Liverpool banter 7

30 Oct 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Where Manchester United Are Right Now

30 Oct 2026 08:29:53
16th Shappy.

30 Oct 2026 09:37:32
Don't worry Shappy, you will be able to enjoy this season forever once Amazons All or Nothing show comes out :)

30 Oct 2026 11:47:18
They're a club in decline.
They should have stuck by Rangnick and let him shape the club. Instead they're stuck in a cycle of hiring and firing managers every few seasons. They're leaderless on and off the pitch.

30 Oct 2026 14:23:38
Yes. Ralf knew.

29 Oct 2026
New image uploaded to the
Liverpool Player Sightings page entitled, Some great PL era midfields here.

Click picture for larger image

29 Oct 2026 20:11:10
Imagine trying to build the perfect midfield 3 from that list. Pretty tough choices.

29 Oct 2026 20:31:39
Vieira, Keane, de Bruyne.

29 Oct 2026 20:49:02
Keane, Gerrard and viera. Try to drop one of those from that midfield, let the debate begin!

29 Oct 2026 21:27:30
Arsenal's and Manchester United's were never midfield trio's.

29 Oct 2026 21:27:56
Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso.
That's a headache any manager would love to have.

30 Oct 2026 11:06:40
Not a headache at all, imagine Masch, Alonso as 6/8 and Gerrard as 10 in this team like in 09 😋.

30 Oct 2026 14:27:20
Vieira, De Bruyne and Makelele.

31 Oct 2026 01:42:31
Great @ Man. of. Todd
We would be the best team in Europe with those 3 now.

31 Oct 2026 08:15:17
Vieira Kante Stevie.

29 Oct 2026 15:38:11
Did anyone else notice Nyoni giving the ball and pointing out to his senior teammates where to go with it?

I knew the boy was good, but I don't think I was ready for just how good. There are a lot midfielders with vastly more experience that aren't capable of doing that effectively. He was running the game at times.

29 Oct 2026 16:02:35
Has always been a top prospect. Has made himself a real option now in that midfield two. Means we probably don't have to do as much business in that position as we thought we might. Young Luca Eden coming through in that position as well.

29 Oct 2026 16:57:52
Nottingham Forest (Glasner) had a last minute 30 million bid for Trey rejected on the recent summer transfer deadline day, he is 20 on the 30/06/2027.

YNWA Andoni.

29 Oct 2026 17:15:05
I thought that Nyoni had a very comfortable game last night 👏.

29 Oct 2026 17:27:28
If I'm being totally honest, I thought we was pretty poor to a man last night.

The quality of both sides was absolutely shocking

Buzzing to be in the quarters though and a little cheeky Christmas Fixture at home, can't beat it, but yeh. We was poor, as were Chelsea. Wins a win though 💪🏻.

29 Oct 2026 18:23:35
Does nyoni move ahead of grav in the pecking order?

29 Oct 2026 18:41:54
He should be ahead of grav now.

29 Oct 2026 18:43:47
"SEVEN" changes from the Brighton game and Andoni still found the way home, against a team who played their strongest available eleven, great win Andoni, no better result in a game of football than to win.

YNWA Andoni.

29 Oct 2026 19:28:16
FORNAX - Nyoni is going to need his own Ikea/sprocket set allegory soon.

29 Oct 2026 19:40:35
On current form, Trey shades it over Grav for me too. What he lacks in experience compared to Grav, he more than makes up for in mentality, amazingly leadership as noted by the OP, and discipline (from what I have seen in the few matches I have watched on the TV)

29 Oct 2026 20:53:40
We've got to get grav back to his best. Trey needs to keep doing what's he's doing, he'll get minutes under Andoni and I'm sure he'll slot in when needed.

30 Oct 2026 16:12:30
The kids been playing very well, he's very good at pointing too.

{Ed666's Note - in 2 seasons that kid will be beyond reproach

30 Oct 2026 16:48:35
Wasn't criticising Trey at all Ed, not one bit, he's been gret, I was scoffing at OP's idea that pointing to a free man takes any skill.

{Ed666's Note - yes I know mate I didn’t take it as a dig at Trey

29 Oct 2026 13:20:43
Rio is coming on in spades and works incredibly hard.
Gakpo looked like the gakpo of old last night that we were OK with selling.
Poor touches, not passing when the pass is on and having a stinker.
There's one player that's not performing well now consistently under andoni. That's Ryan. I don't want to mention his wages anymore. The player isn't putting in good performances. I think he's abit lost atm.

He needs a set position and positional discipline to see if the lads going to be anchoring our midfield for years to come.

I think his contract had the aim of channeling that but I'm unconvinced.
Like Kerkez, he, Ryan and a few others have a full season to show if they're the future. Plenty of time to improve and offer more to the team.
Rio and Nyoni impressed me. Soo much. I think for McConnell and koumas, this is a level above them.

29 Oct 2026 13:43:39
I agree with everything you said, but would be willing to give McConnell and Koumas the benefit of the doubt. Rio and Nyoni have had considerably more game time than both the aforementioned, and it shows.

I dare say that McConnell and Koumas will fare the same given the same amount of opportunities. Rio, especially, has a season extra under his belt. Koumas is really just starting to feature more now this season.

29 Oct 2026 14:24:37
Rio is developing very quickly, he just needs to learn to get his head up and play the ball sooner. There were a couple of opportunities after he beat his man to realise the ball and get us in a dangerous area, only for him to delay and then beat his man again .not a dig as he is doing brilliant just an observation, as still as much to learn but it is clear he is already an elite dribbler, once he gets his decision making and end product consisten he will be lethal.

29 Oct 2026 14:27:17
Apart from Lask i'm yet to see Koumas really do anything as a forward be it central or right that doesn't involve running around and closing down. You can't fault the lads energy but he is quite some way off when compared to LFC forwards of yesteryear.

However Iarola seems to like him and my opinion means absolutely nothing to the club, player or team selection.

29 Oct 2026 14:55:22
I've no issue with koumas and McConnell getting games this season. I just don't see either making it unless they both take their games up at least 2 levels. It's a big ask.

29 Oct 2026 15:19:31
Bang on.
Everything the same as Ron Funky.

29 Oct 2026 15:23:15
McConnell is not going to make it at this level every thing he does is half arsed, thought he should have been subbed at half time latest. No effort in closing down same laboured approach when going forward championship player at best I feel for him. He has ability, can use both feet but doesn't produce anything. I don't mind the young players playing to build up value but any more performances like that and we won't be able to give him away.
Koumas I feel could be a useful squad player works hard tries to play the right ball to create chances, just unfortunate on a couple of occasions the ball into Gakpo was just behind him, hopefully once he settles himself down a bit, learn when to press and when to slow himself down he would show a bit more ability and composure on the ball around the box.
I hope when it comes to signing midfield players they bear in mind Nyoni as he certainly has earned his place in the squad and maybe a bit unlucky not to start more games.

He brings a lot more stability to the midfield he has similar traits to gravenberch the way he turns away from players with a bit more thought to an end product.
Rio I think looks to be better playing on the right side, I find he's a bit more unpredictable playing there then on the left. He still needs to work on his end product and maybe when to lay it off look for a one two to healp beat his men then always looking to dribble every time. But very promising signs if he can go on to learn.
Mc Calister is performing a lot better this season not so much dramatics although still has the habbit of going down unnecessary at times. Still think for the balance of the midfield be best to move him on and possible Gravenberch if we do look to bring in 2 new midfielders. Sometimes good players just don't suit a way of playing so best to cash in and reinvest to a more suited style player.

29 Oct 2026 15:26:01
Koumas definitely gives a 101% every time he is out there, no doubt about it. But we see the limitations he has in terms of sharpness and accuracy in front of, or near the goal. He has to develop further. And that's fine, he's very young and has time.

I was just thinking that he is currently occupying the place of players like Origi and Minamino that we had in the past. And it becomes clear that there's a big difference between what they were producing, and Koumas.

29 Oct 2026 16:34:32
I like Koumas but so far - Neil Mellor type prospect. Will play, will score sometimes - Pool to make 10-20 mill for him some point.

Mcconnell - not for me. But what do I know.

Nyoni and Rio both look 1st team ready, stars in the making.

29 Oct 2026 17:28:43
I thought Rio had a poor game last night actually. Gakpo had a better game and is being lambasted for it but in truth Gakpo had much more involvement in the game but both he and Rio made poor choices with the ball.

Both are capable of much better.

Rio is getting a pass in a lot of games because we all hope he's going to improve and bring more end product like he did against Villarreal. Most of the time though he gets into good positions and makes poor decisions just like Gakpo has in the last couple of games.

29 Oct 2026 23:15:39
In terms of what Koumas is doing, I'd have to say it's broadly what Iraola wants him to be doing as he keeps on using him.

I don't think Iraola necessarily sees him constantly involved in the last one or two actions of a goal, but (at least how I see it) he is primarily there to unsettle the opponents defence by not giving them a moments rest. In that way he is very good and getting better imo. Possibly because the whole team is becoming better at pressing.

I also think think his link up play is flying slightly under the radar, but there are numerous times I've seen the ball pumped into him and he's made it stick, won his battle with the defender and moved it onto someone else. You need players in forward areas who can do that, even if it's just to allow the team to gain some territory in a controlled way.

29 Oct 2026 23:19:21
JK, I agree on Koumas, love the work rate, the pressing can be very effective, but I just don't see a clinical striker there. Hopefully I'm wrong but either way a good squad option.

Arleseyred84, I have to say I've never seen what others do in McConnell, I don't think he's up to par, he looks out of his depth in my opinion, maybe its just that he needs more game time but at the moment I agree, I don't see him competing for a place in a top side like us.

Riosstepover, the difference being that ones long hit his ceiling and the others just a kid capable of improving a hell of a lot more. In Rio's defence, I'm not sure I've ever seen him throw away assists the way I've seen Gakpo do it, he should face criminal charges for some of the passes he never made.

30 Oct 2026 06:06:14
It's too early to judge McConnel and Koumas for me. Just let them play big boy's football and see if they develop to the right level. It could take a season or two until we know for sure but kids can only improve by playing and learning.
Kane was written off at a young age and now looks at him.


It's up to them now to prove themselves but let's be honest, Koumas is only playing because of Ekitike's injury and McConnell is far down the midfielder list. However, I'd certainly rather be filling out the squad with good prospects than some cheap, older import without the hope of making it to the right level.

30 Oct 2026 17:34:41
100% Brommers, they've only jus broken into the squad, I'm not passing a final judgement, just saying how it looks to me right now, and of course when it comes to the youngsters, I always hope they disprove the doubters, even when I'm one of them.

29 Oct 2026 10:42:51
Are the wages on Capology accurate? Honest question. If so go Check out our wages. Holy crap 🤣.

29 Oct 2026 11:08:03
Hughes gave out some insane extensions. In terms of the figures, it is worse than what Edwards did in his first stint but at least Hughes hasn't given out big long-term deals to older players like Edwards did. Nevertheless, it is another mess we will have to rectify.

29 Oct 2026 11:29:10
I understand that Capology is not very reliable.

29 Oct 2026 12:58:50
FPF, I thought that they were reasonably accurate for the ones that have the "verified" green dot, so worthwhile checking, ASB, whether it is a verified or unverified contract they are quoting.

29 Oct 2026 21:43:31
The source of truth is the FIFA (or UEFA maybe) that Ed02 had access to.

There are certain criteria required to be allowed yo join the site. I want to say the site's acronym is something like TMS, but it may not be correct - it's a while vaca now - but all club have to register financials for all players.

Anyone else remember Ed02 mentioning the site?

30 Oct 2026 09:02:10
Yeah WDW, i remember that now mate, thanks a lot 🙏.

29 Oct 2026 05:46:48
Trey over grav for Arsenal I've seen enough.

29 Oct 2026 10:32:21
Thought he was good
The major difference for me is he makes the right decision more times than Grav, whether that's defensively or after running through the middle third.

I think Virgil rates him as always seems to seek him out when he does something good

On the Virgil note- seemed to be a lot better yesterday too- winning challenges high up the pitch instead of dropping off.

29 Oct 2026 11:10:56
Nudging Endo out of his game time for Trey has been a great move. Trey was pushing for a move under Slot.
if Scott or Camara comes in, I can see Grav barely playing.

29 Oct 2026 11:35:47
Trey was excellent again. Delivering that performance with this version of Grav and a early yellow carded McConnell too. Bubbling along nicely.

29 Oct 2026 16:01:43
Playing against the Premier League champions midfield vs Chelsea that had Jordan Henderson in it is different gravy - big ask to throw an inexperienced kid in there IMO.

I'd be shocked if Grav doesn't start.

29 Oct 2026 16:14:37
Let's hope Grav brings that 60 minute v Citeh performance against Arsenal and not his performances from. every other game this season.

29 Oct 2026 21:46:33
@OP, I've been saying for a dew weeks on here that the best option we have for the 2 in the 4-2-3-1 set up is Trey and Macca. Trey's presence is a contributor in Wirtz's starting to show what he can actually do too.

29 Oct 2026 23:22:11
I agree Crazyhorse, the kids had some very good performances but he's inexperienced and has made some rookie errors, understandably, I would be quite surprised if he starts.

29 Oct 2026 10:26:06
An observation from last night:

Jordan Henderson

12 seasons
360 games

Winners medals:
Premier League
FA Cup
2x League Cup
Champions League
Super Cup
Club World Cup

Moved on because wanted to play regularly and couldn't get that at Liverpool

Booed whenever he touched the ball (not just on the penalty)

What are we doing?

29 Oct 2026 10:33:41
He plays for Chelsea, booing was to be expected 👌.

29 Oct 2026 10:36:38
Another example of match going fans letting down the rest of us.

Only a matter of timne before other fans start talking with their feet. And by that i mean getting up and walking to their wifi routers to turn them off.

I'd like to see the club play the rest of the seaon behind closed doors. That'll teach them (imagine me shaking my fist currently)

29 Oct 2026 10:41:02
Not sure what the point is you're making JK?

29 Oct 2026 10:45:35
I understand what you're saying. The majority of Liverpool fans gave him dog's abuse in his last season at the club and couldn't wait to get rid of him. Apparently his legs had gone. Then they boo him for continuing his career elsewhere which does show a real lack of self awareness and class.

That being said he's now a Chelsea player and was playing against Liverpool at Anfield so I really couldn't care less.

I might not understand their reasons for booing but it all adds to the atmosphere and makes it harder for the opposition to play their natural game so I'm ok with it.

What I do have a problem with is our own fans booing their own team or current players. That is unforgivable for me.

29 Oct 2026 11:02:44
Pretty sure most of our team would get booed if they went to Chelsea, Man United or 115.

29 Oct 2026 11:12:23
After being made Liverpool captain for years, he decided to join Chelsea to be a bit-time player. Not sure if you remember that rivalry back in the noughties but this isn't hard.

29 Oct 2026 11:12:30
When he played for Brentford, he received a hero's welcome.
Chelsea are a despised club, for many reason, and still, a bloke choosing the project best suited to his aims and objectives is not a crime.

29 Oct 2026 11:22:29
Sir Bob it was a reply on a banter page mate, whether you understand my point or not is of no direct relevance to me.

Beckers how many is majority?

29 Oct 2026 12:10:55
I found it out of line to be honest. He was a great servant to the club, won more and did more for us than Alonso (who I love), but Alonso didn't get any stick.

29 Oct 2026 12:11:19
More than the minority JK.

29 Oct 2026 12:17:20
He wasn't being booed just because he now plays for Chelsea. He upset a lot of people both with the way he left (claiming he felt unwanted) and by moving to Saudi. For so long he supported the LFC LGBT+ community but his move to Saudi suggested that he was happy to overlook all of the things he talked about and claimed to support if the money was good enough.

Fans don't boo ex-players for no reason. Look at the reception Robbo got - fans respect those who they deem worthy. Hendo undoubtedly earned that respect through what he achieved at Liverpool but that doesn't mean that you automatically keep that status. Also, Hendo showed zero respect to Liverpool or the fans during the game and whilst being booed, he had a huge grin on his face as he carried the ball up to the penalty area prior to their penalty - there was no need for him to get involved in that situation, that was his choice and it felt antagonistic. He was giving out vibes that he is the kind of guy who would have kissed the Chelsea badge in front of the kop if he had scored.

29 Oct 2026 12:21:15
Hahaha was that across all 500 million world fan base mate.

I'll be honest I never heard anyone mention his legs had gone. If Hendo can be praised for anything it's his professionalism and how he keeps himself fit.

I definitely heard moans and groans about him only passing sideways and backwards but diidnt record the number of fans in my spreadsheet to work out if it was majority or minority.

Also I'm not sure if I was living under a rock at the time but I'm sure Hendo pushed for the move himself to grow the sport in Saudi.

Klopp wanted him to stay but wouldn't stand in the way of him following his dream and move.

Did I boo last night No.

Was I offended by anyone who did. Also no.

29 Oct 2026 12:30:33
It's cause he went to Chelsea, he knew it would happen, that's why he was laughing about it. Had he gone to any other team bar Chelsea, City, Utd, Everton or Arsenal, there'd be no issue, he wasn't booed when he was at Brentford. Also, he was giving it loads to the ref trying to get decisions too, possibly arguing for L'pool players to be booked, that was completely unnecessary and got everyone even more riled up.

There's bad blood between us and Chelsea, which won't be forgotten anytime soon.

29 Oct 2026 13:01:19
The booing didn't really start until the penalty, especially given the way he got into the referees face to ensure the spot-kick was given.

Him grabbing the ball to wind the crowd up that he was going to take the penalty didn't help much either.

No doubt he regrets leaving the club as he didn't want to be a benchwarmer, and wanted guaranteed football. That didn't work out to well for him though.

29 Oct 2026 13:05:43
Great servant to the club. Understand the Chelsea thing but I Wudnt boo Hendo. Team is crying out for someone like him now.

29 Oct 2026 14:01:33
Why do we have to boo anyone except in the most extreme cases?

Hendo is a club legend, if you don't want to give him an applause because he's wearing a Chelsea shirt that's ok. But don't boo the man, it's just a shame on the club.

Boo cheats, boo some of the unsavoury characters in the game by all means, but not a club legend.

I wouldn't boo any ex-players except maybe Sterling, Suarez and El-Hadji Diouf.

29 Oct 2026 17:41:18
You're actually agreeing with what I said anyway JK. You didn't boo but you don't care if others did. Pretty much echoing what I said.

I do remember being in the Kop when we played Leicester back in 2018 and we had a lot of injuries so Hendo played RB and really was getting hounded by the majority of the Kop. There were actually arguments breaking out between the minority and the majority regarding said abuse.

There are about £12, 800 seats in the Kop and I'd say at least 6, 401 people were giving him abuse. I did try counting but I got to 6, 398 when my mate turned up with my Scouse pie so lost count. Some things are just more important.

29 Oct 2026 18:17:16
Bp that's because I actually did agree with 99% of your post mate just not the legs gone bit.

Cracking reply though mate tickled me. I'm guessing 2018 was the year before you gave up them 2 season tickets 😉. Funny that because that was the same year I gave up my yacht and private jet.

29 Oct 2026 18:51:28
No JK I gave up my season ticket in the early 90s when I moved away.

That's why I'm not worthy to be in your presence because you are a regular match going fan so your opinion obviously means considerably more than mine.

I'm just like the majority of other posters on here in that regard. I haven't counted but I'm pretty sure that's the case.

29 Oct 2026 19:09:59
Hahah calm down mate bit melodramatic.

I can see you like to give a joke but can't take one.

How many user names you on now?

29 Oct 2026 19:25:33
I'm calm JK I'm just picking up on your superior attitude and I'm wondering why you think this way.

I think every single one of us on this site and fans all around the world would love to be in your shoes going to Anfield week in week out but for the majority (there's that word again) it's just not possible. That doesn't make you any better than anyone else though mate.

As you know (I'm sure you know but you choose not to believe me for some reason) I was brought up on The Wirral and had a season ticket as a teenager (thanks to my grandad) but I feel privileged to have had that opportunity, not superior.

You are seriously in a position that so many would give anything for but you seem to think that makes you better than them. Weird.

29 Oct 2026 20:03:02
Beckers I was having a bit of banter with you. I thought your reply was funny so I gave you a bit back. Not sure how you've then concluded it's because I have a superior attitude.

One of us constantly gets banned mate for showing a superior attitude.

29 Oct 2026 20:26:16
Ok mate fair enough. When you talk about people turning their WiFi routers off it comes across as you saying you are better than them because you actually go to games and they watch at home.

It's not the first time you said stuff like that either.

Perhaps I misread it.

29 Oct 2026 20:43:53
It was tongue in cheek mate on a banter site. I don't care how fans want to watch or support any team they choose to.

If fans want to get offended or preach YNWA whenever their favourite player gets criticised or claim to be the greatest fans in the world then good for them.

We're all Liverpool fans and at the end of the day we all had the option of choosing a club from the estimated 4, 400 professional clubs and we all stumbled across Liverpool for a number of various reasons.

How boring would the site be if everyone thought the same. I actually enjoy reading your posts and I engage with you because I enjoy them. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with them.

29 Oct 2026 21:31:43
Good job too JK. If I ever said anything that you agree with I'd be wrong ;-)

29 Oct 2026 21:42:29
Pretty sure I said a few posts up I agreed with 99% of your post.

I imagine you throw yourself regular pity parties.

29 Oct 2026 22:00:44
Doesn't matter if a person is inside the ground o4 sitting in an igloo at the North Pole. It' doesn't matter if it's Brentford or Chelsea, it's about respect for an ex-captain of and player for the club who lead us to a lot of success with his efforts on behalf of the club and fans.

I's have thought that was a fairly simple thing to understand.

@JK23, we all get that you go to the match and we all get that you are touchy about 'super fan' and you think that 'going to the match' apparently entitles you a 'premium' opinion, but you (and your convenient sense of humour) are missing the point on this one - it's about respect for a bloke who gave a lot for the club, not about how people who have ever met the guy chose to imagine what his motives in life are.

I'd add the I went to about 90% of home game from the early 1960's to the early 1990's and to about 30-40% of the away games over the same portion before moving to live abroad. Not sure which side of the fence that might put me on .

29 Oct 2026 22:43:03
Could never bring myself to boo him, although I am very disappointed with 2/3 clubs he has represented since he and the club parted ways. They just don't match the image I had of him in my mind when he was lifting trophies as Liverpool captain. Whether or not that is a realistic or fair standard to hold someone to is another story entirely.

Regardless, as much I was frustrated and upset by Trent leaving, I could never boo him or any of the players responsible for giving me the best decade of following the club. I remember a time for Liverpool when Champions League qualification was a distant dream. When Jovanovic, Konchesky, Poulsen and Joe Cole was our summer business. I know it got better before Klopp came in, but afaic everyone involved with moving us as far away from that reality as possible is worthy of Sainthood. Hendo is firmly in that category.

29 Oct 2026 23:37:08
He left for Saudi to secure a fat bag of cash, and sold out the Lmnopeople along the way. Then joined a club who's fans have disrespected the lives and families of those lost in one of the world's worst footballing tragedies.

No idea why anybody's surprised he was booed, or why they'd try to argue a case against it. Wouldn't boo myself, but I fully understand anybody who did.

Writing this from my igloo.

30 Oct 2026 05:21:21
WDW pot calling kettle black.

Thank you for the advice though none of which I'll take 👍.

29 Oct 2026 09:22:48
Joe Gomez had an excellent game yesterday. There were a few lapses just before half time, but overall he had a solid game. The highlight for me was when his left footed cross found Araujo, who probably should have scored, but the goalie saved it and they went on a quick counter.

Joe ran back and made a last ditch, goal saving block on Rogers' shot. As far as I remember, it was going in.

29 Oct 2026 09:40:52
Absolutely loved seeing him smash his penalty into the top corner. Might not technically count as a goal but for him to hit the back of the net in front of the kop was special.

29 Oct 2026 10:00:35
Would love for us to keep him in all honesty.

He's been at the club now for 12 years and is only on 80k per week and does not take up a non HG slot.

Players like this are good for the dressing room and they know what it means to be at Liverpool.

29 Oct 2026 10:07:13
Last night showed why we kept him. Made up his pen won was decider.

29 Oct 2026 10:11:38
is only on 80k per week

I think we should start a go fundme for him.

29 Oct 2026 11:03:02
Keep Gomez? Ok mate.

29 Oct 2026 13:27:32
You say he had an excellent game then he had lapses. Isn't that a contradiction.
Joe should have been moved on years ago. He's simply not good enough.

29 Oct 2026 16:07:38
The whole point of finding a gem like Ndukwe is that you move people like Gomez on. Just as Endo should have been moved on in the summer for Trey and Jones should have been replaced.

29 Oct 2026 17:36:20
Gomez brings experience and versatility that younger players like Ndukwe can learn from. You need a balance of youth and experience in a squad, not just a constant turnover of players. FM - There's a reason Chelsea brought in Henderson and Welbeck — experienced players can help guide younger ones, provide depth and step in when needed. The same applies to Gomez. You don't move players on just because a younger prospect comes through; you do it when the youngster is genuinely ready to take over and the squad won't suffer as a result.

It's easy to say replace them, but you need the right replacements and enough depth to compete across a full season. Developing young talent doesn't mean getting rid of every experienced player. It means integrating them properly.

29 Oct 2026 22:02:38
Such a shame about the injuries - was on the way for being a top class CB. Such a shame for the lad.

29 Oct 2026 08:52:24
Whilst it is early days Iraola is really impressing me at Liverpool. It was no clinic vs Chelsea last night but, getting a tough win midweek after making 7 changes to the side is a real statement. I was amazed at just how poor Chelsea were, they looked devoid of tactics in the first half, if Gakpo didn't mess his touch on the counter up about 5-6 times I think that game would have easily been settled in the 90minutes.

On a wider point that's now 5 "wins" in a row for Liverpool (wouldn't really say last night counted), with 9 wins, 3 draws and a loss in the first 13 games. This is also whilst watching a team bed in to a completely new managerial style, with plenty of injury issues and a squad that, sadly, isn't complete owing to a shameful summer window where the glaring issues were not addressed.

The difference this year appears to be mentality, a cohesive squad and the desire and willingness to dig in and fight (in no small part to Aruajo who is excellent). It is a breath of fresh air and it is nowhere near the finished article either, as Iraola stressed in his press conference last night. I have genuine optimism for this side, they fight for each other, work hard and Iraola, unlike Slot, is willing to trust his fringe players allowing for effective rotation.

We still have Leoni, Bradley, Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Ekitike and Munoz to be added to the squad from last night too. I think come the January window an additional tenacious midfielder would really help out this current group and raise the level even further.

Considering the league I think a top 3 finish is very realistic, hopefully a good run in the UCL and a Cup win to add to that also. Arsenal on Sunday will be the biggest test yet, let's see how we fare against the current champions. If we win, then maybe it is time to get excited?

29 Oct 2026 09:08:52
Nice summary.
In my opinion, we need another left-back and two central midfielders, and then we have a really excellent team. The players look MUCH fitter, like they actually give a damn again, and the three 100m signings are showing signs of real potency.
Also, aside from the improved tactics and effort, Iraola certainly comes across as a man players can trust and would fight for.

29 Oct 2026 09:15:54
We definitely need 2 new full backs and a centre mid. Can't see all 3 happening in January, though hope we can get Camara in.

Just to say, fair play to MK Scouser for his take on Nyoni before the start of the season. I couldn't see much in the player, but it looks like MK called it right. I've not seen him on here for a while, so hope he's alright.

29 Oct 2026 09:49:28
I echo those sentiments Rome! Hope you're doing well MK scouser 🙏.

29 Oct 2026 11:13:50
CFC is what happens when a bunch of mercenaries are put together.
The human qualities of players are as important as their physical capabilities.

29 Oct 2026 12:00:19
The great thing is we can all see where this team needs upgrades. I just hope the directors do too.

We just don't have the midfielders or technical level at fullback to establish control of games. That will have to be addressed in the market.

Tactically, still some work to do to improve the coordination and consistency of the first press from the forwards.

Most importantly, the squad seems happy and the connection with fans is growing. Collecting moments like last night will help everyone no end.

29 Oct 2026 12:35:50
You were amazed by how poor Chelsea were but you were impressed by our performance even though we only managed a 1-1 draw in 90 mins and won on penalties. I find it difficult to understand that. I like the rest of the post though, very much agree.