28 Jan 2019 11:35:27
With Moreno likely to leave in the summer what’s everyone’s views on a replacement considering whoever it is is unlikely to get much game time there?

I know Laxalt is the one talked about the most on here in recent times, and I imagine his versatility would be attractive to Klopp and likely get him more game time but, we have 3 up and coming left backs in the academy in Lewis, Gallagher and Juanma.

However, I know little of all 3 and have never seen Laxalt play as a left back or otherwise so interested to know Ed001s and everyone else’s (probably more informed than mine) opinion on the matter.

{Ed001's Note - I have not been able to keep track of the youth teams for a couple of years now, so I don't know how well they have been progressing.}

1.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 12:16:56
Fair enough Ed, do you know much about Laxalt? Is he a left back that can also play further forward or vice versa? I’d be worried he wouldn’t be good enough defensively if it were the latter.

{Ed001's Note - I like him, he would be good cover for both positions.}

2.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 12:17:16
Considering any lb brought in, in your words, "is not going to get much game time" I would give young Gallagher or Lewis a go. Why pay 40 grand a week for a bench warmer when we have decent young players who are just as suited to warm benches.

Also, when Clyne was out with his big injury we all worried a little but look what a rb we got out of that situation. Taa.

3.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 14:39:57
I’m all for promoting the youth if Klopp thinks they are good enough but Laxalt can cover LB and LW so would likely get more game time than if he was purely LB cover. I’m in agreement with most on these pages that we could do with another winger next season as with Lallana and Milner potentially leaving then Keita will be needed in the CM positions more than out wide. However as Mane and Robbo will be playing the majority of the time then the sensible thing to do seems to be either promote lb and lw from academy or bring in someone to cover both positions. However, this would likely result in some of the left sided academy players looking for first team action leaving in the summer which would be a shame as I’d like to see Wilson especially get a chance next season, although sounds like he still needs to up his defensive work rate if he’s going to get a look in next season with us.

4.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 16:07:32
Juanma is out of contract in the summer. Haven't heard anything about a new one being offered, so has he not progressed as well as hoped lately?

5.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 18:46:03
Laxalt is a very good shout, Ed. Saw him play at the WC and he is very good, tenacious and a battler. He is also very versatile, a quality which Klopp always seems to like in his players.

6.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 21:47:43
Juanma looked good when he started. Problem is everytime he starts to impress, he gets an injury and has to start again.

7.) 28 Jan 2019
28 Jan 2019 23:33:00
That’s what I was thinking Robbie but Laxalt would also provide cover for Mane and, from what I’ve heard, has the pace to match Mane (which we currently lack on the bench) which could make him a useful sub particularly when holding a lead (can defend and quick enough to worry opponents into not pushing forward as much) .

I’m all for promoting the youth but I don’t follow their progress as much anymore so don’t know if any of the academy lbs are ready for the step up yet. Laxalt would likely block their route into the first team as well as any of the young wingers (Wilson, Kent, Woodburn etc) if he were to come in. If Laxalt was to be a real option I guess Klopp would have a look at the youngsters in preseason and then make a decision (not that that’s made any easier by the ridiculous shortening of the summer window with increased pressure to get deals done early! )