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MK Scouser's rumours posts with other poster's replies to MK Scouser's rumours posts
13 Aug 2024 12:56:56
On a more positive note, the deal for Marmadashvili looks like it will happen and that is great forward planning for the inevitable loss of Alisson in the near future.
Hopefully we'll also go get Kone, Inacio and Gordon before the window closes. There's still 17 days left before the window closes, after all.
1.) 13 Aug 2024 14:12:45
Is he being loaned out straight away as was reported last week?
2.) 13 Aug 2024 14:13:25
I agree this is a good move, great forward planning and how a club like Liverpool should be dealing with the continuity of players. It's just a shame that the more pressing issues of Trent, Virg and Mo haven't been addressed in a similar way as yet.
3.) 13 Aug 2024 15:02:52
Don’t know about great forward planning. Did I not read his agent has been offering him around with no takers? Great forward planning would be to not let your best players get to final 12 months of contracts with no new ones in sight. I’d call that p*ss poor man management.
4.) 13 Aug 2024 15:07:40
Agree with Inacio, Adam.
Kone is an interesting one - you've probably watched him play more than me, isn't he more of an enforcer (a younger Endo)? If he can fit what Slot wants then it is a bit of a no brainer as his price seems to continue to drop! He has missed an average of 7 games a season over the last 3 seasons due to injury. Any idea why his price keeps dropping? Either made up stories in the press, or something else as he still has 2 years of his contract to run.
I'm not sure that Gordon is worth it with Diaz still on the books. Gomez + £30m would have been worth it, but spending another £60-£80m on a player for a position that we are already overstocked in doesn't seem sensible to me.
5.) 13 Aug 2024 15:50:21
I’m beginning to think the rumours at the start that we were not going to do any business are coming true.
Can’t see us going for Mamardashvilli, just can’t see that happening unless Allison goes and even then I think we’d probably bank the cash and make Kelleher and Jaros compete. Personally I don’t think we’ll be able to negotiate a price that Valencia will agree to and he ends up elsewhere.
Certainly don’t see a midfielder signing unless it’s a bargain based panic buy and I don’t think we aren’t going to deal with the defence and forward positions until next summer at the very earliest.
6.) 13 Aug 2024 15:59:46
Anyone but Gordon
We need signings for some positions, but damn surely we can do better.
7.) 13 Aug 2024 16:21:28
Signing a goalkeeper is not a priority though.
It would be good forward planning if we had already sorted the 3 expiring contracts and bought in a CB
I think the club are prioritising on the wrong things.
8.) 13 Aug 2024 16:22:54
Who’s better on the left wing that is available, affordable and actually wants to play for us?
{Ed001's Note - do we need one, even if Diaz goes? We have plenty of options there that I would choose over Gordon, who is not affordable nor really available. Or particularly good.}
9.) 13 Aug 2024 16:33:14
Zed, Kone was quite often compared to Bellingham back when he was playing deeper for Dortmund. Great ball career and very physical midfielder. Technically very sound. I’m honestly not sure why the price dropped but he did miss a lot of games with an injury recently. Seemed to be over that by the end of the season. I think he’s a better choice than Rabiot because he’s younger and won’t demand crazy wages.
10.) 13 Aug 2024 16:42:07
Lot of negativity over Gordon. Personally I do see him as a relative upgrade on Diaz*, with better output (certainly last season) and younger too. As Scousers I'm sure we'll all get behind him if Ed002's long-standing speculation comes true.
*1 of most skilful players I've ever seen, but output is king.
11.) 13 Aug 2024 17:02:45
If Diaz leaves I’d like to see Nunez given a go on the left. Seems his more natural position and might give him the confidence to push on. Rather that or Jota, than to waste more money on that side of the attack. We need Right side cover and Defensive cover before a Diaz replacement (if he leaves) .
{Ed001's Note - Gakpo? He is surely the one to play there, it is his natural position and he is much better there.}
12.) 13 Aug 2024 17:32:51
Adam, I'd agree with you in terms of a better option than Rabiot.
I've seen some articles which say that Gladbach are willing to accept as little as €18m for him in order to clear the decks (maybe the German equivalent of PSR? ) which is a no brainer.
Some folks may say that Rabiot is free, but from reports he's asking for wages that would be AT LEAST £100k per week more than Kone. On that basis, Kone's fee (if it is anywhere close to the reported figures) would be offset by lower wages within 3 years max.
13.) 13 Aug 2024 17:40:09
We currently have 5 forwards for 3 positions and Jota is extremely injury prone. Gordon can play across the front 3, wants to play for us and has barely missed a minute in the last 2 seasons. We needs 6 forwards. Back when we were successful under Klopp we had Mane, Salah, Firmino, Sturridge, Origi, Shaqiri and Oxlade-Chamberlain at one point. If we could have 7 options then, I reckon we can have 6 now. 25 spaces in the squad is enough for 2 players for every position with 3 more places to spare. Right now our forward line looks depleted.
{Ed001's Note - Szobo, Danns, Doak, Blair, Elliott and Jones can all play there too.}
14.) 13 Aug 2024 17:47:47
Eds is there still any chance of offering Trent plus money for Rodrygo? He’s 10 times the player Gordon is. If Trent wants Madrid rather than us it sounds like the best solution for us.
{Ed001's Note - Trent plus money? You surely have that the wrong way round, even if he is in the last year of his contract.}
15.) 13 Aug 2024 18:37:13
I don’t think they’re considered as primarly senior forward options though Ed001. In that 19/ 20 team we also had Jones, Woodburn, Ojo, Wijnaldum, Milner and Lallana who could play in the front 3 but that didn’t mean they were serious options there. In terms of out and out senior forwards we’ve got 5 in reality.
{Ed001's Note - if Danns isn't seen as a serious senior option, then something is going wrong at the club.}
21 Jul 2024 09:40:40
Rumours today that Saudi PIF are trying to make a move for Virgil happen. Sticking point is Liverpool asked for €55m and they could walk away at that price knowing that in 6 months he's free to negotiate a pre-contract. I think we need to drop that asking price significantly if we want to make a sale happen this summer. Virgil is apparently interested though.
Might explain why we suddenly switched to Inacio being No.1 target and put everything else on the back burner.
1.) 21 Jul 2024 10:08:43
Great info Mk thanks for sharing mate ??.
2.) 21 Jul 2024 10:09:18
I sincerely hope it doesn’t happen, Virgil in his decline is still probably the second best center back in the league and one of the 5 best center halves in Europe, also my concern is that even though inacio is excellent in possession, he doesn’t have Virgil’s other qualities defending the box, near invincibility one on one, mobility covering huge amounts of space in transition, he’s considerably smaller and not as intimidating of a physical specimen as Virgil is, so I really don’t know how that’s going to work out. That being said I haven’t seen inacio play much, every time I’ve seen him sporting have loads of the ball and he steps out into midfield.
3.) 21 Jul 2024 10:34:27
PB we have to replace vvd at some point in the very near future mate he is 33 and can walk for free in 12 months and only going to get slower so why not replace now why we can still get some money to help cover the cost of he’s replacement.
4.) 21 Jul 2024 11:03:42
Virgil is still the best CB in the world, by some distance. Bar the game at the Emirates, he had an excellent season last year. We should give him a new deal.
Inacio is not a patch on our captain. Behave.
5.) 21 Jul 2024 11:16:55
Am sorry but vvd isn’t even the best CB in the prem never mind the world. Ever heard of Saliba!
6.) 21 Jul 2024 11:53:31
I get that longthing, but losing our most important player and captain besides Ali while getting accustomed to a new coach and way of playing might prove rather too much for us to handle in a short span of time, Virgil‘s skill set is very difficult to replace (not to mention he’s always the biggest threat on any set piece in the box), and from what I’ve seen inacio is a brilliant player in the buildup but probably not capable of filling in for Virgil in other respects.
Who knows, maybe slot will play much more conservatively than klopp did and not use his two center backs (especially Virgil) as a get out of jail card, but from what I’ve seen of feyenoord his center backs do have a lot of responsibility on and off the ball, so I’m dubious to say the least.
7.) 21 Jul 2024 12:15:53
MK can the club not do two things at once? Just like last season a bid at a time and waiting until the last minute. If Virg is going get a CB while sorting Trent’s contract and putting offers on a DM. Seriously, imagine only being able to negotiate one transfer at a time. Worst thing is with inacio there is nothing to negotiate, they just need to pay the buyout in full.
8.) 21 Jul 2024 12:21:56
Longthing - Saliba is good at ground duels but he’s average at best in the air. Virgil was and is much better than Saliba, even with the massive protection Saliba gets from his teammates.
9.) 21 Jul 2024 12:23:59
I’d be gutted to see him go but I know it’s sooner rather than later now.
10.) 21 Jul 2024 12:41:02
All that from a rumour.
quality stuff.
11.) 21 Jul 2024 12:45:58
We will concede so many set pieces if VVD leaves. We have a soft centre already. I would fear for a top 4 finish if he does leave.
12.) 21 Jul 2024 13:28:56
Disastrous to lose Virg this summer, would seriously jeopardise our hopes of top 4.For me staying in the champs lge is worth more than €55m.
13.) 21 Jul 2024 13:35:16
I’d rather he went for free next year than sold now. To much of a transition new coach and tactics it’s not rocket science nor is it like he is terrible and has to go. Football and winning over saving money.
14.) 21 Jul 2024 14:16:07
Yeah I’d rather he stayed for another year and left on a free than accept €55m.
15.) 21 Jul 2024 15:00:08
I've not seen Inacio play but worries me that a 41 year old was played ahead of him for Portugal at the Euros.
16.) 21 Jul 2024 17:12:40
Where does this waiting till the last minute come from, Mac and szob were signed early in the window last year.
17.) 21 Jul 2024 18:04:24
Lads it’s just a rumour, don’t go at each others throats. For the record I’ve been one of the main posters on here saying we should keep Virgil, Salah and Trent. They’re all world class in my opinion.
Again, just a rumour I’m sharing on a rumours site. No dramas.
18.) 21 Jul 2024 18:16:09
VVD is a leader and a big personality in the team. Good luck replacing that with someone who can pick that up straight away.
19.) 21 Jul 2024 18:38:35
There is a very good explanation as to why the Portuguese manager would choose a 41 year old ahead of him. The Portugal manager is Bob Martinez and we all know how clueless he is.
20.) 21 Jul 2024 19:44:15
I don’t can you give me a rundown as to why he is clueless, please @Victor?
21.) 21 Jul 2024 23:30:10
Roberto Martinez is possibly the best example of a manager failing upwards. He has left every position he's had worse than he found it.
The Belgium team he was the manager of was probably the best selection of Belgium talent on their history and repeatedly underachieved while also playing terrible football, a routine he's repeating at Portugal.
22.) 21 Jul 2024 23:38:38
Theslotmachine, I wouldn’t judge him based on the Portugal team given it was basically set up around Ronaldo, having said that Pepe had a pretty good tournament.
20 Jul 2024 07:30:11
Rumours we've bid for Baris Alper Yilmaz of Galatasaray. RW mainly who can also play LW, LB, RB and CF. Alleged bid is worth around 30m euro. West Ham also interested, and player is in London to decide his future.
7 goals and 12 assists last season in all competitions. Only 24 years old. Only saw him play in the Euro's. Pace and aggression is impressive and Van Dijk certainly struggled to get hold of him!
Could be nonsense but thought I'd share anyway.
1.) 20 Jul 2024 08:31:36
Is that milner?
2.) 20 Jul 2024 08:37:04
Now that is a believable Edwards/ FSG signing.
I expect the lean in August.
3.) 20 Jul 2024 09:21:02
Underwhelming is a fair comment. Huge jump in difficulty and quality from the Turkish league to the premier league and 6 goals and 7 assists in the league for a winger playing for probably the best and most dominant team in their league isn’t exactly impressive. Feels like match of the day fever because he had one or two good matches at the Euros, which isn’t a basis to sign a player.
4.) 20 Jul 2024 09:34:14
Looks like a grafter.
You need players like that who will put 100% into every situation.
For £30M I’d take him, might not be a game changer but a good squad player.
5.) 20 Jul 2024 09:58:43
Im with you, Ron. Lest we not forget how much Mo, Sane and Bobby cost-literally the best front 3 combo in our entire history.
Price does not determine class.
I wish we had bought cole palmer instead of Nuez, we would have saved 45m.
6.) 20 Jul 2024 10:29:27
I agree Ron and Vango. Does seem like a classic Liverpool signing in recent years. Yilmaz struck me as a player who would thrive with better players around him. Not a hugely exciting signing but we said the same about Robbo, Mane, Wijnaldum and Salah as well!
7.) 20 Jul 2024 11:38:50
The likelihood is any forward coming in will play 2nd fiddle (or 6th in the pecking order) to what we currently have unless we’re spending big on a proven player.
So any forward coming in will sound underwhelming.
Endo was pretty underwhelming last season when we signed and he had a decent season overall.
Nunez was a big name exciting signing at the time and we’re now at the 3rd season mark saying this will be the season that it clicks.
So there’s no actual blueprint of what will and won’t work.
16 Jul 2024 08:39:03
Lot's of reports about CB's this morning. Thought I'd share some of the stories that jumped out at me as more plausible. Which doesn't mean they're true or accurate, but they just don't sound ridiculous!
Yoro - Liverpool want him but accept he's Real Madrid bound. However Lille are pushing him towards Man United as they've offered more money. Sounds like we've backed off, but we're ready to pounce if Madrid pull out of negotiations.
Guehi - Liverpool have tracked his progress and are interested. However no negotiations thus far and Palace would want around £65m.
Simikan - another Liverpool allegedly like, however another we've apparently not contacted the agent or club about yet. Price tag reportedly set at 40m Euro
Inacio - reports this morning say we "lead the race" whatever that means. 50m Euro price tag seems to be pretty widely agreed on by multiple news outlets.
1.) 16 Jul 2024 08:55:42
And then someone completely different signs.
2.) 16 Jul 2024 09:14:14
Always the way isn't it Vango. But if rumours weren't so fun to discuss and debate this site wouldn't exist!
3.) 16 Jul 2024 09:21:00
From teamtalk phonelines at 1 pound a monute, to this site-what a long way the tech/ delivery/ autenticity has come. yet us old geezers are the same as ever and still love a good transfer rumour as we did when we were nippers.
4.) 16 Jul 2024 09:30:50
Then we will end up with a £15m player no one has heard of because Liverpool are sticking to their guns and won't be taken the p. out of over prices, yaaaay.
5.) 16 Jul 2024 09:55:27
Scrapping the absolute bottom now ??.
02 Jul 2024 16:52:49
Please don't shoot the messenger, but Hancko has given an interview and claimed he spoke with Slot about his new job as Liverpool manager. Hancko said it's very unlikely he'll follow Slot to Anfield because Slot isn't looking for a player in his position. I'm just passing on a rumour here and it could well have been lost in translation as I doubt he gave the interview in English. Hughes might have plans to overrule Slot and sign a CB regardless of his ideas. Or maybe Slot was just letting him down gently because he and Hughes want a different CB?
Who knows, just thought I'd pass it on as this isn't the first rumour in recent weeks that we might opt not to sign a CB. The Mainz Sporting Director has even said in an interview recently that their planned move to sign van den Berg was likely to be delayed because Liverpool want to assess him in pre-season. Still very early days so this could all just be Chinese whispers. 2+2=5 during the transfer window more often than not.
1.) 02 Jul 2024 17:22:33
Cheers MK.
Kinda feeds into the stuff I've been hearing myself. Not saying I'm connected to club but all the talk is about on the wings, midfield and a clearout over the next couple of transfer windows of non-Edwards/ Hughes players.
2.) 02 Jul 2024 18:10:39
Hanko would be a bargain at the 30m being spoke about, sell gomez for 20-25 easily. Know which 1 I'd prefer.
3.) 02 Jul 2024 19:38:03
I reckon Hancko ends up at Atletico.
4.) 02 Jul 2024 19:46:18
@Magico - once again, what has Joe ever done wrong?
5.) 02 Jul 2024 20:17:49
Maybe will be given a chance then sis slot work with him previously?
6.) 02 Jul 2024 20:59:48
Cheers MK.
7.) 02 Jul 2024 18:57:00
ed002 seems to think we'll be signing a cb, though? probably one who can play left back too (pacho, as we've been hearing all along)
{Ed002's Note - I have explained about Pacho and Hancko. - and others.}
8.) 02 Jul 2024 21:27:47
I hope that is not true about not wanting to add a defender.
9.) 03 Jul 2024 06:13:10
Perhaps by "position" he means his overall position in life, ie taking in to account age etc. Maybe we want Pacho as he is younger. English is not this mans first language after all.
10.) 03 Jul 2024 07:14:02
As ed2 has said above he expects a signing, the club has targets.
11.) 03 Jul 2024 07:42:12
Slot wants to assess all of the current players during pre-season before deciding which position should be strengthen. And when they have decide it. all of our target players already not available on the market anymore #lol.
12.) 03 Jul 2024 07:52:16
Slot talking directly to a player.
Taking a leaf out of Klopps book re tapping up players
??????.
13.) 03 Jul 2024 09:12:01
@JLC Hardly tapping up if he is telling him that Liverpool aren't interested in him. Also, I'm pretty certain that you don't have to sever all ties to anybody that you have had previous relationships with just because you move clubs. Surely you are still allowed to talk to your friends.
{Ed002's Note - So you think Slot and Hancko had some kind of relationship?}
14.) 03 Jul 2024 08:01:02
He was Hancko's coach, I'm sure they have a great personal relationship and talk to each other on the phone all the time, what is Slot supposed to do, delete him from his phone once he signs a Liverpool contract?
{Ed002's Note - No, but if he is using the opportunity to speak with ex-players about transfers - that is tapping up. Liverpool need to move on from years of tapping up, hacking, cheating, having to buy off other clubs not to make complaints etc.. They are trying to move on.}
15.) 03 Jul 2024 14:32:50
Surely if Hancko is aware that tapping up is illegal he wouldn't be disclosing to the press that his boss/ friend is trying to soften him up for a potential move or putting the feelers out? What if Hancko himself asked if he'd be interested in taking him? Is Slot supposed to say 'sorry, conversation ends here, let's leave it to the agents'? I don't personally know the answer to these questions but Hancko divulging this information to the press suggests that he feels like everything is above board?
{Ed002's Note - Scratching around trying to get out of an embarrassing situation.}
16.) 03 Jul 2024 14:42:03
Well I don't know what the insinuation is here, ed? That Slot is cheating like Klopp did? Or just that our club is a disgrace of an institution and always will be, so Slot should be careful not to further sully a name that's already been dragged through the mud? Nobody will defend Klopp for always trying to take the 'direct' route to sounding out a player's interest, he was misguided and for some reason simply thought it was a legitimate way to make a direct call before the board slapped his wrists for it. Calling Liverpool an embarrassment for Klopp's mistakes isn't going to offend me because I don't condone it, I think you're really quite mistaken that I'm scratching around, personally.
{Ed002's Note - It wasn't me who suggested he is making direct contact with players about transfers.}
MK Scouser's banter posts with other poster's replies to MK Scouser's banter posts
31 Aug 2024 08:15:06
Now the dust has settled, I genuinely think our squad is stronger than it was last season. When you look at the players who've left the first team squad and the ones who've stepped in, in their place, it's actually harder to argue otherwise is it not? We've simply utilised the academy and loan system to improve the squad in some positions, rather than the transfer market. All the talk of a CB seems moot, when Matip was literally replaced internally last season, and nobody else left.
Jaros > Adrian (0 minutes)
Quansah > an injured Matip (1000 minutes)
Morton > an injured Thiago (5 minutes)
Nyoni > an injured Bajcetic (100 minutes)
Chiesa > an injured Doak (200 minutes)
We've replaced 5 players who offered nowhere near enough on the pitch last season, with 5 players who are raring to go. A bad transfer window, for me, would've been losing key players and not replacing them (Virgil, Trent, Alisson, Salah etc) . We kept everyone we wanted to keep though and added a winger who was valued at €100m back when he had 3 years on his contract.
All of last season after draws and defeats it was almost always the same complaints; we didn't take our chances, we should've been well ahead before they even scored, we didn't put the game to bed etc. The club have acted and added another top class forward option to help combat that profligacy in front of goal, whilst keeping the rest of the core squad intact.
The slight concern would be that Adrian, Matip and Thiago were big characters in the dressing room, even if they barely played. So hopefully some of the younger leaders in the squad can come forward and really show their character now. I'm still not losing sleep over losing a 38 year old 3rd keeper and 4 players who were sat on the treatment table last season, 2 of which are only on loan anyway.
I get that we could've been more ruthless and maybe upgraded Gomez and Endo (I even advocated for exactly that myself) but let's still treat those 2 guys with some respect and not mope at the fact they're still here instead of new faces. They've chosen to stay and fight for their Liverpool careers. They're extremely humble guys who don't shy away from adversity and will give 100% when on the pitch. Do I think they're good enough long term? Honestly no, but I'm open to them proving me wrong. They wouldn't be the first to do so and they certainly won't be the last. When the window shuts, what you have is what you have. So it's time to get behind great servants like those 2 lads and stop bemoaning that we didn't bomb them out for new players who could've actually ended up being worse given the shoddy business some of our rivals have done.
Let the Arne Era begin!
1.) 31 Aug 2024 08:48:45
I'm not sure about being a better squad, but can see the point.
I do like where we are at and am more than prepared to see how the team continue to embed our new style of play under Slot.
Lots of talk about transfers, but even if we did sign more players there's no guarantee of better results. I think when you have a new manager come in, it is better to limit the number of new faces and if you can keep your leaders to help the transition.
We've done that so far and now we can move on to sorting out the contracts either way before Jan.
2.) 31 Aug 2024 08:49:55
Mk good read that mate.
Only thing I’d debate against is that Matip and Quansah were both needed last season so it’s not a simple case as a straight swap.
To actually counter my own argument I’d probably say Gomez is Matips replacement because I don’t think he played a single minute at centre half and I can’t see him being used as a full back by Slot.
The other interesting one for me is what happens if Grav gets injured, needs resting or his form drops off.
Who replaces him because we have Endo and Morton but both are DM’s which Slot does not use.
I think the go to man would be Mac Allister because he has all the attributes that Slot seems to want there apart from speed across the ground and mobility.
Imagine if that happens and the club is playing inverted full back, City like possession football with Mac as the Dm (deep midfielder ?) I wonder if we will see Linders like meltdowns again.
3.) 31 Aug 2024 09:04:19
The other interesting one for me is what happens if Grav gets injured, needs resting or his form drops off.
Who replaces him because we have Endo and Morton but both are DM’s which Slot does not use.
You are not supposed to ask that question here @JK ?.
4.) 31 Aug 2024 09:21:08
Slot will need time to see how a squad that's new to him adapt to what he wants from them, especially when the going gets tough. Once he's identified where his weak spots are he gets to decide whether coaching will remedy it or an upgrade is required.
I'm not sure how he's supposed to identify that after 2 fairly straightforward league games.
I like Slot a great deal already, very forthright in his interviews and doesn't pander to anyone. Totally different demeanour to Klopp on the touchline too which is fascinating.
5.) 31 Aug 2024 09:38:44
If Grav gets injured you also have Trent stepping in who does fit Slots style and Bradley goes RB.
We have options all over the pitch.
6.) 31 Aug 2024 09:45:24
Gomez is probably on a par with Matip for games missed injured.
7.) 31 Aug 2024 10:17:04
The dust won’t settle until after the puff pieces on Hughes and Edwards have gaslit the fans.
29 Aug 2024 17:50:21
Chiesa's first interview is impossible to read without smiling. The guy is absolutely buzzing to be signing for us. His Dad and his missus both literally said "go" as soon as he said 'Liverpool' to them. He even got his missus to play YNWA as they were coming in to land ?
Also, really impressed by his English, it's absolutely perfect so that should really help him to settle quickly. I'm just absolutely ecstatic about this one. I think it'll turn out to be the best signing we've made since the summer when we signed Alisson and Fabinho. Let's go get that silverware!
1.) 29 Aug 2024 18:10:44
MKS, did you see the part where he was told that Enrico (his dad) had actually scored at Anfield during Euro 96 for Italy? I remember that goal vividly as it is the first time I ever saw Enrico Chiesa. "Peppo" later said that he asked his dad about the move and his dad without hesitation said to hi, "Go! ".
I know it's early but I have to say, I cannot believe a player I have loved watching and wanted to see at LFC and never thinking it could/ would happen is actually now, at LFC and I get to watch him play. I still have to pinch myself when I think about it in isolation.
2.) 29 Aug 2024 18:11:14
My deep reservations about Chiesa are now moot. He's wearing our shirt I'm all in. I hope I'm proven wrong. Good news is I almost always am.
Love your positivity MK.
Let's do Madrid, let's do the whole village.
3.) 29 Aug 2024 18:23:13
I have been a fan of his for a while although he just hasn’t been amazing for allegri due to a combination of allegri’s style and what seems to be a mental impediment coming back from a serious injury, but the ability is clearly there, let’s just hope he can stay fit like he did last season. On his day he is excellent to watch, very direct, excellent work rate, loves to take on defenders and carry the ball up the field, I’d say he’s quite similar to Lucho in some regards really. My dream is to see kubo and kvaratskhelia don the Liverpool shirt, I’m praying that happens next season ?.
4.) 29 Aug 2024 18:25:55
He looks genuinely over the moon to have joined us. And that’s a great sign. Looking forward to seeing him play.
5.) 29 Aug 2024 18:49:18
I agree lads, I think it’s a great signing and as said he seems genuinely happy about being with us, not seen any naysayers posting yet, you know the ones that said he’ll probably fail his medical, Melo in disguise, always injured, etc etc, I’m looking forward to seeing him play, he offers something that maybe other Liverpool players might not, he might even feature on Sunday depending on how things go.
6.) 29 Aug 2024 19:02:04
100% that’s what it’s all about. Before someone signs we all have an opinion but when he pulls that Liverpool shirt on he’s one of us ?? we can all be excited because he’s got real desire to be here.
7.) 29 Aug 2024 19:09:11
Agree with the sentiment lads. The only Liverpool players I don't have time for are the very few that didn't try.
8.) 29 Aug 2024 19:35:05
Chiesa if fit for me will be a reflection of how good slot is. If slot can bring out the very best of a FIT chiesa then you're looking at salahs replacement but that's a big question mark. It's unlikely but it's possible.
9.) 29 Aug 2024 19:54:25
FORZA LIVERPOOL.
10.) 29 Aug 2024 21:28:08
MIZER - there's fit, there's injured, there's sharpness. let's hope after playing 37 out of 43 games last season and playing the Euros he is ready and raring to go.
11.) 29 Aug 2024 21:33:55
Let’s be realistic he doesn’t have to do very much to recoup his fee.
You get the feeling he knows people question if he’s got it anymore and the lad seems so keen to prove people wrong. Love that.
He looked genuinely happy to be here. Great to see.
There have been few players we’ve signed I’ve wanted to succeed as much I do him.
24 Aug 2024 11:25:47
Comments i've seen on this site about possibly signing Rabiot (paraphrasing):
1. I'd rather play Nyoni than sign Rabiot (that's a 17 year old with no senior starts)
2. Rabiot is a lazy lump
3. Rabiot is lucky he's had his career
4. Rabiot is slow and runs in circles
5. PSG and Juventus won all their trophies in spite of Rabiot
6. All 7 of Rabiot's managers that continuously picked him were over rated failures
7. If Rabiot signs it's a panic buy (even though our interest goes back 12 months)
8. If Rabiot signs we won't finish top 4
9. If Rabiot signs, Hughes should be sacked immediately
10. Rabiot is a bang average footballer who contributes nothing to his teams success
11. My Grandmother is better than Rabiot
12. Anybody could be successful next to Kante so Rabiot's international achievements mean nothing
13. Rabiot is the reason Juventus collapsed
14. We shouldn't sign Rabiot because of his mum
15. If we sign Rabiot I will kill myself
Do I even need to say anything after that last one? I'm seriously disturbed by the level of anger and hatred being directed at Rabiot on a daily basis. I've changed my mind. I don't want us to sign Rabiot anymore. I'd actually be concerned for his safety because this is not normal.
I'm out of this debate. Fire away.
1.) 24 Aug 2024 11:39:39
That stuff pushes me in the opposite way MK. It makes me want us to sign Rabiot and for him to be really good, just to see anyone who complained about him pretend they didn't.
That aside, I have no strong feelings on signing Rabiot (cos I haven't seen him play enough) other than the fact we need a center half more.
2.) 24 Aug 2024 11:44:56
Seriously, number 15, someone said that?!
3.) 24 Aug 2024 11:46:54
I think most on this site and others have merely stated that Rabiot would not be their personal choice as centre mid. No one has said they will kill themself if he signs, lad. The views of a vocal minority do not represent the views of everyone, even though having a contrasting viewpoint will often cause friction and tension.
I also understand going to an extreme to prove a point, I have done it myself many times when I am frustrated, but it often derails any argument.
4.) 24 Aug 2024 11:50:01
I think he's a very solid and reliable player, don't understand where the vitriol is coming from to be honest. The only thing I will say about him negatively is that his wages are astronomically disproportionate to his ability. He's not the Ronaldo or Messi equivalent of the midfield world and he needs to realise that and bring his expectations down some, probably why he keeps being let go for free rather than any lack of ability, and also probably why many have a negative opinion of him. Personally I think he's a good player and wouldn't mind seeing him in a red shirt, if the price was right and if the squad was balanced enough with younger players going on loan so as to not impede their development.
All that said he's been pretty successful at getting teams to pay his wages so I doubt he will be coming to LFC.
5.) 24 Aug 2024 12:03:39
MK you start the debate by post all that nonsense from other posters then finish by saying am out of this debate. Put your wooden spoon away mate.
6.) 24 Aug 2024 12:06:00
MK
I think you just about covered it all ??
Come on lads (and ladies) , it’s only football, banter is good ?.
7.) 24 Aug 2024 12:16:50
The lads been pure drama his whole career. Not quite Ballotelli level but not far off. Not a professional at all.
If he signs, let’s hope he’s finally grown up because he is undoubtedly a decent player.
Too many red flags for me, I wouldn’t go anywhere near him.
8.) 24 Aug 2024 12:21:16
Ive seen his youtube highlights. He is world class ;)
9.) 24 Aug 2024 12:22:51
“22 Aug 2024 12:30:02
I'd kill myself if we signed rabiot.
Iamnoonoo”
It’s still on the rumours page Kew and Mango. Might be page two or 3 by now, but easily located using the search function ??
Longthing, I posted it here because there was 2 or 3 threads and I didn’t want to post it twice. Others can continue the debate if they want, but I’m not adding anything else to it, until people calm down and stop acting like we’re interested in signing someone from Forest Green Rovers.
10.) 24 Aug 2024 12:23:00
Mikey
Rabiot or his Ma? Big difference mate.
11.) 24 Aug 2024 12:45:07
That would be hilarious SR. I have no real views on Rabiot as I never paid much attention to the lad. It does seem a bit strange though if he is so bad how does he continually play for France.
12.) 24 Aug 2024 12:48:00
@Westwood666
The vitriol doesn't exist. Half the stuff the OP has written is completely made up.
Read the original thread and you'll discern who is actually the 'angry' one.
13.) 24 Aug 2024 13:03:30
None of this 'seriously disturbs me' but I think Rabiot would demand huge wages if he were to join and would limit playing time for Nyoni, who I hope will be our break-through player this season.
14.) 24 Aug 2024 13:14:16
Lowe
It’s certainly not made up mate. You’re sounding like Donald Trump “fake news”.
15.) 24 Aug 2024 13:15:05
All of this is pathetic! Grown men acting like complete idiots. You all need to grow up! It's only a game! Jesus, id hate to see what happens if it was something serious! This site has been toxic recently and I'm out until transfer season is over. Grow up.
16.) 24 Aug 2024 13:20:26
People comparing him to balotelli is just absurd, he’s been nothing but professional at every club he’s been at, it’s his mom that has been causing problems. I mean seriously do people even watch him play or follow his career? The hearsay just reaches incredible levels of incredulity.
17.) 24 Aug 2024 13:22:38
He's class.
18.) 24 Aug 2024 13:23:22
It’s unlikely we can sign top quality additions this late in the window so Rabiot makes perfect sense to me, we are low on numbers with the young fringe players moving on.
19.) 24 Aug 2024 14:16:53
Add this to the list. MK is Rabiots Nan.
20.) 24 Aug 2024 14:49:11
I think one of the more sensible criticisms against signing him is his wages. If he's seeking more than Salah, you can see why that would make him less desirable to fans as he's not going to be our best player. It needs to be remembered, however, that he's a free agent, he's going to have that big ol' signing on fee spread over his contract, which is going to artificially inflate his "weekly wage" that fans tend to concern themselves with.
At the end of the day, he's a very good player, he's had a very good career, the only issues he seems to have had are around his contract, and at the end of the day, that's his choice, I'm very surprised more high end players don't play the free agent market more often. If the club deems him worth it, he'll get all my support until there's a reason not to give him it.
21.) 24 Aug 2024 15:36:53
He’s 29 coming up 30 and is looking for a long contract and big pay day, rumours are £250/ 275k minimum a week for four years, a £15m up front payment to him and similar to that harridan of a mother of his, there is no way signing a player that old on that long a contract at that higher wage is sensible.
As for the player himself, he is slow and has the mobility of a tanker, every time I’ve seen him he looks lazy, typically doesn’t like chasing back after he loses the ball, as for ability he’s absolutely no better than anyone we have at the club and does not improve the starting 11.
Would absolutely stink of a panic signing at this stage, right up there with Arthur, Kabak and Melo.
If on one hand we’re saying that MZ was the only midfielder out there, that we were only looking at specialist number 6 of that profile (as that was what Hughes briefed the press), why then flip flop to a player who is nowhere near that “profile” and nowhere near a being a remotely decent number 6, but just a painfully mediocre box to box midfielder. Stinks of a recruitment team who have no idea what they’re doing, who have left it too late and have absolutely made a mess of the transfer window. Here’s hoping United sign him to save us from ourselves, as that is the traditional retirement home for 29 year olds looking for a big payday.
22.) 24 Aug 2024 15:51:32
MKS, Rabiot is not good enuff IMO. It is what it is.
23.) 24 Aug 2024 16:17:05
Rover, his ma is the cherry on top, he’s had multiple disciplinary issues all of his own making.
I’d worry about throwing a bad egg into a squad that’s relatively professional.
24.) 24 Aug 2024 16:17:50
Is his mom still his agent Viktor ?.
25.) 24 Aug 2024 17:38:06
“Run for it Marty” ?.
26.) 24 Aug 2024 21:44:08
Barakdee, you might not be disturbed but as somebody who has been to a funeral of a man (who I lived with for 3 years) who committed suicide, and having had counselling and medicated intervention for 2 years myself when I was in my early 20’s for severe depression, I find it very disturbing that somebody would even say that as a joke about their team signing a certain footballer. I think I need a break from this site to be honest as it’s really affected me. I’m appalled by the comment itself. I’m very disappointed in whichever editor decided to post it. And I’m now probably over reacting to others posting ridiculously overly negative things about Rabiot because that comment is playing on my mind every time. It’s a bloody game.
27.) 24 Aug 2024 23:25:24
I never said My grandmother is better than Rabiot, i said Ngolo Kante is freak of nature and that anyone would look a good midfielder playing with him. (Apparently you didn't get the tounge in cheek)
I never said those teams won those trophies in spite of him neither did Lowe or Oli, we said that if you take out Rabiot they are still likely to win those trophies.
I never said those managers are failures, they clearly are good managers especially Ancelotti that have won it all, but they had the best teams, the best budgets and not only that some of them teams and managers had the best refrees in their pockets too. Clearly you misunderstand the point or just twist words to suit your argument which is not okay. No one here would be happy if Zidane or Tuchel or Allegri were to manange us. These are managers who won when they had the absolute best teams, even though in Ancelotti's credit he managed to get Everton into the top 10. Which is impressive!
Every Top player who gets paid millions to train and play football is lucky, lucky they had people who believed in them and pushed them to become great. Rabiot is no exception although he is more lucky imo.
If we sign Rabiot i hope he is the most sucsessful signing ever. And i will cheer on every pass and tackle he makes. But i think he will be found out in the PL and sit on the bench until ultimately leaving on a free to make more money.
28.) 25 Aug 2024 01:23:45
Lol just another example of why I keep away for the vast majority of the transfer windows.
So during a transfer window.
It's funny really when I think of it, there's so many newcomers during a transfer window, people we don't see the rest of the year speaking absolute nonsense 9 times out of 10 because they've read some BS from some stupid so called writer on BBC etc.
We then have the vast majority of people throwing their toys out the pram because we didn't sign x player we wanted them to sign. I mean I do get it this time around because we've signed nobody lol but you get what I mean.
The snowflakes who can't handle a harsh comment. To you, I will say one thing. Welcome to the internet.
Good posters who suddenly change their views per transfer window.
I keep away because to be quite honest I find it boring all of the bickering.
Said it a million times and I'll say it again, I don't know how the eds read through all of this dross at times, especially of course during a transfer window. Posts get through, they are all different eds, some allow something others don't it is what it is but it did spark a debate so it kind of did it's job.
As for Rabiot? I hope to Christ we don't sign him, if we do I fear he'll score a winner for Utd against us. Keep well away lad please.
Anyway roll on the end of the window, I look forward to normality on here again.
29.) 25 Aug 2024 02:25:29
I've heard Rab's Ma is a bit of a GILF.
Ma Rab and Diaz's Dad would be like having The Sex Pistols in the Players' Lounge according to you lot! ?.
30.) 25 Aug 2024 06:59:06
MK I have personal tragedy in my family and life and for you to put your own personal trauma onto someone else over a comment that is clearly a hyperbole reaction as they desperately don’t want a player is outrageous. It was evidently a joke born out of a deep desire to not want the player. My observation of this site is there are too many traditionalists who always take some moral stance about “trusting the club” “give them time” “I want them to sign because of people’s reaction” etc is equally polarising. Do I trust the club? No I don’t, one title in 35 years is unacceptable for me when I feel there were occasions we could have capitalised and strengthened our position in the market and we chose to stay content.
31.) 25 Aug 2024 14:27:14
Mk take some you time and come back when you’re ready.
18 Aug 2024 13:26:06
If we don't sign a LB I'd love to see Trent play there (he's inverting into midfield anyway and he actually has a good left foot) so Bradley can play RB. They're our two best full backs. Cancelo and Irwin both played LB despite not being left footed.
Bradley did more yesterday in 15 minutes than Robbo and Tsimikas managed combined in the full 90. Trent's a magician and he can play those incredible passes from anywhere on the pitch. Surely worth a try in my opinion. Also means Trent would be coming inside onto his right foot and we know how well he can strike a shot.
I think Robbo really struggled yesterday and Tsimikas was better when he came on but he's just not elite level. The down side to my proposal would be the lack of a left footer for set pieces unless Elliott was playing. Salah used to take corners in his first season for us but you want him in the box really as he's the master of reacting to a loose ball.
I think I just really want Trent and Bradley in the same team!
1.) 18 Aug 2024 13:42:41
Trent played a few Hollywood passes that didn't meet their target. He needs to play the simple pass more at times. He was far better positionally yesterday than i seen all of last season. Offered us width at times and played a great cross that jota should have scored. Slot is clearly stamping his authority and it's showing. The pass through to salah down the right which led to our first goal, he's far more effective on the right. At times but less soo he comes centrally. Trent was imo our best player yesterday.
Really like a few things i seen yesterday, even gravenberch who did well wnd can only improve.
2.) 18 Aug 2024 13:49:31
Not for me. There will be plenty of games for both Trent and Conor to shine in their best positions
We effectively play with a back three when in position and Trent as a deep-lying playmaker, which he is perfect for.
I'm concerned about LCB/ LB. There are good options out there, Inacio/ Hincapie and Ait-Nouri for the LB. Wondering if we might have another run at Levi Colwill late in the window.
3.) 18 Aug 2024 14:23:07
MK - I think you post a lot of good stuff and I usually find myself agreeing with you.
…but playing Trent at LB is a big no for me.
The last thing he needs is to be compromised by playing out of position. Just like exposes him and opens him up to more criticism from the media, pundits, opposing fans, etc.
Let’s just play to his strengths, play him RB (where at one time he was the best in the world in his position IMO) and allow him to be the world class right back he is able to be.
As it stands Trent is better than Bradley. Play Trent.
4.) 18 Aug 2024 14:32:59
Why play the best right back in the world anywhere other than right back? Beyond me how people want to change his position.
5.) 18 Aug 2024 14:34:30
I see what MK is saying and it’s a very valid opinion but for me it’s always about the balance of the side. Still say Trent should play 6
Up the pool.
6.) 18 Aug 2024 14:45:20
An absolute no from me. If anyone should move to LB it’s Bradley. Trent is the starter, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
7.) 18 Aug 2024 16:04:19
Was surprised Robbo started. Wasn’t surprised he didn’t look sharp.
Expect he’ll get better as he gets minutes in his legs.
8.) 18 Aug 2024 16:19:25
I wouldn’t be against that to be honest Frode. Bradley could definitely play LB and be really effective if a player like Dalot can.
9.) 18 Aug 2024 17:34:48
I feel fullb ack is the only position on the pitch where having the player using their strongest foot is crucial. What always happens when full backs are on the opposite side is they have to turn back then it slows play and becomes predictable. Trent could do it but it would still take away from his game. Bradley doing it would be a big no no for me as his game is built around him being precise with his right foot.
10.) 18 Aug 2024 19:01:44
It didn't seem to bother Denis Irwin.
11.) 18 Aug 2024 22:00:07
He gets about, TAA, doesn’t he? RB, DCM, CM, now LB.
12.) 18 Aug 2024 22:32:02
Robbo has been injured and always needs games to get up to speed. It’s one game. It’s as if you lot have never watched LFC before. Robbo will go on a run soon and you will claim he’s one of the world’s best. Knee jerk at its best.
13.) 18 Aug 2024 23:13:20
Said it before and will say it again, Trent and Bradley can both play at RB, are both capable of inverting l, both capable of under lapping and overlapping down the wing, both capable of putting in crosses and and getting to the byline and cutting back, both capable of breaking through lines and getting shots off.
I would have a go at playing one at RB and the other at RW and let them interchange. We might already have the personnel to replace Salah, from a team functionality POV anyway rather than direct goals, when the time comes.
14.) 19 Aug 2024 09:16:02
Sorry MKS but not for me. You don’t put one the best right foots in the game at LB as he will lose some of his passing and defensive abilities. Worse, you don’t do that just so another player can play. You are robbing Peter to pay Paul a bit, imo.
Relax, man. Bradley is young and will get his looks. No rush to field both of them if it will unbalance the side. Besides, what happens to Tsimikas? Again, no rush.
16 Aug 2024 12:27:44
Looks like Tyler Morton is going to be staying for the season. Earlier in the summer he waxed lyrical about Slot-ball saying if you don't like his style of play you are not a football fan!
He's also been pictured in training photos with a new shirt number. Looks like he's been given #28 for the upcoming season (previously wore #80). Seems very unlikely he will leave now.
1.) 16 Aug 2024 12:30:11
You got your wish MK. Fingers crossed for the lad.
2.) 16 Aug 2024 12:34:58
Interesting, thanks for the update Adam.
Morton has always been on the fringes - not been given the opportunities in the first team like Elliot and Bradley have, albeit Bradley was called up because of Trent's injury and really proved his worth.
Given that Morton is a CDM, I look forward to seeing how he performs - could save us a hefty transfer fee if he looks the business (Like Elliot and Bradley have proved) or could boost his price/ profile for next year.
If we could get only one of Bajcetic or Morton growing into a player who is good enough to be in our first 11, that would be a huge success.
3.) 16 Aug 2024 13:15:38
Morton has that bit of aggression that I feel we lack at times in middle of park. Always impressed me on limited bits I seen of him, whether he good enough to start regularly for lfc I not so sure.
4.) 16 Aug 2024 13:56:14
Wasn't really my wish, markp08. I was just open to the idea because Morton is a good young player who's proven himself on loan. If he does indeed stay this year, It'll be interesting to see how he copes with the Premier League. Quansah and Bradley stepped up from League 1 seamlessly so Morton having more games on loan than the two of them combined had (and in the Championship no less) should hold him in good stead.
I've said from the start of the summer that my wish was Teun Koopmeiners. I think he'd have been brilliant for us alongside Mac Allister in the midfield. Soon as it looked like he only wanted Juventus I wasn't massively bothered. Of the players we're interested in who are available I would've been happy with Rabiot or Kone coming in too though.
Could be me reading into nothing Zeddicus, but I don't know why they'd bother to give him a new squad number if they were planning on selling him still. Seems to me like they see him as a viable alternative to Zubimendi in the sqaud this season. He was very good last season, to the extent RB Leipzig were reportedly interested in him.
5.) 16 Aug 2024 14:06:12
MK - it'd be good for him and for us if he did stay. I don't know where you stand with this, but I tend to favour backing our young lads over a new signing. unless the new signing is so obviously going to lift the level of the team.
In the current context of our midfield, I think this is a great spot for Morton to come in and pad out the midfield group and prefer that over an unknown quantity.
6.) 16 Aug 2024 14:12:15
Morton staying and fighting for the club has nothing to do with not signing a number six. He shouldn't have any of that pressure applied to him. Hopefully he does welL.
7.) 16 Aug 2024 14:28:05
I'd like to win the league. Premier league winners have boss DMs.
8.) 16 Aug 2024 14:43:34
Does that apply to Drinkwater as well Pelican for leicester that time? He played alongside Kante but Kante wasnt the DM.
I for one am glad Morton is staying, he is ahead of Clarke who has left and McConnell. Will be a really good squad option.
9.) 16 Aug 2024 15:24:43
Thefields, Kante did a world-class job of elevating two title winning midfields (Leicester, Chelsea) . He was a freak, with the recovery pace and engine to tidy up for any suboptimal midfield partner. We don't have a Kante either.
10.) 16 Aug 2024 15:08:50
Edd001 do you think morton has enough to make it with us?
{Ed001's Note - possibly, if given a proper chance, but I don't see how he can get enough games to develop unless we have another injury crisis. On that basis, I think it is unlikely.}
11.) 16 Aug 2024 16:35:27
He did just that Pelican and you're right we don't. Which to me proves you don't need boss dms to win the league, as those teams had 1.
We may not have a Kante but we have players, who when combined can do what he did in his prime and a little bit more. We have players with mad stamina, press resillence, better passing, work rate etc. So there is no reason a combination of whoever, can't get us where we want to be. I'm not saying we should not be looking to improve that area either. Its obvious we need a specialist in there.
12.) 16 Aug 2024 17:19:42
The fields you are delusional. If that was the case why didn’t we win the league? If the sum our parts is as great as you say? Why didn’t we stroll the UEFA cup? If we are as supremely gifted as you’re saying?
We’re not. 3rd is about as good as we are. No better than that. Stick us against Madrid and we’d get battered. Over a season we aren’t strong enough or have the quality in midfield to win the league or champions league. Only way we’re finishing 2nd is if City are dealt with and punished, which is highly unlikely.
13.) 16 Aug 2024 17:26:12
Ed1 agree exactly, he isn’t going to get very much game time this season, certainly not ready for prem or champs league…:. Cara cup yeah but sorry doubt he’s ever going to make it here and personally think he should be sold… hope he proves me wrong but think klopp would of sold him this season. Would rather of kept Bobby Clarke personally, much better player I reckon.
{Ed001's Note - Clark is a totally different kind of player, stupid comparison of an attacker with a defensive minded player but Clark is not that good imo and it was the right thing to move him on. Lacks the physicality required.}
14.) 16 Aug 2024 17:50:09
I like Morton, as i like to see any of our academy kids get game time and hope he smashes it when opportunity arises. But i 100% think he is only being kept around now because it doesn't look like were strengthening midfield. We needed in my opinion to strengthen there.
15.) 16 Aug 2024 18:23:50
Tactics and injury issues VV ?.
I never said anything about them being supremely gifted and I have said we need a speacilist in there.
I'm just pointing out if we use the right combination of players, tactics, players being rushed back or overworked, there is no reason we can't achieve our goals this season. Which realistically is a top 4 finish in a transition season. If we do better, all the better. Is that acceptable for us, no. Nothing short of winning every competition is good enough. Doesn't mean everything needs to be looked at with negativity.
16.) 16 Aug 2024 21:31:15
Indeed, Thefields. If only football was an exact science where “If we sign boss player X then, we are guaranteed to win the title”.
04 Sep 2024 12:23:23
I'm not really interested in Zubimendi anymore. Regardless of what the truth is in terms of what happened behind closed doors to kill the deal.
The absolute abundance of joy Chiesa showed throughout the whole process of interest first being shown by us right through to him posing for media duties was a breath of fresh air. If players aren't that desperate and happy to join us in future, then I don't want them!
03 Sep 2024 15:39:26
A footballers job isn't just 90 minutes on a weekend so pay as you play is just insulting. He could train all week, travel with the squad then get injured in the warm up and receive absolutely nothing. Imagine you worked Christmas day and Boxing day but didn't get paid anything for it because you had an accident at work that meant you couldn't work the last 90 minutes of your shift. You'd be absolutely fuming ?
In the immortal words of Heath Ledger's Joker character, "If you're good at something, never do it for free".
30 Aug 2024 14:28:11
Schultzy, I know Salah is Egyptian but there's no need to write your reply in hieroglyphics!
30 Aug 2024 14:26:47
That guys had more loans than Donald Trump.
30 Aug 2024 14:01:43
Salah has literally said he's not leaving, Digger. None of our main 5 forwards will be leaving this window now in my opinion because Slot also said Diaz is going nowhere. It looks to me like Chiesa was signed to allow Doak to go on loan without reducing our forward options. No doubt next summer when Salah does leave (seems likely after his comments about enjoying his last year) a decision will need to be made as to whether Doak and Chiesa have done enough this season to allow Salah to leave without a further replacement.
11 Sep 2024 14:17:33
Marmadashvili is a very good keeper from what little I've seen and the De Gea comparison is pretty accurate in my opinion.
I'm glad we signed him. The goalkeeper position has changed over time. What used to be a role you could easily play until 40 (just standing on your line fielding shots and punching anything that was crossed into the 6 yard box) has completely changed. Keepers now are expected to fly out off their line to sweep behind a high line, they're asked to deal with far more back passes than ever and generally they seem to be told to catch the ball a lot more all over the penalty area which results in some very heavy landings.
Goalkeeper injuries seem to be very frequent in the modern game, especially as they move into their 30's. Whilst Alisson hasn't shown any signs of decline in his ability, his availability is undeniably showing signs of decline. Therefore I think it was rather prudent to go and sign what some believe to be the best u23 goal keeper there is right now.
Only time will tell if it was indeed the right decision. Many Liverpool fans have berated the lack of succession planning for our 4 best players; yet we now sit in a position where we have Chiesa if Salah leaves, Bradley if Trent leaves and Marmadashvili if Alisson leaves. Virgil is the only one left where we haven't got a clear replacement up our sleeves. Even then though, I'd argue Quansah could potentially replace him as the partner to Konate.
I don't think this signing warrants the negativity I've seen but it's an opinions game.
11 Sep 2024 11:52:55
I've read that at Feyenoord, Slot converted a natural winger into being his AM. So maybe Gakpo, Chiesa or even Salah could be considered as options there if Szoboszlai needed a rest. Salah has played AM for Egypt I believe, Chiesa played as a SS for Juventus last season and Gakpo played AM under Klopp at times.
Mac Allister is the standout though as he played about a third of his games at Brighton as an AM and he arguably brings more on the ball in terms of goals and assists, whereas Szoboszlai offers more off the ball in terms of pressing and selfless runs to draw defenders away.
Huge shame for Elliott, but I believe we've got a really strong squad that will cope comfortably, even with a busy schedule.
04 Sep 2024 11:58:11
My favourite match report ever. Hopefully we have another "Southampton review" situation and it get's posted every morning for the next couple of weeks. That should be just long enough for Shappy to see it once he pops his head out of the hole he's hiding in.
{Ed001's Note - I can always hold off a little on the next article....}
03 Sep 2024 11:24:29
You can get little rain jackets for dog's nowadays Ed002. Of course it means sacrificing your own and Sparky's dignity, but if it helps the poor fella get out, maybe that's a necessary sacrifice? My 30 kilo 'menacing' Weimaraner has to wear a life jacket around water ever since I had to drag her out of the English Channel, so my dignity has long since expired.
{Ed002's Note - People would not see his spots if covered in a rain jacket.}
03 Sep 2024 11:18:49
He's always been a natural 6 so the way Slot's using him in this new system is really benefitting him. I know Becker Peckers took some stick down the page for comparing his ability to receive the ball under pressure to Zidane but I know exactly what he means. Unlike Zidane, his first touch can sometimes be slightly far away from him but he's blessed with those telescopic legs some players have, so he can still reach a heavy touch and draw a foul by making a player think they can get the ball when in actual fact he's still in control of it. What he has which is similar to players like Zidane, Busquets, Thiago etc is this incredible awareness of his surroundings that enables him to turn out of trouble with his first touch, or drop the shoulder and skin his man, or even just let the ball roll across his body without even taking a touch. It's a remarkable skill to have in the locker as a midfielder.
The problem he has when he's in an advanced role is your first touch has to stick to you because it's so crowded that you'll lose the ball if it doesn't. Gravenberch doesn't naturally want his first touch to stick to him though, he wants his first touch to be a take-on attempt, or to open up his body so he has more passing options ahead of him. Perfect if you're sat deeper where you receive the ball with you back to play in the midfield and not in a crowded pocket on the edge of the opposition box.
Throw in that Gravenberch has excellent mobility which allows him to cover the ground defensively and get back if the opposition mount a counter attack, and he's the ideal player for Slot in that role, in my opinion. He probably does need to work on his 1v1 defending as a lot of his tackles so far this season have been recovery runs rather than him standing up someone running at him, but if he can master that side of the role as well, we've got ourselves a really special talent.
I said when we signed him that I only wanted him if the plan was for him to play as a 6 in a double pivot and people quite rightly pointed out at the time that Klopp didn't favour a double pivot. Gravenberch is not a destroyer type 6 nor is he a wide 8 so he never really suited any of the roles in Klopp's 4-3-3, but Slot doesn't utilise a destroyer and he's therefore perfect at the base of the midfield as the ball playing 6 in this 4-2-3-1/ 4-2-4 we're seeing. Now Gravenberch is getting the chance in his natural position, we're really seeing what he's made of. I hope he can stay fit and maintain this momentum.