Liverpool banter 6

10 Aug 2026 20:06:18
Hi All

It's obvious we need a holding midfielder ( No 6 ) to help shore things up in midfield, same as last season players running 40-50 yards unchallenged.

My only dilemma with this is, who makes way to allow a natural holding midfielder to come in?

The likely team if all fit, providing we don't but Barcola.



Allison
Kerkez
VVD
Araujo
Frimpong
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Gakpo
Isak
Ngumoha

Personally I think if Gravenberch is not going to be a no (6) he has to make way.

Just wondering everyone's thoughts on this?

Cheers.

10 Aug 2026 20:33:51
Think your first 11 is about right, but I think Munoz gets in ahead of Rio more often than not. Watch out for Nyoni, who is more of a 6 than an 8.

10 Aug 2026 20:38:59
IA doesn't use a holding midfielder in the traditional way. He uses a high press and compact formation to squeeze the opposition immediately they get possession. The idea is that there is no 40-50 yards to run into and no easy pass.

Players will need to be faster at reacting and more short sprints rather than long runs back. So, we need additions but maybe not the same type as you think.

10 Aug 2026 20:42:52
If you were buying a natural holding midfielder for me Wirtz would come out and Szobozlai, the best attacking midfielder at the club, would play ten. But then I'm not really mad about Gravenberch anywhere but the 6 either, so it could easily be him too.

10 Aug 2026 20:45:18
If we get a 6, which we should, but I don't think will happen, I would guess Grav is the one that makes way.

And, btw, I agree that during these preseason, while we have played better than last season, the protection from the midfield is very weak.

10 Aug 2026 20:47:48
This is likely to be a 4-2-3-1, the 3 being 2 wide players plus Wirtz. Only leaves room for 2 CMs, which may work against weaker / low block teams but I think a 4-3-3 with Wirtz one of the front 3 may be needed against stronger teams. Leaves room for 3 mids, ideally would be a DM if we had one, plus Grav/Szobo.

10 Aug 2026 20:59:06
Teams certainly taking shape for the Newcastle game. I think Gravenberch will be the six.

Allison
Kerkez
Van Dijk
Jacquet
Araujo
Barcola
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Gakpo
Isak

I think he might start Jacquet if he plays against Como and gets a free run of training between now and Newcastle.

10 Aug 2026 21:07:28
His height would certainly come in handy against the likes of Burns and Voltemade. What does he play RB like? Is he ultra defensive like when Carra played there, or is he a CB that can actually get up the line and contribute to the attack like Babbel did?

10 Aug 2026 21:13:06
What is Nyoni's natural position? I get the feeling AI will use the squad more than Slot and even Klopp did, so if Nyoni can play more of the holding role, I'd see him rotating with Gravy.

10 Aug 2026 21:26:23
Grav should be the 6. The only reason we should buy a 6 is if Grav refuses to play there, and if he does that, then he should be sold. There's no point playing him anywhere else as we saw last season.

It's his best position by far, and in the title winning season, he was the best 6 in the league, comfortably (Rodri was injured).

10 Aug 2026 23:20:18
It's not happening. Get over it. Grav is our 6. The club doesn't see reason enough to replace him. If we bring in a midfielder, it will be to replace outgoings like Jones or Macca. Grav, Dom, and Wirtz will be Iraola's preferred midfield 3, at least to start.

11 Aug 2026 04:59:31
Sadly, I don't think the team is looking to buy a 6. At least, it doesn't seem to be the case with the players we've been linked to.

Grav and Nyoni will rotate and play sort of a 6 role.

I expect Jones to be sold and maybe one of Endo/Macca.

Not sure there's enough time to sell all 3 and find replacements. I'd personally rather keep Endo, sell Jones and Macca. Nyoni replaces Jones and we buy a more robust CM to replace Macca. Not sure that'll happen though.

11 Aug 2026 09:12:37
@Flo, why would Wirtz come out in place of Szobo if we get a 6?

If anything, the closest thing we have to a 6 is Grav, hence it would be him who would make way, no?

10 Aug 2026 19:37:49
So the new boss has come out and said the squad can run for any more than 30mins. So that begs the question what was The Goonie doing in Anne Frank's attic all that time 🤔

10 Aug 2026 20:12:31
You know you're supposed to take those pills every day, right Baz?

10 Aug 2026 20:29:54
Every day! You sure?

10 Aug 2026 20:53:52
It was said before on here by me and others, but the next head coach who came after Slot would be surprised in a bad way at how unfit the squad is. Lucky for us it's Iraola and he will do something about it.

10 Aug 2026 20:59:44
We are blessed it's Iraola, Dilly.

10 Aug 2026 19:09:38
Just wondering if we are still in for Wharton? Probably too expensive given money will be spent on Barcola and potentially Mbaye. I’d rather spend Mbaye money on Wharton and give Chiesa and academy players a run, but I drink beer and work 9-5, what do I know.

Wharton, I think, can certainly open their potential up even more, and possibly, more than anyone we currently have.
With AI’s energy and intensity, the team might even be in contention for the title, not just CL spot scramble.

10 Aug 2026 20:14:52
Love Chiesa but I think we've all seen enough at this point.

10 Aug 2026 23:41:06
I like Chiesa, but likewise, I don't see how he fits in anymore. Not really quick enough anymore to play wide, too lightweight to play up top, not really a 10. Who knows, maybe with the whole team pressing properly he might be able to achieve something. If an offer comes in for him though, I reckon it's time to go.

11 Aug 2026 00:29:35
Chiesa has never been good enough to be in the first 11 and that's why he wasn't. That situation has not changed and the club need to sell him and replace him with someone else either in house or with a transfer.

11 Aug 2026 05:03:26
I like Wharton's progressive passes and what not, but who do you drop if he comes in?

He'd have to replace Szobo in the double pivot, and then Szobo/Wirtz rotate in the 10. I'm just not sure the club would do that.



Maybe for some games against weaker teams sitting back, you could have Szobo and Wharton in the double pivot and drop Grav, but then you'd have like zero cover for our CBs.

10 Aug 2026 18:46:50
Nice first interview from Araujo, seems excited to be at the club. Took a wage cut too as part of the move.

10 Aug 2026 20:14:03
I'll tell you what, huge amount of respect goes to Darwin Nunez.
I gave him pelters for his finishing and his offsides, but never doubted his commitment and effort.

Well he's come out with some lovely comments about Liverpool fans and for that he deserves a lot of love. ❤️

Well played Darwin. 👏

10 Aug 2026 20:18:11
LFC Channel reports a deal subject to obtaining a work permit, and international clearance also?

10 Aug 2026 21:14:35
I'm not surprised Ndukwe had trouble with a WP, but I'd be flabbergasted if Araujo had any troubles!

10 Aug 2026 23:05:02
Barcola would have more trouble than Araujo.

10 Aug 2026 23:41:45
I'd still have Nunez back. Come at me!

10 Aug 2026 23:46:05
He's non-EU, he has to apply for a work permit.

11 Aug 2026 00:31:13
Westwood, 🤚. Please.

11 Aug 2026 16:44:44
Westwood, I like the attitude, man.

10 Aug 2026 18:30:19
With the new stakeholders, as long as we order Barcola by 11pm two days before the window shuts, he'll arrive the next day, and can be left in the outside cupboard next to A field front door. Sorted.

Kindness,

Dev11

10 Aug 2026 23:04:41
And at 24 he's yet to reach his Prime.

10 Aug 2026 18:40:08
Interesting that there is no loan fee for Araujo, reduced wages only. Does this happen often Ed001 or is this pretty rare?

{Ed001's Note - most loans don't have a fee. Usually players are loaned for development purposes though.}

10 Aug 2026 19:18:59
I am actually excited by the signing. Most South American players have that aggression and drive, that is sorely missing in our team right now. As long as he does not do something stupid like Suarez, he could be a very good signing. At his best, he was really really good but has struggled in the last 2 years. May he get his redemption with us.

10 Aug 2026 19:37:24
Hopefully Araujo turns into a shrewd move and we're talking about the business like we did with Joel Matip - what a player he turned out to be for us.

10 Aug 2026 20:03:21
Crowd needs to get behind this lad because he'll pay it back in spades.

10 Aug 2026 20:19:03
Well said, Ron.

11 Aug 2026 00:39:28
The initial concerns voiced by many, including myself, regarding Araujo are totally valid for many and various reasons. If he proves his worth on the pitch, then 'the crowd' should follow suit. Until then, the jury is well and truly out. We've bet on this horse for the coming season and it's a big gamble. We'll see soon enough whether it's worth it or not.

10 Aug 2026 17:15:14
Marmoush not wanted at City, would be a good signing and can play across front 3.

10 Aug 2026 17:34:09
Great player ideal for the Reds.

10 Aug 2026 17:37:40
Yes, could potentially make for a good signing, I'm all for it, he started off really well when he came in last year for the second half of the 24/25 season, but performances dropped off significantly last season, albeit with massively reduced playing time.

More regular minutes at a new club could see him find form fairly quickly again. He's a capable player, dynamic across the front, and his previous partnership with Ekitike is a massive bonus.

10 Aug 2026 17:43:02
Hmmmm... unsure of Marmoush imo. For me, either Rayan or Mbyae has a bit of the x factor. I know both are relatively unproven, but they seem an exciting prospect. Just my opinion.

10 Aug 2026 17:43:13
I don't know if Marmoush is a great player personally, but I've been a fan of his since his days at Frankfurt.

He could work as a backup striker but the guy wants to start games, hence I don't think he is an option.

10 Aug 2026 17:46:20
Yeh good player Marmoush. Was on fire when he first came to the league, then seemed to fall outa favours. But then Pep can be a bit like that.

10 Aug 2026 17:49:55
I'd take him all day long. Was disappointed he chose to go to City, hopefully we could give him a new lease of life.

10 Aug 2026 18:07:38
I dunno me. We'd be doing them a favour as well, don't forget. Offloading one of their unwanted players so they can strengthen yet again.

10 Aug 2026 18:16:02
Don't worry, LFC8, they're not waiting on us.

10 Aug 2026 18:41:12
He can step in when Isak is out injured. He'd therefore play about 40 games a season.

10 Aug 2026 18:57:51
The next LFC "Egyptian King", it's written in the Stars?

Possible £65 mill release clause, what's not to like!

10 Aug 2026 19:06:49
Hard pass!

10 Aug 2026 19:31:00
And he used to partner Hugo.

10 Aug 2026 19:32:00
Good player. Better than what we have on the wings currently. Shouldn't need to adapt to the league.

Would be a yes for me, but I don't see us going for him based on the ITK rumours.

Is he an Iraola player? That would be my only question? I'm not sure he fits the mould of what AI likes on the wings so he'd have to play CF and we have Isak (and Ekitike to come back).

Would have suited us better in a 433 imo.

10 Aug 2026 19:36:34
Lots saying City want Macca or Endo, maybe swap them, haha.

10 Aug 2026 19:50:50
Solid option across the front line and in the 10. I mean I do rate Wirtz and think he'll come good, but of the two of them, Marmoush has performed better in England thus far and did well with Eki. I don't think it will happen, but I'd take him.

10 Aug 2026 19:55:59
Endo? Really?!!

10 Aug 2026 19:18:18
Sly Sports reports Newcastle in talks for Omar? release clause sketchy, so many differing sites. Maresca says he can go to this summer window?

10 Aug 2026 19:19:57
How is it known he's not wanted at city?

10 Aug 2026 20:55:09
He is on insane wages at City, there's a reason he signed for them.

10 Aug 2026 21:27:45
I like him, and I don't think he's been given a chance at City. I'd like to see him join us as well as the winger that has been talked about.

10 Aug 2026 23:08:43
We shouldn't sell Endo to City and fund their summer spending.
No way, Pedro!

10 Aug 2026 17:12:33
Jeff Bezos invested in a project that launched Katy Perry into space. Hopefully he can do the same thing with Gary Neville.

10 Aug 2026 17:39:05
Yeah, but she did come back...

10 Aug 2026 17:54:52
Launching Gary Neville into space?
It's not rocket science, is it?......

....Oh.

10 Aug 2026 18:09:09
Maybe he can find Gabriel's penalty.

10 Aug 2026 18:31:35
Pootache's lead personality and grinding charisma would unfortunately send him back down to Earth like a butcher's turd

10 Aug 2026 19:56:39
Bezos will at least be able to speed up our transfers with his next day delivery service.

10 Aug 2026 14:11:27
Seeing that Ronald Araujo has a 47m buy clause after his initial year loan, if we decide to trigger it. Would his contract be agreed in advance with us? Or would we have to reach personal terms in 12 months time?

10 Aug 2026 15:09:47
I would think they would negotiate new terms before triggering the option.

10 Aug 2026 16:39:05
The more I think about it, the more I think this is a shrewd bit of business.

Araujo is a player we've scouted for a few years as a potential Virgil replacement. He's had some well publicised problems, so we take the chance to get him for a year, see if he can get back to his best, and if he does, sign him for £47m.

If he doesn't, then thank him for the year and move on.

He was clearly good enough for Barcelona to offer him a 5 year contract extension before his troubles. Let's see if he can get back to being that player.

10 Aug 2026 17:14:45
Indian Tarzan, in the same post as you've eviscerated Araujo, you have also admitted he's an upgrade on Konate. Do you agree it's at least a step forward in that case?

10 Aug 2026 17:22:10
Yeah, more "jungle" talk. The guy was rated one of the best in the World, was captain of the team, and supposedly liked by VVD as a player, but has a long list of things he can't do. How the hell is he even a professional footballer?

10 Aug 2026 17:33:36
I'm guessing that the missing Tarzan post means that Harry's been kicked again?

{Ed001's Note - he was doing his usual, posting lies he made up in his head and pretending that they were real.}

10 Aug 2026 17:42:32
Konate lasted 5 years at Liverpool and 3 of them under Klopp. Perhaps he wasn't as crap as people make out.

Onto Araujo, I really hope this transfer works out for him and Liverpool.

{Ed001's Note - he wasn't first choice under Klopp though.}

10 Aug 2026 17:47:19
ArAy 1969, I keep saying it. It all depends on what you wanna focus on.

Araujo being all these awful things or Araujo being an upgrade on Konate?

Oh n btw, who in the Barack Hussein Obama is "Indian Tarzan"?

10 Aug 2026 17:56:18
Indian Tarzan!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Nearly as good as Jim Araujo!!! 💥💥🤚

10 Aug 2026 18:42:47
Ah cool, Indian Tarzan has been chucked out? I have space for another Harry alt on the ignore list!

Yay!

10 Aug 2026 19:27:37
No way Konate was ever going to replace Matip, greatly underrated, especially for no fee.

10 Aug 2026 19:39:19
We haven't got close to replacing the amazing free Matip, Konate in his prime wasn't close to an injured Matip.

10 Aug 2026 19:57:40
Was it all a fever dream or did you do a podcast with Harry a few years back, Ed?

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, a very long time ago before he started believing he was itk, even though he defo isn't.}

10 Aug 2026 18:43:37
No idea, Oli. The site is swarming with new usernames on a regular basis since a couple of years. But he sounds like the perfect candidate for the next Marvel Superhero movie.

I'm convinced Araujo is far better than Konaté. If he makes it beyond the loan, he can give us 5 solid years. Perfect for the youngsters coming up.