08 Jul 2017 12:47:41
Said weeks ago rudiger was top class and we should have been looking at him instead of VVD. If he's not signed for Chelsea we should be offering him an alternative. For those watching him recently for Germany and not rating him, then you don't know a player. Liverpool need to save some reputation now and spend big, either buy the first choice targets they have screwed up or other class, but don't let last year's momentum go.


1.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 13:12:23
I agree with you that he is a better player than VVD, but you cannot just say anyone who doesn't rate him "don't know a player".

Opinions are what make this site and football in general. Without them we would all just be here talking about who was statistically the best.

Rudiger is decent anyways, but I wouldn't say he is the best option. I watch a lot of Roma and he is very much like Sakho. Shaky on the ball even if he mainly gets away without, rash decision maker whose speed and aggression helps him to recover, and not great direction on his headers even though he wins them mainly. Good but not without flaws.

In terms of Roma defenders, I'd actually sign Juan Jesus if possible. He will be back at Inter now, but I think Roma had an option to buy. He can play left centre back and left back. The advantage of that for us is that we play such high wing backs, that our centre backs have to regularly cover out wide. Juan Jesus would be more than comfortable doing that. No idea what is going on with him contractually though.


2.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 13:13:05
I've watched him for Roma and not rated him, how does that affect my player-knowing mojo?
He could work under the right system, I think in a back 3 he could turn out to be a beast. In our formaton? Not so much.


3.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 14:07:58
Hey MK, I actually haven't watched Jesus in ages. Didn't he stall in his development? I remember when he was lauded as a supreme talent in the middle, then went to Roma and played primarily as a. left back? It was weird to say the least. In all honesty, I had written him off in the "mismanaged" column, many good players end up there, sadly. I recall the times when I had high hopes for Borini and loved the lad, but then injuries and getting pushed out on the wing blunted his strengths.


4.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 14:56:31
I've watched Rudiger plenty of times. German Titus Bramble springs to mind. He's not a better footballer than VVD, that's for sure, he looks ropey in possession and makes basic errors on a regular basis.

{Ed002's Note - A Chelsea director has returned from Germany today to look to complete the transfer of Rudiger. Roma opted to purchase him at the end of his loan with a vew to prfiteering - and that is what tehy are doing.}


5.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 15:21:48
Ed002, personally I think Chelsea are making a big mistake which is unusual as they're normally spot on, Kalas and Christensen are both better defenders and footballers, I know the injury took a lot out of Zouma, but he's got time on his side. Rudiger has never convinced me as a defender and he always looks the weak link as he's prone to some baffling brain farts! Fair play to Roma. Smart thinking!

{Ed002's Note - Christensen has returned but is not entirely happy. Kalas will not be in the squad next season nor will Zouma. Rudiger can provide cover at right back and at centre back. Chelsea have also lost Ivanovic and Terry - and they will look to add another centre back if they can, but they do have a very good youngster coming up. So I guess we need toi wait to see how he will be used, but you might well be right.}


6.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 15:57:00
Eds
Would Chelsea be willing to sell Christensen?

{Ed002's Note - They want to keep him.}


7.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 19:17:47
I know it's speculation, but do you think there is a price that Chelsea would reconsider their position at? To me, Christensen is a complete modern centre back and streets ahead of the names mentioned on here.

{Ed002's Note - But Liverpool has no interest in the player at all.}


8.) 08 Jul 2017
08 Jul 2017 20:36:51
I would have signed Ruddiger too as he is more experienced than VVD as VVD would not make the stands with the German team with Hummels, Boateng, Sule etc. Now is he great? No. Is he better than VVD? I think so but not by much. He is very coachable and will improve under Conte.

As for Juan Jesus, he has a regular with Inter at CB for a few years then, shifted to wingback when Mazarri was the manager. He was loaned out to Roma last season but may have lost his way as Emerson is the starter at LB and he has Ruddiger, Fazio and Manolas at CB to contend with. I would not take him right now due to recent history tho.