Liverpool Banter Mobile

10 Nov 2026 15:10:48
If Nyoni is our future 6, who do we want in beside him?
I'd want a world class 8 that's physical, fast and a real good passer. I thought Dom would be that and still could be. But he's regressed something shocking.

10 Nov 2026 16:01:33
The word world class and Dom do not go together unfortunately. I would like someone who actually understands playing in a double pivot, has positional awareness, not to mention footballing IQ. Alex Scott is exactly that, plus he is attainable when you factor in his contract situation. That's not to say it's a given, but just that it's achievable.

If you're looking for world class, well world class IMO and although not an 8 I believe could still work alongside Trey, I would say Caicedo. He is physical, extremely mobile, covers a lot of ground and a defensive wall. It would however require a ridiculous amount of funds to get him and to be honest would be a pipe dream at best. It would also require fullbacks that would have to be creative outlets, much like how Robbo and Trent were in Klopp's early years.

10 Nov 2026 16:14:30
I'd rather we spend £100m on another left winger personally.

10 Nov 2026 16:14:44
In terms of immediate solutions, Lamine Camara would add so much to our midfield mix. He could play alongside any of our existing midfielders and make the combination better. Noah Sadiki would offer similar value to the current team.

We've invested in the young Colombian lad, Martinez. He looks like he's somewhere between an 8 and a 10.

If City's sanctions kick in and there's a firesale, perhaps we will rekindle our interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi.

It wouldn't surprise me if we kept tabs on previous targets, Kennet Eichhorn, Victor Froholdt and Assan Ouedraogo.

10 Nov 2026 16:23:48
How about Nyoni being one of our future options in midfield.? The lads doing really well but we may be getting a bit ahead of ourselves. If he keeps progressing he will make plenty of appearances for us over 60 game seasons for the next few years. By next summer it will be FOUR years since we bought a midfielder.

We are going to be bringing in at least two I reckon between Jan and the summer, maybe more. Lets not be like United fans who thought Kobbie Mainoo was going to be starting every game for England for the next 10 years. The lads 19 we should not be expecting him to carry us.

10 Nov 2026 16:35:52
Still wish we got Caicedo in through the door back then. But I understand he stuck by his word, which he gave to Chelsea. I respect that.

{Ed666's Note - Do you think he’s a good player Ugbes?

10 Nov 2026 17:07:43
I want to see what it looks like with Trey Nyoni alongside Szoboszlai.

The most frustrating thing with Dom is he has all the attributes to physically dominate any midfield battle (imo). I'm just not sure he has the will to make it happen consistently now he has got his deal. He also needs to mature a little in his decision making if he is to play in such a vital role, especially against so-called weaker teams.

Generally, I'm optimistic that all midfielders in the squad have been put on notice by the emergence of Nyoni. They should all be feeling the pressure to raise their games, but so far Macca is the only one of the other three playing to his potential for me.

10 Nov 2026 18:12:58
key words in that sentence being 'future 6', he's done very well for a young lad, though his performances haven't been void of error. He's still a kid essentially, and I'd bet my house the club is not considering him as the ideal first-choice solution going forward, he does the job for now whilst Grav is struggling, and he should turn out to be a fine player in time, but he's far too inexperienced at the moment.

The first midfielder we bring in will no doubt be one of a defensive mindset who would occupy Grav/Trey's role, not to play alongside him, in my opinion.

10 Nov 2026 18:23:55
I thought that when Nyoni came on at the weekend he was excellent and almost playing the 8 role rather than the 6 he has played of late. He was bringing the ball out, starting counters and pinging some great passes out to the wingers. He has the potential to turn into a great player.

10 Nov 2026 17:54:48
Ed666, or starter, I think he improves us 100%.

10 Nov 2026 19:02:29
I agree with what Chewy said. Far too early for Nyoni to be cementing a place.

I've said, before, I'd like us to go for Camara.

10 Nov 2026 19:38:20
Camera would be my first option, but then it depends on if we shift on Grav & Macca as been suggested in another thread. Personally I'd hang on to Macca & sell Grav. I'd then maybe look at Angelo Stiller a DM who has a good eye for a progressive pass since Alex Scott seems to be a very expensive option.

If the club still hold an interest in Adam Wharton he might be attractive option to them if palace go down.

10 Nov 2026 20:42:24
I also think Camara is probably the favourite. He's solid on the ball, athletic and wants to tackle.

I think we may move on from Wharton now that Nyoni has come through.

I think Camara, Mac Allister & Nyoni suit the 2 in midfield. Grav and Szob have some adapting to do to be part of it but can do it imo.

10 Nov 2026 22:19:07
I like Camara or Alex Scott .Camara for me is a player who is suited to the deeper midfield role. He isn't an out and out 6, nor is he a box to box 8 or a ball player, he is someone who can do a bit of everything, and do it well. That I think is what AI wants is an intelligent pairing in midfield who can alternate between both roles seamlessly.

We need a mobile pairing, who understand the defensive responsibilities and who can play the ball forward when needed I hope Dom can raise his game but having seen him for a few seasons I think he is a highlights reel player and is hindered by his on ego.

Gravenberch I have lost all hope for and the way he has played this season looks a player devoid of confidence and lacking belief .ever since his dad told him to score more goals he has stank the place out. Shame as again he is a great athlete and his profile perfectly fits a 6 type.

10 Nov 2026 22:53:32
Another left winger 🤣 shows how cluenless the clubs been.
I like wharton but he'd do nothing in this team but sink.

10 Nov 2026 23:35:13
I haven't seen Camara so can't comment. Sadiki looks the part to me.

{Ed666's Note - Sidiki is a stellar no 6 and Camara can play 6 & 8. For me it’s Camara but would be delighted with Sidiki also.

11 Nov 2026 00:59:47
Agree with Bmena about Sadiki but I think Camara is a definite target after he pulled out of the Chelsea deal on deadline day. I think someone from our club had a word with his agent.

10 Nov 2026 12:43:07
Just interested to think who you think would cut it in the Premier League given their current standings and skill set.

It's not hard to see were miles ahead of other leagues, players who have come here with big reputations who didn't hit the heights have said how different this league is, it's the lower league teams that surprise them.

So I wonder who people think would cut it over here and i'm talking about the ones who carry a big rep and those who you think would work like a joao neves or kvratshelia and those who have a big rep but can't see it working in this league and would surely be humbled.

10 Nov 2026 13:00:05
Nico Paz seems to have the physicality to succeed, looks a serious player. Yamal and Mbappe are obvious ones because they're so elite and Olise and Raphinia have already proved they can mix it. I don't think Kvara would suit the prem, Dembele is too fragile as is Vitinha. Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Hakimi would all thrive. Vini Jr would flop, Bellingham would be even better than he is now. Pedri could go either way, he might get thrown around like a rag doll or might be able to manipulate the gung-ho approach and dictate games

I have zero qualification for the above and it's just a hunch but I'm sticking my 2 pence in anyway.

10 Nov 2026 14:16:33

All depends on if we are talking about the Premier League or this extreme version Arteta and the referees have co-created which, in Jorge Valdano's famous words, can only be described as "s*** hanging from a stick"?

10 Nov 2026 14:39:13
I have no idea as I only watch Liverpool games.
I think we need to get back to basics in regard to recruitment and transfer policy. Under Klopp it was about identity, what attributes does the player have to complement the squad and do they have the mindset and attitude.

I think if we get this right then success will follow. Now that Edwards and Hughes have gone I hope the days of them playing real life football manager are over and we can get back to building a squad rather than buying shiny toys without any strategy.

That said, whilst unbalanced, there is the bones of a very good team.

{Ed025's Note - i was a massive fan of Klopp MOT and not just because of football management skills, he looked at players who had good values and a stable family life and he looked favourably on religion, it was not just about the skill level mate it was about the whole package and that for me was why he got the absolute best out of the team...a great strategy for me..

10 Nov 2026 14:40:24
PL is curently the best league for parking the bus and spending the most money.

Its a far fetch from when it was the standout most entertaining league in world football.

10 Nov 2026 14:59:26
RPMcMurfo in reply to your actual question mate would love to see all the worlds biggest hitters in the PL league having a go Mbappe, Yamal, Valverde, Kvaratskhelia, Hakimi etc.

10 Nov 2026 15:39:16
Your right Jk - but football in general in most prominent leagues are going through the same phase of drab football based on the modern player being great physical athletes but lacking in any great flair as mentioned by FPF
The players you mentioned are the exception.

I see it a lot in local league football down here. Young lads that are as fit as fiddles with the obligatory big biceps but zero flair.

10 Nov 2026 15:40:12
If Michael Edwards gets stick for what he did in his second stint at the club, he deserves enormous credit for bringing in Salah, Mane, VVD, Alisson, Robertson, Fabinho, in his first spell. That always gets conveniently overlooked, as he remains a whipping boy, along with Hughes, Lijnders, Slot et al.

Klopp obviously played a huge part in our success and is an absolute legend, but Edwards has to receive credit, if we're going to slaughter him for what happened later.

{Ed666's Note - agreed mate

10 Nov 2026 22:23:14
Fair point Rome but I just don't like his claiming credit for everything in the media and he done great analysing data and at looking at qualities as set out by Klopp. So yes he was brilliant and then on his second stint he let his ego and wet dreams affect his better judgement.

10 Nov 2026 23:05:13
The Premier League is the most competitive league in Europe and probably the world but we don't have any elite teams in the league right now.

Since the days of Pep's City going up against Klopp's Liverpool the top teams have got worse and the rest have got better. It doesn't help that Arteta has created a style of football that makes me want to watch lawn bowls instead. Ably assisted by the most incompetent (some would say corrupt) officiating the world has ever seen.

You'd have to say that PSG, Barca and Bayern Munich are far and away much better than anything we can offer.

For that reason you'd have to say that any player from any of those teams would be a good addition.

{Ed666's Note - I’m a big fan of lawn bowls mate. It’s super fascinating when you get into it.

09 Nov 2026 15:29:36
Anybody notice that for the last 15/20 min at the weekend that Wirtz seemed to be asked to lead the press in the number 9 position with Isak wide on the right? Wondering if AI prefers the intensity of Wirtz pressing over Isak's? Found it interesting and Wirtz was certainly full of running at the end.

09 Nov 2026 21:00:34
I don't know what Wirtz was asked or when he was asked it. But Wirtz has the energy to lead the press for sure!

09 Nov 2026 21:40:28
Interesting observation I missed that. I think it's a good idea actually because isak can't do it. Is Wirtz any good at pressing though? High energy but I'm not sure how often he wins the ball or pressurises the defence enough to make a mistake. One to keep an eye on I think.

09 Nov 2026 22:54:13
Yes it looked like Wirtz was directing the press in the second half and was asking Isak to press on the right side. Unclear of how that came about and why. Would need to rewatch the game.

10 Nov 2026 03:45:23
Wirtz is a very good presser but not an exceptional one, though he has the mobility and intelligence to become exceptional, without question. He's still lacking confidence - you could see that with his assist for Isak even though it worked out well - but his technical class should be obvious now. His goal was sublime.

{Ed666's Note - It doesn’t help when the others aren’t in unison when he presses..but hopefully they will learn soon.

10 Nov 2026 07:29:21
He just looks fitter to me after he went on international break with Jurgan.

Not surprised in the slightest, he'll probably come back from this one even better.

10 Nov 2026 07:56:31
Wirtz works hard but he still needs to be stronger in the tackle. No point pressing if when you get there the player can just bundle past you.

A+ for effort but C- for execution so far.

10 Nov 2026 08:26:38
We could have dirk kuyt leading the press. It's hopeless if you got statues everywhere else just watching him run around.

10 Nov 2026 08:38:37
Rio - the art of the press is to put the opposing player under immense pressure to hopefully cause a mistake - the other pressers need to do their bit as well.

Best presser I've ever seen for us was Rushie and he never won a tackle either.

{Ed025's Note - he started it for me BR..

10 Nov 2026 08:42:44
So Jurgen got him fitter in an International window than Andoni had in 3 months? Andoni must be giving him too many days off😁.

10 Nov 2026 09:42:01
Spot on @Bristol, and as @25 says, Rushie was the blueprint for pressing from the front. His work ethic was second to none.

10 Nov 2026 09:25:44
He did Ed - closed defenders really quickly and was the initial "presser"

First line of our defence.

{Ed025's Note - absolutely BR..

10 Nov 2026 10:43:38
Imagine how much a Rushie would cost in today's game.

10 Nov 2026 05:19:51
Without a doubt, Ed, but none of the other attackers - and I'd argue midfielders - show any ability to press well at all, though Barcola is 100% able to get back and defend. Iraola will improve it, but I fear he just needs new players to make it optimal.

{Ed666's Note - it beggars belief that these proffesional footballers can’t adapt to a press. Maybe Irola is modifying his tactics and trying to preserve his players until he has the personnel that is au fait with his system? All I know is where not seeing Irolas Bournemouth at the moment and I hope we see it soon.

10 Nov 2026 09:20:17
Indeed, Lowelfc. Wirtz was known for being a pressing machine at Bayer and we can see that he still has that in him. That much we cannot deny him considering how good he is out of possession working hard, tracking back, winning tackles and getting several ball recoveries in games.

And Ed666 is correct. in the game (and I mentioned it on a thread after the game, the forwards were pressing but no one in midfield or defence was following up hence, the press was disjointed which allowed Palace to have room to work with after the first wave.

Now the ease with which they played out of our initial press was very concerning because vs a better team, we would be cooked, for real.
Maybe it is something Doni is working on because the press looks disjointed right now esp. with other players standing around when Wirtz or whoever else is leading it.

{Ed666's Note - the faux press has to be intentional because AI has had enough time with the players to hone it..I’m thinking AI is not going hell for leather because he doesn’t have enough bodies and some of the players aren’t suited to what he’s trying to implement. I’m pretty sure next season will see a different Liverpool.

10 Nov 2026 14:15:25
Doesn't the relative number of games also impact this? At Bournemouth, at best they would expect to play 45 games a season. We expect to play 60. Our squad is relatively thin, so it makes sense to not go gung ho. Even Klopp realised this after a couple of years. I think are press is already working much better than last season. With Isak you will always suffer a bit in this regard. Also, whenever Nyoni plays we look much more compact because he is the only midfielder who actually knows how to plug the gaps.

With Dom and Grav, they get bypassed too easily in the press. I think with some personnel update, and more time our press will be almost as good as an elite team must have. Comparing with PSG makes no sense, because most of their best players don't even play 50% of the minutes in the league and hence are fully refreshed for the CL.

10 Nov 2026 13:36:14
So Ed you think this problem only gets sorted in the transfer market?

{Ed666's Note - I do mate yes because the current personnel aren’t savvy enough to pick up what Irola’s laying down or hopefully he is holding them back because he doesn’t feel he has a big enough squad to play how he wants. Either way he’s gotta dip into the market for me in Jan. And my point still stands even if we’re get Hugo, Conor and Leoni back relatively soon. In January we need a right winger (even tho most of our goals ironically have come from the right this season) and a midfielder. I don’t think we’ll get a right winger in Jan but confident Camara will.

10 Nov 2026 14:15:54
Yep, it wasn't the first time Iraola employed that tactic actually. It makes sense, Isaks nowhere near as mobile as Wirtz and as I've always maintained, Isaks output will remain tailored to reduce risk of injury.

Spot on Ed666, people also forget how little time we had with a lot of first team payers due to the world cup, some as little as 13-26 days. After Slot let the squads fitness deteriorate for 2 years it was too short a period to get them fit enough and to properly train them in.

10 Nov 2026 19:08:14
If they are not able to, or as I suspect for some not willing to play the way he wants and needs them to then get rid. There are very few people who are untouchable in this squad.

10 Nov 2026 23:35:40
Yes Bristol I'm aware of that and said as much in another thread the other day.

The press needs to be quick and aggressive so the defender can't get his head up and rushes the pass giving us a better chance of a turnover. Wirtz presses but isn't aggressive enough. You need to press with the intention to win the ball, not just press expecting the defender to pass to someone else.

Most times you won't win the ball with the initial press but if you press with aggression and intention to win the ball you are more likely to force the mistake.

Watch him press mate, you'll see what I mean. He's putting the effort in but the final bit, the bit where he can force the mistake by getting aggressive pressure on the player in possession is very often not there.

09 Nov 2026 16:31:25
I thought Szoboszlai was a passenger this weekend. He huffed and puffed and came out second best and is not disciplined enough to play a role in front of the back four. Nyoni did a much better job and helped change the game in the second half.

He has good game intelligence for such a young player and seems to know when to go and when to sit. I'm not saying he's perfect but at the moment he offers more than Szoboszlai.

09 Nov 2026 17:35:39
Shrugoszlai? Surely not. Next Liverpool captain isn't he?

09 Nov 2026 19:39:27

No not anymore.Hes absolute s**** now apparently.

09 Nov 2026 20:35:56
No apparently about it Florian,

09 Nov 2026 20:57:33

He’s not playing as well as he can at the moment. That’s literally a world away from him being s*!*.



Why can’t people accept that players are human beings and will have ups and downs?



Stick by him he’s a quality player and will show it before long.

09 Nov 2026 21:02:16
between Grav, Macca and Dom we have three players who would all benefit more from playing next to Trey as opposed to each other.

{Ed666's Note - it’s a sad day when a teenager is the one holding your midfield together which includes a World Cup winner, the Hungarian captain and a full Dutch international…Wowzer

09 Nov 2026 21:08:26

Szobozlai is not s**** John.You’d see by the clubs that would be straight up for him if we put him up for sale that he is not s****.He’s one of the best players at the club.

{Ed666's Note - I think he’s just a very naughty boy. Sell them all and start again.

09 Nov 2026 21:34:35
He just doesn't know how to play that role
and isn't learning. He can play the same role as Wirtz or as right back but not as one of 2 6s. To be fair to him he is also returning from injury but that said his positional sense in that role is terrible. Trey all day for me in that lineup.

09 Nov 2026 21:41:41
Ed666 Szoboszlai for is one of them players that's scores great goals and people forget how bad he has been for the rest of the game.
He has all the attributes but I don't think he has a position on the pitch that he can truly play in and I think he has a bit of a big head problem and am not sure his attitude is right to improve.

He seems to think more about himself than the team.

{Ed666's Note - He can be great if he wants but needs a good talking to…if he doesent improve this season get rid.

10 Nov 2026 00:16:10
It's almost like it was his first full game since an injury lay off.

{Ed666's Note - excellent point well made Sir or Madam but allow me the liberty to counter your argument by humbly pointing out he’s been crap when he’s played this season and not been injured

10 Nov 2026 02:59:40
@666, your previous post about the midfield depending upon a teenager is correct, although I'd prefer his partner in the '2' would, on this season's form would be Macca, who seems to want to play and generally stop just arsing about and diving once every 5 minutes. Not sure if he playing for a new contract, or putting himself in the shop window, or because he is buying into AI's plans but whichever ones it is, he actually looks like a footballer for the first time in a couple of years.

Anyway, back on topic - Nyoni - might just be a kid but like the old saying goes 'if you're good enough you are old enough'. No problem with him as part of the spin3 of the team. Next year it'll be Ali, Jacquet, Nyoni, Wirtz and Ekitike (if his body and head are up for it), and we'll be challenging for the PL and CL. Remember, you heard it here first 😉.

{Ed666's Note - I don’t see why Nyoni can’t be a starting player now? Yes he’s gonna have blips in form in that case you can play one of Grav or Slob. We shouldn’t be playing players in reputation or how much we’re paying them, players should be playing on merit. With regards to Ekitike I honestly think he won’t be the same player he was going forward. It’s a horrendous injury and I think he’s going to have to modify his game. I truly hope I’m wrong because I think he’s a great guy and wish him all the best in his career.

10 Nov 2026 08:08:42
Do other clubs fans want to sell all their top scorers as well?

Once the club offload Isak, Macca and Szob then it'll be down to Joe Gomez to get the goals.

10 Nov 2026 08:57:49
We'll be perfectly positioned/no and product fc.

10 Nov 2026 09:30:55
Jonbonone, Szobo cannot play the same role as Wirtz.

That is literally part of the problem with Szobo. he is a good player but in CM, there are so many things he lacks in this system that are causes for concern.

He can't play the Wirtz role because he has no creative/passing bone in his body the way Wirtz does in that role.

He is too indisciplined and defensively unaware to play the double pivot the way Trey and Macca play it because he goes walk-about a lot.

He is not a good RB like say, even an Araujo (who is a CB) is.

So what can he do, really in this specific Iraola system?

Can he be coached? Of course but he has to be willing to take it in and work harder.

If he can't do that then again, what is he doing here?

10 Nov 2026 09:57:03
Agree @666, I'd have Nyoni as one of the first names on the team sheet on the evidence of the season so far.

{Ed666's Note - he’d be there on merit mate. He’s simply better than the others.

10 Nov 2026 10:01:18
@OP, I can't get ' The Passenger' out of my head now and I keep imaging Dom humming along as he was playing 🙂.

10 Nov 2026 10:12:00
Football is a funny old game.

Crazy to think that a player that has no passing bone in his body currently has a 85% pass succession rate this season and without a creative bone in his body he's stumbled upon 21 assists and over 160 chances created.

Next pub quiz i go to where they the answer to how many bones are in the human body is 206, i'll be arguing Szob has 204.

10 Nov 2026 20:43:10
@JK23, Didn't Newcastle sell their top scorer? I think it was the Swedish lad but I can't remember his name 😉.

09 Nov 2026 12:45:56
Alexis Mac Allister - he rightfully got a lot of stick last year for having poor performances. I have to say that lately he has been our best senior midfielder. He's the only one that gets stuck in aside from Trey (who has been our best addition, but is a kid).

I think gravenberch and endo need to be the two to leave. What do you think reds?

09 Nov 2026 13:08:39
He's been our best senior midfielder, and improved from last year considerably, but his constant $h!thousery makes me dislike him, and makes me think (rightly or wrongly) that he's playing for a contract and will regress when he gets it.

It's a tough one, because Grav has been rotten pretty much most of the season.

09 Nov 2026 13:14:11
He's only playing well to get a new contract then it'll be a factory reset. We can definitely improve on him and Gravenberch.

09 Nov 2026 13:34:56
Have to agree.

He was so unfit and could barely run last season.

This year he's much more dynamic, getting up and down, chipping in with goals, and being far more involved.

End of the day, goals win games and Macca and Isak are getting the goals. Both are big improvements this season compared to last — although that wasn't hard!

09 Nov 2026 13:51:14
It was said Iraola would come in and improve the players and one of the biggest player improvements is Macca.

It could very well be down to him playing for a new contract or it could be that he's thriving under Ai's system and last season was down to the fact that he missed 4 months leading up to it with a mystery injury the club never disclosed on.

If Macca is only playing for a new bumper contract then his agent isn't very good. He'd be far better off financially running his contract down and going to Spain for a bumper signing on fee and big wage.

I 100% agree though with Rugby i can't stand his Sh@@housery and its embarrassing. Not just him any player who does it (and there's been more than one occasion over the years at LFC) However Macca does it numerous times a game.

09 Nov 2026 13:58:59
Hopefully macca still wants the Madrid move and Madrid want him.

09 Nov 2026 13:54:50
Did he tell you that himself Barry?

09 Nov 2026 15:08:22
The question is, would his performances drop off if we give him a new contract!

09 Nov 2026 15:27:35
I'd rather us get rid of Wirtz than Mac Allister. With regards to "cheating", what the kin hell was Munoz doing yesterday. Embarrassing.

09 Nov 2026 17:01:10
Well Rome hopefully he'll learn from that and it won't happen again but yes embarrassing brother.

09 Nov 2026 17:41:22
Those crying for the club not to give Macca a contract will be the same ones crying when he go's on a free in a year's time.

09 Nov 2026 17:44:26
Hope you're well, Barry.

09 Nov 2026 18:27:57
Thanks Rome all good here. Hope it's the same with you 😉.