t .

Goals win games

Therefore salah will be missed when he leaves not for helping out Bradley or hugging the touchline or cutting in on his left but putting the ball in the net which is the aim of the game .

True great and will be missed enormously when he leaves . But we will still carry on and score goals we always do.

10 Apr 2024 18:46:51
Paul Mince
Thick as.

10 Apr 2024 18:50:52
Only 3 players have more assist than Salah in the league yet he does little other than score goals? Absolute clown.

10 Apr 2024 18:55:40
He's right. He's not world class anymore. For a long time he was, but not anymore. Just my opinion though.

10 Apr 2024 19:21:39
I'd argue that Salah was only world class that one season. After that he's been decent to really good only.

10 Apr 2024 20:59:20
Paul Ince renowned football scout.

Except he’s wrong.

Salah is/ was absolutely world class.

I could write more but I can’t believe there’s any doubt.

10 Apr 2024 21:06:52
Paul is right. He was all around world class but not anymore, just goal scoring. It's why City are better without Haaland and Utd were better without Ronaldo etc.
Doesn't make him less a legend, it's just realistic. Gerrard died down, so did Torres, everyone does. I would just say many who used to criticise Jota for only 'scoring' (when he actually does far more and always has) seem to the same as those defending Salah. See what's in front of you. Salahs numbers are great because he world class ability to do something mad difficult that others couldn't in the moment, but then spend 95% of the game wasting chances, giving the ball away, having horrible touches etc. His time has come I'm afraid. Doesn't detract from what's he's done. Fact is as the eds say footballers are transient employees and they have shelf lives. Nothing personal.

10 Apr 2024 21:53:55
Love it, blokes feeling himself back in after nearly 3 months out and he hasn't got it anymore. Could still win the golden boot and score 30 plus goals from the wing while playing in the worlds best league but yeh. he's not a world class player! We've been here before with Salah after a couple of poor performances, i can see him going gial crazy in these last 12 games.

10 Apr 2024 22:31:04
@JK23 totally agree with your original post. Some words and phrases lose their original meaning over time and ‘legend’ and ‘world class’ are examples. There’s also the acronym ‘Goat’ which is used by adolescents who tend to pick a player that they have seen play (albeit on the telly) who might even genuinely be world class and call them the goat.

I think with Mo you could make a serious case that he was the best player in his position in the world for at least a couple of seasons but I’m not sure that makes him world class to be honest but it is fair to say that he had (still has? ) some skills that are probably at world class level.

I am not a fan of Ince but I understand what he is trying to say and I think he might be right.

10 Apr 2024 22:49:09
Jude, Mo Salah is still class but he won't win the Golden Boot or get 30 plus goals, , I hopethat he does but he seems to be near the end at the top of the best league in the world, its it's sad but it happens to every footballer.

11 Apr 2024 02:12:01
Salah is world class, it's kind of gobsmacking to read people thinking otherwise. Even now, which team wouldn't have him? he's still scoring goals and providing assists and is a game changer, big time! We will miss him when he's gone, that is for certain.

11 Apr 2024 07:30:57
I always defined 'world class' as - If there was a squad of players that were made up of the best players from around the world, would they be included? That's my definition anyway.

Salah gets into that squad, particularly based on how many goals he would score, hence in my opinion, world class.

11 Apr 2024 08:02:21
All players are replaceable, hard cold fact but it continuley happens, just differing styles but always a new hero found or that we already have, we did great without him and i think a spell on the side might benefit the team again, if we get big money IMO we have no choice but to sell, absolute legend on the top shelf but the club moves on, will always be this way.

11 Apr 2024 09:03:38
Ar Ay, sorry if I didn't make it clear enough mate but I was intending to criticise Goldstein/ Talksport, not you. My point was that the comments when in context don't deserve a reactionary response, but Talksport and other media outlets haven't publicised them in context. They've done it as clickbait and soundbites. They goaded him into making comments they could monetise. I was only really looking to add the context to the discussion before Ince got lynched for something he didn't actually say or at the very least intend to say as it's come across in the wider media.

If I hadn't been listening to the show when he made the comments I would've definitely had the same reaction as you based off of what has been reported out, because that is what they wanted. They're very good at it which is why they make so much money from football fans. They know how emotional we all are about our teams and favourite players.

Sorry if you felt judged though mate, wasn't my intention at all, hence why I never name dropped you and focused my original reply more on defending Ince and calling out Goldstein/ Talksport.

11 Apr 2024 13:07:02
Wouldnt be so sure Kop that. on 23 now and has another dozen games left, mo be breaking the 30 again i think.

11 Apr 2024 17:14:58
Paul Ince said what he said in order to drive interest and attention towards him the same way Danny Mills spouted nonsense about Klopp not being a top PL manager cos he only won one title. Clearly, it worked.

11 Apr 2024 17:22:10
That's not actually true though is it Salah. We have been fine without him over Afcon and the last few weeks. Whilst subjective our win percentage over the entire time Salah has been with the club is significantly higher when he hasn't been playing. Mental I know but that's fact. The team has performed markedly less effectively when Virgil has been out or injured in comparison hence why I keep saying he is our most important player and needs replacing as a priority far higher than Salah. Again there's lots of variables and I'm not saying I don't like him whatever, or even that I don't think he should be in the team. I'm just saying I genuinely think his time as an elite level player is coming to an end.

11 Apr 2024 18:19:51
Ah yes. Paul Ince.

Still not forgiven Roy Evans for wasting £4 million quid on him.

Ged soon got the measure of him and booted him out to Middlesbrough for a cut price £1 million, I think just to make a point that he was not a valued top player like Ince thought himself as.

Apparently, Ince was a bad influence on the squad getting the spice boys into trouble.

He still talks codswallop, guess he has to earn a living.

11 Apr 2024 19:18:16
Hey Jude, if Salah does get his 30 plus goals, I will come on here and say that you were right, I hope that he does too, but it will be a close one .