Liverpool Banter Archive July 22 2016

22 Jul 2016 22:57:14
Ranieri has today confirmed that Chilwell is staying at Leicester and is close to signing a new deal. Jordan Amavi now looks the most likely, bit risky considering he missed most of last season through injury but if he can return to the levels he played at before he got injured he could actually be a better option than Chilwell or even Morenol. Its a big if but last season he got 2 assists in Villas first 8 league games and was by far their best player early season. Villa missed him terribly and with them being relegated it shouldn't be too much hassle to sign him.

23 Jul 2016 11:07:33
Good call!

22 Jul 2016 22:14:13
Welcome Georginio Wijnaldum.

I'm looking forward to:
* Spelling your name wrong
* The confused look on person serving me at Sports Direct when I ask them for a shirt with your name on it

YNWA.

22 Jul 2016 23:08:12
Wij-nal-dum it's quite catchy actually. It's the first name I can hardly spell for some reason.

22 Jul 2016 21:09:55
I like the new signings. You have to trust that Klopp sees something special in them, and can develop them. Mane and Wijnaldum look proper talents to my eyes. Only issue from my perspective is how we can play the pair on same pitch as Firmino, Couts, Studge, Lallana. I realize we need depth but I would want the whole lot on the pitch all the time. CBs upgraded, top keeper, Can will only get better. If Hendo can get back to form and the young serbian lad keeps developing I think we have a solid team. Looking forward to the new season (as always)

Coop.

22 Jul 2016 21:31:26
They bring us a lot of depth. not just bodies but depth in creativity etc we should be sble to swap these guys around snd still play our style but flexible enough to be more direct if needed.

22 Jul 2016 21:37:34
I think Lallana will find it hard to beat Mane to a spot, pace being the issue.

22 Jul 2016 22:06:10
I think Lallana will be first option off the bench. He added a lot when coming off the bench last season for us.

22 Jul 2016 22:50:09
Pace won't be the only reason Mane gets more playing time than Lallana. Goals, Mane gets his share and Lallana doesn't.

23 Jul 2016 01:24:22
I know we have a lot of attacking midfielders but wijnaldum is a different player to all of them. Most are skillful. Intricate players or in the mould of ojo/ mane in that they are fast and powerful. Wijnaldum seems more of a late arriving midfielder that gets on the end of loose balls and bursts through the spaces that the strikers leave. He's also pretty good in the air ( I can remember very few of our midfielders scoring headers in the last couple of years) so he adds a dimension there. Reminds me a bit of a cross between Cahill and lampard. Let's just hope it works out for him! ( and us! )

23 Jul 2016 06:03:08
I think Sturridge would be the first person off the bench. No matter what you may think he is not a team player like Origi is, besides Origi can only get better.

22 Jul 2016 20:26:56
Welcome GW on a personal opinion I think this fella could provide the speed from the centre next to one of hendo or can behind the three of coutinho mane and firmino. What about anyone else?

He signed so support him it's that simple. Boo boys no need apply answer

Nice one.

22 Jul 2016 21:06:10
Wether he got relegated with Newcastle or not makes no difference to this transfer but I for one couldn't see why we were after him but let's not judge his past but just judge what he does in a red shirt. I felt the same about Mane and so far he's looked sharp and hungry in pre season. I for one am excited by who we've signed especially Grucic. The best transfer window in resent years I think.

22 Jul 2016 22:44:38
I always wanted Mane here. It was the price and his attitude issues at the Saints that concerned me but his qualities are exactly what we need. GW? I'm open to being proven wrong.

22 Jul 2016 19:40:25
A local football team are shaving their heads in aid of "brave the shave" for Macmillan cancer support.
If anyone would like to donate here is the link.

goo.gl/MO8egz

22 Jul 2016 19:08:32
Can people stop asking whether Moreno could be converted to a winger. Given his poor defending ability, I imagine he started out as a winger but failed to make the grade.

22 Jul 2016 18:36:28
Hi Ed's

With Steve Bruce leaving Hull City, you think Liverpool might try to sign Robertson?
And among all these Left backs linked who do you rate better,
Chilwell,
Amavi
Robertson?

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - possibly, Chilwell from what I have been told about him.}

22 Jul 2016 16:46:48
Ed's on the Telegraph website. How good they are I don't know?
There saying that we are looking at possibly signing Presnel Kimpembe of PSG. Anything in it?

22 Jul 2016 16:22:13
can I ask has anyone ever thought of moving moreno into the attacking 3 behind the striker like spurs did with bale?

22 Jul 2016 16:36:49
Moreno is that good offensively it's a complete myth that he is.

22 Jul 2016 16:37:01
Don't forgot even Brendan got Enrique scoring goals doing this.

22 Jul 2016 18:09:56
Moreno is one-footed so can't cut inside and shoot, he can't dribble/ beat a man except through pace, and while he can strike he ball he is clearly not a clinical finisher. I'd rather we played Ojo there.

Really don't get why people think he's brilliant going forward, must be because of he Tottenham goal, but how many others has he made or scored for us?

22 Jul 2016 17:48:31
it may work bt we have so many other players that can play on the left. coutinho, sadio, ojo, giorgio before moreno.

22 Jul 2016 17:54:46
He is completely one footed and his delivery and ability to go past a man is questuonable. Bale was doing wreck at left back before he went left mid/ wing and can.

22 Jul 2016 16:05:17
Evening reds and Eds,
Quick one is the Anderson Talisca persisted rumours got any weight behind it, personally if so I think couts is a goner Cheers YNWA.

{Ed002's Note - RTFP.}

22 Jul 2016 18:29:40
Rrrrrr go on ed002 tell him 😫.

22 Jul 2016 14:26:05
Glad to see Alex Manning sign as back up but does it make sense financially? With bogdan only being loaned out and not sold wouldn't they both be on similar wages? If that's the case wouldn't it been smarter to keep bogdan or look to sell him even on the cheap?

22 Jul 2016 14:42:09
I think Mignolet may be sold and the other keepers will be back up with the German keeper being number one.

22 Jul 2016 15:01:15
Klopp didn't trust Bogdan as No3 hence the loan and buying a new keeper.

22 Jul 2016 15:35:00
while alex manning is happy to be 3rd choice, i don't think bogdan is. the move was the best for his career, he is not 39 like alex.

22 Jul 2016 15:51:33
I also have a sad feeling that bogdan wages are higher than you would expect.

22 Jul 2016 17:44:38
I also imagine manniger has more to offer the other goalies than bogdan, I hope he can help bring them on.

22 Jul 2016 12:40:12
Hi Eds, do you see Grujic being given a chance in the first team? With the players we're signing it's hard to see how we're going to line up. Also is Wijnaldum seen as a wide player or central?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Done to death - use the search engine.}

22 Jul 2016 17:14:49
Grujic was promised first team football by klopp. That's ultimately why he signed . If he doesn't get the required amount of games he will lose his working permit I believe.

22 Jul 2016 11:39:00
Anyone know what the score with the rhyl freindly on Groupon? Says its on while the squad are in the usa. Is this a reserve freindly or something?

22 Jul 2016 12:19:31
Yeah it will be most of the U23 squad.

22 Jul 2016 13:39:13
Rhyls end will be full of blue noses I imagine.

22 Jul 2016 11:13:13
According to Kuyt we were following Gini since his youth days? and he has lungs of horse? hope he will be a good signing.

22 Jul 2016 16:24:45
And that's coming straight from the horses mouth!

22 Jul 2016 18:59:51
Rafa followed Wijnaldum when he was at Liverpool.

22 Jul 2016 09:57:27
A few thoughts on transfer window so far

1) We've lost Skrtel, Caulker, Toure. I'm happy with Matip and Klavan coming in for 3 departures, especially given injuries. One can debate Klavan but with injuries and Gomez untested in PL at CB I'm happy with this setup and hope Gomez plays at FB this season

2) Karius is a wonderful addition to the squad

3) Likewise Mane who adds pace and goals from wide, great addition and will challenge Llalana. I expect Markovic to leave as this is his role but he hasn't shone in pre-season

3) Widjnaldum if joins is in a similar mould, adding goals from midfield but I suspect he's being lined up for deeper, ie. left midfield in a 4-3-3 as a replacement for Allen. jury is out but no question he adds a more dangerous edge vs. Allen. I do think his addition makes it tough for Milner, perhaps he moves on if a suitable bid comes in

4) Grujic I think could be a wildcard and our equivalent to Delle Ali his season if all goes well. Early days but looking a shrewd addition and adds size and physicality to midfield which could be very useful

Overall I'm happy with this window so far provided we add a LB (Chilwell or Amavi still being linked) and move on a far amount of the peripheral players in the squad (Benteke, Wisdom, Markovic, Illori, Alberto, Balotelli, Allen etc. ) . I think (and hope) one of these is either Milner and Llalana to help balance the books and given we seem to have prioritised goals from midfield at some cost. I also hope we try leave space for Ojo to get some game time and continue his development.

22 Jul 2016 11:22:41
If we get wijnaldum then hopefully 🙏 spurs come in for Lallana, that would make me ecstatic especially if we can get most of our money back on " the quaffered one "! Crap player but fookin gorgeous hair, ooh pat ye mi##e teasin ba###rd ooh!

22 Jul 2016 11:22:41
If we get wijnaldum then hopefully 🙏 spurs come in for Lallana, that would make me ecstatic especially if we can get most of our money back on " the quaffered one "! Crap player but fookin gorgeous hair, ooh pat ye mi##e teasin ba###rd ooh!

22 Jul 2016 12:15:22
Lovely smooth skin too Waro and don't know who will do our Cryuff turns if we lose Lallana 😉.

22 Jul 2016 12:15:22
Lovely smooth skin too Waro and don't know who will do our Cryuff turns if we lose Lallana 😉.

22 Jul 2016 12:55:49
Or aimlessly run alongside a player make a powder puff attempt to win the ball and fall over Ron, hmmmmm it's a tricky one.

22 Jul 2016 13:29:52
Either Milner or Lallana or both have to be sold this offseason to balance the books and the squad. With Mane and Wijnaldum, I don`t see where they will get consistent games and we cannot afford players on stupid wages rotting on the bench. We shall se what happens.

22 Jul 2016 13:39:38
You two have missed Lallana's biggest skill: Lallana beats man, looks up, decides to take on man again, loses ball.

In seriousness he can be very effective at chance creation when he uses the ball quickly but he spends too long dithering.

22 Jul 2016 14:51:20
Waro sounds like Moreno has been training to take over from lalanna!

22 Jul 2016 15:32:39
Lallana quite simply slows down our attacks and is a hinderance going forward. However he does have an excellent touch and control so he does have marginally more to him than milner. I cannot see how both can stay though.

22 Jul 2016 09:37:24
Interesting to see Andre Gomes get huge money move to Barca.

We were linked with the boy a few seasons back under Rogers when he was at Benfica. I remember then the general feeing being he wasn't good enough - funny how things work out.

22 Jul 2016 11:04:56
He is going to Barcelona to sit on the bench. I still don't particularly rate him. Good with the ball at his feet in terms of touch and skill, but his passing his pretty poor. I don't think he has a very good striking technique myself, as not only is his passing poor, but his shots sometimes seem scuffed. Undoubtedly talented, but he was dropped by Portugal for Renato this summer because he was having no impact on the game, and Portugal's midfield weren't creating anything.

22 Jul 2016 13:32:38
Not good enuff and was poor with Portugal hence, got benched along with Moutinho, for Renato Sanches who is twice the player he is and much younger.

22 Jul 2016 08:41:11
Hi eds,

With the signature of Ragnar, it does seem we are very top heavy in the CB area, even though I presume the usual suspects will leave, but my question is has there been any interest in sahko or lovren, as if one of these are to go this would make more sense? I know there has been previous in sahko but not sure how recent this was .
Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

22 Jul 2016 08:58:06
I have read the posts and used the search engine but couldn't see anything on lovren or sahko, I will have a gone again just in case I missed it, ta.

22 Jul 2016 09:15:28
I'd say we have 5 centre backs - Lovren, Matip, Sakho, Klavan and Gomez.

I think we all expect Wisdom, Ilori and probably Lucas to leave too.

I think Sakho wanting to leave was more of Rodgers' terrible management and refusing to play him, hopefully that has passed now.

22 Jul 2016 09:33:50
Sakho recently took the number 3 shirt i'm saying he's staying.

22 Jul 2016 13:34:37
Sahko`s going nowhere.

22 Jul 2016 13:44:16
Gomez isn't coming back any time soon. Ilori, wisdom and Lucas are off.

22 Jul 2016 08:17:48
It's amazing how most of the 'fans' on here spend all their time watching other teams, I mean everyone must have watched every minute of every Newcastle game to know how bad Wijnaldum really is.

Give the lad a chance, it was only this time last year 'we' were all crying because Depay had signed for Utd - look how that worked out, bet you're all glad now. If he flops I'll hold my hands up and say 'whoops'. If he adds 10 goals to our tally from midfield then that'll probably those extra 3 wins we needed to get top 4 - these are very fine margins!

22 Jul 2016 09:06:30
I get annoyed by blind optimistic fans who do not see no wrong. Every season on this forum it's the same give the lad a chance, yet every year we under perform as does the player in a huge number of cases. The fans want what is best for the club and that is quality. Not players who perform well at relegated clubs. Yes he scored 11 goals, four was in one game against a very sub standard Norwich side. We all know what defines quality and the Dutch lad is not the definition of it, yet 25 mil is spent.

22 Jul 2016 09:55:09
why slag off players before they've even put the shirt on? some of ya need a reality check. I promise you 1000% that your opinion would be more positive if he was coming straight form the dutch league. it is only that newcastle got relegated, and a comment from ed001 that has swayed some people.

{Ed001's Note - he was not that good in Holland, which is why he ended up at Newcastle. I wish people would drop the player of the year crap, it is irrelevant, we all know it is not down to how good a player is winning these awards. I really hope the lad comes in and plays to his potential he had as a kid, but he has not made any progress in years.}

22 Jul 2016 09:55:10
Carlitoc- I get annoyed with pessimistic posters like yourself, in which there seems to be more by the day on this site of late! change the record. The biggest stick most posters seem to have found to beat GW with is that he scored 4 goals in one game but it was "only" against Norwich! Its pathetic! Give the lad a break, get behind him. Its negative "fans" like you the contribute most to these so called "flops" we have. It must be so hard to perform with people already writing you off before you have kicked a ball for the club.

johnnyr1970 - good post mate.

22 Jul 2016 10:00:31
I get annoyed by blind pessimist fans who judge a player before he's kicked a ball for us. Truth is noone knows how a player will turn out so how about giving him the benefit of the doubt, eh?

22 Jul 2016 10:06:35
Carlitoc

best post I've seen for a long time.

We need players to walk into our starting 11 to improve us, will wijnaldum do that. I don't think so.

22 Jul 2016 10:10:28
I have a different view carlitoc.
I get annoyed with people judging players before
a) they've settled in
b) they've kicked a ball for us
c) they've even signed for us.

When you've sat and heard the abuse that the likes of Lucas and Hendo received when they were settling in. Then contrast that with the praise they've received since and the model professionals they've been for the club despite the unnecessary abuse. You realise you have to be at least neutral with players until they've had a chance to settle. My personal view is being overly optimistic and supportive speeds up the settling in period, which is why I probably annoy the heck out of you.

Sorry

Ron xx.

22 Jul 2016 10:14:48
No blind optimism from me - I could see Benteke was never going to be a good fit for example because he was a long-ball type player - but I find it hard to believe anyone has really seen enough of this guy to be slating him.

Apologies to Ed001 but it would appear his opinion - which may or may not prove correct - has soured everyone elses.

Oh and how many goals did Suarez score against Norwich? Are we saying they aren't valid?

22 Jul 2016 11:07:18
Spent some time in Netherlands and watching Dutch league and his first club in particular. Disagree with Ed001 and thought he was actually quality then but that is my opinion and we are all entitled to them - no issue with your Ed of course. Some will be positive some negative. Thought last year he was a great signing for Newcastle, don't think he was awful by any means but think he was one in a dysfunctional squad that the manager (s) never managed to motivate as a group. I think his success here will be all about how he is managed within a TEAM (like all the players) and in that regard I have to trust in a manager with a personality that appears right for our club to build a TEAM again. But quality of this individual I think need not be questioned.

{Ed001's Note - I hope you are right, I remember as a kid he looked special, but he looked worse every time I saw him after that.}

22 Jul 2016 11:17:46
Ron

Yeah Henderson and lucas worked out, but let's face it our success in the transfer market for the last 10years has been rubbish.

22 Jul 2016 11:19:32
Exactly johnnyr. To add to that, if scoring against Norwich is to be argued, how about tons of other players who didn't score that much or didn't score at all againts Norwich?

22 Jul 2016 11:17:46
Ron

Yeah Henderson and lucas worked out, but let's face it our success in the transfer market for the last 10years has been rubbish.

22 Jul 2016 11:19:32
Exactly johnnyr. To add to that, if scoring against Norwich is to be argued, how about tons of other players who didn't score that much or didn't score at all againts Norwich?

22 Jul 2016 11:31:36
Me too! I just don't want to offer a "write him off" vibe without offering a supportive view. Like I say, whilst I have no greater qualification than most if not all of your posters, I have personally seen quality in this lad and therefore he deserves that support from the off from this loyal fan! And he clearly is rated by folk in the club, not least the manager, who are much more qualified than all of us.

22 Jul 2016 14:25:47
So all in the name of optimism, we should no longer voice our concerns over a player that is coming in? So much for making you opinions heard and freedom to speak your mind. Carlitoch and many like myself, have the right to voice our concerns about a player being signed for big money based on his most recent season in the PL (cos that is the most recent information we have as what he used to be in his youth is irrelevant) and many for now, do not agree with his signing as many think he`s not what we need, is a luxury signing as we are over populated at his position. In what way are these concerns invalid? These same concerns were leveled against Carroll, Downing, Balotelli, Benteke, Lallana, Milner, all of who many voiced their concerns over. What are their statuses now at LFC? Gone, on their way out, not wanted, may leave. Having known all that, I will apologize to no one for voicing my concerns about GW or any player for that matter. it is up to them to convince us and not for me to support them blindly. Of course, we will give him a chance to prove us wrong as I am open to that. What choice do we have? But to say voicing concerns over a player while we have the afore mentioned track record to go by, is ludicrous because as they say, "Those who have learnt nothing from history are doomed to repeat it". We shall see if we`ve learnt anything.

22 Jul 2016 15:34:41
The fine line between mere opinions v undue criticism and slating is what most of the true fans on this forum I believe take offence to. My bet is you are no more qualified than the rest of us or fit to clean the boots of the man making the decisions on the park. So just say: "I remain to be convinced" and leave it at that. Then hopefully you get convinced and take a rest.

22 Jul 2016 15:46:27
Moreover - in generalist in terms, none of the players you mention are in fact lacking levels of quality in some regard, be it attitude and commitment, technical ability, physical presence, etc etc and all have had some level of success in their careers to date to offer a potential employer who can make them work out, not as individuals but as part of a team, for that employer. So I would actually argue that it is not so definitive that the players (save perhaps one or 2) we have brought in not being up to it but our ability as a club to man manage and combine their attributes into a team (after all it is a team sport not an individual one) . Someone in an earlier post made a very solid statement about the Leicester City TEAM of last year and the individuals within it. Similar but opposing comparisons can be made of a not so far back Real Madrid team full of top quality individuals but no team. So the point is take a bit of trust in the ability of Klopp and his coaches, etc to generate TEAM from a relatively good set of players with a solid mix of capabilities. I think you will find that is what our successful managers of the past did.

22 Jul 2016 07:23:03
We bought Mane, who many didn't want, for a price most thought is way too high. We bought Grujic who most didn't know off. We now buying Wijnulden, who most don't want and think is over priced as well.
We just have to accept that we unfortunately have a cluesless manager who has a history of buying bad players. We have to accept that this manager may not be able to develop players into super stars. We may have to accept that this manager is just average.
Wait! I'm being sarcastic here.

22 Jul 2016 08:10:46
Exactly why players should be given a chance to prove themselves at LFC before criticising them Andy. Its players like Balotelli, and previously Aquilani and Babel who couldn't even give 75% on the pitch for Liverpool. Wijnaldum is being charged as guilty before having a chance. Apparantly, its based on his previous form (which includes being Dutch player of the year if people want to judge him on his past) but he should be given an opportunity to show what he's capable of first.

22 Jul 2016 10:07:22
If anybody has been reading here you may know this was a panic buy and not much scouting digging was done. It has happened on a whim of the manager. This was a player we developed interest in just last week and now we are 25 mill short. And also the effort of all who have been scouting zelinski for months is wasted. We have bought a doubly expensive player on a whim just because he is available. Ever wonder if he was good why on earth would Rafa of all people let him go when they are relegated and have nothing as backup. I would have been happier if our manager put his punt on atleast less expensive player. We go to a relegated club and buy their 5th best player! That's what is wrong about it. Klopp screwed up zelinski deal and now he trying an instant rectification if you like. This reeks and will never work. Pretty sure klopp doesn't even know what his natural position is or how his attitude isn't what klopp expects of his players. Balotelli mk2 as someone said is appropriate.

22 Jul 2016 11:13:07
ak: other than Ed's posts where have you read that?

22 Jul 2016 14:59:43
Ak`s post is partly true. We had no interest in this guy until a week ago. Even the Ed`s couldn`t back it up until about a few days ago and boom, the deal got done in a flash. This may not bother some but it bothers others like Ak and myself. The players we have signed bar Klavan or Manninger, have been scouted thoroughly and were no strangers to us, thanks to the Eds. Next thing you know, we stump up the cash and here he is. This is what concerns me as Ak said, it reeks of desperation and a whim-type signing, just like the Balotelli deal for the disaster we now know of. We shall see if he comes good as I am open to being proven wrong as i was with Ings but I`m not comfortable with this at all. Spurs stepped away from this guy and Rafa didn`t even try to stop him from leaving. That says it all, really. Klopp is on the hook for this one and if it works out, great. if it doesn`t he`ll be the one ending up with the horns.

22 Jul 2016 15:51:02
OMG do you really think this site is the font of all knowledge that goes on at LFC. Sorry Ed's you do a great job and I am not criticising you, but is Cincy so deluded to think that clubs can't keep anything behind a set of closed doors. My point is, other than what you have or have not read, like me, you don't have a clue what they are really scouting or up to.

22 Jul 2016 06:32:34
For Ed001 if you’re about.

How is Randal thought of within the club?
With the possibility that Flanagan and Wisdom will leave and with Clyne’s unhappiness, is Randal seen has having the ability to step into the first team fulltime this season and make the position his own?

I understand it may not be something you know off hand so thanks either way.

{Ed001's Note - he is well liked but he is not seen as the long term future at that position yet. He is only learning the role, so he is being given time before a final decision is made on him.}

22 Jul 2016 01:15:20
After the storm has calmed on wijnaldum, let's be realistic here.

Klopp would not pick a player if he felt their attitude was unsalvageable. He didn't get on with mkhitaryan. He practically froze out benteke. He refused to acknowledge balotelli.

Wijnaldum was relegated last year and yes was one of the main culprits and went missing. But like a poster below said, sometimes it just doesn't click for a player.

Furthermore we have just sold ibe and soon allen will follow, that money covers the wijnaldum transfer and opens up a spot for him in the squad, however i would like to see at least one of milner or lallana leave for there to be space in the squad.

I do think its silly money but klopp must have seen something and if it doesn't work out, it won't be the end of the world. We've survived having balotelli at the club, we're all still alive and breathing, i'm sure we can handle wijnaldum.

The point basically is that its not an ideal transfer but there is some reasoning behind it, not great reasoning but some. We just have to trust the man we all clamoured for to be manager in what he is doing. Ultimately it is a forward playing alternative to milner, lallana, allen or ibe - wijnaldum provides a goal threat that puts pressure on the first player and makes him a viable option to replace them. Did we ever really think of dropping any of the main first teamers for ibe or allen? No. So in some sense it does present an upgrade, we just have to trust klopp in what he is doing and support the lad. Come on, think of all the signings we've been pleased with so far, its not a crisis its one guy. let's all chill out and get behind the manager and his decisions, judge when we've seen them all play.

22 Jul 2016 03:01:48
I agree that Klopp wouldn't buy a player without knowing where to play him. My opinion is that Wijnaldum is an alternative to Zielinski, and if Zielinski was being looked at as a central midfield player to play in a 4-3-3, then Wijnaldum, who has similar style, but is better than Zielinski, will come in and play a central midfield role with an onus on joining the attack whenever possible.

22 Jul 2016 04:16:56
with you on this one anon.

22 Jul 2016 10:52:13
Personally I'm really happy we've signed Wijnaldum. I followed him quite a lot when he was younger at Feyenoord as he was a standout youngster to sign on Football Manager (I have always had a love of Dutch players since Euro 88, loved Van Basten and Gullit) and after watching him play a few times I wanted us to sign him.

A lot of people are confused thinking he's an out an out attacking midfielder who will be competing with Coutinho/ Mane/ Firmino/ Lallan for a place, yes he can play there but he mostly played a CM role for Feyenoord and PSV and it is his best position. He is a replacement for Allen and will add a bit of craft and a few goals for us from midfield, something we have been seriously lacking since Gerrard dropped deeper and couldn't hit the target from outside the box unless it was a free-kick. He is the only midfielder we have who knows the art of arriving late in the box to get on the end of things and he is not afraid to get stuck in and fight for the ball (contrary to how people think he performed in a Newcastle shirt) .

Instead of slagging off new players before they've even kicked a ball for us and saying they are not good enough and we should have signed X and Y instead, how about we 'support' them and encourage them to want to play for us and make us proud!

I honestly think some of our fans would complain if we signed Messi tomorrow!