06 Nov 2024 15:23:09
Hi Ed

More Tchouameni links have been popping up the last few days, particularly mentioning that Madrid are open to moving the player on and that we remain interested, even holding discussions with his entourage recently. Is there any truth to this?

{Ed002's Note - Aurelien Tchouameni (CM/DM) Real Madrid say they do not wish to sell but with a further dip in form have again spoken to with Chelsea (who were previously blocked from completing negotions for the player) about him during discussions over two other players. A deal including an exchange may be possible - although events surrounding another Real Madrid player Chelsea wish to discuss may end that idea. Chelsea are also concerned about a drop in form. Bayern Munich have also told Real Madrid that they will be interested if he were to be made available, but they would like an initial loan with an option to buy. The part exchange discussed last year is no longer be possible with Davies next summer, as he will be a Free Agent. Previously tapped up by Liverpool and they could potentially turn back to him if preferred options are not available. Would need to convince the club and the new Real Madrid coach to keep him beyond next summer - and it seems unlikely he will stay without a significant jump in form.}

1.) 06 Nov 2024
06 Nov 2024 21:42:57
Swap with Mac Allister?

2.) 06 Nov 2024
06 Nov 2024 23:53:09
Ron - we’ll just swap him for whoever is in the dog house at that time.

3.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 00:10:08
Or macca.

4.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 00:58:14
Tchou is a capable player, no doubt, but he has been picking up an awful lot of injuries these last few years. Plus, he hasn't played much first team football at Real, due mostly to the performances of Kroos, Modric, Camavinga and Valverde, during his time at Real, coupled with his injury issues.

I would prefer a more consistently available option, but with Tchou's ability. That is a hard ask, of course, but I would look elsewhere. Or, maybe I am fearing another Chiesa case, where we sign him and barely see him again due to what we all knew and feared. Injuries.

5.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 06:29:43
For me Alex Mac is an absolute thoroughbred footballer who is currently enduring a minor dip in form.

He would be virtually untouchable for me. Yes, he needs someone tenacious in the middle with him to take the brunt of the running and tough challenges (hopefully Gravenberch stays on form), but I’d build the team around Mac. He’s got it all and hopefully will find top form in the next part of the campaign.

{Ed025's Note - you cant build a team around someone who is such a big tart PR, he would have to be a lot more vocal and stop all this cheating for me mate..

6.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 07:32:34
I agree with ed25, he has all the attributes you want in a midfielder in his position, but the silly play acting and throwing himself to the floor as soon as an opposition player even farts in his direction is embarrassing and one of my pet peevs in other teams players. Cut it out, increase your effort and then we can start to truly see what he’s got, but the jury’s still out on him for me.

{Ed025's Note - me too Knighty..

7.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 07:35:58
All just opinions innit mate?
But I’d say he’s the nearest player we have to an Odergaard or Guirmares type.
The best players are comfortable receiving the ball in any position and I think Mac could be that for us.
Certainly room for improvement but the core attributes are there for me.

{Ed025's Note - im still not convinced myself PR, i was one of them lauding up his arrival as at Brighton he was a special player, but i mist admit i have been somewhat underwhelmed up to now and all that play acting is really turning me off him, maybe when he was a big fish in a small pond it suited him more i dont know mate..

8.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 07:56:16
ED025 in not rating a Liverpool player shocker! ?.

{Ed025's Note - i rate quite a few of them actually Brommers, i have even been accused of being a closet red in the past mate even though at one point i would have rather been associated with Jimmy Saville than LFC.. :)

9.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 08:19:48
So MacAllister is the new whipping boy now?

10.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 08:45:52
Cheslea have two CDM already in their books, why would they need one more? Tchoumeni is nothing like Enzo or McAllister.

11.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 08:51:21
I don't think the above constitutes as whipping Macca. Almost everyone, including Ed025, acknowledges that he has all the qualities to be a top midfielder but he's wasting it with his play acting and whining. Which, I think, is a reasonably fair assessment. If he cuts that out, he will be a far better player, like he was for a while last season and during the second half of the Brighton match.

{Ed025's Note - i cant argue with that Drac..

12.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 09:08:57
For now flash, people are fickle, he isn't playing the best for sure and I have my own doubts over his ability to play within slots system, but not his actual ability. There are plenty of brilliant footballers that just didn't fit for whatever reason with us, and Macca may well be one of them.
Anyway give it a couple of weeks until Macca makes a few assist and scores a worldy and I'm sure we'll switch back to Jones, Jota, Nunez or Dom Zob.

13.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 09:52:16
He was the same last year also. Just that the goals blinded the fans into believeing he is a super midfielder.

He was/ is average - kind of between Eliott and Jones type but only thing is he is from Argentina and has played WC and won also.

What is not helping him is the defensive position. Last year also he was bad there and when he was moved further ahead, he was lot better.

Overall in the forward position also, he is average, but his attributes are used better in that role.

His antics was on display last year also.

14.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 10:18:46
Anyone see a reason why we’d replace Gravenberch with this fella? Sounds like a complete waste of money to me.

15.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 10:23:00
Macca did well against Leverkusen. Put a shift in with some solid tackles and a lot of effort tracking back and helping out defensively also supporting the attack and had a decent shot. Hopefully a turning point for him. If he can do that and also use his quality he’ll be back to being one of first on team sheet.

16.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 10:26:09
From what I can see Mac Allister gets targeted a fair bit by the opposition to get him riled up and drawn into needless skirmishes on the pitch, he does get kicked and roughed up so it’s not like he’s exclusively play acting, and maybe we can demand that he reacts better to provocation, to me the bigger issue is the lack of mobility when he gets caught out of position, he needs to be where his passing ability can hurt teams and where he won’t be a liability off the ball.

17.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 10:01:12
Was super 2nd half of last season Sami, people forget. In bad form at the moment, he'll play his way out of it and could probably do with a rest.

18.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 10:58:46
For the record I said swap with Mac Allister because Madrid were meant to be keeping tabs on him.

{Ed002's Note - They have moved on from him, at least for now.}

19.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 12:19:54
I think it is fair to criticise a player’s form without considering him a scapegoat. I also do not think his ability has ever been questioned. He has the potential to do brilliant things and be brilliant. He also has the potential to cause us quite the problems when he is off form. I really hope he turns it around, I really hope he can carry us to the next level. For now, I wouldn’t mind seeing him dropped for a short period in the hope that he returns with a hunger that elevates him to match grav. If not- I would be happy if someone explained to him that falling on the ground a little too easily doesn’t really help the team, especially when we have the ball on the front foot.

20.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 12:35:31
Both Macca and Szosbo have looked either out of form or lost so far. I do rate Jones and if someone could get him to occasionally not take unnecessary touches he could be a very good player for us. I don’t hear much about the #10 position in terms of us looking for someone so that’s either Jones / Harvey / or Szosbo. Eds, do you think a ten is more of a priority than a 6 right now?

21.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 13:31:36
Thanks ed002.

22.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 15:38:33
Ed, have LFC's preferred options changed since the transfer window closed? If so, are you able to note who LFC are targeting now?

{Ed002's Note - Orkun Kokcu (CM/DM) Versatile Dutch midfiled player who moved to Benfica in 2023. Benfica has no interest in selling and will point to his €150M release clause. Previously considered a Bellingham option for Manchester United I suspect he will emerge as first choice for Liverpool in 2025 - but he will be expensive.
Samuele Ricci (DM/CM) Milan and Napoli are interested in the Torino DM player. Has been watched by scouts from Liverpool (on several occasions), Spurs and Fulham who saw him as a potential Palhinho replacement. Manchester City are interested in taking him with Rodri out for the season. A wildcard might be Inter Milan.
Hugo Larsson (CM/DM) Youngster who joined Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 from Malmo has attracted scouts from Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle. Arsenal or Spurs may well look to an offer but EF will not look to sell.
Aurelien Tchouameni (CM/DM) Real Madrid say they do not wish to sell but with a further dip in form have again spoken to with Chelsea (who were previously blocked from completing negotions for the player) about him during discussions over two other players. A deal including an exchange may be possible - although events surrounding another Real Madrid player Chelsea wish to discuss may end that idea. Chelsea are also concerned about a drop in form. Bayern Munich have also told Real Madrid that they will be interested if he were to be made available, but they would like an initial loan with an option to buy. The part exchange discussed last year is no longer be possible with Davies next summer, as he will be a Free Agent. Previously tapped up by Liverpool and they could potentially turn back to him if preferred options are not available. Would need to convince the club and the new Real Madrid coach to keep him beyond next summer - and it seems unlikely he will stay without a significant jump in form.
Martin Zubimendi (CM/DM) Barcelona may still look to an offer although they are looking at preferred options first and would likely want to include a player in any deal. Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all sent scouts with Arsenal and Liverpool declaring an interest with his club last summer. Manchester City could look to Zubimendi given the injury to Rodri, but he would effectively be a replacement for Kovacic. Player still wants Barcelona although Liverpool could return
Carlos Baleba (DM/CM) Brighton are aware that Spurs, Marseille and Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Baleba but they do not wish to sell and would no doubt look to a huge fee if his head is turned.
Pablo Barrios (CM/AM/DM) Playing well. PSG would be open to a deal for Fabian Luiz and some cash. Chelsea see him as an option to replace Fernandez. If he continues to play well prior interest of Arsenal could return. A wildcard could be Liverpool who have sent scouts and are impressed by his versatility.}

23.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 16:18:22
Yeah, World Cup and cops winner Mac10 isn’t that good.

Good Lord the Angora is strong amongst you.

Mac10 had a shocking 45 against Brighton. He was absolutely sound against the apparently terrible Leverkusen (schrodingers football at the moment) and is a genuinely brilliant midfielder. His teammates will adore him. I once met people that didn’t rate Gini or Thiago - as stupid as that sounds.

24.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 09:26:08
“A big tart” - that made me laugh Ed, it’s years since I’ve heard someone called that ??.

{Ed025's Note - its not very PC these days i suppose WDW, but sometimes you just have to say what you see mate.. :)

25.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 16:39:52
Ed, you're awesome and this is all very appreciated. Have a great rest of your day!

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

26.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 17:17:46
I don't understand this "he's not a good player because of the diving and histrionics"

I presume anyone who holds this opinion would also turn down; rivaldo, maradona, Messi, Ronaldinho. and many many more.


Yes it's rubbish players do it but there's statistical data which shows that in all leagues players are more likely to get free kicks when they go down and even in circumstances where it's a genuine foul they're less likely to get a free kick if they don't.

When refs award decisions for players who stay on their feet it will happen more. And this is ignoring the fact there's no correlation between going down too easy and lack of talent.

If you don't like Mac totally fine but the notion of players being poor because they dive is not just incorrect it's silly.

27.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 17:57:52
Macca is quality but in a bad spell of form.

Form is temporary and the coaches will get him through it and back playing at a high level.

All of the players will go through periods of bad form, that's we have a strong squad to rotate and keep players on their toes, improving and striving to play better.

Should not be considering selling players just because they are in a bad spell of form.

28.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 18:08:14
If someone woke up from a 2 year sleep and you asked them which one of our midfielders was a World Cup winner do you think they would guess correctly? All this he playing out of position if your a World Cup winner you should be able to adapt your game. Good job he’s not Gomez. I think his natural position is laying down behind the wall on free kicks.

29.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 18:40:41
Maradona didn’t dive, he hurdled.

And thank you Ed002.

30.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 19:29:34
Jesus christ we'd have a whole new team every season if it were up to some on here. I don't know how some people haven't learned their lesson writing off players when they have a dip in form. Just remember that form is temporary, class is permanent.

31.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 19:39:21
There's absolutely no doubt that Mac and Szoboslai aren't playing anywhere near their ceilings, but you simply don't get to be top of 2 leagues while carrying a couple of midfield players.
Fingers crossed both players kick into gear soon and help to sustain the run of results we've seen. I'll be interested to see where Elliott fits in when he returns too.

32.) 07 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 22:33:24
Macca is a top player and lad. I got to my first game at anfield on Saturday v brighton because of him. he used to get he's hair cut where I work in brighton when he was a brighton player and when I asked if he could get me tickets for lfc v brighton he said yes. I recieved them last Thursday eve and we had the best day on Saturday! YNWA! cheers macca!

33.) 08 Nov 2024
08 Nov 2024 04:27:51
Neither Maradona or Messi were divers. CR7 did when he was at United but he has long since stopped diving.

{Ed001's Note - Messi is not a diver? Have you ever seen him play? He is one of the worst ever.}

34.) 08 Nov 2024
07 Nov 2024 19:35:41
Absolutely with you Ed025 - a similar one that I liked was ‘a big girl’s blouse’. Those were the days my friend ?.

{Ed025's Note - halcyon days indeed WDW..

35.) 08 Nov 2024
08 Nov 2024 07:22:03
To be honest I’ve never really seen him as a diver. In my mind he’s always been a wringer more than anything.

{Ed001's Note - he dives all the time.}

36.) 08 Nov 2024
08 Nov 2024 11:47:24
I would be surprised if we have any genuine interest in Aurelien Tchouameni. We have completely different targets. I would guess that Real Madrid wants to offload him.

37.) 08 Nov 2024
08 Nov 2024 18:47:15
I think one of the things we need to go up another gear is get MacAllister playing further forward. Tchouameni or Zubimendi next to Gravenberch with Mac ahead of them sounds ideal. Probably the end of one of Szoboszlai/ Elliott however.

38.) 08 Nov 2024
08 Nov 2024 18:54:45
That might be old age and loss of balance Ed01. To be honest I haven’t really seen Messi play on any sort of a regular basis for about 3 or 4 years and not really at all since he went to America.

@Ed025, a thought popped into my head about old fashioned non-pc names. One of my favourites from time gone by was calling someone a ‘big girl’s blouse’.

{Ed025's Note - it was used a lot when i was a kid WDW, great description of players like MacAllister mate, hes not the only one though...the prem has more "big girls blouses" than Ethel Austin,s .. :)

39.) 09 Nov 2024
09 Nov 2024 04:53:15
I’d have been keen to see what Tommy Smith would have said to Macca ??.

40.) 09 Nov 2024
09 Nov 2024 13:15:43
Ronaldo stopped diving when he left United? Are you sure?!

41.) 09 Nov 2024
09 Nov 2024 14:19:24
Just adding my 2 cents.
I do not think LFC will lose out much if they were to lose Mac, put it this way.
He is too slow, and compare to Gravenberch, he is not anti-pressure kind of a player. In fact, from my observations, he is actually being targeted as the player to be de-possessed.

42.) 10 Nov 2024
10 Nov 2024 11:28:49
Well Slot keeps picking Mac. The same Slot who is currently breaking all sorts of records in his first few months as Liverpool head coach.
So is it a case of Slot doesn't know a player when he sees one, despite his incredible start and has a blindness towards Mac, or is it that Slot knows what he's doing and certain fans just need someone to blame/ hate/ slag off?

43.) 10 Nov 2024
10 Nov 2024 11:32:22
LFC-S MANGO

He's missed 26 games as of today, since the start of the 22/ 23 season (115 days) . Picked up an ankle injury last week and is expected to be out for another month.

Add in the falling over, he's a no from me.