03 Aug 2020 09:33:37
Good morning Reds and Eds.
Ed001, following on from your analysis of our midfield dynamic yesterday, where do you see Thiago Alcantara in this please?
More talk of Liverpool interest in him today. He's played a variety of roles in his midfield career to date, do you see this versatility of use to Klopp?
Or perhaps a formation change in the offing, on occasion at least?
Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - he can cover both the more forward position and the Fabinho position and that is the main key to the interest imo. We don't have a proper alternative to Fabinho right now, so Thiago would give us that, as well as being more options in the carrilero role.}


1.) 03 Aug 2020
03 Aug 2020 10:08:28
Thanks, I’d agree with that.
I wonder to what degree two post-lockdown games are on the management’s minds, I’m talking of City away and Chelsea home?
Lots of space found by the respective opposition in each game, though both could have gone either way results-wise.
Hmm, Thiago is an interesting one, I’m beginning to think it may happen too.
A Lallana upgrade in effect perhaps.


2.) 03 Aug 2020
03 Aug 2020 12:13:06
Nice analysis Ed1, but surely the signing of Thiago would mean the departure of another player right?
He’d demand a high salary and playing time wouldn’t he? Also wouldn’t it mean Curtis may not see the XI as much?

Would a consequence of this transfer mean that Milner would provide more cover for the wing backs and a back-up left back would not be signed? Seems like the trabsfer funds are short, so what is your realistic and hopeful prediction of the incomings and outgoings? Maybe just the respective positions and not players!

Cheers!

{Ed001's Note - I have already said that my belief is that Thiago is of interest to replace Gini, who has yet to sign a new contract, so needs to sign quickly or be sold. I would think it would more mean that Ox will have to play more often further forward and Millie will end up covering left-back. It does mean difficult decisions to be made, but I would expect Jones to still get game time next season.}


3.) 03 Aug 2020
03 Aug 2020 16:42:39
If Wijnaldum is going to leave then I hope he makes it known sooner than later so that the club can both find a buyer for him and bring Thiago into the squad as soon as possible. The last thing we need is for Gini to be gone and then Thiago beginning to make starts post January after getting accustomed to the team and tactics.

Although I'm very happy with Gini and hope he stays, on paper it looks like we would be strengthening the position, at least from the creative aspect in midfield. No idea if Thiago is as good or better defensively.