Liverpool Banter Archive September 21 2012

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21 Sep 2012 23:41:30
ed1 would you be slightly worried about the psg 400m stadium and shirt deal over 4 years so much for ffp???

majestic69 {Ed001's Note - not in the slightest, UEFA haven't got the balls to fight the clubs over it any more.}

So basically ffp is a joke?

majestic69 {Ed001's Note - no, UEFA is a joke, FFP is a way of enabling the big clubs to stay big and the smaller clubs stay small. The trouble is that some of the smaller clubs have more money and want to be able to compete with the bigger clubs. FFP would stop that from happening ever again.}

So ed sorry to put words in your mouth but are you saying that FFP is going to be a failure before it even started and that it will not be enforced?
Andrew {Ed001's Note - how can UEFA enforce it? If they do so, then the clubs will look again at a breakaway Euro-league.}

Thanks ed. I guess your right so what is the point in even continuing to go through with it?
Andrew

21 Sep 2012 23:31:49
Sometimes the ones who are expected the most of actually end up as nothing special. I hope Sterling can keep his head in check and his other head in his pants for awhile.
Boinz

Sterling has a steady girlfriend already. I wouldn't be to worried about him going off the rails for a while.

Huws

Not only a steady girlfriend, doesn't he also have a child.

ChrisE

21 Sep 2012 23:30:34
for those who missed tonights program its on channel 5 demand look online watching it now DORSET RED

21 Sep 2012 22:42:35
Hey guys.
Where can I watch the new documentary online?
Tried channel 5 but didn't work...

LFCopenhagen

21 Sep 2012 22:39:59
Thought Rodgers and the club set up came across really well we looked a professional outfit , just hope and pray it eventually comes across on the pitch . Yes Rodgers a tad cliched but believe he really wants to be at the club and be a success .

Hoping and praying for a good result and performance at the weekend .

21 Sep 2012 22:22:11
I know some will take this the wrong way but when I listen to BR I start off thinking "this bloke is great, a breath of fresh air with a vision" but then I usually wonder if he's having me over and actually is he just talking the talk, speaking in cliches and full of piss and wind.
I really hope it's the former!

Same here. on the other hand, managers these days really should know how to talk the talk, though, look what they made of poor kenny last season!

Very david brent

I get where your coming from with this post as I have noticed he has been repeating a lot of key words and phrases, such as Fight for your life etc.
I don't think that this is a mindless spin though, I believe that he is genuinely using a method to drill home the messages and get his philosophy in motion using a mind set where everyone is singing from the same hymm sheet, so to say.

Huws

For the critics: 1. BR would have had no say in editing the program which would probably have involved hundreds of hours of filming for what will be a few hours broadcast material,consequently, 2. BR comes over as repetitive in his philosophy but this is clearly what the producer and director picked up on during filming and decided to focus upon in the edit for broadcast. Plus they can only utilise existing footage for a final cut.

I have been involved in TV projects and learned only one thing about this kind of reality documentary and that is that the camera will exagerate the TRUE character of a person but it will not lie. You might be able to keep up appearances for a few hours or even days BUT you'll not be able to do that over weeks and hundreds of hours of filming. As much as people think they'll be camera aware, they won't! People always forget they are being filmed or worse that they are miked-up and so their every word caught by sound engineers. Long period filming reality documentaries such as the one we'll all nowbe watching can only reflect the true character of a person. In conclusion BR came over decent because BR IS decent!
UN

21 Sep 2012 22:04:34
Just watched the Chanel 5 documentary on Liverpool, what a really good program.

BR comes across as a really decent bloke, I really think we are onto a winner with Brendan.

Curled1

I honestly didn't realize UK only got it this week, You guys should download them every sunday ;)

Well said given time I think this chap could be the new shankley , we need to build . May have had some poor signing (albeit ok player but prices too high) . I think we have great midfield ,and central defence , some excellent youth . Would love us to find a new Robbie as I think we may have a new stevie in shelvey . we need to give br time would prefer to finish mid table if we can see the building blokes taking place than top six and false dawns . That said would love top four and see building blokes taking place

21 Sep 2012 21:48:57
ed001 what's your opinion on Ngoo? Surely he looks to have progressed the most out of Morgan/Yesil/Pacheco and to me suits the lone striker role perfectly. {Ed001's Note - he is very inconsistent, but on his day he is fantastic. If we can get him to play to a higher level more often, then he would be an excellent option up front.}

I don't really fancy him.His first touch isn't that great neither is his dribbling, I think he uses his size to great effect but he would get found out against bigger and stronger centre backs.

GuvTOB

21 Sep 2012 21:41:34
Ed where is joe cole?

ACMD RED {Ed001's Note - injured.}

Good news, keeps him away from the football pitch so he can't cause any damage

21 Sep 2012 21:29:20
Hi eds,

Obviously we know Suso and Sterling are very highly rated at Liverpool, but are theire others who are expected to make a lasting impression on the first team.

For example Flanagan, Ngoo and Wilson?

Many Thanks Eds.

J {Ed001's Note - Ngoo, Ibe and Sinclair are the other bright lights.}

Ed you forgot about mclaughlin o'hanlon and baio those 3 are highly rated,ngoo wont make it at liverpool

majestic69

Wisdom-Maybe
Wilson-No
Coates-Maybe
Robinson-Yes(if injuries go)
Teixeira-maybe
Biao-no
Adorjan-no
Suso-yes
Morgan-no
Pacheco-no
Yesil-maybe
Sterling-YES

Adorjan has come on leaps and bounds too. and sama has been unlucky not to follow wisdom, little between them in level of talent.

Suso, Robinson, Sterling, Yesil and Wisdom are the main contenders at the moment but anyone who doesn't rate Adorjan really hasn't watched the youths.

BthekingB

To the poster that dosen't rate adorjan watch the nextgen game, it may change your mind.

21 Sep 2012 21:43:12
Fair play to Fergie regards his letter to the Man United supporters AND his support for Liverpool as to the Hillsborough findings, fair play indeed.

Stevie.

Thanks to sir Alex.

Maybe he is feeling guilty to the part he has played over the years to make matters worse, but still appreciated all the same.

Keith

21 Sep 2012 21:37:58
BIG BIG day Sunday

no matter what happens think Rodgers is the man , enjoying watching LIVERPOOL again
Come on Liverpool and Come on MAYO for all Ireland

Gerry in Galway

21 Sep 2012 21:32:24
Anybody see that opening sequence on Being Liverpool about the goals against us that cost Kenny his job? Itwas like a highlight reel for how poor Reina really is and I am wondering how many of you who saw it agree with me?
Anyone who didn't see it should take a look, no real attempts to get the ball at all, looks more like he's not even interested and just falling to the side :(

Huws

21 Sep 2012 21:17:12
Every squad member should earn there place in the starting 11.....nobody should be picked on merit or there name

Tell that to the captain

majestic69

Gerrard holds us together and deserves his place .red mick tag

21 Sep 2012 21:16:30
After watching just the fisrt 5 mins of this Doco'... I realise Reina is pure c**p.

I am glad it's been noticed. No room for sentiment on this either. The outfield players are taking all the stick lately and in my opinion its unjustified since Reina has been getting away with this for the last 2 years :(

21 Sep 2012 21:15:19
12 minutes into being Liverpool and I'm sold:
Brendan Rodgers is a gent and a class act.

Take it u didnt see the 45 min documentary that came out a couple of weeks ago, its on youtube in 2 parts, coz u would have been sold by the if u wasnt already, try watch it if u can, its a really good watch m8, i agree the man is a class act.

What do i type in to youtube to see that 45min documentary then please pal?
jim

21 Sep 2012 20:06:31
Ed001 what's your view on Flanagan? I personally think he will be overtaken by McLaughlin I do rate Flanagan but I think McLaughlin is and will be a better player, also wasn't flanno tried out in midfield when kenny was in charge? Maybe the dont think he should play right back either?

Square tomato {Ed001's Note - he struggles with pace, hence why he has been tried in central midfield. Unfortunately, I think he has missed his chance at right back and now he will either adapt to a midfield role or move on. I do like him, decent technique, gives his all and wants to improve his game and work at it.}

Cheers ed can't see him getting into midfield right now might be best for his career to move on sad to see him go though

Square tomato

Flano is not going to make it at lfc too much required from him,he could have played in a good team who can cover a percentage of his shortfalls but in a team where most of the players have shortfalls they can not cover each other.

21 Sep 2012 17:47:59
Hi eds.

Not asking if we are linked with these players just wanted to ask if you have seen them play and what you think of them if you have.

They are:

Alessandro florenzi

Lorenzo insigne {Ed001's Note - I haven't seen either sorry.}

21 Sep 2012 19:02:59
Evening Ed, do you think BR sees Robinson as good enough to become our new permanent left back or do you think he will look to sign one in January?

Chris in Tamworth {Ed001's Note - Robbo is very highly rated, if Sterling hadn't broken through, I believe Robinson would have been given the chance. Two 17 year olds together on the left, well it is just a little too inexperienced!}

Spot on Ed.

I really don't think Rodgers is bothered about experience. If Robinson was good enough [which he is] he would start before Enrique.

BthekingB {Ed001's Note - he would if Sterling wasn't in front of him, I agree, but Rodgers is only going to play two 17 year olds in tandem when he has to.}

21 Sep 2012 18:52:20
Seriously the people slagging off Gerrard and saying Shelvey should start ahead of him need to get real. Best player for England in the Euro's, good games against City and Sunderland but bad against WBA/Arsenal. Shelvey has potential yes, but ahead of Gerrard.... His interview today/yesterday he says he needs to find his form more but he still has it !00%. Get behind him instead of looking for a scapegoat. How many has he scored against United in recent games. Well I willl let you know Larry (as Prince Naseem would say). Quite a few...

LLKD
YNWA
JFT96

Shelvey should be first choice now on merit he's been knocking on the door for a while. NOw so wile he is on high and buzzing from his latest rise put him as the attacking mid with Gerro and Allen behind him think he could be a secret weapon with some long range strikes when we need to mix it up a bit! I wouldn't put it past him actually scoring Sunday if he Plays! What u think edds and fans. ???

Shelvey is going to be a massive star player for us. He will. I have said this basically since we signed him. And although his confidence is high at the moment, lets not forget he is only 20 and his performance against hearts recently when he looked toothless and clueless. He is still developing in to the player he is going to become. A big game like United has a 50-50 chance of him playing out of his skin or playing like an out his depth kid. Sterling is the same. So, Steady On everyone and make sure that you don't jump off his band wagon and on to his back should he not perform on Sunday.

Personally, I think we should start Gerrard beside him, with Allen behind in a 1-2 midfield 3 on Sunday and give him the freedom and reduced pressure to express himself. And yes, Gerrard is winding down his career but he'll be world class on Sunday.

SpudRed

The thing is whether you like it or not mate Shelvey is more of a goal threat.

Mighty reds

Times are changing, Gerrard can't save us forever. Without taking away anything he's ever done in the past and with all due respect, I do beleive it's time Gerrard spent less time in the starting 11. Especially if we're meant to be building a team for the next couple of years as he certainly won't be around then.

Huws

He's only 2o that means he's got years of progressing ahead which tells me we have a real talent on our hands although any player deemed good emough at 16 to play for charlton in prem must have something about them! He does seem to have a slight arrogance on the way he plays sometimes which most top players have! Throw him in Sunday lets see what happens. Please keep ur head even if things don't start we'll just do what u have been doing 40000 reds behind u my son COME ON THE BOYS!!

21 Sep 2012 18:20:44
On Sunday Utd's Rafael is set to play his 3rd game in 9 days at right back due to injuries to Smalling and Jones. Sterling will have no doubt have fun against him! Buttner is likley at left back, he is a threat going forward but like Rafael can leave space in behind for Suarez, Borini or Assaidi to exploit. If we start well and Suarez has his head on I am sure we will win!

Cheerz

I do not think Sterling will have much success against Rafael. Rafael has quick bursts of speed so will keep up with Sterling and Rafael will out muscle him. If I was BR I would put Sterling on the right as Evra would struggle against him.

Disney!

Disney dont know if youve watched raheem this season but its not just pace he has he has very good feet an is able to keep the ball away from defenders who could out muscle him as you say which in turn leads to him winning alot of free kicks as the defenders kick through him to try to get to the ball. he will be a massive threat on sunday.

belfast red adam

Rafael's reckless at tackling and if he hasn't been taken off wit cramp after 60mins then he'll be. lucky to last 90mins on sterling without picking up 2 yellow cards!

21 Sep 2012 18:08:26
Good on you Mr. Ferguson. I hope some of your supporters digest the sentiment of the letter and I hope our own fans follow-suit. Less of the tit-for-tat chants from BOTH supporters and onwards with the football. Regardless of the position of the Utd manager and our feelings towards him, a true socialist at heart (like shankly) who I'm sure empathises and understands the fight for justice. Let all this end.

DaveyBootle

21 Sep 2012 17:53:51
Man united fan here! Hope both clubs fans show some repect this weekend for the 96 and munich, lets put this bitching behind us and concentrate on the game we all love.

I agree, it's distasteful in the first place - people died on both occasions and that's not something to chant about.
I'm Liverpool through and through, except I live in Kent! Love the club and have done for over 30 years.
I fully agree with this post and would be very proud to finally see mutual respect, people from all clubs are being great towards the success last week. Please show them what Liverpool fans are all about and return that respect.

Thanking you in advance.
Bazzaa

Agreed friend lets both be the best we can be on & off the pitch.....
Paisley's genius

Totally agree. Too many people have lost their lives on both sides. Lets forget our differences and remember the lost.

Spot on, besides, I think we can both agree that Man City is slowly becoming a thing of envy/hate... :-) JFT96... Good game on Sunday to all.

Stevie.

Just a thought but if the clubs really meant what they said about stamping it out then theres enough cctv and mod cons these days to see exactly who is starting it. Why don't they just eject them? I'm not even talking about banning them or anything just ejected for the one game. That would put an end to it quicker than statements in the press and possible consider bans for repeat offenders. Interested to hear people thoughts on this especially as incitement is an actuall offense these days.

Huws

22 Sep 2012 13:23:40
@stevie You have to respect Man City for 1 thing if nothing else. They play football not politics, unlike certain others :)

Huws

21 Sep 2012 17:46:44
You should all keep up I have been saying gerrard needs dropping for shelvey (or anyone) for ages. I have been slated for it and now I look around and everyone is saying it.

MIKEY (told you so)

Mikey, mate, nobody on here appreciates the 'I told you so' posts so I reckon its best to avoid them in case of abuse! I agree though, the past few games have shown Shelvey has the skill, awareness and strength to deserve a starting place above Gerrard now, and maybe most importantly Shelvey has been showing the desire, more so than Gerrard I'd say. Gerrard still has a place as an impact sub, much in the same light of how United use Scholes in midfield - bring him on when the opposition start to tire to torment them and draw them into silly mistakes. Shelvey is still young but he's shown maturity beyond his age, I think he'd be great against United. Just really, REALLY hope Borini gets his confidence and hits the back of the net as I think once he does he's gonna be a quality goalscorer for us.

JFT 96

JP

Stick Gerrard on the right of the front 3 and have a midfield of Shelvey Henderson and Allen.. i've been saying that for ages too mate :-) Gerrard is wasted doing donkey work, we need him scoring goals.. we have so many other midfielders who can play in the middle..

Am not! you have a very short memory.

Half Gerrard is better then jonjy.

Everyone is saying it for match of the day fever

In all sanity how can shelvey be better than Gerrard?

What fickle posters we have here

Shelvey is a fantastic young player who can turn a game for us....just like Gerrrard used too.......I rest my case !

The thing is Mikey it doesn't matter one bit what you think as you are not the manager!

Shelvey is slowly looking more like a young Gerrard the more I see him maybe not as complete in every aspect like Gerrard but he's not guna be that far away if he keeps progressing like he is people forget how old the lad is aswell. Well done jon Jo keep it up.

21 Sep 2012 17:00:55
Wild idea - anyone have any thoughts on playing Gerard as the central striker?

Not the quickest but has drive and strength and most importantly knows how to score. Pace can come from the 2 wide front men.

Playing him in this role may also make the game a bit easier in terms of less workload?

Not saying it would ever work but would be intrested to know Ed's and others thoughts??

Irish red Dog

Did you notice a difference when Borini came on for Pacheco yesterday?

Constant off the ball movement, diagonal runs, and fast paced pressing are required from the central forward in Rodgers 4-3-3 formation for it to be effective. Gerrard from even 4 years ago would have been ideal but he isn't suited for tha role now.

SpudRed

Not at bad idea. I also wouldn't mind seeing him out on the right. I don't think his style of play fits in the middle. He's given possession up far to easily so far this year and several times that lost possession has lead directly to goals. When Lucas comes back I'd like to see a midfield 3 of Shelvey, Allen and Lucas get a few games run. I think you'd see the game flow much smoother.

~Fresh

I think he IS suited thats the problem! Ever since Rafa left he's being played as a holdin midfield player.. I think he's bored of his role in the team.. He should be tried out in the front 3.. Lets be honest, if Gerrard aint banging goals in whats he here for?

Gerard isn't up to playing that role, I think he should be dropped every now n then to hint that he ain't gaurentee a starting spot in team

Allen and lucas offer about as much creativity as a romatic night holds promise in skegness

Yes yes or on the right.. i've been praying for this since the Benitez era

Obviously not many have seen Allen and Lucas play while less have been to Skegness

21 Sep 2012 16:52:40
Ed, I'm not too familiar with Swiss football. How big was the win for us over Young Boys? Did they play many of their regulars? Thanks for the info.

stonebraker {Ed002's Note - Swiss football is not the pinnacle of sport in Europe but Young Boys are a decent side.}

We played our b team literally. Our average squad age was 21. They played there first team. So we embarrassed them really badly.

Your right we literally did play our B team

reina, jones
kelly, wisdom(maybe third after flano)
skrtel, coates
agger, carragher
johnson, enrique
allen, sahin
gerrard, henderson
shelvey, suso
suarez, assaidi
borini, pacheco
sterling, downing

21 Sep 2012 16:34:43
Enjoyed watching some of ur youngsters last night. Some good young English prospects, nice to see.

Billiam

Kelly, Wisdom, Robinson, Henderson, Shelvey, Sterling as well as possibly Adam Morgan and Jack Dunn will be stalwarts in the England international team in the future years.

SpudRed

21 Sep 2012 16:29:21
Give Shelvey that No.10 Shirt BR !

Nope we need a striker for that No.10

21 Sep 2012 16:28:15
Jose Enrique, Stewart Downing, Dani Pacheco same old, same old. Add to that Joe Cole, Out on loan garbage Spearing and Carroll.

If we can ship these out and buy a QUALITY goal scorer and a winger. Thats the way forward.

Plz not Daniel Sturridge in January, that selfish headless chicken.

I like BR, for giving youngsters the chance and believing them. The style of play. His press talks.... IN BR I trust, give the man the time.

Shelvey what a player, IF I am BR, I would drop Stevie G to bench and play Shelvey and Sahin along with Allen in midfield.

Just as some other said on here, JONJO is not knocking on the door, he is kicking it really hard and soon he will smash it real hard.

Wisdom is way better than Flanagan. He should be ahead of him. More composed and strong, even in the air.

Also Jack Robinson is ready to push Enrique out of the team. Enrique has turned out to be real Shi##.

Ngoo and Yesli should also be given a chance out.

Bosco

Can't judge pacheco on yesterday. The lad is not a striker. Needs to play CAM or winger. Sadly for him the likes of suso and sterling are better then him in those positions.

Red Rout

Capital one, FA cup and Europa league are the games where the youngsters should be blooded and I'm sure they will be. With the exception of shelvey, sterling and IMO suso (who will most probably get games in the epl as well). This is a good move for the future. It was a curse that we didn't manage to get a striker but in many ways it was a blessing. I hope Jose enrique can up his game because I really liked him last season. If he doesn't improve till the summer then we require a striker (might get one in jan unless we recall Carroll), a winger (depending on the situation with downing) and a lb (depending on the situation with Enrique). Fringe players like cole, Carroll :(, spearing and maybe Pacheco out. Carrgher retires and wisdom comes up the pecking order. Sahin will go back to Madrid and suso and Henderson will come up the pecking order. That would be my plan, simply because I wouldnt want to make huge changes and keep the flow of the team.

Shelvey has knocked on the door, came in and sat down mate.
He needs to start.

MIKEY

Shelvey is great going forward but not to good at tracking back and sensing danger. he let corzola run off him for second goal against gooners, still needs to work on this side of his game for me. watch him next game.
dave

Shelvey knocked on the door, came in, locked the door and started to play play station. making it seem easy.

That's exactly how I see him mate,but you know the way some fans over hype players.He took his goals well,but if it wasn't for the work done by Borini and Hendo,who showed what a decent players they are last night,he scored 2 well taken goals but the rest of his game wasn't as world class as some fans would have you believe.He's a improving player,but to say he's as good has a 20 yr old Gerrard no way.

^^^^RE: Shelvey tracking back

This is not Shelvey's game or his strength, nor is it Gerrard's to be fair. Shelvey is a modern midfielder. He's not an out and out attacking mid nor is he a defensive mid. He's that link midfield player that moves the ball and the play between the midfield and the attack. He makes runs in support of the attack and he makes himself an outlet for the controlling players (Lucas, Allen, Henderson). He is not a terrible player when it comes to pressing and closing down the opposition (although he does need to dial down his agression a tiny bit) but he lacks the instincts to be a defensive/controlling midfielder. Same as Gerrard, really, except Stevie was this type of player before this position in a modern team was actually defined.

Shelvey needs 1 or 2 of a Lucas, Allen, Sahin, Henderson behind him in order to get the best from him.

SpudRed

21 Sep 2012 16:14:52
This is no knee-jerk reaction. Imo, Enrique is well on his way out. Even at Newcastle, he was never genuinely good. He was (and still is) hit-and-miss defensively and substantially limited attack wise.
What we are seeing now is the real Enrique. None of it is an aberration.

Even BR believes as much. To trust Johnson, himself an often shaky figure defensively, at LB than available natural Enrique says a lot, really.

The writing is on the wall. January's a difficult market, but I'm sure if even slightly possible, efforts will be made to get rid.

So Ed001, if indeed that does happen, who could be the potential replacement? Sure, Robbo's there, but we'll still have to replace.

I believe we once scouted the Celtic LB Izagguire. Could he be an option? Or perhaps BR may look to an older, more established player just to help instead of stunting Robbo's development?

Another option of course is Downing. Stick at LB and if he impresses, we sorted.
Whatever happens, Enrique has (and will) to be sold.

Your take, ed001?
From what you can hear from your people, how does BR feel about JE's long-term future at LFC? How highly does he rate Robinson?

BARNEY {Ed001's Note - it won't be Izzy, he is exactly the same as Enrique, maybe even worse defensively. Downing and Robinson will cover Johnson for now, the situation will be assessed in the run up to January.}

Izzaguirre was woeful against Benfica

Redpath

21 Sep 2012 16:17:03
I like BR I think he's doing a good job under the current circumstances. He needs time and more transfer funds. For the first time in ages I'm seeing some home grown talent get a chance to play and do well. Some of our youth did great against Young Boys.

BR has had a former LFC coach in West Brom's manager, who knows our team very well. Two top 4 teams to play and a tough away fixture against Sunderland managed by MoN. All tough games.

He's inherited some poorer players and is using those players were he can or offloading them as they don't suit his system - better to cut losses. Downing and Henderson looked okay against Young Boys but haven't against Premier level opponents.

Some of his purchases will take time to acclimate, Borini and Assadi are two examples but I thought both did well against YB.

Maxi was done he wanted to go back home, Bellamy was old and knees were a problem, Kuyt never lit up the EPL with goals like he did in the Dutch League and was stuck doing a winger role. All in all we've saved a bunch of cash in wages and will continue to grow stronger.

With BR astutely using players like Wisdom and blooding them into the team we are building from ground up for the first time in about 20 years.

Am I right the last youth player to break through was Gerrard?

I would say Martin Kelly was the last one to break in to the first team proper. Flanno and Robinson have been on the fringes. Spearing got in too but his development stagnated.

SpudRed

Agree with everything except i think Owen was the last youth player to breakthrough.

RedKei

I would say Sterling is further in the thoughts of BR than Downing so he for now until at least January is first team choice.

making him the latest break into the first team properly.

already BR has given Morgan, Suso and Wisdom their Debuts. Along with giving Sterling his full debut against city. not bad that.

I really hope LFC staff & manager don't go handing another year to Carragher we have Kelly, Wisdom and Sama who can all take carraghers place as 4th choice CB next season.

plus we need to get ride of the players that don't hold any value to Liverpool on the pitch.

Danny Wilson, Joe Cole, Dani Pacheco, Downing, Enrique all can and should be sold soon along with Spearing and Carroll.

January
Wilson - £1.5m
Cole - £2m (and give him the £2m to sweeten the hit from the wage cut he'd get from switching clubs)
Pacheco - £1m
Downing - £8.5m
Enrique - £6.5m
Doni - £500k
Henderson - £10m
= £28m

in
Michel Bastos, Wing - £6.5m (good all round player brings lots and lots of goals in open play or set plays)

Jorge Fucile, Fullback - £4.5m (solid fullback left or right plus being Uruguayan would fit in well, he has played 35 international games)

Kaka, Attacking Mid - £14m (wages might be an issue but if we can get Cole's wages of our books we can get around it by offering him £5m signing on fee plus 120k pw which = to 145pw or £7m a year which means he would miss out on £1m but he'd be playing first team football)

Yoan Gouffran - £3m winger/striker/wing back. (out of contract next summer)

= £28m

This is not the real Enrique. How can it be when he played so well for most of last season, in one of thebest defences in the league. I agree that he was a bit lost when pushing forward and he wasnt willing to cross the ball, but he was still a part of a 5 man defence that done really well. I can only guess that he is having a confidence crisis carried over from finishing off the campaign last year very poorly.

I hate to say it but it scares me how bad some of Dalglish signings was. But Enrique hopefully can turn his form around.

Mighty reds

Thats what u get when u buy british overpriced underperforming and overpaid

He's Spanish.

Jonesred

21 Sep 2012 16:10:07
Only 2 more sleeps till the game.......praying that downing gets a start for you guys after the amazing season he had last year! lol

On the serious side, us true united supporters hope that everything will go smoothly on Sunday. It's a total travesty what has been going on and I'm delighted that families have had the beggining of some sort of justice.

Jamesmack8

Thanks mate. We do have some prayers hope Evra starts. At present best lb in the world
st
ynwa

21 Sep 2012 16:01:08
Right now we are probably a top 6 team. manutd, man city, chelsea, arsenal & spurs are likely to finish above us unless we can start finding the back of the net soon.
1) Henderson Sahin Shelvey
2) Allen Gerrard Suso
With Lucas still to come, midfield is the least of my worries. Gerrard should be brought into the majority of games & only started occassionally, the way Giggs is used at Manutd.
We have 3 good young strikers; Borini, Morgan & Yesil (Ngoo) plus Suarez but we need a seasoned goal scorer ASAP or we won't be a force to be reckoned with for this season or next season.
Defense is also up & coming with Wisdom Kelly Coates & Robinson (Coady) waiting in the wings.
As for the wings we only have Assaidi, Sterling & Downing. If we can bring in a 1st class striker, a 1st class winger (preferably left footed) to cut in from the right side, a 1st class left back & a 1st class goal keeper we will once again be considered a top side imo. SLODGE

Jordan Ibe and Jerome Sinclair will be on the radar soon too.

21 Sep 2012 14:52:55
question for eds.do you think gerrard shud lose the captains armband and be benched like carragher.for me the answer is yes.allen shelvey lucas hendo and sahin should all be ahead of him.fed up of him being an automatic starter when hes been poor.DORSET RED

21 Sep 2012 14:51:18
hi all just a thought and i know its only a few games in what does everybody think of Sahin. Personally i think he looks technically very good but with him in the team the defense looks vulnerable and also he is very slender and not robust enough for the EPL in my opinion he is not good enough thoughts welcome.

murton red

He was player of the season in the German league only 16 months ago. German players are not exactly slight and he more than held is own. He should never have started against Arsenal it was too soon a game. Yesterdays goals had nothing to do with him. Poor defending. It is a class act and will only get better playing with Allen. Watch the next xavi and inesta partnership.

If he plays to his potential, he is an unbelievable player. Can we get him to play to his potential I would say is the better question. All I can say is, I F'ing hope so! I am sure he can handle himself physically, it may be hoping that his injuries dont come back to haunt us. He is a terrific player.

Nick

Messi xavi iniesta pirlo sterling Allen wilshire are all 8ft tall

Messi xavi iniesta are all 8ft tall on the pitch

And they are 3 exceptional players
Allen can't enjoy that illustrious company
Only Gerrard can

^^^^ 7ft tall at most. But strong as oxen.

Sahin just needs games to get his fitness and sharpness back up to speed. He is a truly class player and his class will shine thru for us. He only played 4 games last year and had his pre-season interrupted between Real and moving to us.

SpudRed

Well I think Allan, gerrard,shelby, lucus when fit and even Henderson are better options he reminds me of aqulani and everyone said he was great

Murton red

21 Sep 2012 14:50:14
I see people calling for Gerrard to be dropped against manutd, i know he not the same player anymore but he still has it in him and against manu u need these big game players who know all about the rivalry, Shelvey, Gerra and Allen for me, no 1 else is good enough ATM. Last stand out game i seen gerrard in was Everton and he bagged a hat trick. Not saying he deserves his shirt lately but this is manu and we need the only true scouse we got in our team who can let his passion spill out and smash these mancs up!

Gerrard should not be dropped for the United game and he won't be.

Yes, he is winding down and I honestly believe that he'll play a bit part as a rotation player this season as the squad comes together.

As Lucas heals and gets fit again, Sahin regains his match sharpness, Allen continues to be Allen, and Shelvey continues to develop, Suso too, then Gerrard will take a back seat.

However, neither Sahin nor Suso are ready to face the intensity that will be the United game. Gerrard will. He'll raise his game and be a force on Sunday. Watch and see.

SpudRed

21 Sep 2012 14:43:45
Ive been on here n saying the same thing over n over again throughout last season n the start of this season...... That Henderson will be a big star for Liverpool fc when played in his natural position in the middle of midfield.....everyone needs to remember that he played on the right wing last season out of position, just be patient with him..... Him n Shelvy play well together, I remember against Chelsea at home they were superb

Andy

21 Sep 2012 14:28:25
Personally I think we should give downing untill January, he played well last night and seems to be taking his oppertunitys and knows now that he's very much a squad player. As or Henderson, would be a mistake to get rid of him as he seems to be improving and is a req at u21 level along with shelvey (why would you ruin a potential partnership). Especially as sahin is just on loan at Liverpool which moves hendo and suso up the pecking orders next season. Midfield shouldnt be a priority, a striker, a lb and possibly a winger depending on downing situation.

21 Sep 2012 14:17:16
Jonjo is not knocking on the door anymore he is kicking it down! He looks physically menacing & his driving forward has shades of yaya toure!will always love stevie g carried us through some difficult times & inspired moments of genius,it hurts me to say it but his time is coming to an end happens to all players....jft96
Paisley's genius

Totally agree with you. Gerrard is probably the greatest player to every pull on the red shirt, and has been carrying the team for the last 7-8 years, but even the greats have to retire some day, unfortunately that day has now come. Shelvey will be awesome for us over the next 10 years!

Have you never heard of Kenny Dalglish?

The greatest player ever to pull on a red shirt bar none not even Stevie brilliant and all as he is can surpass Kenny

21 Sep 2012 12:24:28
----------------Reina------------------
Wisdom--Skrtel------Agger--McLaughlin
----------------Lucas-------------------
----------Allen-------Shelvey-----------
Suarez----------------------------Sterling
----------------Borini------------------

Squad:

Ward(gk)
Enrique
Kelly
Coates
Henderson
Ibe
Morgan
Ngoo
Suso
Johnson
Yesi
Teixeira
Assaidi
Downing

In a few years time once Gerrard get his job on sky sports and Carragher becomes assistant to Rodgers (Hopefully) this could be our potential squad. I dont know who will be coming in or going out so i have made do with the resources that we already have, including some academy players that i think given the chance could make a big impression in the forseable future.

Starting from goal, Pepe Reina, who we all know is having a real tough time in between the sticks . Based on this squad, he would be our longest serving player and has shown loyalty resisting offers from other clubs. Personally, if i was to sacrafice a player, it probably would be Reina i hate to say and i would replace him with Jack Butland, who i think will be magnificent.

The back line shows youth, experience, pace and technical footballing abaility. The combination of Skrtel and Agger hasnt been at its best recently but there is no doubting they are one of the best deffensive combinations in Europe. I think they are just finding their feet in a new footablling system. Ive watched Wisdom for some time and this guy will definately cut it. He has pace, power and can play football, I have absolutely no doubt that Andre is going to be a big Liverpool and England star. McLaughlin is abit of a wildcard pick, ive seen him once or twice and he has been solid. Consistant performer who is very highly rated in the academy, cant see why he couldnt be a success at Liverpool.

The midfield oozes possesion and technical ability. Shelvey who for me is the natural replacement for Gerrard, will IMO become a future fans favorite and maybe a potential Liverpool Captain. Allen and Suso have the possession factor and the technical prowess in the middle of the park, then Henderson who for me is at his best dropping abit deeper then coming forward and producing a final ball (dont write him off just yet) and then Lucas, who orchetrates it all and lays the foundation down for the rest of them. They say games are won in midfield, based on that we most certainly have a excellent, young midfield.

Then going forward, i dont think this guy needs a introcution, but Rahemm Sterling will most certainly be a massive player for us. Its keeping hold of him i worry about as im sure clubs from all over the continent will be keeping a watchfull eye on him. Suarez i believe is better coming in from the wings and Borini in his natural position down the middle. IMO i do think Borini will do well at Liverpool, he just needs time to settle. he has worked with Rodgers in the past and BR certainly knows more about the player than us fans do. Other youngsters like Ngoo, who i think again will make the grade as a top goal scorer, Morgan, Yesil and Jordan Ibe produce potential competition and a variation in styles.

i could go on about the other players but i hardly want to bore you with stats and opinions (thats if i havent already) but i think its fair to say we are only 3 players short of a cracking squad. 3 players who have experience, proven ability and a striker who can come straight in a bang 20 goals a season, 3 players that the youngsters can feed off and learn from.

IMO

Im certainly not worried about the future, are you?

Sam Adzii jft96

Like it or not, we will not hold on to every one of Sterling, Shelvey, Suso, Yeşil, Morgan, Coates and Wisdom. Shelvey is far too hot-headed to be considered for captain at this point. Also, Downing will not settle for a squad role as he rounds 30. The future is bright, we have one of the best academies in the world.

If we sell our youth players, how cab we have bright future?
st
ynwa

Better give Carra the job on sky and put an interpreter alongside him

21 Sep 2012 12:07:47
Hi eds great site just wondering how Lucas is progressing and when his due back withGerrard out of sorts sahib still adjusting suso not quite ready would love to see Lucas Allen and shelvey with Suarez boron I and sterling up top with boron Iin middle and Suarez and sterling can drop back to make a five if needed that would leavethe likes of He hend suso sahib assadi and and trail on bench not bad drop Enrique play Johnson and Kelly as full backs skrt and dagger pep in goal still with Enrique and downing and Jones on bench and I don't thick it will be long before wisdom is pushing he impressed me last nite. {Ed001's Note - Lucas is not expected back until November, this is what usually happens when a player returns from long term injury.}

Nov 12th is Lucas expected return to match day availability.

21 Sep 2012 11:31:51
Hi Eds great work as usual.

I just want to say how fickle some fans are , Enrique is our only experienced left back.He has been great last season but is absolute gash so far this season .I believe that unlike many if a player is under performing after a couple of games you support him.All the screaming of sell , sell are a little foolish .

I bet most of the sell Carroll brigade would have him back at least until a quality replacement is found.
Get real we do not have the funds to buy on a whim or we would have the replacements already.

I also want to have a talk about Shelvey , he is in good form and playing well , this does not make him Pele. We need to keep him progressing as he has weakness ,mainly trying too hard to copy Gerrards Hollywood passes.

With regards to Hendo I have said before he is rubbish anywhere other than the middle.He has only played in the middle a couple of times and looks a different player, I think he has done his best whenever selected but why Kenny put him on the right I will never understand , i hope he gets the lucas understudy role and can lean to play with his mind as well ,that being said 20mill?

Lastly I would like to ask Ed if he feels as I do that there might be a real changing of the guard with some familliar faces moving on for the younger ,hungrier players.I think we need a blend of both but if they function better in the new system than the likes of Gerrard,skrtel,downing etc then I say look to the future even if it makes today more challenging.

Truth done justice next J4T96

Kobi {Ed001's Note - do you really think Enrique was great last season? He was good at the start of the season, then got increasingly worse as it went on. This season his performance level has dropped even further, to the point he can't get into the team. Last night showed why Rodgers would rather move Johnson to left back and play Kelly. Hendo had a good game at full back, when he had a specific role, it is when he was on the right with no real direction from management he struggled. He didn't know if he was supposed to be a winger or a right sided midfielder, whether to stay out wide or come in narrow and ended up not doing either. I do expect a real changing of the guard over the next couple of seasons, Rodgers wants his own team, playing his way.}

I can't speak for everyone but I agree with Ed. fron the first game I saw Enrique last year he just never looked the part to me. I would love to see us get a really good left back. Keep moving Johnson to LB must say something of BR's thoughts and the defence could really do with some stability. Learning a new system and style must be hard enough. Just a thought

21 Sep 2012 10:41:56
think rogers will lose enrique...hes not technically gifted enough.....coates showed him how to do it, spot the danger and get rid...you dont need to look pretty all the time.

think buck will be looking to replace or move downing back in Jan.

Thought Hendo looked very good playing where he should be played at last. Sahin good but needs games and prob better further forward. Hendo/Allen/Sahin could be good three if push Gerrard up top/right.

Coates is improving all the time and Wisdom gives us yet another option at RB (pity not left footed)

Suso i thought looked a little lightweight in the middle but better out wide right and Assaidi looked very promising once he gets the games under his belt. Borini looked sharp too and much better in the central role.

Encouraging all in all....only ones who struggled were enrique and Pacheco (though think he suffered on service)

Shushyboy

21 Sep 2012 13:48:56
Do you think we are planning singings in January? Cause BR looks like his now content with his squad....

P.s. Eds, your awesome.
Y.N.W.A
thanks, RedRed

Just because he is being sensible and not talking about the lack of squad depth up front does not mean he is happy w his squad. There is nothing to be done about it at the moment and nothing to be gained by talking about it. In fact it would be detrimental to team morale to do so.

The closest he came to talking about it was saying that he left players at home for the Europa tie because he couldn't afford to lose any first team players for the next few months.

SpudRed

21 Sep 2012 13:48:33
Wow! What a game. So happy, so proud and so optimistic right now. We needed a good performance from the lads and that's exactly what we got. The win imo was a bonus.

Coates, Wisdom, Suso, Shelvey, Hendo, take a bow, boys.
What a moment for young Andre. Played with a maturity that belied his age. Big future ahead.
Suso too impressed. The way the ball sticks to his feet, the way he just darts waltzes past player, OMG! Remarkable.
Mark my words, this lad will make a massive impact this season, likely towards the end and in cup games. Big talent.

Hendo was uncharacteristically in the mix of things. He was brave, got stuck in and too responsible. It probably owed much to him playing in the middle.
I feel this could be another Lucas scenario here. I felt that last season he was iniquitously thrust into the fold and could not live with the pressure.
Now almost a forgotten figure, with lesser expectations and pressure, he may just start playing more freely and relax and deliver on his potential.

Jonjo Shelvey, well, what more can I add? He gets better and better with each game he plays. The way he proceeded to assume control of the game, take it by the scruff of its neck and emphatically win it for us only served to further highlight his rapidly growing stature and importance.
His assuredness and composure, coming when it did, was exactly what we needed at the time.

Borini's performance, too, was a joy. Hitherto his arrival, our movement upfront was below par. He came, got into great positions and created space. The Helvetic folk simply couldn't live his movement. The contrast between him and Pacheco couldn't be more stark.

I think people need to be patient with Borini. He will get into his stride all in good time. Even when he's not scoring goals, he's still influential. I can see why BR rates him so highly. His movement makes things that much easier for the other guys.
When he does start adding goals to his game, which he WILL, SOON, we've a player on our hands.

And don't forget, Borini, like Shelvey(20), is still largely a kid at 21. He'll come good.
Frightening as well that Jonjo is still only 20 himself. Wow!

We got some top talent here. And I haven't even mentioned Sterling. I haven't even mentioned Yesil.
Christ!

This season could be one to remember. We've never in years had this number of talented kiddies breaking/ready to break into the first team.
Wisdom, Suso, Sterling, Shelvey, Yesil all look likely to be regular first teamers/squad members by the end of this season.

Bloody exciting times in the ever amazing existence of Liverpool Football Club.
BR himself is helluva exciting, a top prospect.
He's the complete package imo. Top, top architect. Was made up for him when he got the post and wish him all the very best of success.

I love my club Liverpool FC. I love my fellow Reds. I'm proud to call myself a supporter and fan of Liverpool FC.

God bless you all.

BARNEY

And don't forget Joe Cole will be returning soon too. Wahaay.

Calm down calm down lad

21 Sep 2012 11:49:22
i cant understand why everyone is ao critical of hendo every time he plays in his proper position cm i think hes out standing everyone says he only passes safe look at his to assists last night for me he was man of match always tracking back takleing and alwys busting a gut to get in box to surport the forwards i feel he could become a very good player for us edds was your thoughts will he stay and be given a chance or is he for sale cheers

mike {Ed063's Note - I think he is an excellent player, however Rodgers did try to offload him to raise funds in order to buy a striker so Im not sure what Rodgers makes of him to be honest}

I would prefer offload downing rather than hendo

Sure thats all Allen does is pass safe!!!

Didnt Rodgers try to loan him, not sell him?

21 Sep 2012 11:35:24
I think we have some real youthful talent that is only going to get better under BR. Suso looks like real star and he needs to be blooded slowly and steadily in the premier league this season. Wisdom is still a couple of seasons off but Johnson must be at least a bit worried ! Shelvey looked like a seasoned pro when he came on and that outing can only fill him with confidence...He is the natural succesor to Stevie G and at 20 is already scoring some cracking goals and looking like the real deal. BR is no mug and he would have seen that the senior players did not cover themselves in glory last night Carra(slow and clumsy), Enrique(i think his evil twin has replaced him), Downing(did ok but he's supposed to be an England international), Pacheco(had his chances time to move on) and they are probably concerned that BR will take no prisoners and drop anyone and I mean anyone, SG included, and throw these youngsters in. For the first time since RAFA left I actually believe the party line that we are re building, transitional period, time to gel etc etc and doing it properly and not just seeking a quick fix. It's brave and will take a couple of seasons but hey ho maybe by then all the fairweathers will have buggered off to the sugar daddy clubs... Justice for the 96 YNWA Tobiwan P.S. Only one thing I thought BR could have done was put Adam Morgan in...with that amount of shocking defending going on I think he would have bagged some goals and isn't that what we really need... A confident striker.

21 Sep 2012 13:18:53
The guy playin Rodgers in Being Liverpool is the spit of Brendan! Hope this is a good show but the stadium looks nothing like Anfield(were did they film it?). Ah well as long as the script is good it should be a good watch defo better than GOAL 2

Wow. Biting satire.

I seriously somehow don't think he was kidding

21 Sep 2012 13:02:56
Good luck for Sunday, Liverpool.

Love, Leeds.

(p.s. smash them!)

21 Sep 2012 12:48:28
Am much as I support rodgers..he just can't loose to manu its really vital he gets at least a draw from this match..I think rodgers is going to play johnson and kelly again..enrique is not showing signs of improving..I hope shelvey is deployed deep we need his energy and tackling at the back..imo I tink assaidi should start borini shud play from the bench..wow have so much to say buh just hoping for the best on sunday..YNWA

Play him deep ?? for real, hes been the biggest driving force we have had from midfield all season and hes doing the same for the under 21's aswell.
Jaydee ynwa

21 Sep 2012 12:03:54
All i see about henderson is he is not good enough. "passes it backwards" and "passes it sideways, never forward". I think this harsh to say that our best player of last night is not good enough. Can some one tell me the difference between him and allen? Both have extremely high pass completion and successful tackle percentages. Henderson probably chases down and tracks more to! Saying that both great players with a good future.

Let's not overrate Henderson because of one game against Young Boys. Yes he was good but he is not first team quality just yet. He should be playing regularly in the U21's until he finds some actual form.

BthekingB {Ed063's Note - Based on form and desire he deserves to be in the midfield atm. Sahin needs time to adjust, and Gerrard has looked uninterested, therefore Hendo should get a crack}

Jordan has time to adapt to BR. Keep him. Downing to be sold.

Original poster here. I did not make these comments on just his last night performance. Through out the whole of last year I believe he still had one of the highest pass completion rate out of any other Liverpool player (maybe wrong, but not from what I remember hearing) and he was still up there in the tackles. His style of play from last year to this has not changed the mentality of the players around him has meaning his style suits better now than under KK.

21 Sep 2012 12:01:20
Last night was great to watch for me.

Yes there was more defensive errors but the good thing about them was that it wasn't from any of the young or first team players. Carra is no longer first team and Enrique doesn't seem to be guarenteed to start (he takes way to many touches)! Wisdom looked good coped well along with Coates, Suso saw flashes of quality and I think if he gets a few more chances with the likes of gerrard, Allen and Shelvey next to him we will see him really come good and learn off them.

Expect Yesil to get more time next few weeks think Pacheco should be released he looked worse than there striker! Same with Downing unless he going to play at left back! Just needs to get away from attacking he is terrible at it.

But we saw Wisdom, Coates, Shelvey, Suso, Assaidi really show that they can be in contention to step in when needed and Shelvey needs to start on sunday, he gives us some direct creativity.

All in all good performance by the young lads can see why Brendon was positive!

YNWA Jordan

Carra rarely gets injured so need to keep him in squad.

Carragher was an embarrassment last night , I am sure he would be the first to admit it !

Yeah I understand about the Injury thing good point. Just aslong as his mistakes don't cost us points.

Jordan

21 Sep 2012 11:27:06
There was a few positives & negatives about the game last night. Obviously the negative was the defending. I thought Enrique & Carra were bad at the back, and Downing & Pacheco weren't the best either. The good thing is that he gave youth a chance, fair play to Rodgers. Unlike KK he actually gives the young fella's a chance. But i think the Europa League will play second fiddle to the league. He will prob play Carra in Europe and Skrtel/Agger in the league. I thought Coates & Hendo had a good game also.

Bring on Sunday

Barry B

Kenny Dalglish did give youth players plenty of opportunities, Robinson, Flannagan, Shelvey, and Kelly in particular. Red Owl

21 Sep 2012 11:13:51
I think Liverpool showed a lot of strength a courage last night for such a young squad. Some very good debuts for Wisdom, Assaidi and also Suso.

I think Brendan Rodgers is gradually getting the team to play his way the Liverpool way, as my mate Martin was saying in the Asda the other day Daglish would have played the likes of robo-Kuyt and Maxi and the youngsters wouldn't have got a shout.

Be positive and proud to be a red!

Alex's purple nose

For real I agree with this post. Good to see someone talking sense. As young Raheem would say "Steady Now". People who think Gerrard should be dropped for Sunday need to get serious and realise who they are talking about. Allen, Shelvey and Gerrard for United. Thats for sure. Gerrard is the prince of Liverpool and the rightful heir to the throne of King Dalglish.
As Shakey would say "Thats whats up"
JF96 {Ed063's Note - Yeah, we're talking about Steven Gerrard: a player who has been carried for 2 years now and needs to be dropped so that he might realise he isn't an automatic starter.}

Have a bit of respect Ed063!!
NAVANRED {Ed063's Note - I have respect, he was a great Liverpool player and will go down as an Anfield legend. But if we are selecting the team based on merit then Gerrard should be on the bench, just like Carragher.}

As if u can drop gerrard against mancs... {Ed063's Note - Why not? When did Liverpool stop selecting players based on form and merit and started selecting them based on name and stature? I don't get this Gerrard is untouchable nonsense that some fans have in their heads. He was a brilliant player and is a legend, but he is too much of a liablilty these days. This season alone he has cost us a lot of points, how far does he have to slide before people realise we are a better side without him in it?}

Here here ed 063 i to would drop him until he starts to play better he seems to up his game for big games and dose not turn up for the so called small games
red rrab

Shelvey deserves gerrards place right now.
He's on fire right now, and he looks like gerrards replacement.
Gerrard will be a good impact sub against united.
We should of sold gerrard 2 years ago and made a small fortune, he looks well past it these days.
It's sad because he is a legend but he is starting to drag us back like carragher.
The only way he can be useful between now and retirement is if he is rotated and only gets in the team based on fitness and form.
Being an automatic starter is holding Liverpool and himself back.

MIKEY {Ed063's Note - Completely agree Mikey}

Sometimes a player can see from the bench the way to help the team, so as long as Gerrard comes on and scores a hat trick, ok with me.

Ed you are right , but the majority of liverpool fans cant see how awful gerrard has been for a few years , his attitude has been disgraceful. i have posted about this many times,

majestic69

Red rrab so you sayin he dosent put effort in for the small games? well then he should be kicked out of the club, he should have an attitude like carra, THE REAL SCOUSE CAPTAIN

majestic69

I'd take him out the middle and play him on the right of the front three.

Just as a nibble: I'd look at moving Suarez out wide also (or even dropped). Suarez comes on last night instead of Borini and Shelvey wouldn't have scored. For Shelveys first, Borini (who was up the throat) brought people in to play. Good ball to Henderson (who played very well btw) first time ball to Shelvey to score. Suarez would have tried beating his man and getting a shot away. For Shelvey's second, Borini took his centerhalve away with clever movement. Suarez would have looked for the ball to feet as though he'd give it back in a little 1-2 but take the ball on himself and turn in to his man.

Shmickles

I have a genuine, poignant question, when was the last time SG had a shot on target from the edge or outside the box? He hit the post at the weekend, can't remember last time he forced a save. Hendo's and Shelvey's efforts have looked closer and Shelvey's scored a few. Shelvey should deffo start against MU. What more can he do to impress, then play better than SG of recent and score goals? Which he has. It will give him more confidence, when he is already full of it justly, and give SG a kick up the arse. No brainer.
Davey Liver

I agree drop gerrard if he dont perform but against manutd u need players who understand the rivalry and can hack a big game, if stevie dont stand up to this game then so be it he dont deserve a spot but for a game like this he needs to start

Majestic69 --
its just my opinion on the arsenal game did it for me he lost the ball an just stood there then walked back no effort at all dont get me wrong gerrard has been one of our best player the last 20 years and one of my favourites players but he seem to put more effort in for england than liverpool the last 2 years
red rrab

I amazed at the 50/50 split on Borini on here recently. I think the kid looks impressive. Nearly scored against Citeh from a Sterling cross, and nearly scored with his first touch last night. His movement is really good and once he gets a few goals he'll be off and running. He has to be played through the center IMO. His movement is first class for a 21 y.old. Would love to see him lead the line on Sunday with Saurez on the right and Sterling out left. On the Gerrard issue I think he has to start on Sunday. He's a big game player. I agree he been less that impressive so far but I'd drop him to the bench for the average teams and have him impact off the bench for 30 mins either in a midfield role or to play wide right of the front 3. Utd will probably play with 1 up front (guessing hernandez) and park the bus on front of their suspect defense. They will rely on their speed guys like valencia, nani et al for the counter. I see us winning it 2-1 if I'm honest.
Cp

Don't think gerrard should be dropped for sunday's game, these are the types of games he thrives in. but perhaps he should be used more sparingly in future. the likes of sahin will definitely be banging on the door sooner rather than later, the lad hasn't come here to warm the bench.

21 Sep 2012 11:13:26
Hey Eds,How come my posts are being cut?
WBD(formerly WelshBoyDave) {Ed063's Note - I haven't seen any from you mate}

21 Sep 2012 10:22:02
just out of curiosity i know jonjo shelvey is a londoner just like stirling and is a mad west-ham fan.but what london team does stirling support if any? {Ed063's Note - QPR I believe. Don't really think it matters, he'll be at Liverpool for a very, very long time.}

Who cares who they support wasn't Carra a bluenose when he was a kid ? {Ed063's Note - Fowler definitely grew up supporting Everton}

21 Sep 2012 10:13:12
Just a thought and not just due to the new hairdo but has Enrique turned into Dossena?......
Awful...whats happened to him?.....I thought he looked like a bargain when he first came...now im not confident when hes on the teamsheet.....too many touches and too many balls given away....just clear it out man!

Another Dalglish cracker!

I could not agree more. I hope after last nights performance he has played his last game for LFC

Andy

Johnson at left back on Sunday then.

Downing at left back pls

21 Sep 2012 09:57:41
for me as i watch the game yesterday the three goals came from mistakes of enrique and specially carragher the other part of the defense was great but i still am upset of the performance given to us by enrique and carragher

Agree mate. Carra is past it. But enrique seems to be getting worse with each passing game. Imo he is just another over rated player who had a good couple of months with us, and then faded back into the average player that he was at newcastle. Surely young Robinson cant do any worse, can he?
Indian Buzzer

I agree also! I was just talking about Enrique on here last night. Its got to be time he is dropped. Surely he won't be selected against United...at least I hope not! Otherwise that left side is gonna be exposed!

And Carra is certainly past it. We kept hold of Agger, Skrtel signed a new contract and we have youngsters Kelly and Coates aswell so its not even like we need him!

K.Bennett

Leave him his had 1 bad game lets move on

21 Sep 2012 09:50:25
ed just heard that the owners want to regain the fans confidence in them by buying llorente and isco with the transfers of downing and adam and we will probably but theo walcott after that

Optimism is certainly welcome, but Llorente and Isco are unlikely to happen.

Where did you hear this? Could it have been from that really good website "Liverpool Rumours", where it was posted first thing this morning?

Thomas

21 Sep 2012 09:41:32
everyone keeps banging on about how bad downing and henderson are but they still put in 100% every time they play they might not be the best but they try the fact that they are proud to pull on the shirt is good enough for me lets start supporting players instead of constant slating and what liverpool fc paid for players is irrelavent anyway

Spearing tried aswel but he was not good enough, you cant carry players because they try we will never get better like that, you need effort but you need quality aswell. RedTurk

Downing agreed. Henderson is a good Player does a lot of work that goes unnoticed and rarely gives the ball away.
Greaty

I thought Downing and Henderson were some of our better players last night.

RedBurk, the djimi traore of posters to this page. Crawl back under your rock, your input is as useful as a fart in a spacesuit

For once downing wasn't painful to watch.. he was pretty good.. but then again everyone had a blinder compared to enrique!

21 Sep 2012 09:08:37
Now, as we all know, the truth is out after many years campaigning. I urge everyone to now express the fact that we now want JUSTICE?
A fight has been won but the battle is not over. Let's do our best to keep it in the mainstream media. We cannot afford to get this far and think that it is over. The word JUSTICE should never be forgotten. We owe it to ourselves and, more importantly to our fallen friends and their families.
Robbie (Posted again Ed. Want to keep it going)

Amen to that my red brother

Scarfayce

21 Sep 2012 08:42:52
Eds, chances of daniel sturridge?

Ratan {Ed002's Note - Doing what?}

The occassonal bit of running?

If youre asking if there are chances on him passing the ball then no absolutely zero
LeeWils

If Ratan have a polite question, it feels for me, that it is not ok for people to make jokes about it. You all know what he means?

...and we all are Liverpool supporters!?

harrikrishna

^^^Hopefully without being smart to Ratan;

This has been done to death over the last 6 weeks.

90% of the posters on here could tell you the story w Sturridge and any possible move to LFC.

5% that don't know the whole story off by heart could find it in 12 seconds using the search function.

3% would find it in any of the archive rumour pages in less time.

1% knew it from other web sites

1% keep asking the same question, somehow expecting a different Answer.

21 Sep 2012 08:20:31
Post to Banter pls Ed....

Watching the game last night, I was most impressed by Henderson's DM role. He's got a fantastic engine on him and seemed to be everywhere in the later stages of the game. I mean one minute he was flying into a challenge, next he was setting up Shelvey in the oppositions box.

I wouldn't write him off just yet.

Watching an interview with BR on Youtube, he mentions how we'll see another 50% from Joe Allan when he's pushed into one of the two further forward central mid roles. As the weeks progress, maybe we might see Henderson in the DM role with Allan & Gerrard/Shelvey ahead of him.

Thankfully now we have some options and can change the personal round to keep everyone fresh.

At the moment everyone is saying sell Downing & Henderson to fund other deals, but it will be interesting to see how come January, which players will be available based on their performances & form. Downing & Henderson might just change peoples opinions because they themselves change their own games. Henderson into a DM and Downing into a versitile Left Back or Left/Right atticking winger.

Just a thought.

Mike in Leeds {Ed063's Note - Very good post Mike}

Completely disagree with you mate. I was at the match yesterday and henderson played very bad. Lost almost every ball, and couldnt even handle with a second rated swiss team. cant belief we paid 20 mio for him.

SwissLFC Supporter

If anyone had a bad game last night it was enrique. wants to much time on the ball & should of done better with his feeble attempt to clear the ball which we conceded a goal

Hendo was awesome yesterday so I don't know what match u was watching, especially in second half. Easily one of the best Players on the pitch, I don't know why people want him to be sold he is an excellent player and I hope he stays and gets games
Huddz red

This is nonsense! Henderson by no means played badly. Im not his greatest fan and i dont think he has so far set the world alight at Liverpool, but last night he had a good game and he has shown glimpses of what potential he has.

The Irish Rover

Swiss LFC - You need to watch the highlights again mate. Henderson wasn't that bad at all. I think he could do the job until he Lucas comes back.

JD

Swiss supporter, you're probably the only one he feels this. I think his pass completion was 90% or there abouts, he made two assists and plenty of tackles. He was full of running, always showed for the ball and was nice and composed. Why can't you just be positive, it's obvious he wasn't poor.

Papa G

Agree that enrique was bad, he does want too much time on the ball and tries to overuse his strenght instead of his footballing ability.
When he first came to us i wondered why he wasnt gettin into the spain team... now i know why

To the original post, I agree totally with everything you have said but what about sahin? Thought he was brilliant last night and once up to speed will be a real talent for us this coming season

Swiss..you don;t even know how much Henderson actually cost let alone how he played!

Ok. you say he didnt play bad? it was against a swiss team that is currently 5th in the league, and swiss football is unbelievable bad. so u judge him as a good player..thats funny.

SwissLFC Supporter

Liverpool are 17th in theirs!

The Irish Rover

21 Sep 2012 07:59:13
Whats up
Do fans have to pick on one player
In this case it's Hendo, previously Lucas.
He's young and talented.., don't chase him out .. Hes playing well and will only getting better.
PistolPete

I don't know how anyone can pick on Henderson. Got two assists, was tidy in possession, got his foot in when needed and compared to his holding midfield partner (sahin) did all the running.

Red Rout

He had one good game wow, judge him come January, for me he still doesn't play the ball as positively as Allen or Sahin. He plays it quicker now, they all do but he is no tactician which is what we need in the defensive mid role. He plays too many balls into the right back or right wingwe when they are surrounded. He needs to turn inwards and look for the diagonal forward passes. Maybe he just lacks confidence from not playing regularly. Cheers JK

I don't usually pick on any player and say he is sh!te, but decided to pay serious attention to Downing last night, as he comes in for so much abuse on here. I always liked Downing in his Boro & Villa days so kinda want him to succedd here. The verdict?? God, he was awful! He must have given the ball away 20 times in the first half. He just looks like a fella who is out of confidence and doesn't know how to get it back. Hate to say it, but I don't think he is gonna cut the mustard for us

Macko

Pistol Pete, spot on, they always have to pick on one, it's the fans used to watching X Factor and they have the one they demonise so they apply the same principle to football, just media led brainwashed sheep.

21 Sep 2012 01:55:01
were saying that chelsea are looking to move sturridge on for around 12 million, any chance we could get him? would add to our already promising young talent at the club {Ed063's Note - He is in the last year of his contract, if a club came in to sign him I would expect him to be available for less that 12mil.}

21 Sep 2012 06:46:06
I have to keep saying it but the youngsters are embracing BR's style much more easily (again last night as proof)
Pass and move and finishing
The problem is the senior players they are finding it too difficult to adapt (or too stubborn to change)
Eg gerrard's 1in 5 successful Hollywood pass / downing and Enrique give the ball away way too often

Brendan just needs to bring in a defensive coach ( like Steve bould) as we are all over the place defensively no one is really sure what they should be doing or where they should be half the time
The problem is the full backs in this system are far too often out of position when we loose the ball ( days of the flat back four have gone) and our centre backs are not so mobile and the pace needed in this set up and the DMs also go missing

Leam Red

We should snatch steve bould from arsenal. If we offered him 20k more from his current salary i think that will do. We really need him. {Ed063's Note - Because that's TOTALLY how it works}

Do you not realise that just like lfc,arsenal have ex-players/staff that love the club so much they would prob do their job for nothing,and steve bould is one of them,i doubt he would leave arsenal if he was to be offered B.R. job

21 Sep 2012 05:38:05
I never thought i would be saying this, but thank you Roy hodgson..
Shelvey for 1 million ? must be one of the very few good things that happened under him.. {Ed063's Note - Shelvey was bought by Rafa on the very high recommendation of Dalglish. So thank Dalglish for recognising his talent and Rafa for listening to a legend}

Here here ed! Shelvey was outstanding. A real bargain as well. We need more of these. I would assume that because Wisdom got the shout for right back last night thar Rodgers doen't rate Flanno. Or is he injured?

The Irish Rover {Ed063's Note - Flannigan's injured mate. Assaidi looks to be a bargain too in my opinion. Yesil could be the bargain of the century if I'm being honest, he will get a real crack very soon.}

Oh come on! Granted kenny is king as a player. But he's just rubbish as a manager. Stop holding on history. {Ed063's Note - Are you freakin kidding me? He was the last manager to have won the league for Liverpool just btw. Plus I never said anything about him being a great manager, I said that he went out and scouted Shelvey. I merely said give him the credit, which is where it should go. I dislike you nameless fool}

Assaidi did nothing yesterday, and won't come good in the pl. {Ed063's Note - I take it you have a time machine then and have seen the future?}

To be fair shelvey has been good for a few games. game to game he does show a lot of desire to impress BR.

Kaizer

21 Sep 2012 04:48:48
The team I would like to see on Sunday:

Suarez
Assaidi Shelvey Sterling
Allen Sahin
Johnson Coates Agger Kelly
Reina

Subs: Jones, Skrtel, Wisdom, Gerrard, Suso, Henderson, Borini

If Assaidi or Sterling have a rough game, Suarez can be moved to either wing and Borini can take his place, Gerrard can be used as an impact player to replace any mid players, Skrtel can replace either CB and Wisdom can replace either WB.

A young but fresh team with decent cover for UTD to deal with.

Noshbag

I disagree with one of your choices - lol. Swap Sahin with Gerrard ;)

Coates and Assaidi will not start. {Ed063's Note - Thanks for the update Brendan.}

Suarez
Assaidi Shelvey Sterling
Gerrard Allen
Robinson Agger Skrtel John
Reina

Subs: Jones, Kelly, Coates, Sahin, Hendo, Suso, Borini

Switch Assaidi with borini and move Johnson to LB and move Kelly to RB and you might be close.

21 Sep 2012 03:43:33
jonjo shelvey is our best player

All because he scored against a very poor team , fools rush in where wise men fear to tread. {Ed063's Note - Shelvey and Allen along with Sterling have been our best players all season; this is nothing new}

Dont get too carried away mate, see how he does against man utd. RedTurk {Ed063's Note - He'll be the same as he has been all season - our main driving force in midfield. I really hope Rodgers is bold and drops Gerrard for Henderson or Sahin}

Please brendan have the balls to drop gerrard and carra. shelvey and coates to replace those two. carra was to blame for two of the goals last night and gerrard has not done enough this season to warrent a starting place.
safa

Totally agree ed; gerrard is totally incapable of keeping play going hes way to eager to try the hollywood, the majority of the goals against us have been caused by giving the ball away in midfield and gerrards been the main culprit. {Ed063's Note - Plus he doesn't seem very mobile at all defensively at the moment}

21 Sep 2012 01:49:54
Biggest game of our season on Sunday. I literally can't wait.. What better way to kickstart our season then beating United at Anfield on what will be such an emotional day. I would give an arm and a leg to be putting on the famous red jersey on Sunday and feeling what the players will feel 5 mins before kick off. I know for a fact I will be welling up with tears once I hear the cries of You'll Never Walk Alone from the Kop. On a day when we will all shout for our beloved 96 I can't think of many better things then dedicating a victory over our most bitter rivals to the 96 souls lost that day. YNWA. JFT96..
The Gooch.

It would be hard to play without arms and legs, so please dont give them away when somebody asks. {Ed063's Note - Haha thats LOL-tastic!}

21 Sep 2012 03:03:29
Good result , my opinion for what it's worth.
Only 2 main negatives -not gonna dwell on them .... Downing & Enrique ...need i say more ?
The rest played well in varying degrees but special praise for Wisdom ...not seen him play live before and i thought he was really impressive .
Henderson worked hard and played well - especially after Shelvey came on .
I think ( & hope )Shelvey is now making the improvements we hoped for ...looking really good so far.
Sahin is clearly a very good playmaker but i fear he needs extra protection - ie 2 def mid's behind him ?
Assaidi did well in the first half ...not bad for a debut .
But i'm really pleased the manager is giving the kids a chance , they won't all make it but at least he's giving them a go .
I hope to see more of Suso and hopefully the young German kid who i just wonder about .....the team's desperate for a finisher .
But oh ...Downing & Enrique ....
shakes head in disbelief !

Don't forget Pacheco. Looked lost.

Downing was fair in the first half.

Henderson was awful for anyone actually watching the game, how mnay times did he pass back or give the ball away when there was easier options. What a waste of money! RedTurk {Ed063's Note - I strongly disagree Mr. Turk}

Hendo did the job he was given. i thought he did okay

21 Sep 2012 01:47:46
There was no midfield at times! ha.
It was a good game to watch, plenty of chances, some comedy defending and some nice goals from SHEEELLLVEEEYYYY. Come on you beast, grab a hattrick against UTD.

BADGER

Borini deserves credit for Shelvey's first, but the second was all Shelvey.

It was Borini's great run that dragged the defender out of the way for Shelvey to get close enough to shoot. No run, no goal.

Simon

Borini deserves credit for Shelvey's second for the run which took the centre back away that left the big hole for Shelvey to run into

21 Sep 2012 00:59:38
Just want to say, I told you that Suso would be in the squad! :)

RedTongue

21 Sep 2012 00:52:55
We actually have some good players.
But Rodgers ideas on style, tactics, is awful.
It's as if he got them from a 'How to' book.
Crude and naive, he is the problem with his half-baked ideas.
Ferguson will slaughter him on Sunday.

The Accountant. {Ed063's Note - Stick to maths my friend}

Great reply ed, love it.
cheers, Felmil GH. {Ed063's Note - Cheers}

Mr accountant, kindly account for your cluelessness on football matters

21 Sep 2012 00:10:32
Shelvey is a very good player but we all knew that before he even signed for us and he cost buttons.
Henderson is an outstanding midfielder who will only get better given the chance by BR.
Allen is by far the best ball playing midfielder that we have had since Xabi.
Lucas the best holding midfielder in the Prem and has lots of creativity.
Suso very creative with excellent vision and will become world class given the right guidance.

To all fans from other clubs reading this, take a good look. Any combination of these will be reason why your midfield was played off the park in the future.
Scouse_Pride

American naivete persay kicking in here but when you say "cost buttons" do you mean expensive or cheap? We paid less than 2 million up front for him, rising up to like, 6 or so? I think. A steal.

McSnuggles

Haha, and thats why you are sitting in the relegation zone. Any team can talk about their midfield on paper. Btw Newcastle have a better midfield let alone City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Utd, Spurs and Everton......dont kid yourself

McSnuggles,
'Cost buttons' means cheap, as in said item cost the same as a few buttons, which are those things on clothes.

Redjinal

21 Sep 2012 00:05:51
With regards your proposal regarding Coates - have you considered a central pairing of Coates and Skrtl and using Agger in the DM role. RED LENIN
-----------------------------
Or play Agger LB with Coates in the middle with Skrtel. I'd rather have Robinson as LB than Enrique too.

Blair Mayne YNWA JFT96

But my opinion, it would be Coates and Agger at center half.
Skrtel should be on the bench.

On tonights showing i'd rather have ANYBODY rather than Enrique !

Oooooorrrrrr

523

johnson, coates, skrtel, agger, enrique(because he is good offensively)
allen, shelvey
suarez, borini, sterling

21 Sep 2012 00:02:34
I've noticed that we have a really well developed midfield. Although we lack goals from their we have so much quality in Gerrard, Lucas, Allen, Sahin, Shelvey, Henderson and Suso. We need a recognised striker that scores goals not creates them. A lb probably as enriques replacement (disapointed as I thought Enrique went well with our defence).

20 Sep 2012 23:52:29
If I was Brendan Rodgers and playing United at the weekend.....

Jones

Kelly Agger Skrtel Johnson

Sahin Shelvey Gerrard

Suarez Borini Sterling

subs: Reina, Wisdom, Coates, Allen, Henderson, Downing, Pacheco

are you glad i'm not rodgers?

SMc

Yes. Spot on there I'm afraid.
ND

I see what he did there

you knew that everyone was going to disagree so you tried to add a little reverse psychology to make people want to hit the agree button. In the form of a question

Kelly needs to be benched. {Ed063's Note - And why is that?}

20 Sep 2012 23:43:24
The world of football has shown that there are 2 methods of bulding a truly successful and winning team.

1) Spend close to £1 billion on 25 world class players in their prime and pay them £100-200K per week and hope you win something before the FFP rules make you sell half of them in 5 years time and or they all age past their prime and are sold for a loss. Chelsea, Man City, PSG etc.

2) Spend £10 million on your youth programs, build it up over 5-10 years, whilst producing and developing new squad players. Maybe finding an occassional gem that will play for the first team for £20-45K a week until they are early 20's. Supplement those players with some quality 22-26 year old's that will at the very least hold their worth and carry their weight in the team for £40-50K per week and at best play for you for 10 years, and/or be sold on for a large profit. Meanwhile, once established with a solid squad you to buy the occassional big money signing with your entire transfer budget. Man United, Arsenal, Barca, Borussia Dortmund etc.

SpudRed

Man united used to do that but if you actually look how much their squad cost you'll be suprised.

De Gea - 20m
Smalling - 10m
Jones - 16m
Ferdinand - 30m
Vidic - 7m
Evra - 6m
Nani - 17m
Anderson 20m
Carrick 18m
Young - 16m
Valencia - 10m
Rooney - 30m
Van Persie - 24m

I'm missing some too.

BthekingB

Yh noo one is going to stay and fight for a 40-50k pw when they can get 80k from real madrid or barca.

Point 1 is fair enough, Chelsea and Man City have proved money does buy success.
However point 2 is a dream - what your proposing is what Young Boys of Switzerland have in place. The reality is that 22-26 yr olds in the PL that are going to hold their value will be earning wages of anywhere between 60K-120K/wk. A good team should only be expecting 1 young player (17-20) to break through every two years. This means two major signings a year are needed, with wages of 120K/wk or more.
And, unfortunately, no player is committed to a club for 5 years, never mind 10 yrs (we're seeing the last of that breed with Gerrard, Carragher, Neville, Giggs). Players follow the money (they call it ambition), but they're not worth a dime to their agent unless they are moving on every 2-3 yrs.
The two methods for success are defined by the two manchester clubs; a sugar daddy, or a successful business plan. Until Liverpool have either in place it will be difficult to compete.

Having said all that, I'm hoping a successful business plan is being put in place to attract a sugar daddy to LFC!
Digger

20 Sep 2012 23:31:23
great to see us win tonight , especially after going behind we looked great. I really hope Brendan starts playing borini down the centre from now on, even if he has to be on the bench behind Suarez because he looks so good there. Starting against Man U with
Sterling Suarez Assaidi with Borini on the bench should provide goals and a so called plan b

20 Sep 2012 23:27:24
Great game last night - we showed them who were the Boys and who were the (red) men

20 Sep 2012 23:23:38
is it me or does Rogers make the subs that the fans want??

Yes accept when it comes to Gerrard, don't care who he is if he is killing the team sub him.

Only one substitution against Sunderland... I must disagree. {Ed063's Note - But it made a difference. He brought Downing on to stretch the play giving Sterling more space to attack down the right. It was an extremely intelligent change that changed the game.}

Maybe we just see the same things sometimes