07 Jul 2017 21:36:57
Who do you think is the primary midfield back-up target to Keita? Oxlade-Chamberlain? Milinkovic-Savic? Rafinha?

As many people have suggested, the OX doesn't seem central enough to be a Keita replacement. Rafinha on the other hand.

1.) 07 Jul 2017
07 Jul 2017 22:38:12
Why do we need a replacement for Keita? Is he leaving us? I didn’t realize we got him to be honest. XD

Seriously though we have enough in midfield. Why do people still ask silly questions like we desperately need one? Even if we where getting Keita we would have to ship someone out to make room. His "replacement" is already an LFC player.

2.) 07 Jul 2017
07 Jul 2017 22:55:05
Milinkovic-Savic has signed a new contract and is not going to happen. Ox is not a centre midfielder and never will be. Rafinha is a bench warmer at Barca, doesn't make much defensive contribution as a central midfielder, nowhere near as good as his brother. So none of those.

3.) 08 Jul 2017
07 Jul 2017 23:55:10
I did say back-up target. Klopp wants another midfielder as he probably wants at least six quality midfield players, so each of the 3 positions has cover. If TAA is acting as right back cover, Lucas and Stewart leave, and Grujic doesn't make the grade, then we are short.

Though nobody would play the OX in the middle of a 3 man midfield he could well be used on either side of a trio. Rafinha definitely has defensive qualities and is frequently utilised at right back. An educated guess suggests Klopp would prefer someone who can play in the middle as a box to box midfielder and that's why we've been linked with so many of that type.

4.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 20:28:17
Maybe you should allow things to play out in reality first before making changes as not a soul on earth knows for sure, if a very talented Grujic will not make the grade. Let us see for ourselves first and then make a judgment.

As for Rafinha, don't know the kid so not bothered. My feelings on the Ox is well documented so at this point, Ill let Klopp do his job.