Liverpool Banter Archive July 01 2014

01 Jul 2014 22:38:09
IF we have agreed to buy Origi, he looks a sharp player btw, I don't understand the logic of paying the estimated £10m for a player. Then loaning him back to Lille for a season. My opinion is get him over & playing! We've spent quite a bit of money on players only to: a) send them out on loan or b) not get to see much of them. eg Ilori, Alberto & Borini. Surely the fact we are losing £1m a week means that we should be buying players for the here & now. This is by no means a slant on these players at all. I'm glad we have bought them, I guess the fact we went out early in the cup comps meant we saw less of them then I would've liked.

Liverpool are not losing 1 million a week. it's a very basic view of the accounts that the eds use to stop people whining about money.
take away the written off values and the extraordinary losses and only ue our daily operations we won't be anywhere near that figure. Especially next season after the season we had. It's a historical view of the accounts of the 2 trading years publish under FSG

{Ed002's Note - In the published accounts for the first 145 weeks under the new owners the losses amounted to £140.3M. I have explained it will get better in the future but I have also explained the club has built significant debt and that will increase with the redevelopment of the stadium - which the owners are seeking to sell naming rights to offset some of the costs.}

We wouldn't be stumping up 10m now gorgeous Origi and it makes sense to agree such a fee now as he looks a real prospect. A full year in the Lille first team and CL football is a much better bet for him next year. It means his first season at Anfield he can be eased in alongside Lambert who'll be in the final year of his contract. Of course Origi can play wide left as well. I really like the look of this kid. Reminds me of Sturridge really - without the finishing just yet.

Tim howard saving from him cost me a fair few bob last night, put £100 on draw/belgium. I won't blame origi for poor finishing, Howard had one of those games

Predictive text inserted word gorgeous before Origi. No bromance going on here!

01 Jul 2014 22:33:55
We've been saying for months about getting a quick centre back to replace skrtel which is why I'm a little worried about interest in lovren who is a good centre back no doubt but in terms of speed he's no quicker than skrtel & is possibly slower. I know he's used to playing a high line with saints but I just don't see it being worth it because he will have a similar problem as skrtel it's confusing me personally I'd like to see ilori given the shirt for a guaranteed 10 games in a row along side Sakho & no matter what happens in those ten they both start the next match with no pressure I'd say the same with Kelly if he's up to standards similar to his previous run in the side at right back but obviously it's ilori or kelly or even kelly as right back if he's up to it which I'm not sure he is. If the players we have play to their ability then I don't think we need to buy a defender flanno/Enrique left back, Sakho/ilori/toure/agger center back, kelly/Johnson/McLaughlin right back. Those players if fully fit & performing at their peak I'd have confidence in

Lovren wouldn't have the problem of losing his man at almost every set piece and man handling and pulling jerseys at the rest. Penalty -v- Brazil was a dive by Fred. I have no clue how Skrtel didn't give away at least a half dozen penalties for this, and for punching the ball too of course but he's a bit headless.

LB also we have an opportunity to improve so let's go for it. Enrique has a lot to do to prove his fitness, if he gets fit then he could even be sold to help balance the books with a better LB coming in.

RB I'd imagine Rodgers would like to improve on but we can't buy another RB with the amount we have already and the size of Glen Johnson's wages.

01 Jul 2014 22:21:03
Anyone else think Verthongen is a smashing player, defends well, good attacker, great engine (as seen in the heat over in Brazil), really like the look of this guy.
Anyone know if anyone is interested in him?

02 Jul 2014 01:56:51
You do know he plays in the Barclays Premiere League for one of our rivals Tottenham right?

01 Jul 2014 21:53:28
With Suarez looking likely to leave, does anybody else think signing Ibrahimovic could be a good idea?

I know he's 32 and on ridiculous wages, but hear me out. We have a number of very exciting young players who are improving rapidly, but are perhaps not yet at the level to compete both in Europe and for the EPl, not to mention all the cup competitions.

Signing an experienced forward who is still arguably one the best 10 players in the world would give us time to continue developing these players and still maintain our forward progress.

With no basis in fact I'd hazard a guess that even at 32 Ibrahimovic would command a fee of between 15 and 20 million euros. His wages I'd guess are roughly the same as Suarez and having never played in the EPL he might relish the opportunity and would undoubtedly assist the development of our younger players in training etc.

On the downside is there is no sell on fee and and I'd guess all told for two years he would cost 30m plus * transfer fees wages etc) However how exciting would it be to see Ibra ripping it up in red for a couple of seasons?

Welcome any comments

Best

Hoody

01 Jul 2014 22:15:29
Drinking on a Tuesday night buddy? Lol

Ibrahimovic is a great player and all but in signing him we'd have to contend with the fact:
He wouldn't adapt his game to Rodgers' principles and would thus look out of place in our system
In his eyes we would be Zlatan FC (UK version)
His wages would be ridiculous as this would be most likely his final contract
PSG aren't exactly struggling for money so don't need to sell
Convincing a player to leave Paris to go to any city anywhere is tough

And you are vwery vwery dwunnk! YNWA :)

01 Jul 2014 23:23:28
Haha who wouldn't want zlatan in a Liverpool shirt. Even if he never scored a single goal and we crash out of the CL and title race it would be worth it for the press conferences alone. Zlatan is a legend and I for one would love to be able to zlatan like zlatan. (And zlatan if you are reading I know you would approve of how many times I used the word zlatan) I'm sold mate, let's get him onboard. Just out of interest eds what is zlatan on p/w, ball park figure? I know you guys don't like talking money so if I'm ignored I won't take it personally.

I'm sure I read from one of the Ed's that the reason Zlatan is still a PSG player is that no one else can afford his wages.

I would prefer the team to grow their own identity than have a player that potentially could cause lots of problems (same applies to Balotelli).

02 Jul 2014 00:12:10
Tbf would never happen.but would love it too! Dunno about everyone else's opinion on him, but he is one of my favourite players! He may be cocky, play for himself, and try the ridiculous instead of what should be played but is why I am gutted we will never see him play in the BPL. Won't happen but would love to have one season of him in the red shirt and say what you will, his record of titles is up there with the best and his youtube highlights surpasses them all. Regardless of how you rate him, he is unbelievably entertaining, he has interviews more interesting than entire players careers

Who the title with every team he played for I'd sign him if we were promised the league

01 Jul 2014 21:44:06
Dahm the London contingent (chelsea and spurs) that's playing for Belgium are really dissapointing at this tournament!

01 Jul 2014 22:46:44
Does 2 players make a "contingent"? Vertonghens been decent anyway.

Lukaku, vertonghen, hazard, Courtois, dembele is more that 2! De bruyne was there as well. Plus Dempsey was ex spurs!

And Chadli (anonymous though he is).

02 Jul 2014 08:26:20
Vertonghen and hazard were the only ones on the pitch when this was posted. Courtois would actually need to play a game for Chelsea first. and Dempsey isn't Belgium. If you want to bash other clubs players, go over to their pages, instead of posting garbage here :)

{Ed001's Note - Dempsey doesn't play in London anyway, why mention him? He left for the MLS ages ago.}

02 Jul 2014 16:50:25
Dempsey did go on loan to Fulham last season I believe but still wasn't spurs and certainly go somewhere else to bash other teams players thank you v much, it's bad enough reading the bashing if our own players by some without resorting to embarrassing attacks on other teams players, it only takes a minority to tar us all yawn

01 Jul 2014 20:57:16
Must say the most impressive thing at the moment is not the starting 11 but the quality we now have on the bench.

01 Jul 2014 22:11:45
Maybe they shouldn't be on the bench if they r more impressive.

Most impressive thing for me is Liverpool fc 2 nd in the league last season being talked about for A lot of good things, (not all bad) back in champions league owners spending, good young players coming up and playing, the club as a hole in a lot better £££ position not great but getting there if there was no champ league would not be as good, and a very good manager, wow I feel happy must be pre season fever

01 Jul 2014 20:26:10
Does anybody still want Shaqiri? I bum him more than anyone but he was very poor today, aside from one good ball at the end and perhaps one flick. let's get Di Maria instead. No its not happening is it?

Nice. .

01 Jul 2014 21:17:30
Do Maria was woeful today. He gave the ball away 37 times in 90 mins. I thought shaqiri did quite well and was often left to do it on his own today

01 Jul 2014 21:19:43
I love that you said "I bum him more than anyone" haha

What you do to him has no place on a football banter page.

I actually thought he had an excellent first half. hardly got the ball in the second half and almost pulled it back for the swiss there at the end with an excellent cross

I'm not really a shaqiri fan myself but someone earlier said he has won the league every year in his professional career so I say sign him up just for good luck!

01 Jul 2014 23:52:13
Sorry guys forgot that local lingo doesn't mean national lingo, by bum him I meant that I have a obsession with him though not as bad as a certain someone *coughharrycough*

Didnt he meg messi ;)

02 Jul 2014 04:18:10
You will find that the word lingo is not Iinternationally accepted as Linguistics either.

Madrid sold Ozil last summer to keep Di Maria so Di Maria is going nowhere. He didn't play well yesterday but he had an excellent season. No chance.

{Ed001's Note - that is not why they sold Ozil. Di Maria has been available for years and came close to joining Man Utd a number of times. Have you not read his comments about how disappointed he was to find out he had been offered to Spurs last season? He was offered in part-ex for Bale. They don't want him, he is simply not that good. Great ability, but extremely wasteful in possession, tries to do too much and they have 2 better players for him position in Bale and Ronaldo.}

I thought he played extremely well last season, very dangerous for Madrid. I didn't know he was offered around last summer though, I thought it was a case of selling Ozil as Madrid preferred to keep Di Maria and they knew they'd get a bigger fee for Ozil.

01 Jul 2014 20:15:16
Origi starting tonight. I wish we had secured the deal before he started a WC game. He's looked good.

Had you heard of him before the World Cup?

01 Jul 2014 19:58:30
The suso theme?
It was a wind up that some still believe and are running with still.

01 Jul 2014 19:15:39
Hi lads, what do we think is the better deal: Lallana for £25m or Dusan Tadic for the £10m Southampton have agreed with Twente?

Who is tried and tested in the Premier League, and will have no language barrier?

This is daft hyperbole rather then serious comparison, get a grip.

Time will tell. I do think Tadic for £10M is a pretty good deal for Soton though.

01 Jul 2014 18:48:54
Ed001 I pretty much go on this site just to read your opinions I think your extremely wise & I agree on 95% of things you say I would love it if you could answer these questions using nothing but your personal opinion please

1) your thoughts on Adam lallana as a player?

2) do you feel Liverpool will continue to improve & put up a title bid again next season?

3) every utd fan I know is extremely optimistic for next season they think there going to be up there again, your thoughts on you think they will do next year?

I know it's difficult to say because it depends on signings etc & football is so unpredictable

{Ed001's Note - 1) I like him, he is silky, glides past players with ease. Really technically good footballer. Works hard too.
2) yes and probably not as close a run next season due to European football.
3) impossible to say, as it comes down to van Gaal. He is difficult, shall we say. He often moves on because he falls out with anyone and everyone. If he can manage to go through the season without doing that, they will certainly be challenging for the top 4.}

01 Jul 2014 17:17:39
Eds could you shed some light on Marcus Rojo?
Is he a centre half who sometimes plays left back or left back who sometimes plays centre half?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know mate sorry.}

Been Argentinas best player in this tournament I think really good going forward

From tonight's game I thought Rodriguez of Switzerland was the better of the two left backs.
I think he plays in Germany, not sure if we have an interest, but he looked very good

02 Jul 2014 01:07:19
I rate the Swiss left back . He seems to be strong not as expensive as Moreno and seems better defensively . His attacking ain't to bad either he was in the top 5 in the assists in the bundesliga. He would add a bit of height as well . Him on the left and flanno on the right I'd prefer to drop Johnson he doesn't deserve to wear our jersey

02 Jul 2014 04:21:52
He plays for Wolfsburg who don't need the money or to let the player go and be will cost a very very large amount.

01 Jul 2014 18:29:40
Will Hughes as agreed a new contract with Derby. Good luck to him in the premier league next year.

01 Jul 2014 20:00:51
Derby are not in the Premier League next year.

01 Jul 2014 20:04:00
Unless he gets a loan to a premier league club he won't be playing there! Derby won't be in the premier league!

01 Jul 2014 18:18:32
Out here in India, we've had Peter Crouch, Mikhail Silvestre and Robbie Fowler doing the commentary and punditry for the local channel, during the World Cup. While Crouch and Silvestre have done well, I am amazed by Fowler. He just seems to be a very unhappy man and dissatisfied by both the games and the players (I'm no psychologist, mind you) . There's a marked contrast from Crouch's and Silvestre's smiles, positive attitude and enthusiasm, and Fowler's subdued blank stare and disinterested body language. I also read in the newspapers that he was here to discuss playing for Goa in the Indian Fooball League. Why? . Of course, he is and always will be one of LFC's all time greats. Just thought I'd update on what I saw.

There are a lot of Gods in India, He's not used to that sort of competition.

Crouch was pretty horrendous. Chhetri and Fowler were very good together. Fowler was spot on majority of the times and he spoke sensibly unlike Crouchy and Silvestre.

Because of his recurring knee injury and with underwhelming stints in Australia and Thailand he no longer is allowed to participate in ISL as a player.

01 Jul 2014 18:58:05
To be frank, Crouch and Silvestre together do not have the combined intelligence of God. Crouch was particularly frustrating to hear, as all he said was stuff that even a first time viewer could analyze. Fowler actually analyses the game much better, and is a welcome relief from Crouch.

And about the Reliance led league, Fowler did not fulfill the criteria of a player-manager role, and hence was turned down by the interested franchise.

01 Jul 2014 19:07:52
Maybe he can't control his runs lol.

Well, Kev. He may have been assured of exclusivity within the confines of the studio. ;-)

01 Jul 2014 20:23:15
I haven't seen it, but there's a limit to how much I can comment.

But I remember Fowler saying a couple of years back that he was continuing in smaller leagues around the world rather than retiring because he was dreading having to hang his boots up. It could be that. Or maybe it's as simple as he's just not a chirpy person by nature.

01 Jul 2014 23:14:40
robbie fowler was a good player,but unfortunatly he has a very dour personality,he was on talk sh-te a few weeks ago,i turned the radio off because it was cringeworthy,but as I said a good player and I spose if you spent the time to get to know him (like a lifetime) he might even crack a few jokes

01 Jul 2014 18:01:25
New to the site, well I used to post a couple years ago but stopped.

Anyways, lallana is a decent signing but tbh i'm not sold on any of the new signings tbh.

I don't think lallana is much of an improvement on what we have though he'd help give us quality in depth.

But what us really worrying me is the fact we are losing our best player, the best striker in the world

Who are we going to replace him with? He may want to go but in worried about who rodgers and co will target as so far its been uninspiring and a lot of players haven't cut the mustard

MaradonaKebab

01 Jul 2014 18:31:55
The last time I checked it was 1st July?

You said it the best striker in the world! Most replacements are going to be a step back till Rodgers has worked with them. So who would you take as a replacement then?

Lallana is going to be an excellent addition to the team. He's flexible (can play right, left, centre), technically superb and can both score and assist with aplomb - I know £25million is probably a little over what we might have wanted to pay but he is definitely going to improve the team. I'm actually really happy - its the first time after having a strong season that we've actually gone on and bought somebody who will improve the team. Long may it continue.

I hear what you're all saying but whos replacing suarez 30 goals? Whilst chelsea are buying a world class striker we're selling ours.

Lets hope the club don't mess this up cause we could easily finish outside the top 4 like spurs when they sold bale and bought a load of average players

01 Jul 2014 17:06:37
Hi eds. How much money do you really expect we can get from suarez deal? (If ge goes to Barcelona now). Do you expect we get his replacement before he leaves? Besides Shaquiri and Alexis who may be in our list to replace him?

{Ed002's Note - RTP please.}

01 Jul 2014 17:17:20
1000,trillion, dollars mwhahah

Don't mention the w̶a̶r̶ ̶ money

01 Jul 2014 16:57:17
Hey Eds!

Any idea why Emre Can hasn't been announced by the club yet?

Cheers, Scouserseb

{Ed001's Note - not a clue.}

01 Jul 2014 17:13:57
They can't locate the announcer

01 Jul 2014 17:18:40
Because it was all a smoke screen to hide the actual bid for robben.

01 Jul 2014 19:26:31
I'm sure they CAN, Roy

Sure if it isn't mentioned by tomorrow morning you should put up "Missing" posters.

01 Jul 2014 16:32:08
MESSAGE TO LUIS SUAREZ

Luis, without a doubt you are the best player I have ever seen in a Liverpool shirt. Now is the time to show as much honour as you do talent. Liverpool FC and its worldwide family of fans have stood by you though everything, bans, charges of racism, and condemnation from the press. Through it all you have never walked alone. So now is the time to act with honour and stay loyal to LiverpoolFC and the Millions of fans who have shown you only loyalty. You said at the end of last season you were going nowhere, and wanted only to play in the Champions League for Liverpool. Now is the time to stand by those words and stay with Liverpool and prove we have been correct in being loyal to you. We have a saying " A mans word is his bond, " time to prove it

rasone

I don't think he comes on here mate haha

Ras
Your post is embarrassingly naive

This would only happen in some bizzare parallel universe.

01 Jul 2014 16:21:25
I have to say some of the posts today are very very funny! I'm laughing quietly to myself here. it must be first day giddiness.
Or the heat!

01 Jul 2014 15:54:29
Yes it's what if time. My favorite time of summer. So here goes.

What if we sell Luis to Barca and get Sanchez in with the deal (to throw a number out £60 million and Sanchez).
could we then sell sanchez on (i wouldn't want to but remember this is 'what if') to say Arsenal or whoever for 30-35 million if he didn't kick a ball for us and then invest in all squad areas with the resulting 90-95 million?
This isn't a financial question as such but more a selling on question.

{Ed002's Note - Looking for ways to make Liverpool a laughing stock? Why quote these numbers which are light years from correct?}

It will be more like we get £60 million for Suarez, or Sanchez +£20 million.

Firstly he has a contract with barcelona, if a player doesn't want to join Liverpool, he won't.

Ok so on top of what the OP already said, we could then sign all the players that are currently going on a bosman then sell them all straight away and make another 150 million.

THEN, what if we went to vegas and put the ~200 mill on red(naturally) and double our money. We could then buy Messi, Ronaldo &pay the extra couple of million to finalise the Moreno deal.

Simples.

01 Jul 2014 15:31:26
Unless I am sorely mistaken the club have done extremely well to sign Lallana, and what makes it better is that we did not deviate from our value of him, very well done to everyone involved on this one. Roll on the rest of the window.

01 Jul 2014 13:09:06
Eds/Reds in honour of the start of the transfer window i'm going to start the dumb rumours.

Adam Lallana is a smokescreen for James Rodrigues, Apparently Monaco really want Adam Lallana so we signed him to use as a sweetener to convince them to do a straight swap for Rodrigues.

Also Suarez will move to barca but the deal will not include money, Instead it will be Suarez for Sanchez and Neymar.

The money left over from our budget will be used to sign Varane from Madrid.

We will then sell Borini, Aspas, Lucas, Agger, Skrtel, Reina to fund a move for Arturo Vidal.

You heard it hear first :)

Happy transfer window eds, And good luck your going to need it.

Actually mate I don't think that's going to happen I doubt we'll be selling Agger

01 Jul 2014 13:56:32
I agree with most of your speculation, but I'd want Montoya and money in addition to Sanchez and Neymar.

Dont do drugs kids!

This is the guy who said he watched sturridge play out wide all season. acid that good is hard to come by.

01 Jul 2014 16:36:00
Kamakris your post reminds me of a scene from waterboy .

01 Jul 2014 12:55:30
I would like to pick up the baton from our dearly departed Harry and say that Suarez is just misunderstood.

He should be able to claim benefits whilst banned and should definitely appeal on the basis of restraint of trade.

I think Chiellina (sic) should be banned for inserting his shoulder forcefully into Suarez's mouth when Suarez was just stooping slightly to take a breath in the very humid conditions.

The government should pay for his treatment as he is such an asset to our economy.

And we should declare an official Luis Suarez Appreciation Day in his honour.

*steps back*

01 Jul 2014 13:46:46
Wizards first rule Zed:
People are stupid.

01 Jul 2014 12:12:37
When do you expect Can to be announced Eds? Has he even done his medical yet?

Cheers

{Ed001's Note - I don't know when it is announced or whether he has done his medical yet. Once the deal was sorted, I have to admit I just stopped keeping tabs on anything to do with him. I am sure it will be announced soon though, I would have expected pics to be doing the rounds if he was there to take his medical now, especially as there would be no need for secrecy.}

Do you know what number he will be given? And while we are at it, what about Lambert?

Are we waiting to clear out a few players first before giving these two numbers? Coates and Aspas for example have numbers 16 and 9 respectively.

{Ed001's Note - no idea about numbers sorry. I don't take any notice of numbers at all, not sure what difference they make? The only time they interest me is when there is a reason for a player choosing a particular one, like all the ones who have 23 because of Michael Jordan, such as a our very own Carra. Or that Terry chose his number because it was one higher than Zola, due to a private joke between the two. Something to do with Terry saying he would go one better than him with regards to trophies, or something, when he was breaking through into the first team. I forget the proper story. Other than that, I am not sure why it would matter?}

01 Jul 2014 13:11:48
ssn said he has done a medical and agreed personal terms maybe he is on holiday and as soon as players r reporting for training it will be confirmed.

No worries Ed.

I just found it interesting that Lallana was handed the number 20 shirt (same as his Southampton one) straight away, yet Lambert hasn't been handed anything.

Suppose my concern is so I know which shirt numbers will be available when I sign for Liverpool. ;)

Maybe he's planning to put his name on his jersey ed001?

01 Jul 2014 11:46:29
Welcome to Anfield Adam lallana.

01 Jul 2014 11:39:50
Welcome adam lallana, Top player
People go on about fee, fabregas was dearer, is.older lallana is far better IMO. Great signing

01 Jul 2014 13:14:47
Welcome to LFC Adam Lallana!

He's only a year older than Fabregas is he not? Also to say he is "far better" is absurd lol.

01 Jul 2014 11:26:50
Eds, after the signing of Lallana will Liverpool still be interested in signing Sanchez as a deal for Suarez?

{Ed001's Note - I don't see the relevance to Lallana at all.}

We will definitely be interested in Sanchez mate. A lot of reliable journalists are convinced we want him, the question is whether the player wants to come.

01 Jul 2014 11:06:38
Hi to all the Eds and fellow REDS

I'd promised not to post but the latest 'events' makes it hard to stay quiet.
I'd love FSG flex their muscles and Luis to stay. With our additions on their way we could have a phenomenal season. But. do we have to go through 'Suarez leaving/not leaving' every summer. It does become tedious to put it mildly. Summer is the rumours season and there's so much rubbish flying around it makes you dizzy but we, I as a fan, would love to have a little bit of constancy among my heroes.
Suarez is almost irreplaceable, almost, but I wished that if he wanted to leave for Barca/Real, then let's get the best price and recruit who we want. There are so many good players in the world and they're not all £20M+ price range.
It's frustrating not knowing whether he wants to leave or not. That's what fans need to know. Once we know a player wants to go, then as good as the player may be, fans would wish him good luck, get replacements and life goes on. Liverpool makes good players great. It's in the air; Alonso, Torres and now Suarez.
Liverpool I love and whoever plays for them. As JC once said . 'this is Liverpool, if you're not happy, eff off somewhere else!'. (apologies)
I've gone round in circles but it is beginning to annoy me that two summers in a row we are being played by our own player. Sadly, he is a bomb waiting to go off, wherever he goes, Barca BEWARE!

In Brendan and rest of the squad I trust. YNWA

Pretty sure we do know and it's fairly obvious he does and always has wanted to move

01 Jul 2014 09:58:44
Oh, I've just had enough
Yes, I have had enough
Of . .

01 Jul 2014 09:44:31
Eds it's 9:40am on the 1st and no one has officially been signed. Fsg out

Banner being made now, FSG OUT, FSG OUT NOW!

John Henry must have seen this and quickly announced Lallana to keep the fans on side ;)

Rodgers needs to pull his finger out. If he doesn't I'll take him to court. They got Rolf Harris for that anyway!

01 Jul 2014 11:58:19
Didn't they get Harris for putting the finger in, not pulling it out? I know this won't get posted

{Ed001's Note - please no more! You will get us shut down!}

Haha, don't worry Ed, I know a good lawyer!

{Ed001's Note - it is a cheap lawyer I would need. Like works for free kind of cheap!}

If all else fails I'll get my Mrs. to pull his 'Didgeridoo' if he drops the law suit ;)

01 Jul 2014 12:49:03
There was something in the transcripts about shaking it all about, but that may have been conjecture.

Taxi!

Benny Baller, this is ridiculous now. It is 13:05 on the 1st July and we now only signed one player officially.

FGSG OUT! Replace BR with Tim Sherwood, John Henry with Levy and buy Ken Aguero!

Better call Saul?

01 Jul 2014 08:48:21
Eds, if a club want to buy Suarez and are hypothetically prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window because of the ban, can LFC demand a transfer gets done by a certain time in order to get the funds to buy replacements or does it not work that way?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool can do what they wish in terms of timing. Making demands that other clubs don't won't to meet might result in LFC not selling.}

01 Jul 2014 09:56:11
The mirror are saying that his appolgy was on advice from barca now have Liverpool give them permission to talk to the player r would this be through his agent I suppose it would be hard to prove anything illegal.

{Ed001's Note - it would be his reps, who have been in touch with Barca over a lengthy period of time.}

Why would a team want to wait till the end of the transfer window, its a 4 month ban, does not matter where he is, he will still be banned for the same period of time. So why wait?

01 Jul 2014 12:50:10
Kevc, because as soon as you've bought him, you have to start paying his wages. Surely better for a team, especially if they are the only ones involved (as Barca currently seem to be) to save 2 months of wages for a player they cannot use or even train and then buy him with only a further 2 months of his ban left.

01 Jul 2014 13:00:50
he will still be banned for the same period of time. So why wait
=====================
Because they will have to start paying wages the day he signs . and it gives them longer period to assess all options.

01 Jul 2014 08:17:00
I truly can not believe and I am slightly peeved that we never went in for Ben Davies from Swansea and now the spuds will get him for £8m and we will now chase some unproven in the premier league player for double the price. Why is the transfer committee only looking at the front line and CB when we are screaming out for a LB with Davies being one of the best in his position for the past 2 seasons. Now I hear we're after Maxi Pereira! Didn't he get sent off in his first WC game? Come on Brendan, do to them what they do to us 11th hour swoop! *exhale*

Davies is not good enough for us. His primary job is to defend, but from what I have seen, he gets caught out of position frequently and his work rate at times can be shocking. With no disrespect to Swansea, Davies is playing at his level right now. Not good enough for a team with aspirations to win the league and europe.

If he was that great Swansea would be squeezing more than 8m out of Spurs. I'm with Ed01 on Davies. Looks good at times going forward but lots of weaknesses in his game and he tires.

01 Jul 2014 09:44:23
Are you joking? Ben Davies is decent player, but he is not that particularly good. I think Danny Rose at Spurs is a better player and I am unsure why they need to go for a player at similar level.

Literally, every other LB we have been linked with are better than Davies.

I really rate Davies. He went backwards under Laudrup though. Hopefully his career recovers. Although if he goes to the spuds, not by too much ;) he is certainly no worse than Moreno, but again, he his no better than Brad Smith. I wish we'd just pull out from signing a young left back. If Rodgers wants pace and attacking flair from his left back, he could do a lot worse than throwing Smith into the mix.

{Ed001's Note - sorry but I think you need to watch the two of them more if you think he is no worse than Moreno. He is nothing like as good as Moreno technically, not even in the same league in terms of touch. He is slower, lazier, more prone to being caught up field, lacks stamina, not particularly good with his passing or crossing. I just don't get the deal with him at all. All he has is that he is technically decent, but nothing outstanding, big and strong. His ball watching would drive me mad if he was in our team.}

I truly cannot believe that people believe all they read in the 'newspapers,
Of all the groups of people Scousers and Liverpool supporters should know that the 'truth' and 'newspapers' are sometimes diametrically opposed.
In some, nearly always

EMS, did Moreno sleep with your wife/girlfriend? Why the constant need to put him down? I read a post on the rumours page where u said Bertrand is a better player than Moreno. don't know where u come up with this tosh. Moreno clearly has more potential than both Davies and Bertrand put together. Most of your posts make a lot of sense, but your constant slagging of Moreno is getting worse than Harry's obsession of Suarez. I have a lot of hope the Moreno deal will happen eventually because he will be world class in a couple of years. Bertrand found his level at Aston Villa and Davies will be kicked outa Spurs in a couple of years after he flops. Moreno has shown he can be a handful in 2 seasons as Sevilla's first choice left back. He has been courted by Chelsea, Real and Spurs so clearly he is extremely highly rated. Competition between Moreno and Smith would bring out the best in both of them.

01 Jul 2014 11:01:50
Adam youve compared moreno to davies shaw to flanaghan and last but not least neil mellor and torres when they where both in their early twenties haha . davies will never be near the quality of moreno even dough moreno isn't the left back I would buy if I had a choice. As much as I love flanno he isn't on the same level as shaw, shaw can dribble better has more pace and definetly doesn't get taking on as much. I don't think I've to discuss why torres was better than mellor

Is he even better than Neil Taylor?
From what I remember Davis got his chance after Taylor broke his leg about 18-20 months ago. So for him to go backward under Laudrup would be a strange thing to say.

It's just my opinion on the player. I don't think Moreno is bad. I've never said that. I just don't think he's as good as people make out and certainly don't think he is worth Sevilla's asking price.
I never conpared Flanno to Shaw so that's a lie. I said as a player Flanagan is as good, but as a left back Shaw is better.
I personally think Davies and Moreno have equal potential. If Davies recovers from his regression under Laudrup that is.
I also never compared Mellor to Torres. I pointed out the contrast between them by saying Torres got better with age whereas Mellor got worse.

So stop putting words into my mouth because it's pathetic.

I won't care if Moreno is signed. But as he's being signed using money that I indirectly contribute towards, I feel I have every right to voice my opinion on him. He's a good player with potential. Bertrand is a good player who is currently at a better level. Davies is a good player who has equal potential. Brad Smith is a good player with equal potential. My only qualm with Moreno is that he is not the best option so much so that he warrants spending £20m to sign him.

{Ed001's Note - Mellor never got worse, he was just not a good player to begin with! As for Flanno being as good a player as Shaw, that makes no sense. Shaw is far better technically and physically. Flanno works harder and is improving at a much quicker rate, but he is well behind Shaw in terms of ability. Davies never regressed under Laudrup, I have no idea where you got that from. He never looked any better after Laudrup either. Davies has been exactly the same since he was a young lad, always been moans about his workrate and lack of tracking back. If Taylor had not got a long term injury, it is very likely he would have been moved on. And please don't try and talk about the stats, as they are just useless without real context. Just like the ones for Enrique, before he signed for us, which had him down as the best defensive left back in the Prem. They failed to take into account that he was beaten so rarely because he was always AWOL!}

Btw Indian Buzzer if you search my recent posts I did a review on Origi for you.

That wasn't the point of the initial debate on Mellor Ed. I can't remember what the exact topic was but it was something to do with players looking great at youth level but never making the grade; like Mellor.
I won't deny Shaw has better qualities in some areas, in my opinion Flanagan is better defensively though. My point on Davies was that when I saw him at youth level he was improving and looked like being a great player. Under Laudrup he just stopped improving. Perhaps he was pushed through to the first team too soon. I don't really bother with defensive stats Ed. They are too hard to analyse because you cannot factor in positioning and other players not hrlping out. I know you love Moreno and don't rate Davies and that's fair enough.

I'm not sure how this escalated so quickly, I was just giving my opinion and then a couple of posts have blown this way out of proportion. I'll just agree to disagree and let's hope Moreno proves me wrong and is worth whatever inflated price we end up paying.

{Ed001's Note - Mellor never looked great though mate, he only got a chance because we were short, he would have been out of the club long before then under normal circumstances. He scored a lot, but he never convinced.
I don't love Moreno, I just prefer him to other options. I love Medel and Sanchez, Keisuke Honda and a couple of others, but Moreno is not in that level of player for me.}

Sorry if I came across as a bit harsh EMS. We have different opinions but I can assure u Moreno will be one of the best full backs in the world in a couple of years, i'm pretty sure of it. And thanks for the review of Origi, really appreciate it. Personally, I would rather Origi stayed at the club than go out on loan to a foreign club. Lad is pretty well built, should have no problem adjusting to the bpl's physicality.

01 Jul 2014 12:36:55
I never conpared Flanno to Shaw so that's a lie. I said as a player Flanagan is as good, but as a left back Shaw is better

Is that not comparing the two players?? you clearly state as a player flanno is as good. how did u come with this without comparing both players, so saying i'm lying makes u look pathetic.

I remember hearing a stat while watching the one of our matches but correct me if i'm wrong, the pundit statedflanno was the most taken on player either in the leaugue or in our team, that's not a good stat for a player you deem a good defender.

I was about 9 or 10 when he was coming through so to me he was a good player haha! You know what kids are like; goals! That'd be why I remembered him as being so good as a youth player.

Fair enough though Ed. People have got me all wrong regarding Bertrand and Moreno though. I think Bertrand is a better short term option as he's currently at a higher level. However I think Moreno will be the better player eventually. I'd have no issues with him signing for £7-8m or so. That way he could just compete with Brad Smith for the starting role. However, coming in at £20m will guarantee he starts every game.

As much as we'd like to think Rodgers is different, managers will usually favour players they have signed for big fees as they desperately try to vindicate their price. It'd mean that even if Smith came on as Capital One Cup substitute at Stamford bridge, made 4 goal line clearnaces, scored a hattrick, set up 4 goals and played Hazard out of the game he'd still be dropped again for the next game. I just think that if we sign Moreno for anything over £15m that is the end of Smiths Anfield career for a player who in the short term is not the best option considering we have a long term option already at the club. In an ideal world i'd love Adrian from Barcelona or Caner Erkin but Bertrand is the player looknig the most likely.

You are probably right that he is better than Davies etc. I've got a far better eye for a top attacker/midfielder than I do a top defender because they're the roles I understand really well. I just think we're over paying and that does't sit well with me.

My only real source of in the know info is this site, and for that reason, I still think we'll sign Moreno. I will support him if that is the case. He's still a talented lad and he didn't pick his price. I just think we could be wiser or for that price, do better.

{Ed001's Note - I don't think you can say Bertrand is at a higher level when he has not had consistent appearances, while Moreno has. As for the bit about higher priced players playing, Rodgers played Hendo ahead of Allen, when he paid a fair whack for Allen and didn't sign Hendo. He also sat Alberto and Aspas for most of the season, when he could easily have pushed them into the team.}

01 Jul 2014 12:46:56
Hi Ed,

Not sure if I've missed it, but what is your opinion on Bertrand? I haven't really followed Davies, but I have seen Betrand play a few times for Chelsea and he has looked decent as Adam has said. I trust BR to know the players he has coached in the past so am pleased with Bertrand if he comes at a reasonable price (around £5-£7m as being bandied).

I personally really rate Brad Smith, although based on some dodgy streams rather than watching in person! Therefore, having Bertrand at 24 and Enrique at c28/29 battling it out right now, with Smith picking up the odd appearance would be a good thing for his development. My concern with Moreno, other than the fee for a very young defender with limited first team experience and no PL experience is that he could block the development of Brad Smith who could be our next Rob Jones, albeit on the left and hopefully without the injury problems!

Anyway, would appreciate your view!

{Ed001's Note - inconsistent is my view of Bertrand. I have seen him look really good and comfortable in his few games for Chelsea, but on loan he looks awful. He couldn't even hold down a place in a truly dreadful Villa side, because he was so poor when he did get games. He clearly has the potential to be good enough to make a difference, but it is easy to look good in a great side, it is much harder to play well regularly when the team around you is terrible. He is quick, a little on the lightweight side, but I do fear for him positionally, he would need help on that.}

01 Jul 2014 12:52:25
BTW, although I bow to Ed001's knowledge as I rarely saw Mellor play in the reserves (only on the odd feed), I remember the palpable sense of excitement over this teenager who was banging in 40+ goals a season in the reserves and youth teams.

One fantastic goal (on debut if I remember) and a very important goal on the way to Instanbul, and then nothing. Such a shame, especially as he's a spit of Gerrard (and of my mate Dave, although that will mean less to you guys!)

{Ed001's Note - he was always slow, far too slow, to have a chance unless he learnt to play the deep lying role. I seem to remember him being better known as the lad that liked to erm 'go on nights out' with Shrek. Grab a granny at the Grafton was too tame for them though!}

01 Jul 2014 13:29:00
Thanks Ed001! Do you also see something special in Smith? How does he compare, in terms of development and potential to an emerging Rob. Jones 20-odd years ago, if you can remember that car back!

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen any full back that is near to the overall quality of Rob Jones, since Rob Jones. Javier Zanetti could have been, but he played everywhere, so could not really be considered as a full back. So no, Smith is not Jones level, but that is no failing.

Smith is quick, technically good and gets up and down the pitch well. As a defender, like most modern day full backs, he leaves a lot to be desired, but that part of his game has improved. He needs regular first team football. The potential is there, but he needs to get games to achieve it.}

Thanks Ed. Am just reading Rob's autobiography. Such a waste of a footballing talent, but the lads done so well!

While we're on the subject of left backs, any thoughts on Aaron Cresswell of Ipswich (apologies in advance for the random name)? Don't think we've shown any interest I know of and a quick look seems to show perhaps he's a West Brom target. Only seem him play a handful of times, but looked pretty good I thought?

Unfortunately, any player who is named after a herb has always struggled in the professional game.

Who hear remembers Basil Humphrey, John Sage, or the much maligned James Thyme? No one? Point proved.

Of course the only exception thus far is our former goalkeeping coach Joe Coriander, but he is the only beacon in the otherwise dark wasteland of herb-named footballers.

Therefore, I believe that Cresswell just isn't worth the risk, sadly.

Guess that rules out Konoplyanka as well then, Zeddicus. Unfortunate, that.

Actually he should be fine as he is named after a bird (the common linnet) who's favourite food is hemp. May need to be wary around the drug testers tho, or maybe he should 'do a Rio'.

Bird based footballers have flourished - Radmael Falcao(n) being a prime example.

01 Jul 2014 04:27:49
Hi Eds, quick question. Not that I want Suarez to stay, to be honest I would rather see Lambert leading the line then that prat, he would sell his granny to play for us, but how likely do think it would be that Liverpool appeal the domestic side of the ban ie banned from playing, training and generally appearing for the club. It makes no sense to hold on to him at all if the club weren't considering some sort of appeal? Cheers in advance

{Ed002's Note - ON what grounds would Liverpool appeal? The ban is on the player, not the club. It is a side effect of his actions that the club are suffering yet again. He bites one more time - it will be a two year ban.}

01 Jul 2014 07:31:44
Eds best of luck throughout the busy period of the transfer window. I am a big fan of the site and appreciate your efforts and input.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

01 Jul 2014 02:34:58
it's not a biased view BigAl it's a romantic one! Suso is a good player but not as good as many Liverpool fans think, if he was as good as he is painted he would be in the first team and not getting loaned out and the club trying to sell/swop him.

It is 100% biased and a ludicrous view. Coutinho for player of the season last summer was biased but not ludicrous but Suso the best young midfielder in Europe is foolish. He's very good but that's just foolish.

Until Suso breaks into the first team and gives fantastic performances for a seaon then maybe we can rate him as one of the best young midfielders in Europe, but not before unfortunately.

01 Jul 2014 00:29:36
For me if we could get:

Can, Lambert, Lallana, Lovren, Moreno and one of Shaqiri/Markovic for around £90 - £100m then get Sanchez and £40 - 50m for Suarez I'd be happy.

On top of that Borini and Assaidi out for around £12m and we have 7 players in, 3 out and outlay of £40 - 50m total.

What do people think?

40-50m plus sanchez?
Sanchez with his performances so far should be worth 40m max, suarez is close to 28 years.I know suarez is world class but some of you take his valuation too extreme

01 Jul 2014 07:53:59
I think it's mad that people are so willing to ditch Borini, a player whose proved he can add something to a PL team and if nothing else has a great free kick and penalty on him, when you get shown time after time how important players like him are. Look at players like Hernandez, Kalou, Johnson etc. All smaller players for the likes of United, City and Arsenal but all played a vital role in dragging them over the line to win

Spot on hjikle - last season Borini proved he has the ability to at least be part of the squad. With the extra games in Europe a decent sized squad is vital and he would be a great asset from the bench and will have chances to push for a more regular place.

I agree, that would be really good in my eyes? Maybe even add one more cm in if Lucas leaves and possibly counting skrtel/agger leaving!
Add in Coates and reina plus a couple more and the spend will still be around 40 million

30 Jun 2014 23:51:36
Hoping any Eds or Reds can correct me if i'm wrong here but.

Suarez played centrally for us last season and hit over 30 goals for us, But that pushed Sturridge wider to accommodate for suarez to be the main threat.

Now danny scored over 20 goals from a wider forward position, So wouldn't he be able to up his goal tally if we sell suarez and let danny play centrally.

I think if we can sign a player who is natural at playing wide and cutting inside to score goals "cough sanchez cough" then we would still be able to put 4 or 5 past teams right?

You obviously dodnt watch that many games because Sturridge played centrally almost everygame the front 3 always interchanged but Sturridge was always the most central

01 Jul 2014 03:36:54
Actually Rodgers played them both up top as he played a diamond formation. Then with big teams he played suarez out on the wing

Ya sorry Armchair Fan I'd say you must have dozed off after sly sports put up their formation just before kick off. Sturridge played centrally 90% of the time.

01 Jul 2014 09:52:02
Sturridge and Suarez took turns playing wide, but that was only for a very small amount of games in the beginning of the season. Thereafter, we settled largely on a diamond that meant both could play centrally.

30 Jun 2014 23:21:56
Interesting enough that after the apology Suarez gone way more odds on to leave Liverpool and to join Barcelona. I know that technically odds mean nothing but obviously people are thinking this is to please Barcelona. I was certainly thinking of sticking a fair sum on him to leave yesterday but not worth it now.