Liverpool Banter Archive January 16 2015

 

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16 Jan 2015 21:51:40
Just a note to thank the eds and site creator for giving us all such a great forum, it's now part of daily routine. Ireally think this site has improved my lifestyle also; I can now fit into a bikini, am mega rich and have snail stuck on the side of my face. Wtf is that. No seriously wtf?

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{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

16 Jan 2015 18:36:22
The Mascherano discussion is very interesting from both sides. As a centre back, I will agree with Ed001 he is kinda average. In any other club he would have cemented a place in midfield where he, in my opinion is the best since Makalele in that role. Worlds best player? Maybe not, recognition for his leadership and honest footballing ability is warranted and achievements personally I can see why you'd give him your vote. P.S Messi wears the arm band but who's the real leader in Argentina and Barca, I will leave you to ponder that one.

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{Ed001's Note - it is certainly not Mash, who is far from a leader. It is worth pointing out that Mash has been at the club for its decline for a reason, he is part of the problem. Over rated because he runs a lot and not even close to being the best in his position since Makelele. Unfortunately he looks good for the fans because he runs around a lot, but that is precisely because he lacks ability.}

16 Jan 2015 19:00:58
Could n't disagree more Ed001, in many polls that have been carried out over the last few years (4 or 5) Mash is in the top 10 defensive midfielder.
I agree with EMS who posted earlier today, to me he was the main factor that got Argentina to the final , yes Messi scored the glamour goals but Mash helped keep it tight at the back only conceding 4 goals.

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{Ed001's Note - funny isn't that the point that imbeciles are voting in these polls? You know like Hodgson who has as much clue about footie as my missus who has never even watched it. Sorry but I disagree with him being the main factor, it was their tactics not him or any other player that did that. RIdiculous to suggest he was the reason.}

I agree completely with our esteemed Ed 1 with regards to Mash's leadership (in)abilities. Just watching the absolute hash he made leaving Liverpool should indicate enough what kind of leader he is.

Regarding his abilities, I think I'm somewhere in the middle of the easy drinking Samuel Adams and Captain Ed 1, esq. I think he was a bad bit of business for Barca because his style of play is, and never has been, the "beautiful" football they like to play. Mash is as his name says - a mash-em-up grinder.

However, I believe that if you place him where you can tap his strengths (as a holding mid and a mean, nasty, almost vulgar ball-winning ornery *******) then I do believe he should be rated very highly. One might argue that's exactly what Liverpool needs; as we watch weekly forays into our end go largely unpunished physically. He's a presence, and with our Ming Dynasty back line (barring Skrtel who does love to clutch, grab, and play mean. whenever he can keep up) who seem to loathe physical contact for long stretches of time, he'd be the prefect DM compliment.

What Mash needs, IMHO, is to move somewhere they don't play pretty football where his desperately basic ball skills don't work. He needs to fit into a team that needs a presence and benefits from the simple ball being played to more accomplished passers.

I don't think he should ever be in consideration for these high accolades, however I feel my impression of the player is somewhat more positive than that of the aforementioned Ed ONE - and don't you forget it. ;)

Compare him with Lucas and you get a quicker, meaner, but less tactically adept holding mid. But he has a better pedigree based on his Liverpool-when-they-were-good and Barca stints.

~written with respect and frostbite from the Canadian cold

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Pretty obvious that 3 or so barca managers don't pick him as a regular starter in the defensive mid role, that he isn't the best defensive midfielder in the world.

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Mascherano is a very limited footballer . He's passing was poor . On the other hand he had aggression and will to win the ball. Last gasp tackles are far from a read piece of play and positional sense . Sums him up never he's biggest fan

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16 Jan 2015 20:04:08
Masch is better than any centre back or defensive player we have. He's also probably a better Goal Keeper at 3 foot 5 Than the two giant polo mints we have at the club

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Mash was class better then Lucad by 10 tines over we never replaced him or Alonso tough tackling midfielder we really missed

But hey one mans opinion

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16 Jan 2015 23:03:48
I couldn't disagree with you more Ed001. If he was that bad, he would t be playing in one of the best teams in Europe & can I add 3years ago one of the best teams of all time some would say. That's your opinion though which I respect.

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First of all Mascherano was a sub or else played out of position, basically a rotational player, he was far from a driving force for the great Barca side. You wouldn't say Afellay is one of the world greats because he was in that team. His defensive inabilities didn't get exposed because Barca kept the ball for about 70% of the game. Now however they get exposed more and more frequently. In truth the great defensive players never have to go running around and flying into tackles like madmen, e.g. look at what Alonso was like at us. I think he brings a lot of passion and energy and is a useful player, but is far from one of the worlds best. I would rate Lucas higher than Masch, certainly pre-injury Lucas was much better. He is much more disciplined and picks up much better positions defensively. We are a better side with him in the middle. Sometimes I wish he would move the ball a bit quicker, but that is a criticism I have of the team in general. I agree with the Ed001, the same people picking Mascherano in these poles are the same who put Luiz in the team of the year.

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17 Jan 2015 08:54:22
I'll have to disagree with you Ed on the bit of him not being good enough. Mascherano is world class in DM, it just that he never gets to play there due to them having easily the DM in the world in Busquets. Thesame thing happened to Fabregas, who is now creating goals for fun at Chelsea. The truth is that it is very difficult for an imported midfielder to suceed at Barca due to the abundance of talented players they have in that position.

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Interesting debate here. For me, Masch was an excellent tackler, and played with passion. He was too hot headed (remember his red card at Old Trafford?), had poor position sense (Lucas is better in this regard) and let's be honest, he didn't add any goals. While the goals are not expected in his position, when you throw in the term world class I think of Toure. Finally, who wouldn't look good playing between Gerrard and Alonso, both at the peak of their careers.

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When he played for us i always thought why is he running so much and making last minute tackles. Maybe if his positional sense and reading of the game was better he would nit have to expend so much energy.

With regard to him playing for the best team in europe etc i always wondered if he was so good why is he not playing in his favoured position. I don't know the answer but maybe its because of the reasons stated above and his lack of technical ability.

I also always wondered why when he refused to play for us to force his way out the club i did not feel so aggrieved as when alonso was grossly mistreated and allowed to leave.

Now i'm not saying he is a bad player but he is far from the best player in the world.

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*Hodgson

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Edd001, I feel blessed when I see your name and a comment. Jokes aside it's hard reading the comments about Rodgers and macherano. i'm glad the united fans are concerned with their own Hodgson that they don't read the posts or they would have a right laugh

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17 Jan 2015 18:03:39
Javier is one of the most positionaly UNsound players I've ever seen in liverpool's midfield. Strong in the tackle though. Lucas is far superior.

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16 Jan 2015 16:07:21
Hi eds
Do you think Sterling will be used mainly as a striker or still as a winger from now on?

Obviously his naturally stronger position is out wide but we now have 4 decent players vying for those positions and only 1 decent striker who is frequently out injured.

We know sterling and sturridge work well together.

Not asking if you can predict the lineups but have you heard anything about his future in that regard?

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{Ed002's Note - Like all other Liverpool players he will run quickly towards the opposition whilst screaming like a banshee. Actually I am kidding, I haven't decided how to use him yet.}

Most excellent!

Much love,

N.

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16 Jan 2015 23:03:47
I would like to be controversial and state that I think his best position is just behind the strikers, at the tip of the diamond in a 4-4-2. He looked great there for England too until Rooney had a tantrum

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Super, what's controversial about that?

I agree, although feel he could also still be pretty useful in a WF role.

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16 Jan 2015 15:58:53
Jordan Ibe, sterling, markovic, Moreno.
Is Brendan setting up a football team or a running club?
We must have one of the quickest teams in Europe if you leave out Lucas and Gerrard.

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Is this the reason why you have plummeted so fast from "title" contenders to potential relegation candidates?

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Tin
Ha Ha, that was hilarious. Not. Try harder to be funny please.

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I did not try to be funny.

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Tin, you failed at both then?

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Take off the 'n' and add a 't' Tin.

That's what you are.

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16 Jan 2015 18:49:57
Is Brendan setting up a football team or a running club?
=================
I did post few months back that we should try and sign Usain Bolt

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16 Jan 2015 19:18:47
I might be wrong, but I'm guessing Tin is a " bitter " - and if he is, I think he might be getting worried - 3 points above bottom 3, 17 games left and possibly 18 points away from safety, Where in contrast ( don't actually know how because we have been as poor as I can remember for the last 25 years ) we are actually, by some miracle only 5 points away from top 4.

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And if he's a manc were coming for yous

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Surely we'd win a relay

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16 Jan 2015 12:28:29
Can't believe 54% of people said Hodgson was drunk!

Fair enough, it's your opinion. Masch won Barcelona player of the year ahead of the likes of Iniesta, Messi, Neymar, Pique etc and virtually carried Argentina to the WC final whilst Messi strolled around with the armband on pretending he was their leader.

You know what Roy, fair play to you mate for being able to look past the celebrity side of the game and actually recognising who was the best player rather than the most fancy attacker to watch!

I'd have voted for Lahm or Neuer personally but I can compeltely relate to the Masch nomination because he was without a doubt one of if not the best player in the world last season in his position last year.

Made a nice change to see a manager actually thinking carefully about their vote rather than just going with the bandwagon/hype and picking a spice boy.

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Just to clarify, I could understand 54% of people disagreeing with Mascherano being first place.

I just can't understand how people can call Hodgson drunk for picking him, thus insinuating that Mascherano didn't even deserve to be considered or that he was absolutely awful last year. My reply to that would be "Awful players don't win Barcelona's player of the year award"!

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16 Jan 2015 12:53:48
hi adam,

i think for the majority it is hard to see past the goal machines that are messi and ronaldo. roy hodgson showed his true colours in voting for three defensive players and preferring a clean sheet over scoring goals.

i personally would still have to go for ronaldo, 17 goals in the champ league is rediculous

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When you look back over the winners for the last 20 years, with the exemption of Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro, the award has gone to an attacking player so it's an award that by and large rewards the headline grabbing players (ie: the goal scorers & flair players) so you can forgive people for viewing Woys choice for the winner as a bit strange.

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16 Jan 2015 13:19:59
I'm with you EMS. He picked a leader. The only issue with Macherano as a top pick for me is that he didn't achieve anything. I think when possible the Ballon D'or winner should win something that year, even if it's getting a mid table club into the CL or something. A real result of their success

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I see your point Kopite. I devalues defensive players for me though

Spot on hijkle, that's what I'd have gone Lahn or Neuer.

87red, Hodgson may be defensive but it is naive to suggest that is why he picked these players and insulting to his knowledge. Last season he picked Messi, Zlatan and Van Persie I believe? So by that logic, in 2013 he was an attacking coach.

To suggest Hodgson picking defensive players makes him a bad manager is a bit unfair though mate.

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I agree with Ronaldo winning it overall but I'd have had Mascherano up there and agree with your point on fair enough of Hodgson to vote that way.

You mentioned Lahm though, for me he was hardly any better than 7.5 out of 10. I don't know is it just that he's playing in such good teams either I'm not noticing his brilliant contributions. Or maybe his year has been over-rated by people because he captained the world cup winning team - captained yes but for me he was a liability in midfield (compared to their options, Khedira on the bench and they were weak RB) and was he not awkward to try to get back to RB?

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{Ed001's Note - I am sorry but anyone voting for Mash as world's best player needs help! He is, at best, an average centre back, which is where he played. Hodgson was just proving why he is such a hopeless manager by voting for two players who didn't play particularly well. Lahm really does not look a good midfielder, his positioning is awful and he is lucky to have such a good team alongside him. As a full back he is top class, as a midifielder he is adequate but no more.}

16 Jan 2015 14:27:37
Get where you are coming from but although he had a good season at the end of the day he won nothing (playing for top teams as well).

Players like Neur, Lahm, Kross, & Muller not only dominated the world cup (slaughtering the host nation in their back yard on the way) as well as completely dominated their league (can argue about quality of opposition but won be like 15-20 points which was impressive to say the least). Think they deserve it more.

But in fairness can say it always goes to attacking players but as much as people go on about Neur 'redefining the role of a keeper' ronaldo/messi have redefined the attacking player. Neither play as an out and out striker and have scored a ludicrous amount of goals (and assist).

in fairness Ronaldo won la decima, smashed the CL record, tied for european top scorer, and think people forgot it is for 2014 as a whole (so this season). Where he had scored 20 goals by october and is on 24-26 by the end of the year, has also scored 61 goals this year.

Can fault his international record and performance at the WC but was clearly not fit and when you watch portugal in fairness isn't just the lack of quality around him, but they just seem to think 'give ronaldo the ball and he'll do something'. Think mascherano is a top player but unfair to compare his/messi's international performances because Argentina have a far superior team in just about every area.

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I said it before- german coach low didn't choose messi or Ronaldo either yet no-one criticises a World Cup winning coach. In fact 2 of the 3 each named were identical. Are we to assume that 'low' doesn't have a clue either!?

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Absolutely it does EMS but I think that's just the way the game is unfortunately. You only need to look at the headlines of the back pages of any paper on a Sunday and its full of rave reviews of whoever scored a hat trick the day before etc etc. youll rarely, if ever, see a headline about a player who made numerous interceptions, important tackles and basically had the opposition forward in their pocket for 90mins. You don't see an "interception of the month" competition! (Was going to use Tackle of the month but that just sounds wrong!) Goals are what people crave so the players who provide them tend to be the biggest stars. I do agree with the points your making but I can also see why people questioned Roy's choice.

Plus another factor to be considered is that Roy isn't the most popular manager amongst Liverpool fans in general I think it's fair enough to say? So any poll with him in it may garner negative feedback for that reason alone!

PS: I didn't vote on the poll at all

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The entire thing is a farce. I wouldn't look too much into it. Suarez didn't even make the shortlist, yet Benzema did with James Rodriguez. David Luiz also somehow made toty.

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EMS
The problem for me is he didn't have Ronaldo or Messi in his top 3
and we let this bloke pick the England team? No wonder Rooney gets in!

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16 Jan 2015 15:51:40
Suarez didn't even make the shortlist,
========================

Are you surprised ? He did n't exactly conduct himself well in the world cup did he.

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I didn't think Messi deserved to be in the top 3. Thought Zlat did more this year

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I have no idea if fifa banning you results in an automatic ban from the pro 11.

Certainly zidanes headbutt didn't stop him coming second.

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16 Jan 2015 16:33:51
Problem Zlatan has is he plays for an international team that is no where near his ability so can't impact or even qualify for big tournaments.

most of what he does in the french league is mainly ignored do to lack of profile and assumed lack of quality of their league.

So only real hope of being considered is to win the CL with PSG, which is possible but not probable

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16 Jan 2015 17:05:00
Simple really.

Has Mascherano been world class of late?

No.

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Arguably the best player of the World Cup and always consistent!

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In 2014 Suarez should have been in there somewhere but he didn't even get a nibble. Outrageous.

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@Ed001, just back online. I agree with you on Mascherano only average center back and ya I know that's where he plays alright but he is much better in DM and I thought he was fantastic in midfield in the world cup. I know you don't agree but that's what I think anyway.

On Lahm, totally agree.

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{Ed001's Note - sorry but he was fantastically hard working but far from fantastic.}

The simple reality is that, out of all the players in the world, Mascherano is nowhere near being the "best" - I could probably name 10 players off the top of my head better it really is a bizarre choice. Hodgson is a bad manager though and when England fail again in Euro 2016 playing Delph and Cleverly in central midfield it will be proven (though it doesn't really need 'proof' - signing Konchesky and dropping Agger in his prime sold me). He has to be the luckiest international manager in world football - how do you fail over 4 years in 2 major international tournaments and still retain your job? The FA is not fit for purpose - Hodgson is a monument to that fact.

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EMS. Mascherano didn't even play at DM last season.

I love that you post regularly m8 - and you're a nice guy - but this whole Masch is a great DM debate is ridiculous, and I have to be fair when I say that. Utterly ridiculous.

He doesn't even play there for his club - so it's ridiculous to claim he's been the best DM in the world.

For Argentina he had a few average games against very poor sides - such as Iran, Bosnia, Nigeria and Belgium - and then played well against a very poor Holland side only for the BBC brain-trust to fall over themselves about how great he is.

A vote for Mascherano as best player in the world based on any of this is laughable -- and rightly so. To be honest - why not Ron Vlaar?? At least he played as a CD for Villa - and he has a better world cup than Masch.

Ridiculous I know. But there.

Hodgson showed himself as a johnny-Englander know-nothing dinosaur with his comments. Also showing that he doesn't even know what position Masch plays at club level.

I went into the subject of assessing Masch as a footballer in detail the other day. I explained all my views there - including the following:

'People seem to have a video-game view of Masch, where he is an all-round colossal defensive midfielder.'

'In reality, that player does not exist - he can't even make it into midfield at club level, and is defensive liability at Barca due to his diminutive stature, poor positional sense - and poor levels of technical ability. The amazing, colossal midfielder you speak of is a myth. (Unless you're Hodgson of course)'

I also explained why Mascherano does not play at DM for Barca - and why he needs a partner to cover for his shortcomings as a player.

I explained that 'Masch needs a partner (as he had with Alonso at Liverpool) to cover him as he presses higher and he does not hold his position in the same manner as Lucas - who is more tactically aware and selective in his pressing.

Masch needs a player alongside him who has a brain - and the steel to cover for him as he rampages around 'like a wild animal'. Hence not playing ahead of Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic etc as Barca do not play with two defensive minded midfielders - as the team would suffer techically in a scenario of Busquets holding and Masch ahead of him. The 'Xavi' role is pivotal to the side and hence the need for a Rakitic or even Iniesta to take Xavi's mantle in the side. There is no substitute for technical ability and tactical intelligence in such a role.

Further, Masch cannot handle the role of lone DM (such as in the way Lucas does) - he is simply not sharp enough technically or tactically to do so - and there is nothing in his career to suggest otherwise.

Masch has hardly set the world alight at Barca, where his lack of technical ability and his need to work with a defensive-minded partner sees him overlooked (rightly) in favour of Busquets, who can lay as a lone DM player.

Masch has been a makeshift CD over the past few years - and a defensive liability there against good sides - rather than surviving against financially destitute clubs in La Liga every week.

Maybe as part of the right system I feel Masch can be very effective - he is a good player, and potentially very good in the right system - but I cannot sugar-coat the reality of what he is for Barca - a below-par. bit-part CD player in a side renowned for being defensively frail.

I also don't forget that Masch refused to play for us. When it comes to character and professionalism - his behaviour was an embarrassment to himself.

I do love you EMS - but this Masch is the best DM nonsense is so ridiculous that it doesn't even merit debate. You're in danger of sounding like Pirate - that should be a warning to you - his views are the pits!!

(Only a bit of bantz!)

:)

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16 Jan 2015 10:50:38
Eds was wondering if I could ask a question about Ibe and get your opinion.

Ibe has been recalled from his loan at Derby. We all knew he was a special talent but what should we make of the recall, (A) BR didn't realise how good he was already and the loan was a mistake as we could have used him this season, (B) He has improved drastically and left BR with no choice but to recall him, (C) It was a choice of either Origi OR Ibe to recall this window or (D) Injuries/Poor performances have meant we needed to recall him.

Personally i'd be happy if the recall meant more playing time in Liverpool 1st team for him, But be bit annoyed if he going to be benched or mostly in U21's. Do you know of the plan with Ibe EDs or Reds.

Cheers.

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{Ed002's Note - This was dealt with at length yesterday.}

Id imagine he will be on the bench for us, coming on with 30 mins left to make an impact.

Don't think even Brendan would be stupid enough to call him back from 1st team football to go and stick him in the reserves.

But with Brendan you never know lol

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Anything I can throw at the magical search function to get up the discussion from yday?

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{Ed002's Note - IBE seems like a good start.}

16 Jan 2015 12:18:20
The answer to the question posed is simple - when your job and career are hanging by a thread, you will do anything to save it .

Rodgers may well approach Rush AND Dalglish to check their availability for the run-in .

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He'd probably be a good strike partner for Sturridge in the diamond formation as he would drift around like Suarez did and provide the same kind of attacking drive, flair and desire to attack the box. He's also very good mates with Sturridge so I'm certain they'd link up well and be an unselfish partnership.

Ibe obviously is lacking in experience and isn't quite the finished article, but I'd love to see them paired together up front. We need more plaeyrs up there who aren't afraid to attack the box, pull into the channels, run at people or n behind and hold up the ball with their quick feet/close control. I doubt he'd hit double figures but he'd score more than our other options to partner DS15.

Rodgers seems to have forgotten about how effective the high pressing diamond tactics were unfortunately.

I agree with Lavers though. I EXPECT him to be used as an impact sub.

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Just to reply to the post by Armchair Fan, I would def go with option B, as Ibe has really improved his game by having a good run of game time while on loan, and scoring some very good goals,
while we are on a decent run right now, our strikers are not perfoming too well, so if we can get a few more goals, we just mite make top four, and that's were we will attract the better players .

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16 Jan 2015 10:37:07
Gday Eds,
I'm going to go ahead and assume that Ibe's recall means there will be no Lavezzi or other wide forward arriving, which is fine.
While we're stuck with the 4 we've got there will be no striker arriving, which is not really fine.
Personally, I think keeping Lucas is important and I only expect a GK coming in (hopefully Mat Ryan) unless there are any outs.
Enrique could go, so my question is about Brad Smith. Do you know why he was recalled and what is the story with his injury/fitness?

Thanks!

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{Ed002's Note - Sorry, I really don't know.}

16 Jan 2015 11:43:12
Damn,
Ok people, does anybody know?
He did have an injury before being recalled but it's all been very quiet and mysterious since. Think he played a couple of halves in December for U21s? Is he ok!? :/

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Oh & he scored against Morecambe at Kirkby on Dec 9th.

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He was refusing to sign a new contract (If I was a talented 20/21 year old looking for first team football in the near future I'd refuse to sign for Rodgers too!) so the club re-called him.

Not sure whether that was as a petty punishment or to make negotiations more manageable. Wouldn't suprise me if the current management were just doing it out of spite though as they have no regards for the futures of our players as proven by the selfish refusal to lower the asking price for Suso which will have wasted an entire year of the poor lads career by the time he finally escapes.

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I agree EMS, and this is yet another area were our owners will have to address,
I hope there will be a clear out in the summer, and bring in staff who have a winning mentality .

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16 Jan 2015 09:39:57
Big credit to Torres, hope he finds and continues his good form, I know there is a lot of animosity for the guy but he was a class act and I for one would love for him to find some of that form again and finish his career with a flourish.

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16 Jan 2015 13:40:02
He was a class act? He was a quality footballer certainly but class act was rarely a good description of him!

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Torres was my favorite player at one point, but the way he left the club forever tarnished his reputation. If he could have stayed to play with Suarez (and Carroll never came in), things would be very, very different. 'Course we might not have had Danny come in in that case, so one can't complain too much!

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16 Jan 2015 09:35:43
I feel BR is about to ruin another young star by bringing Origi to Liverpool in January.
This is a terrible decision, the guy needs to stay on loan and play regular football, he will barely get a kick for us and if he does there will be way too much pressure on a young guy with no PL experience.
This wreaks of desperation from ROGERS.

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He is not getting regular football in France

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{Ed002's Note - Aside from when he has been injured he has been playing regularly - just poorly.}

No point having him playing bad may aswell take him and protect him a bit

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Defy, are you saying you would rather have him playing no football, surely even playing badly is better than not playing, for a start he may play himself back into form and he is staying match fit.
Sitting on our bench or worst not even getting into the squad and playing in the reserves could not be better for the guy than playing in the French League.

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I can't help but think that once a young players head has been turned and they are aware of their sealed impending move, then the motivation to play well for their loan team has somewhat diminished.

I wouldn't say it's necessarily a reflection of the players attitude, but just that every player is not the same.

This buy-to-loan stuff is a load of nonsense

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Origi has been the target of Lille fans' anger because of the high expectations placed on his shoulders. If he can come here and learn alongside a better caliber of player, then he will be more successful in the long run, especially considering he will be able to adapt six months to a year earlier. As shown in the World Cup, he is the type of player that can make an impact even in a big game, and I feel bringing Ibe and Origi back into the club early will benefit them in what will hopefully be a return to the top four. We also have a lot of injuries right now and no need to invest until we see what our current contingent can do.

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16 Jan 2015 08:43:08
Hi Eds/Reds

Just woke up and first thing I do is come on here, Think i'm way too addicted now as its my birthday but havnt spoke to any friends or fam yet. Bit gutted as its my last year in my twenties now as i'm 29 today, Hoping Liverpool win tomorrow to cheer me up.

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{Ed001's Note - happy birthday mate and don't worry that's the next step, we are going to set up an addiction clinic site...... ;o)

Happy Birthday Fisherman's Friend

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Thanks Ed, I don't think Bill Gates could afford enough staff to cope with how many people are addicted to this site.

MarcO bit of a sensitive subject as I applied for a job with them and they said no LOL. Then again so did Mac D's and kfc, Apparently I wasn't suited for the vacancy, My I.Q of 10 must have been too high for them LOL.

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Freeport it is then! You must be like Stephen Hawkins if them lot will not employ you!

My boss lives in Fleetwood, moved from the port there to here when it shut.

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Have a good day mate. I'm 21 in 10 days! Not looking forward to basically no longer being a kid anymore. I might go up into the attic to look for my pokemon cards in a desperate attempt to cling to my youth!

29 is still young though ;) unless you are a footballer. In that case, you're well past it buddy haha. Anything over 25 is considered old in football nowadays!

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16 Jan 2015 13:41:20
Dont worry EMS, I'm well into my 20's now and still a kid. According to my family, you're officially not a kid when you've had a kid - we're still good!

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Thanks Adam, But i'm 29 with 8 kids so yes old is how I feel LOL.

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16 Jan 2015 05:44:43
All the talk here in Australia is that Matty Ryan is being looked at. We could do wose, trust me. He's a bit of a sweeper keeper also.

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Sorry to say but he's too short to be successful here, he'd be too easily dominated by the Stoke City/WBA, Chelsea type teams who play high balls into the box. Would be a waste of money and a bad move for him, he'd be better off in Italy or Spain where the game isn't so physical.

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16 Jan 2015 04:44:12
After a lot of typing this week I am pleased to say that the Lucas Leiva support campaign is finally getting rewards.

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/552265/Brendan-Rodgers-Lucas-stay-Liverpool-January-transfer-window

A great boost - and the most important bit of business for the club this transfer window.

Good to see Brendan swallow his pride and doing what I tell him in an effort to keep his job.

Lets face it - the only way we will manage to finish in the top 4 is if he does what I tell him.

Hooray!

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Given his from we would have been mad to let him go.

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ZK agree 110% mate

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16 Jan 2015 00:10:33
Eds which do you see as a more beneficial way to handle the current goalkeeping crisis ? Do you think we should Buy an experienced keeper that will do a job for us straightaway or buy a young keeper like mattia perin or Mathew Ryan and let them grow into a top class keeper with us considering their potential. for example man united replaced van der sat with a teenage De Gea and now he is one of the best keepers in the premier league athough it took him time. Cheers eds always appreciate your opinions
ShaneC95

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{Ed001's Note - impossible to say. You buy the best player in the position that is available to you, there might be no choice of which that is.}

If we had a solid defence, you could gamble on the young talent. We don't have that luxury so it is a 50/50 for me. Me being an Aussie, it would be great to see Matt Ryan come in. I actually rate the guy and feel he could be a very good 'keeper. His distribution is excellent and he is quick to the ball.

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I would be really excited if a third keeper came in (especially a young, go-getter) because they would challenge Mignolet and Jones to get better. Wouldn't hurt to have a bit of rotation in our goalkeeping dept.

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Ryan isn't tall enough in my opinion. 5'11" is too short for the premier league, looks ok in Belgium as he isn't under much pressure playing for one of their top sides and they don't do the rough stuff like you get here. Also wasn't impressed with him in the world cup if I'm honest so I hope we avoid.

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{Ed001's Note - what a ridiculous reason. Shows what stupidity is still prevailing in English football if that is the idiotic reasons people are coming up with to reject players now. If he is tall enough for one league, he is tall enough for any.}

I just think he'll be too easily dominated in the premier league against some of the more agricultural teams, in Belgium they don't go for the kind of lumpen approach you see most weekends in the premier league. Can you imagine him going up against Shawcross, Terry, Ivanovich, Huth etc?

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{Ed001's Note - because he is short he must be wimpy then? Makes no sense.}

If Joe Allen is anything to go by, then yes. But for such a crucial position we need someone who will dominate the area and Ryan just doesn't do that.

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{Ed001's Note - right, because he is shorter than you think he should be that means he doesn't dominate his area? This is just idiotic.}

He doesn't dominate the area and would be too easily crowded out, for any striker bearing down on goal he doesn't provide enough of a physical presence to be intimidating presence. Golly gosh even Torres in poor form scored against him in a one on one. Would be trading one set of goalkeeping problems for another and we've wasted enough money over the years. Would rather we took a punt on Jack Butland from Stoke as he is a good young keeper, is used to the rough stuff and at 6'5" is pretty intimidating.

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15 Jan 2015 21:55:37
Ed001, was wondering what you think of Ibe as a player? Do you think he will be better than Sterling?

Cheers mate

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{Ed001's Note - he has certainly got the potential to be better. He is quick, powerful, skilful. Basically he had everything Sterling had but with a lot more power. He needs to add the tactical nouse that Sterling has added over the last couple of seasons to really make the most of his talents.}

Jordan Ibe is awesome!

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I think he will eventually be a striker.
Big enough, Strong enough.
I think he could lead an attack no problem.

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{Ed001's Note - I always thought he would be better in the Dutch 3 up top as one of the 3 constantly interchanging. I think he doesn't have the finishing for an out and out striker.}

I agree ed. how can you not agree.
He has missed some sitters!!
But I seem to remember a certain Thierry Henry and when he added finishing to his game was nigh on impossible to play against after that.
I am not saying he is the next Henry but I think he has all the attributes bar shooting. which we can work on.

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{Ed001's Note - Henry was always a finisher, what he lacked was ability to deliver the ball from wide areas, which is why it seems strange that he was playing on the wing in the first place when you look back.}

Maybe finishing is not the right word then ed. . centre forward play then:). .

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It depends how hard he wants to work. If he is a Frank Lampard, C.Ronaldo or a Harry Kane type, I see no reason we he can't become a striker.

If he isn't as willing to stay behind and do extra shooting practice then he'll stil be a class player but I doubt he'll ever be burying 20+ goals a season as Ed001 is quite right; finishing isn't natural to him. His technique is good but his composure and instincts are not just yet.

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When you say he's more powerful, in what sense do you mean? I always thought sterling was remarkably strong for his stature!

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Faster and stronger fency. He is well built!

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Ibe has done well at Derby, he's quick, strong as an Ox, got a box of tricks and he s learning to get an end product, genuinely excited to see him back and hope Rodgers uses the lad, better than bringing in Lavezzi for £8m, just remember how he tore Azpelecueta apart in the league cup game and he is no mug. Credit to McClaren for helping bring him on.

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15 Jan 2015 23:36:44
I will be quite disappointed if we don't go in for Morgan Schneiderlin this transfer window. For me he'd be the perfect player to play at the foot of the 442 diamond formation. He can defend and he can pass. Top player.

Red Rum

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Why would he leave Southampton when they look more of top 4 team than us ?

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Lucas can Allen hendo rossiter? Linked with Delph for 7 million, schneiderlin would be 20 plus. ?

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Henderson and Can are both box to box players we don't need Delph. Schneiderlin would be a top quality signing with Lucas and Rossiter competing for that holding position. However, Lucas will probably leave and in my opinion Allen should be sold.

Red Rum

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Sorry to burst your bubble, but you will be quite disappointed then.
I don't have any sources, but I think Matt Ryan might be the only player LFC is trying to bring in.

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15 Jan 2015 23:28:02
Alright Eds,
Who holds an interest in Kevin Mirallas? I know he is as good as never going to cross Stanley Park, but I've always rated him and he's only getting better for the Toffees. Surely if they don't make top four, as seems likely, he will be looking for Champions League football and will have a host of suitors?

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{Ed002's Note - Try the Everton page.}

Dirty Git

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