08 Mar 2023 01:13:32
What is more important in this current liverpool midfield? 2 destroyers in the shape of either kaido kone, caiceido, sangare, Tyler Adams etc etc or jude bellingham? Watching him tonight for the price tag wanted for him 120million + I am sticking with 2 destroyers to bring a protective reliable side to our midfield that doesn't get bullied or slit open.

1.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 01:36:42
Why can’t we have an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder?

2.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 01:39:44
Bellingham overrated. average player who look 'great' in Bundesliga.

{Ed001's Note - nonsense.}

3.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 01:47:50
I've thought about it quite a bit and I agree with most here that ideally, we need two first-team midfielders. Bellingham and one other would be my choice. I don't see why we need to go with 2 'destroyers' or Bellingham. Seems like such an unnecessary thing to limit ourselves to.

4.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 02:25:10
Bellingham overrated? Good grief. I absolutely guarantee that Bellingham at Liverpool would rival De Bruyne as the best midfielder in the league, he’s incredible.

5.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 02:33:45
I say 2 destroyers because we have elliot, carvahlo, jones. 3 young attacking midfielders with potential that needs to be unlocked we have along with thiago . I would sell fabihno and we are definitely getting rid of ox and keita so them 2 need replacing.

6.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 02:58:58
I think that's where our opinions differ, Hailstones. Ox, Keita, and Milner are most likely leaving in the summer but for the former two, they don't play much and I don't see the need to replace them. Morton or Clark can take their minutes. Hendo can take over Milner's role in the squad. As for Fabinho, I would keep him and give him one more season. He has looked like his older self the past two games so I think he deserves more time to see if he can truly get back to his former self.

Besides, we still have Bajcetic and I feel he deserves to be playing/ starting more after what he has shown us so far. So getting two 'destroyers' is a bit excessive and unnecessary for me. I will still stick to Bellingham + one other.

7.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 03:06:19
Everyone asking why it can’t be Bellingham plus 1. Well Bellingham will go for 150-200m mark. Could get Gvardiol + 2 CM’s for that amount almost ?.

8.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 05:54:03
if the player is really good, some times u got to spend the big money to get them. VVD and allison both broke records when we purchased them, but it was the right decision.

not saying we should get bellingham, but im also not the one doing the scouting or assessment. but there is a difference between expensive and justified expensive, especially when the player can take us to another level.

9.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 06:14:25
He’s not enough. We need 3 midfielders. So if it’s Jude we will need 2 more “destroyers” as you say.
He alone can’t happen.

{Ed001's Note - we have two coming back from loan who can play the destroyer role. This obsession with buying is ridiculous. We have seen that changing the tactics back makes far more of a difference than anything else. We could have bought an entire team in the summer and still been terrible because of the awful tactics we employed. Buying 3 midfielders is simply not needed. We just need to buy a couple of quality top class players each season and offload a few to make space in the squad. Youth players can fill the gaps and it gives the next Trent/Bajcetic a chance to play.}

10.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 06:29:32
Hi Ed, who do you think is the best young midfield prospect we have at the club? Aside from Bajetic obviously.

{Ed001's Note - probably Morton right now.}

11.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 06:40:30
Agree with Ed001 on this we don’t need three midfielders and a centre back and a right back and a forward to replace Bobby!
Gakpo has already replaced Bobby = ✅
Bellingham and Kone/ McAllister would be an ideal midfield reinforcement for me, prefer McAllister
We do need a CB and I would love Gvardiol but his cost is restrictive and I think we will go for someone less expensive like the Benfica or Sporting kids we have looked at. I would personally sell VVD and go for Gvardiol.
RB is covered we have TAA and whilst I admit he has defensive frailties he is better when our midfield covers, tracks etc and therefore with midfield reinforcement he should get back to his best with Ramsey back as cover ✅.

{Ed001's Note - I think Gary McAllister might be a bit old now mate.}

12.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 06:42:35
we need quality, not quantity. in fact, i think we need to reduce quantity, and we have started with Firmino.

it hurts to see him go as he's my favourite player in klopps tenure, but it had to be done, the team needs to move on.

and i agree with ed001 here, returning to klopps original tactics made the biggest difference.

13.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 07:13:19
Bellingham + defensive minded midfielder who can play at 6,rice be my pick but doubt that will happen. Also a cb needed. That would be my shopping list for summer. I agree with ed1 on morton, I think he well capable of being part of squad. I haven't seen Clarkson so don't know on him, believe he has had good loan with Aberdeen if reports anything to go by.

{Ed001's Note - if you buy a defensive minded midfielder, what is going to happen with Bajcetic?}

14.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 07:53:13
I’m pretty happy with Fabinho and Bacjetic. I don’t believe for one second that Fabinho is finished like loads of people on here are saying. He is having a blip for sure but still has so much more to give. With Bacjetic to rotate with him, and one or two additions to the midfield to freshen things up I think we’ll held Fabinho and Hendo extend their peak years.

It’s ridiculous to me that people keep saying need a major overhaul. Fabinho took half a season or so to settle. We’d be sacrificing next season if we did a major overhaul.

15.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 08:13:01
I think Bellingham is the special one we all went, I think he'd be great with us. Given Ox and Keita hardly play, surely the likes of the youngsters could cover those minutes?

We have Bacjetic, I'd keep Fab, he looks to be improving. We'd then have Bellingham, Fab, Bacjetic, Hendo, Elliott, Jones and the couple of young ones coming back from loan to cover Ox and Keita - isn't that enough? I honestly don't want to sign people and block the likes of Bacjetic, who has been great - I love youngsters getting a chance and coming through

I like our attackers, but some have said to sell Jota based on injury record. If we do we'd need to replace him but otherwise I think we're good

Defence wise, I like Konate and VVD together and would sell Matip and Gomez so we would need 2 cbs to replace them. I'd try and keep the rest tbh and I do like Kelleher as back up so would keep him, but maybe play him in both domestic cups?

{Ed025's Note - listen guys, now im not one to rain on anyones parade but is jude really going to change liverpools fortune?, he is seen on here as a knight on a white charger who is going to transform liverpool into this super power but im not so sure, yes he does look a precocious talent and i must say he does look the type to improve the squad but is he really the next coming?, he plays in the bundesliga which is hardly the greatest league in europe (besides bayern of course) where the defending is actually nothing short of mediocre, we have seen players from germany who have great reputations come to the prem and fail before, the likes of werner, havertz and even the world class naby keita come and underwhelm us, im thinking he is going to cost in the region of £130m and thats a massive commitment for whoever gets his signature, now im not saying he wont be a success but he has actually achieved very little up to now so all im saying is that if you dont get him it may not actually be the end of the world...cheers..

16.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 08:14:09
We also have Clarke knocking on the door at presetn.

17.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 08:36:03
Agree faith. Last two games fabinho’s looked a different player. Much more like the one we know and love. One or two swallows doesn't make a summer, but at least we know he’s still in there.

18.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 08:46:18
Thanks for your thoughts on the matter Ed025. I think every transfer is a gamble, with some working out and some don't. There definitely have been players coming in from the Bundesliga who have struggled but equally, there have also been players who have succeeded, like KDB, Son, and Haaland.

I have seen Bellingham play and he does seem like a special talent. He also seems to have his head screwed on properly and has a great attitude. I don't think he alone has the ability to transform us into an all-winning superpower but he would definitely be one of the key components to us doing so.

{Ed025's Note - i think your right drac and im a big fan of what i have seen up to now, still very young and seems to have all the attributes to be a success mate, all im saying is that the premiership is a hard gig for players who are used to having time and space that is afforded to them in leagues like the bundesliga, but i do wish him well and as you say he seems like a nice guy as well..

19.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 09:07:06
Ed025, to answer your original question - Yes. Players of Bellingham’s quality are rare, and players of his potential exceedingly so.
While the Bundesliga has produced some Premier League failures, it has also produced some gems (Ballack, Hamann, Son to name as many) .
Other than captaining Dortmund on numerous occasions, Bellingham has achieved comparatively little right now because he hasn’t even turned 20, Ed. What do you seriously expect him to have achieved in the game when he’s just about reached the age to take his driving test?
The fee for Bellingham will be high, but there should be no doubt about what he will bring to the club.

{Ed025's Note - i have said so much to drac lowel, he has great potential and could become an absolute legend mate, look im not running the lad down because i think hes got fantastic talent, but as you point out hes still very young and sometimes the pressure on young shoulders can be a lot to bear for some, i hope he comes to liverpool and is everything you hope him to be, but nothing is set in stone..

20.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 09:11:42
I'd go along with what Bill said, and add that we also have Thiago and Morton (if he isn't sent out again) in the mix.

I'd replace Matip, but I suspect Gomez will stay simply because he signed a new contract just last year, LFC will ask for a lot because of this, and nobody is going to take the bait, given his performances.

And another thought has just come into my mind. Given our interest in Bellingham, and assuming we are successful in buying his services, are we accumulating too many 18-19-20 year-olds? Is the pendulum swinging from one side (too many older players) to the other side (too many young players)? Just a thought.

{Ed025's Note - fair point ArAy..

21.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 09:32:23
We all appreciate you, Ed025.

{Ed025's Note - thanks mate ?..

22.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 09:55:45
100%agree with faith, the lighthouse is back for me! Him and Bajcetic mean the No.6 roles sorted. Two No.8's and a centreback to replace Matip (although im in two minds whether we should look to move Matip AND Gomez on and bring in a signing and Van Den Berg into the squad as 4th choice. That would be it though, no huge overhaul. Just 3 signings of quality and a few outgoings. Also Ed, what do you mean transform us INTO a superpower? c'mon now, best team along with City in Europe the last 4 or 5 years?.

23.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 10:07:57
Aorus, I propose you go watch Jude play. Overrated? Laughbable.

24.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 10:14:09
I’d be keeping Milner of Jones anyday!

Out Keita Jones ox.

25.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 10:48:43
Amazing what a 7-0 win over your arch rivals can do to our transfer plans :)

Whatever we do in midfield in the summer, we need to add more legs and more duel winning ability. That is the basic requirement.

How many? I think we need 3.
But then I also think given our financial situation will not change, we'll need to cash in on one or both of Fabinho and Thiago while they have value on the continent.

I'd much prefer we moved Hendo on but that won't happen to the Captain and I doubt anyone would want him at a fee.

Bajcetic has just turned 18. Not 19. Not 20. Not 21. He has a physical development rollercoaster to ride yet. Creating any kind of squad dependency on him would just be another unnecessary gamble. If he stays fit and his physical development does not interrupt his availability and form over the next 3 years then it's a bonus.

26.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 10:43:30
I can see why people would say he's over rated. It is talked about as if he is going to be the best midfielder on the planet and all we have to gauge that on is 10 good games for England and a 2 good seasons in the Bundesliga. A league where the team joint top just got knocked out by the team 10th in the Prem. Ed025 nailed it in my opinion, with a very balanced assessment.

That being said, i still think Bellingham is a very good player and potentially world class. People have got a bit carried away though for sure. £130m is a risk whatever way you dress it up. Everyone said Sancho was world class before United signed him after a similar sort of career trajectory initially.

So I would personally take the risk on Bellingham if we can afford to. I do believe he'll reach his world class potential. I just also don't think peoples concerns should be dismissed out of hand.

27.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 11:19:05
My own issue with this Jude saga is the fact that we have gambled seasons away through non-action in the market - notably 20/ 21 when we chose to go into the season with one fit and two injury-prone centre-backs and then this season, with a midfield mix that was clearly lacking physicality/ legs, we chose to do nothing.

So forgive me for feeling frustrated that we are talking about spending a world record fee on one midfielder. It's hard to get excited about it and I feel sorry for the pressure that will fall on the kid if we sign him.

28.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 12:18:33
Pelican, hat's off to you, that's impressive. You've unlocked the secret sequence of numbers that follow after 18. Keep us posted, kindly, after you uncover those that follow after 21. ??.

29.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 12:23:59
ArAy1969 - you can have that one. The point still holds though.

30.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 12:26:13
Pelican, the pressure will be on him wherever he goes, not just with us. Those big bucks come with big expectations and responsibilities.

Let me ease your fears a little bit, with this example. The African country of Burundi has a gross national product of $300 million per annum. Our man Bellingham will be sold from anywhere one half to two thirds of that. Imagine being worth at least one half of what an entire country, and its population, produces in one year.

31.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 13:08:59
Pelican, no the point does not hold, IMO. IMO, Klopp choosing not to sign midfielders at all during the past 4 years bar Thiago is mainly due to Klopp's and Edwards' mismanagement of the squad more than anything with Ox and Keita hanging around too long cos their contracts were too fat to get rid of. And most importantly, that has NOTHING to do with us getting Jude for whatever fee we get him for, tbh.

The fact is Jude will be under pressure same as Gakpo who was be signed for WAY less than Jude will be regardless of what we pay for him eventually. Nobody is putting all their eggs in one basket cos Klopp did not even want Bellingham as his first choice to begin with. He wanted Tchouameni. Oh and Klopp literally put all his eggs in one basket to get VVD no matter what it took to the point of even tapping him up. Were you concerned about that at the time?

IMO, you are overthinking this. If we get Jude it is cos he is who Klopp has chosen and to be the midfield anchor, just like he did with VVD, AB1 and Darwin. Let the man do his rebuild and then you can judge.

32.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 13:22:42
Do u not think ed1 we will have loads of games for bajectic to play next season even if we do buy 2 mids? Keita+ ox going, probably milner. Hendo+thiago will play less games no doubt next season as well I think hendo will be 32 and thiago 31.

{Ed001's Note - no, not if we have two reliable midfielders extra. We have too many players, we need to reduce the size of our squad, not keep increasing it. Our wage bill is ridiculous, we need to cut that down too. Starting with less midfielders. We can replace Hendo and/or Thiago the following year. The only reason to bring two in is if we are offloading more than just Keita, Ox and Milner. Maybe if we have decided not to give youth team players like Morton and Clarkson even a sniff of the first team and just get rid, but that makes little sense when we need to reduce wages to allow us to buy better quality players.}

33.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 13:42:19
OliRed, I am fully aware that Klopp and others are complicit in the situation with the squad. I have made my thoughts known about that for some time, as you know.

The actual point I was defending was that creating a dependency on a just-turned 18yo is dumb and no other top club would do it.

As for Jude - if we had him in our midfield this season, we still wouldn't have been challenging for trophies.

34.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 15:21:23
Aye I think adding Bellingham is maybe enough in midfield- the squad is bloated and wages sn issue. We'll maybe see Ox, Keita, Milner go in midfield and replaced by Morton, Bellingham and Clarkson

Do we need to replace Bobby, given who we have? At cb I'd sell Matip, ArAy is probably right re Gomez. Sell Phillips and get in one cb?

Need to reduce the squad size and wage bill - we've had too many highly paid players injured all the time.

35.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 16:41:47
Just watched Morton on you tube (I know it’s not a great way to judge a player) and agree with ed1 on Morton he looks good, loves a cross field pass, definitely looks worth a place in the squad.

36.) 08 Mar 2023
08 Mar 2023 17:06:16
I'd go all out for Bellingham personally and a free transfer signing like Rabiot if we need another midfielder.

37.) 09 Mar 2023
09 Mar 2023 10:11:43
Pelican, I fully agree that had we had Jude this season, we would still have struggled for sure BUT that we already knew. Hence, why I said that I don't think we are putting all our eggs in one basket with Jude cos NO one man is coming to make this rebuild work and again, that we agree on. Just let things play out and then judge at that time, is what I am saying.