Liverpool Banter Archive June 27 2017

27 Jun 2017 23:13:10
Before we all bemoan the transfer targets LFC allegedly 'miss out on' this window, was it 2 years ago teeth were grinding because Southampton signed Ramirez over us. and he looked great on youtube. don't know his FIFA stats, but then I lost interest in computer games after sensible soccer, ask your parents.

27 Jun 2017 18:20:20
Bored at work! interesting read though!

14 Mar 2016
14 Mar 2016 19:59:14
Puzzled got that bang on. What we need is Xhaka or Nainngolan.
DGenerationX

13 Mar 2016
13 Mar 2016 08:14:58
We definitely need a top class CM. but very unlikely it would be Xhaka. I am skeptical on £23 mill coming in for Benteke.
Kova_Kova_Kovacic

19 Feb 2016
19 Feb 2016 11:19:56
Subotic is a possibility while Xhaka is the necessity.
Transition

18 Feb 2016
18 Feb 2016 08:27:48
Arsenal and UTD have looked at Xhaka in the past. He is a beast of a player. I wish we bought him 2 season ago when he was cheap and affordable.
Transition

29 Jan 2016
29 Jan 2016 19:33:32
Dbol

Xhaka is defenately an improvement on Can. In fact he is a fantastic player ( I don't think you have seen enough of him ) . We haven't replaced Alonso, Gerrard and Masch yet let alone Suarez.
Transition.

{Ed001's Note - hahahaha, I have never got this love in for Xhaka.}

27 Jun 2017 18:44:30
Question is will Naby Keita suffer a similar fate or he is the return of a certain player whose name rhymes with movacic?

27 Jun 2017 18:50:20
It's simple, ed, he scores a worldie once in a while so people overlook the rest of his game. Kind of reminds me of another Swiss player, Shaqiri.

27 Jun 2017 18:59:13
I don't know why people are so happy to insult me! It's pathetic.

{Ed001's Note - how is it insulting you to bring up what you said?}

27 Jun 2017 19:29:12
I think I described him as a walking red card, or words to that affect. Got loads of stick at the time 😂.

27 Jun 2017 19:43:59
having gone through the posts, I can confirm you did infact say that MK.

27 Jun 2017 20:25:11
Xhaka only looks the part. He is not a good player and wouldn't even make our bench as he is that poor. He is also a red card waiting to happen.

27 Jun 2017 21:09:13
I think its more a case of you contradicting yourself Harry. 😉.

27 Jun 2017 21:31:16
Don't take it personally Harry, we've all got it wrong on players, as do all managers and all scouts. It's not an exact science.
I admire your enthusiasm 👍.

27 Jun 2017 21:52:56
Brilliant post.

Harry lighten up mate. I enjoy your posts. but you do come out with some absolute pearlers, mainly from being so outrageously impulsive and OTT with your player assessments. You open yourself up to this on the reg.

Things like Keita is WAY better than Kante. you know, the guy whos played immensely for the last two seasons and just won player of the year etc.

If you played everything abit more poker people wouldn't have the dirt to throw at you. (but please don't because I enjoy reading your posts ;) )

27 Jun 2017 22:19:44
Agree with Ron here.
Being the guy who advocated for Balotelli's signing I probably know a thing or two about wrong opinions.

27 Jun 2017 22:28:19
Harry there was some dude on here called East Midlands Scouser in 2014 who predicted that Rodgers would get the best out of Balotelli and he would score 20+ goals a season at Liverpool. Thank god that dude stopped posting 🙄 don't take it personally mate 😉.

27 Jun 2017 23:26:44
Harry used to be EMS? Oh my.

28 Jun 2017 04:00:44
brusselsred - keep up fella "East Midlands Scouser" is now "MK Scouser".

28 Jun 2017 08:16:19
Xhaka looked decent at Gladbach though. I wouldn't say he is bad but he just didn't really hit the ground at arsenal last year.

28 Jun 2017 10:19:02
RedTed, you are indeed correct. I slipped on that one.

27 Jun 2017 17:17:12
Hi Eds

I don't mind the ox but I would prefer Gyfi Sigudsson. Assists/ freekicks and decent corners not to mention he chips in with the goals. 25 mill valuation I think he's a smart intelligent player. Been saying it all season I see he was tipped for Everton but that now looks mute.

27 Jun 2017 17:26:45
He struggled at spurs though. I think he has to be the number one man. No thanks.

27 Jun 2017 17:42:41
He bottled it at Spurs. He doesn't have the fire in his belly to fight and hold down a place in the first team. He's a good player technically, but he's not what's needed when the going gets tough.

27 Jun 2017 18:29:56
I don't want either thanks.

27 Jun 2017 20:26:13
I don't want either, either Hansen so no thanks.

28 Jun 2017 08:18:05
Where did you read the 25mio? last thing i read yesterday or the day before were around 40mio.

27 Jun 2017 12:52:34
Ed002, just wanna say I appreciate all the info you provide us. Whether it's good news or bad news, cheers! I have to accept a lot of the things you've said about Klopp as he seems to be messing up things that should be so straight forward. But on the promises he made to winning the title, I do remember him clearly stating in a press conference upon his arrival that he would win the league within 4 years. Maybe he said something different to the owners? But he publically said it would take him 4 years, so I don't think he has lied about that as it's only been 2 years. And if he thinks it would take 4 years, that would obviously include new players as there's 8 windows in that time. Just looking to clarify that part as on my watch he still has 2 years to complete that 'promise'
(Not an attack, more a clarification)

{Ed002's Note - Not what he told the owners to get the job.}

27 Jun 2017 21:19:31
Klopp knocking is so unbecoming of real fans. Grow up and enjoy the ride. The future is bright.

27 Jun 2017 21:48:56
Josek, where do I knock Klopp? I'm a big admirer of Klopp, I think he is capable of returning an element of the glory days back, I back him 100% and trust him with the team. My point was about clarification on him winning the title. I'm grown up, and I thoroughly enjoy the LFC ride, your response is a little confusing though as it just seems you want to be negative towards other fans. Maybe you need to grow up and realise, although Klopp is the right guy for the job (IMO), some of his dealings with transfers have been dodgey, and put the club in difficult situations. you need to be mature and recognise this. Doesn't change my opinion or optimism, the future is very bright, but silly remarks with no context like yours, just slow us down.

28 Jun 2017 08:25:12
Last year was his first full season he had with the team and you could clearly see the difference. I think you have to see the bigger picture. Winning titles is a good thing but to get there you have to improve the players and the football they are playing and the style has clearly changed up.

The only thing keeping us from beeing serious title contestants is that we allways mess up against the weaker sides. I know klopp from his days at Mainz and Dortmund and he needs a bit of time to get everybody on board.

27 Jun 2017 17:10:29
Well in that case ed002, he may have lied to the owners but he didn't lie to us

I think it was shankly that said football is about a trinity of the fans, players and manager - directors are there to sign the cheques.

{Ed002's Note - Feeble excuses for the continued celebration of failure.}

27 Jun 2017 17:31:23
Because you was there at the interview ed02.

{Ed002's Note - Truly pitiful.}

27 Jun 2017 17:36:33
When he said win a title, I don't believe he was specifically referring to the Premier League, I think he meant win a trophy in general within 4 years.

{Ed002's Note - Just what the owners want after spending all of that money.}

27 Jun 2017 17:40:00
He said in the opening presser when he signed he wid hope to win "a " title in 3 years as the deal was 3 years (excluding the one he was in as it was October time ) . Liverpool was not in the position to challenge and bar a cup final lost on pens and a Europa lge final he's done well . Matip wijnaldim mane all very good buys . And every day offensive player has increased their output . He's improved them . Top 4 in first full season was a good return . And soend wasn't big either . He's done a sound job . Cudnt imagine anyone else doing a better job with what we had . Henderson coutinho lallana matip mane al missed large parts along wit Sturridge .

{Ed002's Note - "Hoped" - even better.}

27 Jun 2017 17:41:29
I'd imagine he could have told them they were two d#$kheads and he still would have got the job. we were hardly going to attract anyone better.

{Ed002's Note - Yes they did, but he wanted to spend money.}

27 Jun 2017 21:54:23
Ed002, cheers for clearing that up! I do think it would be a little naive for owners to believe a manager saying that, before he has met the players and trained them, baring a few obvious squads in the world I'd say it's hard to truly judge a whole squad and it's capabilities before training with them. Enjoy your travelling, appreciate you putting up with us!

27 Jun 2017 21:54:37
Arguing with ed002 about Klopp in particular or Liverpool in general is like mudwrestling with a pig.
We've enjoyed the benefits of his knowledge, just accept that he sees things from a different perspective and not through red tinted glasses like most of us fans. So if you want your biases confirmed go elsewhere, but if you want an outsider's view, debate on.

28 Jun 2017 11:59:50
I think that if any manager were applying for the job they would do the same thing and be faced with the same problem. I doubt klopps position at Liverpool was any different than other managers at other clubs. If he had been honest and said "Well maybe we will win a title in 2 years but probably not because we're a bit shit" I imagine he would never have got the job.

27 Jun 2017 15:29:41
This should the line of the day

A player who couldn't displace The Swiss Robbie savage with the tackling ability of Paul scholes i. e. Granit Xhaka from the center of the park is not good enough according to me

Sorry Ox.

27 Jun 2017 15:45:29
Line of the minute.

Be funny if he plays on the wing wouldn't it.

27 Jun 2017 15:48:53
Why would an attacking midfielder/ winger displace a holding player?

Some people are actually surviving on less than a handful of brain cells and that is scary.

Think we should sell Arnold seeing as he couldn't displace Mignolet?

I think you'll find it was Coquelin who couldn't displace Xhaka. Deary me.

27 Jun 2017 16:01:43
MK

I am sorry mate but the news coming from his own mouth that he want to emulate the great Steven Gerrard and play centrally. Would you play him centrally? I wouldn't and hence I wouldn't want another failed winger!

27 Jun 2017 16:01:44
With logic an grammar like that, it has to be Harry.

27 Jun 2017 16:07:45
Is this harry's new name I've lost track?

27 Jun 2017 16:49:04
Alfie11, Ox is not good enough to take a starting spot on the wing ahead of either Mane or Salah. Klopp is looking at him for centre midfield, which he's proven time and again that he's completely inept at. Therefore it's an utterly baffling bit of recruitment.

27 Jun 2017 17:01:25
He's not better than Wij, Hendo, Can, Couts, and Lallana or even Grujic (I'd rather play him due to his obvious potential insted of Ox who has shown he is inept in CM) in midfield so again, where will he play cos he is definitely not playing ahead of Salah and Mane out wide?

27 Jun 2017 16:14:27
Gerrard played in an attacking midfield role or box to box except for the last few years of his career in which he only had one good season doing that. I for one would be a happy chappy if we signed the ox tail soup. I don't agree with this view that the lad is some mentally impaired troll who just stands spinning in circles when he is on the pitch trying to create some transformative portal, I think he is a good player able to improve and very versatile of course coming along with brilliant athletic ability to boot.

27 Jun 2017 16:15:49
Strange that one Harry, if he played centre midfield I reckon he would be the furthest forward of a 3, so using pace to attack from the middle. We did it with sterling a few years back and it was quite effective, and surely nobody is going to say sterling has a good technique? I'm not sure myself on this signing but in this position it could work?

27 Jun 2017 16:19:56
Harry (as this is is new username, IMO) is correct (I know. I can't believe it myself) . It is Ox himself who said that he sees himself as a CM so Harry's question to some degree is valid. Now whether he thinks he'll be good enuff there and if Klopp can make that happen? That is another question. Now is his post the line of the day? I will reserve my judgement on that.

27 Jun 2017 18:33:42
Ox is a totally different player to Xhaka so it like comparing Lovren with Clyne! Harry talking complete tripe once again. but there's nothing anybody on here can do to change the transfer if it happens or not. just sit back and enjoy the ride we will know soon enough if Ox is what we need pointless going on and on and on and on about it.

27 Jun 2017 18:47:17
None of you get it, do you? Klopp got tired of reading about the friggin' AFCON on these pages, and is going out and getting a substitute (Ox) for Mane and Salah when they're gone. Brilliant, isn't it? (please note the cynical sarcasm before you all do a rugby scrum on my head) .

27 Jun 2017 21:31:02
its not what the Ox wants, Klopp has the final say, THE Ox will play out wide in most of our B games, sorted .

27 Jun 2017 13:47:37
2 points about the Ox

1. The Arsenal fans I have asked rate him very highly and are desperate to keep him. They're quite gutted that I am even asking about him

2. He is ex Southampton. He'll feel right at home.

27 Jun 2017 16:50:16
They're welcome to him then.

27 Jun 2017 11:54:06
Hi, new to this forum and hope this is a new question. Keita is a major topic for the media in general so ignoring the cost could he do for us what Kante did for Leicester and Chelsea? And therefore is he worth it?

27 Jun 2017 12:01:43
He offers a lot more than Kante!

27 Jun 2017 12:06:36
I haven't a seen massive amounts of Bundesliga last season but from what I did see of RBL Naby Keita seems to me to more of a deep lying playmaker type player as supposed to the ball winning midfielder Kanye has become famous for.

He does however have a great energy when he plays similarly to Kante however I'd say his strong points are his range of passing and his vision above his tackling and ball winning, although this is still obviously a decent part of his game I don't think it is to the level of Kante.

27 Jun 2017 12:07:38
Yes and yes imo. Would love him and Werner but we know bayern get first refusal onbundesliga players so they'll probably end up there.

27 Jun 2017 12:16:30
I really don't understand this comparison.

I have watched as much footage of Keita as I could find and he is nothing like Kante from what I've seen. I think the comparison starts and ends with them being short midfielders of African heritage.

Kante is a ball winner, a destroyer, and a metronome.

Keita looks more like a Wijnaldum or Pogba in terms of style. He seems all about powerful running, goals, assists and getting involved in the attack, with a bit of defensive work on the side.

I am baffled by the comparison. Can anyone shed any light on it for me because video highlights of Keita aren't the best way to gauge what he is like as a player.

27 Jun 2017 12:22:01
You are right MK they are different players, one driven by setting up fast bursting attacks and the other focusing on breaking down the attacks of opponents from what matches I have watched.

27 Jun 2017 12:35:54
Based on what some in Germany are saying, NK is Kante with more attacking ability.

27 Jun 2017 14:07:48
He must be some player.
Kante is an engine,
He is just the player that we need.

With him in front of the back four it would probably cut our goals conceded in half.

27 Jun 2017 15:21:59
Id say Keita is a player who gets the ball deep in the midfield an plays smart passes to open up the game. His partnership with werner was essential for RBLs successlast Season.

As i do watch Bundesliga every Saturday i can say that Kante and Keita don't have that much in common besides beeing in the CM. Kante is like mk said "a ball winner, a destroyer, and a metronome" where Keita is more of a player that dictates the attacking play and tries to set up the forwards. Also i think Kantes defensive play relies on his body/ strenght where Keita is still behind.

27 Jun 2017 15:37:54
He is not a dm. He has a similar energy to Kante and build which allows him to dash back or press and nick the ball but really he is a forward moving midfielder. He is quick and dynamic going forward. He's v hard to get the ball off. When he receives the ball he looks for a forward pass or a quick burst forward. He also bursts forward after his passes which results in one twos or arriving in the box in time for a cut back. Dynamic would be the word to describe him. He also has an eye for a through ball. He'd be perfect for us imo playing in the wijnaldum role. He does what gini does only quicker and more effectively in terms of end product. However due to his constant bursts forward he could leave the midfield exposed. It's his energy and work rate that rescues him sometimes.

27 Jun 2017 17:12:17
Spot on, Redwills. NK is dynamic and in the Wiji role, he would be awesome. I saw some clips of NK playing for Guinea and my word, he is a machine. he gets the ball and his speed of thought and burst of pace through midfield and into the box is insane. The guy can run for days. He is also technically-gifted on the ball with great passing ability and has a shot on him as well. Like I said, he is Kante but with more attacking ability even tho, he does not lack pace.

27 Jun 2017 10:34:00
This stuff we are reading here that ox is not good enough is just emberassing. Player didn't even pull the shirt yet. I think we will all be very surprised what a player he is if we really do sign him! He is so versatile and can do a very good job on three positions. those comments about him being unable to pick intelligent pass are just untrue as i watched like 20 arsenal games and he was top 3 players on the pitch in every of those games. give the lad a chance!

27 Jun 2017 11:22:35
Well said mandzo . The amount of times I had to argue my case for mane from fans who said he was rubbish not good enough he plays for Southampton etc. He has most the attributes to be a really good player and still young with lots of experience for player of his age. a lot if my mates who are Arsenal fans are not happy he maybe leaving as he was very good the second half of the season (there words) Also give us option in a few positions which can only be a good thing with possible 4 competitions next season.

27 Jun 2017 11:25:30
His passing is so under rated. I saw him a few times last season and one of the best ways to tell how good a player is on the ball is to watch what his team mates do when they get it. Every time he got the ball Giroud, Sanchez, Walcott etc would instantly look to run in behind or attack the box. Ox, even if his passing lanes were blocked, had the weight of pass and vision to lift it over the top of the defence. He actually did this on various occasions and created a few goals with balls in behind.

His crossing as well has come on leaps and bounds. Just watch his cross to Monreal in the FA cup semi final against Man City for an example. It was an absolute peach that would've made Beckham or Gerrard proud!

I don't want to over praise the kid. His defensive awareness is very poor. You only have to see how much space opposition midfields have when he is playing as part of a holding two. The thing is though, we don't play with that tactic. We play with a high tempo press, which is why attacking midfielders/ wingers like Lallana, Coutinho and Gini have looked so comfortable in our midfield three. Judging Ox on his lack of positional awareness is fair enough, but you have to appreciate that Klopps system rarely exposes his midfield to that issue. We press as a pack so reading of the game in midfield is less crucial. Nobody seems to be considering this. How many thought Lallana or Gini would be a good midfield alongside Henderson (who also started his career as a right winger)? I'll bet nobody even saw it coming, let alone thought it could be so successful!

27 Jun 2017 11:32:34
When he's good he's good, his problem though is that he's not good often enough.

Klopp is good with getting consistency out of players, just look at lallana etc.

I think if we do get him he could be a really good player for us.

27 Jun 2017 12:59:16
This notion that we can't call a player not good enough before he signs is just ridiculous. How many players currently in league 2 are we looking to sign? -none.
Why? They are not good enough. It is possible for a player we are linked with to not be good enough to play for us.

27 Jun 2017 12:43:10
We are voicing opinions based on what we have seen of Ox in Arsenal and we are free to differ from others as that is the right of everyone here. The system we play does not allow for passengers and requires a high rate of positional intelligence to press and then get back into position when the press does not work which is where ox has shown that he is not good enough, among several other areas of his game. There's a reason why players like Allen, Ibe, Benteke, Marko, Moreno no longer/ will no longer play for us. They lack the tools both ability-wise and game intelligence to play our system.

Now does that mean that Klopp can't work with Ox to improve him? No. Does that mean the Ox can't be good for us? No. It just means that many of us have a diff. opinion from others regarding Ox BUT if Klopp wants him then so be it. Two things can be right at the same time as it is not an either/ or in many instances.

27 Jun 2017 15:54:42
Fair play Brussels that was actually a decent counter argument. I will still agree to disagree but it is nice to see you accepting that other people have different views.

27 Jun 2017 16:57:20
For the price we can get Ox for it is well worth looking to in my opinion. I work with a semI professional footballer and Arsenal fan who rates him highly and really wants him to stay. For all the positions he can cover he is well worth 20/ 25m in this crazy market. Is he a game changer or Marquee signing. no, but at that price he leaves a lot of money left in the kitty for other areas to be strengthened.

27 Jun 2017 17:02:40
The point I'd make is that he offers nothing in centre midfield other than a headless chicken. Whenever he's played for Arsenal or England in that position he chases shadows and looks clueless on the ball, that's without mentioning his lack of positional sense. He's a very bog standard Premier League winger who wants to be Steven Gerrard. Watch the games that he has actually played in centre midfield for Arsenal and England you'll see a player completely out of his depth, I'd rather he was out of his depth at Arsenal than here and I'd rather we bought someone who was brilliant in centre midfielder who improves our starting 11, than average winger who is barely adequate in centre midfield.

27 Jun 2017 17:19:43
MK, I may have come off that way but that was not my intention in any way. If you notice, I air my opinion based on facts and even said that in spite of this, if Klopp wants him, I will fall back and let him do his job. I just have a problem with people painting a rosey picture of a situation (in this case, a player) who has shown to not be able to hack it at his own club and making him look better than he actually is just cos Klopp rates him, or that they are a big fan of. That is my issue. I actually agree with your opinion and appraisal of VVD as I too think, he's not good enuff and supremely overrated even tho, he is supremely talented with ability to burn. That is my only point of contention. You are free to disagree mate as that is the beauty of honest debate, bro. Nuff Respect!

27 Jun 2017 09:11:49
Charlie Taylor on a free to Burnley once linked to us, never watched the guy take it he's not ready for top level any insight eds?

{Ed001's Note - he was not as good as he thought he was. We looked at him, as did most teams in the Prem, but none actually moved for him for a reason. He has an attitude which makes him a big risk. Burnley is probably the right choice, Dyche will brook no messing.}

27 Jun 2017 09:28:54
many thanks.

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

27 Jun 2017 08:40:51
Dear Ed002.

First time posting on this forum. Thank you for the good work. I wanted your opinion on our current squad. Do you think it was strong (good) enough to win the league?

{Ed002's Note - No it needs to be improved. Bad decisions were made over a number of key positions in recent windows.}

27 Jun 2017 08:57:36
By recent windows. do you mean in Klopp's time too? Don't think Klopp's signings have been that bad. Agree about signings under Brendan Rodgers. Too many mediocre players signed under his watch.

{Ed002's Note - Caulker, Klaven, Karius, and what happened with Ward were hardly great choices in my eyes - but hey if you are happy.}

27 Jun 2017 09:05:49
in my opinion we need 3-4 singnings (not saying we should go for them this summer) : decent LB, strong CB, another creative CAM (for the time Coutinho needs a break) and a solid GK.

The LB and CB Situation will be solved this summer, at least i hope so. The other CAM and GK aren't that important but i think would be helpfull with the GK more important imo. Mignolet and Karius are both solid but nothing compaired to lloris or Courtois.

We could also solve the CAM problem by buying a good Striker because Firmino played as a CAM for Hoffenheim and done a really good job there.

But those are just my thoughts with probally a lot of people disagreeing. :D.

27 Jun 2017 09:11:10
Hi ed002 100% agree with that answer.

27 Jun 2017 10:11:29
Rodgers did also bring in some of our best players. Both Rodgers and klopp and every other manager in the world buy players who succeed and some who fail.
Does everyone rate lloris? I'd say he is far from solid. Makes some right howlers coming out for balls he has no valance of getting. I'd put Mignolet on par if not ahead of him on Simons end of season form, and most of the season to be fair.

27 Jun 2017 10:39:14
Yeah I totally agree Ed and Mark.

Matip, Widj, Mane, and that Salah no pedigree what so ever. What is he thinking.?

I mean Karius and Klavan should have hit the ground running really. Every player needs 2 games to settle before a constant barrage of abuse.

In fact if we don't win 10 nil in our opening fixture I think I am done with this good for nothing, lying, cheating, under performing, good for nothing club.

But don't worry I'll still sing you'll never walk alone before every game and some times at the end before I start moaning.

Peace Brothers ✌️.

27 Jun 2017 10:59:12
lloris has a good back line in front of him that's the difference though.

27 Jun 2017 12:50:09
Nice one, Alfie. I agree JTaylor that a good backline will always help any GK regardless of his talent or lack thereof. Karius and Migs never had that until recently and that is where improvement is needed as Karius is a very talented GK, no question and Migs has upped his game as well. The backline is where we need to improve first and foremost.

27 Jun 2017 12:42:33
Alfie, Ed002 was referring to the reasons for transfers as well as the players.

Caulker - we did not need a CB, he was rarely if ever used as a CB and therefore was a waste of wages and/ or any bonus he got for joining on loan. The only saving grace is that he was a loan not a purchase so less of a waste of money than otherwise.

Karius - was bought to be No 1 and then dropped after a couple of poor performances which are only to be expected from a young player in a new league. With hindsight, it may have been better to keep Ward and give him a go in rotation with Migs, and therefore save the transfer fee. Karius may yet come good, but its looking increasingly like Ward OR Karius, not both. GK is one of the positions that you really don't need much competition for, as GKs tend to work better with confidence in them rather than constant chopping and changing. Of our 3 most successful GKs in recent history, their understudies a) got no more than a handful of games in their entire Liverpool careers and b) were not world class GKs themselves (thinking of Clemence era, Grobbelaar and Reina) .

Klavan, hasn't exactly inspired confidence, although been a solid 6/ 10 in most games. Has ended up being used more than I expected, so not as unnecessary a signing as first thought and one that, on balance, I would disagree with Ed002 and say he has been an OK piece of business. However, may be been better to use Ilori or Wisdom to finally decide on them rather than loaning them out.

As I said, of the 3 pieces of business mentioned by Ed002, I agree Caulker was a waste of money; Karius/ Ward could go either way as I still see Karius as a shrewd acquisition, but I see that it would have been better to either give Ward a run, commit to Migs or buy a proven No 1; Klavan in hindsight has been OK in my view as we've ended up needing that extra CB due to injuries, but we'll never know if Wisdom or Ilori could have been equally effective and saved the fee.

So, what Ed002 is saying is not "these players were rubbish so chastise Klopp" but "these players were not needed, so save the money to put towards the targets that were", for example coughing up the extra for Chilwell by saving on Klavan, or going back a bit further, pay the extra £500k for Ali.

Its got nothing to do with writing off a player before he has signed, or not supporting them on the pitch, its all about best utilising our valuable cash.

27 Jun 2017 15:35:39
Zeddicus: i fully agree with you. Karius was also dropped because of all the media attention he got. Every week he got shat on in the media and if you have that presure on you, espacially if you came from a small club like Mainz to the PL. If he gets enough confidence he is a very solid keeper as he as proven to be in Mainz.

Klavan is a funny one. He never really struck me as a stong defender for Augsburg. To be honest the only times i noticed he were when he scored goals and i rarely miss a weekend of Bundesliga football. Also Klavan didn't believe that Liverpool was actually interested in him. Klopp had to sent him a picture/ facetime him that he believed it. He thought Klopp calling was a prank. :D

And to round it up i think Caulker was a solid striker.

27 Jun 2017 09:50:27
Would last summer not be seen as a successful window? some smashing players brought in at decent prices. Also. if the club can bring in the players we seem to want, it'll be the best summer window i can remember at Liverpool.

{Ed002's Note - What did it bring in terms of success?}

27 Jun 2017 11:52:31
Ed Caulker cost us nothing and at least Klopp learned not to listen to certain people. Klavan's not bad backup for a fiver and it's too early to judge Karius imo.

I think the fact that last summer 32 players were sold, released or loaned out must emphasize what a huge renovation job had to be done after the Blunderbuss Brodgers years.

{Ed002's Note - Caulker did not cost nothing. How many of the 32 players were first team players. Why is the club going nowhere after all of this money has been spent. Ah, transition.}

27 Jun 2017 08:10:35
Ed01 if you are about could I just ask your opinion on why teams such as ourselves this summer and in other summers don't spend the money addressing the area of the team that needs improvement more than the other areas?

By this, it is quite clear that our biggest concern is defence. Most notably a left back and centre back. I like that Klopp has added a little more pace upfront as Mane provided another dimension when he played running in behind etc.

I just cannot see why we haven't put all our energy into getting a decent LB in and also a centre back. You would think there has to be some degree of adjusting if a player you fancy becomes available. I just don't see why time and money is being spent on the OX or even Keita as we have good cover in these areas!

I have no dislike for signing these players if they provide improvement within the squad for next season. I just have a feeling that come the new season we will have signed midfielders and striker and done nothing to strengthen our weakest link the defence.

Do you in your opinion and experience know why this happens?

Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - usually it is because of the difficulty in getting players in for the positions that are priority. Left back has been a priority for a while but we have just not been able to bring in one.}

27 Jun 2017 12:55:36
Ed01, I know there are no great LB's or RB's out there but surely there must be one LB and RB out there that can work for us in some way, right?

{Ed001's Note - I would hope so.}

27 Jun 2017 06:37:01
With these Mbappe rumours seemingly everywhere, could it be a return to the old favourite, the smokescreen? It's been a while, but I love a good smokescreen.

Could it be covering our pursuit of another Monacco player? Or someone else's pursuit of Mbappe? Either way-welcome back to the smokescreen. I hope we see you again soon.

27 Jun 2017 07:03:40
we have moved from smokescreens to tapping up and releasing news to the press, keep up man. haha.

27 Jun 2017 05:41:44
Just read that major news are about to break in the next couple of days. Liverpool won't be sanctioned in any way by th FA, for the aproach for Van Dijk. Source: The Telegraph.

26 Jun 2017 21:37:22
Hi Ed001 thanks for the ongoing work and information. To be honest for next year I care only about minimum finishing top four and qualifying for the later rounds of the Champions League. Anything less and Coutinho will leave 100% and we are back to square one.

We want to be really having a proper go to win the league, I don't see how buying players from Chelsea that they don't want instead of Keita and VVD will move us forward. let's for once have a right go and I think VVD and Keita make us a real contenders.

{Ed001's Note - seriously? It doesn't matter where a player comes from or whether they are wanted there or not. You buy players that fit your team and that improve it, which a player like Christensen would do far more to do than VVD.}