06 Jan 2019 12:21:38
Looks like we'll get to see Curtis Jones and Rafa Camacho tomorrow night. Possibly Ki-Jana Hoever as well. Hopefully we get through and we can see Rhian Brewster in the rounds that follow.

Exciting time to be a reds supporter. I said the other day that Klopp will need to make some big decisions regarding our younger players and tomorrow night may be their first opportunity to prove that Klopp can save himself some money and invest in the players already in our academy.

Much as we may get excited by interest in first team ready guys like Eder Militao, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Timo Werner and Abdulkadir Omur it is always good to see a manager trust in unproven youth instead of splashing big money out straight away.

1.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 13:07:48
I love to see youth coming through. I really hope Bobby Duncan gets a chance in the next season or two as well as his strike partner, Glatzel. Both look absolutely class, 20 odd goals each in as many games.

2.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 13:31:04
Agreed with MKS, but the aforementioned players he cites such as Wan-Bissaka have raised the bar to a very high standard.
Younger players develop at different rates and it’s just having patience to see them through.
To go from U21 / 23 levels to CL and top of the league is a massive step and we’ll be lucky to see one or two break through.
You sometimes feel that it’s as much about making money off them than giving them real opportunities?

3.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 16:26:59
I am also looking forward to seeing some of the youngsters get an opportunity on mon night. It will be a huge night for the lads who do play as it is their opportunity to show Klopp what they can do in a first team competitive game. Winning will be very important for them as well. If we lose on Mon night then it might not be until pre season or next years cup games that some of them might have to wait for their next first team opportunity.

4.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:03:16
Omur? While he looks a good talent surely it would be better to promote Wilson and Camacho than spend on another player we won't need really remember Ox will be back as well.

5.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:50:50
Regarding Wan-Bissaka who I love, Ed01 says he is just as raw as TAA is at RB so not sure if that is a viable option. He is only better defensively cos that is how CP play whereas TAA is asked to do a lot more than just defend. Camacho, I would like to see play tmrw cos I think based on preseason (I know), he has some ability.

{Ed001's Note - Wan-Bissaka is just more natural when it comes to one-on-one defending. He only got a shot because they had injuries to all their right backs and they had no one to play at right back in a training match. So they put him in and he had a stormer, completely shutting out his opponent (I can't remember who it was) so he got a chance in the first team. Before that day he was an attacker but he just reads the game well and is excellent when isolated against an attacker, always looking to stop the cross coming in. However, because he has only played a few games at right-back, he is very very raw.}

6.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 20:55:25
Thanks for dropping knowledge on this issue, Ed01. I just made my point based on what I have seen of both of them so far and that was the diff. I saw in their games. He does look like an old school FB as you say, shuts down crosses and and sticking to his man like a rash. I remember this season where he kept up with Mane all game long defensively. Very few FB's can do that to Mane w/ o help from a midfielder or a CB. Great prospects bot h of them.

{Ed001's Note - I really like him, once he gets a bit of experience he could be a top class right back.}

7.) 07 Jan 2019
07 Jan 2019 03:04:39
My only gripe is if we get Wan-Bissaka, it will definitely mean less game time for TAA. Its a case of wanting to have the cake and eat it.
I hope TAA gets as much game time as possible, yet, wouldn't turn down the chance to have a better RB if it came along.

I like defenders who are good in 1-to-1 situations, hence my liking for WB. And as RW pointed out, he matched Mane, and Sane as well. I can't recall another FB who did that to 2 of the top wingers in the league.

On the other flank, saw a bit of Chiwell recently and can't believe we passed him at the reported 7mil. He's no better than Robertson defensively, but offensively, he does look like something that would have fitted us very well. No complains though as Robertson has proven to be very able, and a much better FB compared to those that came before him in the mold of Moreno, Cissokho, Enrique, Konchesky.