27 Dec 2017 23:57:09
Just got in to hear the news and I want to add my two pence worth.

Ignore the money, if VVD is the best CB available for Klopp's style then it's right to pay the asking price. Far better that than we buy someone not as good who won't fix our problems and we're stuck with for three years.

This raises the obvious question, is VVD the best CB available? I won't claim to be able to answer this, I know he's highly thought of by some and less so by others. All I can say is that Klopp clearly thinks he is and if we have faith in Klopp we have to back him now.

I will point out one concern I have however, VVDs situation is similar to Coutinho's but one's playing really well for his team with an excellent attitude, the other isn't. I find VVDs lack of professionalism worrying, I hope I'm proved wrong in this matter.


1.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 00:10:26
Completely agree with your first paragraph. Sure all signings are gambles, but he is the real deal. Better to get it sorted now than sign average players and be in the same position.
Disagree with your 3rd paragraph though mate. Couts may be playing well for the highlight reel, but his tracking back and attitude has been appalling.


2.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 00:28:17
BBC interview with former Celtic scout (someone mcguinness i think) is quite interesting. Few good points made about new dimension he'll give. Does seem to err on the side of attack over defence, however. Pace and strength is not always enough. I'm pretty optimistic though.


3.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 00:42:29
From my eyes I don't think his tracking back has been appalling. I think he does have that lazy style look about him at times but I'd much rather him save energy and was effective in our attacking third than him being laboured come half way through the game. I believe it may be an instruction of Klopp to do just that. Having said that I thought he worked well against Swansea but that's playing in the front 3 so perhaps that's where he is most suited.


4.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 05:10:53
I think it’s important that we get the players in which the manager wants. Klopp clearly wanted VVD for about the last 12 months.
The club has done the business, there’s nothing to complain about from my point of view. If you’re going to support the manager you have to spend the money.
It’s up to Klopp and VVD now to do the business on the field. I think he’s a very good signing, but he’s not the final piece in the puzzle.

{Ed001's Note - is there ever such a thing as a final piece? Unless you are Wenger, in which case it was Petr Cech who was the final piece to bring the league title to Ars..... oh wait! The key is to never rest on your laurels and keep improving constantly.

I totally agree with your post by the way Ron. This is the way it should be, buy the players that are identified as the right ones, rather than settling for someone who will do. Klopp will have no reason to complain now if we are not at least 4th by the end of the season. Preferably higher, but staying in the top 4 while being competitive in Europe is progress.}


5.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 05:27:51
The best aspect about the VVD is that this was the player we want, look at what happened when we went after our plans B or C's. We ended up with the likes of Balotelli and Aquilani. Also when we have taken risks on promising players we ended up with Albero, Aspas, Borini, Allen, Assaidi and Markovic to name a few - how much wastage is in that lot?


6.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 06:25:33
Good run in the fa cup and Cl with a top four finish is definitely progress for this season.


7.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 09:06:04
Carlos great shout mate.


8.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 09:21:43
Wasn't Salah plan C as well?


9.) 28 Dec 2017
28 Dec 2017 09:46:52
Yes Europe and he wants out already.