Liverpool Banter Archive May 15 2013

15 May 2013 22:23:56
John Terry puts his kit on again, what a tool!

He had it on under his clothes

15 May 2013 21:59:53
I am happy for Rafa winning the Europa with Chelsea.
Wasn't exactly loved at Chelsea but is a great manager in European competitions!
Hopefully he will have atleast gained the respect of some of the Chelsea fans. although I doubt it.

LFC2929

15 May 2013 21:52:58
Nice to see John terry in full kit again, what an utter tool

15 May 2013 21:46:18
Rafa, just sayin

Rafas squad. Just sayin'

15 May 2013 21:43:07
Liverpool will no doubt look to sign eriksen in the summer. whether they will succeed or not is questionable. if they fail I expect a bid for gaitan. in the centre of midfield, strootman is top of the list with diame being considered as a part of any deal for carroll. up front is not the position being most considered, and a discount price/young player is the route rodgers is taking. centre back is a priority if common ground can not be reached with skrtel. lescott is in rodgers thoughts, but ogbonna and musacchio are his preferred partners for agger.
doubt my accuracy?

remember the foot sanitiser!

Are we back to Gerrard getting replaced again?

Strootman is a target for united, diame will remain in london possibly spurs? As they will be releasing a few midfielders! Huddlstone livermore, parker & bentley

15 May 2013 21:38:22
Made up for Rafa.

15 May 2013 20:34:14
Ed 52 as you are about mate. Do you think Douglas from FC Twente would be a good free? {Ed052's Note - I haven't seen much of him tbh. A lot of top teams have interest in him, suggesting a lot of scouts think he's a good player - also, he's on a free so you can't go too far wrong.}

Like cole and Vorinin!

Jovanovic

majestic69

Free players are a poisin chalice no loyalty or they would be commanding a fee for there clubs instead thinking about number one

What a ridiculous comment - if a player makes it clear he wants to move on and the club chose to keep him to his contract, how does that make him a poison chalice? There is a reason you don't sign 15 year contracts - so your club can get rid of you if they want for free after a while, and so that if you would like to move they cannot just keep you forever.

15 May 2013 20:18:45
ed's, watching the europa final, is there any interest in Malgarejo? 22 years old, good going forward and has given ramirez quite a few problems. he would be good and it would allow us to use enrique as back up, a role he's much better suited for {Ed052's Note - oddly, LFC haven't changed all transfer plans on the back of one good half of football by one random player. No is the answer}

15 May 2013 20:01:42
Below is a list of the Liverpool squad and their current age.
I am going to give my analysis of each position discussing the Strengths and weaknesses within the squad.
I will also list my recommendation of players for the positions where I believe require improvement.

GK: Reina (30) - Jones (31) - Galucsi (22) - Ward (19)

RB: Johnson (28) - Kelly (23) - Wisdom (20, ) - Flanagan (20) - McLaughlin (18)

LB: Enrique (27) - Robinson (19) - Wilson (21)

CB: Agger (28) - Skrtel (28) - Coates (22) - Sama (20)

CM: Gerrard (32) - Lucas (26) - Coutinho (20) - Suso (19) - Henderson (22) - Allen (23) - Shelvey (21) - Coady (20) - Spearing (24)

WP: Downing (28) - Assaidi (24) - Sterling (18) - Ibe (17) -Sinclair (16)

ST: Suarez (26) - Sturridge (23) - Borini (22, ) - Yesil (18) - Morgan (19) - Carroll (24) - Pacheco (22)

Over 25yrs - 10 Players
21-25yrs - 13 Players
Under 21yrs - 14 Players

As you can see we have a very young squad overall and much expectation has been on the young players this season. Many of them have been subject to criticism this season such as Allen, Shelvey, Coates, Suso, Borini etc. However, just look at their ages and remember that they still have a few years to improve before we will see the best of them. They are still young and are in the team to learn and develop over time. What we need is more experience so that the youngsters can learn from them and provide the competition for the more experienced players.

Here is my analysis of each position and who I would recommend to improve the team.

Starting at the back. Despite much speculation regarding Reina, Rodgers has recently stated that he is 'not for sale'. He is one of our most experienced players and one of the highest quality keepers in the Premier League, which is why he has attracted interest from Spanish giants Barcelona. I am sure Liverpool will do all they can to secure his services for at least another season. With regards to back up for Reina, Liverpool have Jones who is quite capable of stepping in on occasions with Galucsi and Ward still young and developing.

In the RB position we have Johnson. Who has plenty of quality going forward and has improved defensively over the past few years. However he has had a very average season. He has not performed to the high standards he is very capable of, especially when he is going forward. He tends to become hesitant and gives away possession too easily. I think with the right mentality going into next season, and with Kelly coming back into contention as well as Wisdom always improving, there will be much needed competition for this position and I expect to see Johnson back at his best.

In the CB positions; once Carragher retires, we have Skrtel and Agger. We all know what a great defensive partnership they created under Dalglish, with Skrtel receiving the LFC player of the season award last year and Agger being as solid as ever.
Skrtel has been out of contention in recent months mainly due to Carragher finding his form, however Rodgers has recently said that he very much has Skrtel in his plans for next season despite speculation of a move away from Anfield.
We also have Coates who has not featured for Liverpool very much this season, so I cannot really comment on his performances. He has also been linked with a move away from Anfield.
In regards to defenders linked with Liverpool. We have scouted extensively for at least one other central defender. Stefan De Vrij would be my recommendation. He is captain of his current club (Feyenoord) at only 21 years old and has been excellent defensively this season. He has been watched numerous times by Liverpool scouts and Rodgers himself has been impressed.
If Skrtel and/or Coates do leave then obviously we would have to sign another 2/3 defenders in their place.

At LB Enrique like Johnson has had an average season. He has been decent when defending and has done reasonably well when attacking, however like Johnson he can be a little careless in the final third and gives the ball away too easily on occasions. Like the RB position there is little competition for the LB position and Robinson is still young and has a lot to learn. We have been heavily linked with Lille LB Lucas Digne who has tallied up 48 appearances in all competitions this season at only 19 years old. He would definitely add that much needed competition for Enrique.

In the CDM position we have only Lucas. After returning from his long term injury he still has quite a way to go before he is back to his best. Competition and support is needed for this position and I would recommend Lyon's Maxime Gonalons, who has emerged as one of Europe's best young talents in his position. At 24 years old he is Captain of Lyon and would take some persuasion to move to Anfield.
Likewise Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye would be a great acquisition for the defensive midfield position and would cost less than Gonalons.
Also I'm sure many fans would like to see the return of Xabi Alonso who also would be a perfect fit in defensive midfield despite not quite fitting the FSG transfer policy.

For the CM/CAM positions we have numerous players capable of playing there including Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho, Suso, Allen and Shelvey. I do not think we are desperate to strengthen this area even though we have been strongly linked with Christian Erikson. Who I doubt we will sign this summer.

LM and RM are the 2 positions that definitely need to be addressed in the Summer. As it stands we have Downing, Sterling, Assaidi and Coutinho who can play out wide. Whilst Downing is greatly experienced in the premier league we need a player who can deliver on a regular basis.
Sterling is only 18 years old and not too much should be expected of him, and Assaidi has rarely featured for Liverpool. They should be used as competition for the more experienced players that we should be looking to purchase this summer.
My recommendations for the wide positions would be Hamburg's Son Heung-Min, who is a two footed player who can play left forward, right forward, centre forward and also as a striker. He is only 20 years old and Liverpool have shown much interest in him over the past year.
Newcastle's Hetem Ben Arfa would also be a good signing. He is very experienced and would be available for a low fee due to his past injury problems. However if he could manage to get a good run of games he would most definitely benefit the team. It was the same situation with Agger. He is a fantastic player but became injured on many occasions and even considered retirement, and now he has had an excellent run of games and has shown what he is capable of. I believe Ben Arfa will do the same.

In the Striker position Suarez and Sturridge have been amazing for the club so far and will only improve. Borini, despite his injury problems has returned from injury in great fashion and has already shown signs of how good he is capable of becoming. We do not need to strengthen this area just yet and I doubt we will see any new acquisitions for this position in the summer.

The players who I believe will be leaving this summer are Carroll and Spearing. With the possibility of Skrtel, Coates, Assaidi and Downing departing.

So to summarise, here are my recommended players and their ages. Obviously any departures will need replacements too, but as it stands if we keep the players we have except Carroll and Spearing then this is who I would like to see join the club.

1. Stefan De Vrij (21) - centre back
2. Lucas Digne (19) - left back
3. Maxime Gonalons (24) or Yohan Cabaye (27) or Xabi Alonso (31) - defensive midfield
4. Son Heung-Min (20) - left attacking midfield
5. Hatem Ben Arfa (26) - right attacking midfield

Despite many of our fan's hopes and dreams, Liverpool will not be looking to sign players like Robben, Benzema, Turan, Hummels, Villa etc
The players I have recommended (with exception to Alonso and Cabaye) are the players who I feel are the type of players Liverpool will look at to develop the project and philosophy they have been trying to implement. They are young but with experience, and will greatly increase the quality within the squad. Where as Alonso and Cabaye are not so young but are very experienced and are both quality in the defensive midfield position.

Thanks for reading.

Red Lee

Famous last words, you won't win anything with kids.

Great post mate well done.
Yeah I pretty much agree with everything you have said there. The players you list are mostly realistic and ones I would choose as well.
Question marks over Alonso as I don't think Liverpool would sign him now. I just can't see it because of his age, although it would be great to see he's only going to hold back a younger up and coming player. Ben arfa as well because of his injury record. But like you say if we look after him and use him sparingly then maybe it would work.

MIKEY

Great post
derryred

Bored?

Cheers for taking the time. A good read.

BJH YNWA

15 May 2013 19:38:18
People need to stop beliving the crap they read on twitter. I mean seriously, as if we are signing papadopoulos. It's strange how no website or news organizations are reporting the alledged imminent deal. those twitter guys sit there and literally make things up. have faith in the manager though to make some good signings.

To be fair coutinho was doing the rounds on twitter for days before any newspapers

15 May 2013 18:13:26
Eds am I missing something as various posters today keep saying we are on the verge of signing Papadopoulos, if true he would be a beast of a player alongside Agger and would have no problems adjusting to the Epl, I've looked through the post and search engine and ain't found the answer. {Ed052's Note - we know nothing on it}

15 May 2013 19:04:36
I hope these papadopowhateverhisnameis. Is true? Two reasons

1. He's a class defender
2. Get your business done early and in for pre season

Cant agree more, early for pre season is good for team chemistry

15 May 2013 17:54:29
ok so according to the incredibly reliable source that is twitter. we are signing Papadopoulos for 17m subject to a medical, however an mri has been ordered for his knee as the medical team were not happy.

15 May 2013 17:28:57
Liverpool will have around 60million Pound to spend including carroll And pepe reina sales

15 May 2013 16:42:43
I would expect 1 out and out winger, at least 1 centre back to come in and possibly a left back.

Looks like Eriksen won't be arriving as scouts and the transfer team are looking at alternate possibilities. This isn't a prioritised position anyway as BR is looking to accommodate Coutinho in behind the striker for next season.

Reina, Agger and Suarez won't be leaving the club. Downing and Henderson are expected to stay as well.

Carroll (£15m) Spearing (£2m) Pacheco (£0.5m) Assaidi (£1m) Wilson (Contract) are expect to leave in the summer. Coates could also be allowed to leave for around (£5m) if defenders are brought in.

15 May 2013 17:06:40
Sounds like the deal for Papadopolous is just about done, however a problem with his knee has been flagged up and needs a second MRI scan to check. Deal expected to be around 17M.

A more than worthy replacement for the great Carragher. He's a big unit who likes a tackle, looking forward to this one. Good start Brendan!

"He's a big unit". for a centre back I would call six foot as being "big".

I'll admit that I'm quite naive regards the players actual overall ability, but if he does sign then hopefully he has a good jump on him and can head the ball, because if there is one aspect of the team which we are very suspect, it is - heading!

Where does everyone keep getting this from? Twitter?

15 May 2013 16:48:45
Liverpool will have a representation at the valencia vs gatafe game. If you're a football fan and you like to consider who we may be looking at, then this is a game that I would personally look at. It doesn't mean that any business is about to be concluded but I will definitely be watching this game.

don d

Sarabia probably man is a real gem of a player plays right wing or for spain u21 was a center midfield player

15 May 2013 16:41:13
I am told that we have had a medical with papadopolous but there was an issue with his knee. the club are awaiting an MRI scan now to determine the problem. 17m fee has been agreed with schalke. I assume the money used will be that from the carroll sale. good purchase for the club as he can play cb and cdm (would be the strong player competing with lucas in midfield. )

LYON KING

15 May 2013 16:19:06
I think with Suarez, Carroll, Remy, Gerrard we would have all the bases covered in attack

15 May 2013 16:12:36
Sergi canas will not be moving to Liverpool. Suso and Pacheco have both not been given a chance, and when they have, they have looked very talented, especially suso, but it seems as Brendan doesn't like them. Canas feels e won't be given a chance either.

15 May 2013 14:38:44
Hi Guys,

We all agree Reina is POO so I think the ''apparent'' swap deal with Christian Tello is an extremely good and nifty deal he has a lot of beast pace on the wing and awesome skill. Also my source of this rumour is extremely legitiment.

Cheers guys from davejones

15 May 2013 18:22:11
Reina is poo are u smoking something illegal how many times that guy saved us he's quality yes the first half of the season wasn't his best but last few weeks he's getting that form bk I will agree I'd love tello he's quality but not at the expense of pepe I think reina deserves a bit of respect JON96

I don't agree with you at all! Reina is still a worldclass keeper.

JOZLFC

Whilst I do believe he will go to Barcelona, I for one don't think Pepe is. as you say - "POO", he is a class keeper and has/is serving us well. He's not perfect, but who is? yes he can "flap" under the high ball but this, for mine is a common occurrence with European keepers. he is still streets ahead of Brad Jones (no offence Brad).

15 May 2013 14:17:36
Martin Skrtel is 2/1 to re-join Zenit St Petersburg this summer but Manchester City showed a little interest last year and are rated 12/1 to sign the Liverpool defender in the summer transfer window

Who ever wants him should surely have to pay £15M, be nice if those 2 teams got into a bidding war for him so we get a higher fee.

If M. Cty want him then we should say straight swap with Richards, as he can play CB, RB and CDM

Would be nice tokeep him!

Red Lee

15 May 2013 14:00:14
Reina to Barca for 10 m and Tello the other Way. Think it would be amazing if it happens. But I doubt! Don't shoot the messenger. Do you think its possible eds? And who Will we sign as an replacement {Ed019's Note - I doubt it highly}

15 May 2013 13:03:42
Well don't think we will be wanting to sign Remy now. Arrested in suspicion of Rape

15 May 2013 12:39:53
I'm unfortunate enough to have only seen Tello play once. It was about 2 years ago against Bayern Leverkusen in the game Barca won 7-1 I think? Regardless,
Tello scored 2 goals and this was his breakthrough game that made the world stand up and take note. He has of course found the break into the starting line-up difficult (hell, who wouldn't at Barcelona!).
I recall the impact Tello had very well. He was a very direct and pacey player who really got at the full back. He played left wing, and due to being right footed, really enjoyed coming inside. This would be good in our team. However back then, his touch looked slightly heavy, and he ran fast, but never seemed to be in balance, or have full control of the ball. Both his goals were very tame, and the keeper should have done better. He also fluffed many opportunities to square it to a player in a better position.

I'm intelligent enough not to use this as my only basis to rate the player. After all, he's 2 years older now and must've improved. I was wondering if the Eds or any fellow posters could tell me if he's a more complete player nowadays? Even back then he showed raw talent.

Adam mate, Tello is a top, top player. In the same mould as Ronaldo, has excellent potential and a move to Liverpool I think would certainly enhance his career and chances at senior International level. Really rate him, he just needs games. I struggle to wonder why Pedro is picked ahead of him? But that's another subject I guess!

Apples '96'

15 May 2013 12:03:38
Edsssssssssssss

What Are lfc transfer targets {Ed019's Note - Messi is being looked at}

Do you realise that you are the first person to ever ask the Ed's this question (!) Why hasn't anyone ever asked this before?

El Pi**edolero

The question was what are. They are players Liverpool may be considering signing in the future

15 May 2013 11:58:49
Signing Papadopoulos for 20+ million seems a bit far fetched.

Or is it?

Just think how much we would get back in shirt sales, even at £1 per letter we will be raking it in!


Kev the Red

15 May 2013 12:28:07
Genius! haha, I say we go all out for Venegoor of Hesselink this summer to with this in mind!

Heath the greeks loves him! But do you Think they Can afford a shirt there

It's like a round on Countdown. My first effort is.

Poops.

15 May 2013 11:19:20
Does anyone know what happened to Dos Santos from spurs? Had the potential to be very good

15 May 2013 12:13:44
he plays for real mallorca, a decent player for a team that has been relegated

I think he is in Spain some where up and down performance s spurs wrecked him

He was a right pile of tosh mate

Whatever potential he may have had he has not lived up to it. Now playing with Mallorca and has scored 5 in 25.

He is working in burgerking he loves it

15 May 2013 12:42:50
I believe he has stagnated a bit. We will certainly not be interested in him this summer. There are unsubstantiated rumours we have looked at his brother Jonathon who still plays for Barcelona. He is a more defensive, metronome midfeilder. Very similar to Lucas, but never been given a real run of games.

He was loaned out for three consecutive seasons at Spurs and is now playing for Mallorca.

What? He stagnated in Burger King? How the mighty have fallen.

Marshy

15 May 2013 10:27:38
Hi eds, first time poster and just wanted to say how addicted to the site I am! Couple of questions, I am slightly worried about this transfer window, it sounds like every name that is metioned to you is being dismissed. Do you know if we have any concrete targets or if you know of any players the we are currently looking at? Many thanks. {Ed019's Note - I would not be worried, we have a decent scouting set up now and if we were to miss out on a target, there would be plenty of backup options}

15 May 2013 10:14:03
Hi eds, what's the transfer kitty for the summer? {Ed019's Note - The owners will give at least £20M}

You say at least so could it be possibly more with out sales because we have a small squad no point in selling two or three players to bring 1

I reckon it will be 25 million from owners + player sales.
which should take our total budget to around 60 million with the sales of players like Carroll (12m), Skrtel (12m), Coates (3m), Shelvey (5m), Spearing (2m), Assaidi (1m), Flannagan (500k), Pacheco (free).

15 May 2013 09:24:28
Hi eds and reds.
Various LFC fan pages on Facebook are saying we've signed Tello for £10,000,000 and will be announced on the 20th May. Do you know if this is true?
Thanks {Ed019's Note - No}

So Ed you don't know or is not true? {Ed019's Note - Not true}

15 May 2013 07:51:29
Hi ed, had an interesting conversation last night with regard s to spurs! I was informed of the names of certain players they are keeping tabs on! The woman I was with only had spanish names but she reckons they have lists for french, german, dutch. & south american players! The spanish players were
Munian
Susaeta
Etxebarria
Illarramendi
Camacho
Tello
Roberto
The women also said there was a lot of talk about a player called ante rebic! The thing is are WE interested in any of these players? obviously tello but any of the others? They all seem very good players? I know muniain was offered to chelsea and united last year but what about this year? {Ed002's Note - Not as far as I know.}

Everyone keeps tabs on any decent players

15 May 2013 01:22:49
Personally I think Andy Townsend of QPR and Shaun Maloney of Wigan will be a great additions. what do u think.

No and no

Were trying to push on not stall

Top players required to get us back to top not may bes

14 May 2013 23:43:12
Liverpool priority signings in summer window:
Ben Arfa
Christian Eriksen
Defender - Carra replacement
McCarthy now that wigan are relegated