Liverpool Banter Archive May 31 2017

31 May 2017 22:04:26
Just heard a couple reports that Mohamed Salah is close to finalising a deal to us. Thought I'd pass it on. Not too sure on this one haven't seen much of him bar his Chelsea days. Has great pace but has anyone else watched much of Roma this year? Have a good night guys.

01 Jun 2017 02:24:56
I don't know how credible these rumours are but Salah has been excellent since he left Chelsea and has been one of the best attacking players in Italy without a doubt.

01 Jun 2017 03:19:10
Good signing if it happens. Solid back up for Mane and can play on the left wing as well, so serving two purposes in all. And for those who think that Salah would simply be a 'shiny new signing' simply because we already have Mane need to get a grip. Chelsea have Pedro and Willian as squad players, Man Utd have Martial and Rashford, City have Sterling and Nolito etc. Remember how we struggled without Mane in the team?
There is no room for error next season. Beefing up the squad with valuable experience and quality is a must and Salah would be a good start, both as a first teamer and a squad player.

01 Jun 2017 08:29:59
he is technically great. My only concern with him is whether he is big enough to handle the premiership?
He is great in space if given though and would help unlock teams that defend deep and in numbers.

01 Jun 2017 09:21:01
@Gareth "He is great in space if given though and would help unlock teams that defend deep and in numbers. "

Isn't this a massive contradiction? Just saying?

01 Jun 2017 09:21:03
Salah has been very good in Italy, yes. So has suso, but there's no guarantee that he'd have been that good had he stayed.
Different league can make a different player.

01 Jun 2017 09:32:04
Cheers for the replies guys.

01 Jun 2017 12:19:59
no not a contradiction. When he is given space he is very creative, but like i said my worry is he won't get that space in premiership?

31 May 2017 19:14:10
All I want is three players. I'd be delighted with a top class midfielder and right back. Then a promising left back to challenge Milner.
I see no point in paying huge amounts for a centre back and winger that will be probably sitting on the bench.
That's just me. All I want is quaik.

31 May 2017 20:28:48
IF we sign a centre back he'll be first choice, Lovren is below average and Matip flatters to deceive.

31 May 2017 20:49:28
Quaik is not the answer Al.

31 May 2017 20:59:59
My word, so let's get rid of both of Matip and Lovren and have a new CB pairing for this coming season.

Liverpool are not in a position to make signings left right and centre. Even Klopp knows that.

Can anyone answer who is interested in signing Lovren when he has just signed a new contract likely with an increase in wages and will sit on the bench by signing a replacement for him?

We have Gomez, Klavan, Matip and Lovren. Add one £60m VVD to that at some ridiculous wage a week and Liverpool are sitting pretty. Pretty messed up if you had to ask me.

Ed002, in fact all of the eds, feel sorry for yous.

{Ed025's Note - we become immune after a while max.. :)

31 May 2017 21:18:27
Oh, and let me not forget Sakho who is now earning his full wages at Liverpool while spending his time training at Palace.

Ha ha, if Sakho does not go, I want to see Liverpool fitting in another CB.

I will take my hat off if a new CB arrives, especially VVD.

31 May 2017 21:25:15
My word Max. You are a condescending chap aren't you? Tell me, do you ever post without a reference to an Ed? No one likes an arse licker Max.

31 May 2017 21:32:05
Do you mean that you'd eat your hat Max?
Taking it off isn't such a big deal but I'd like to see you eat it :-)

{Ed025's Note - it would be ok if it was...a pork pie hat brommers.. :)

31 May 2017 21:42:52
*quality.

31 May 2017 22:19:22
Maybe he's talking about taking his hat off in a "full monty" way?

31 May 2017 22:35:29
I actually agree with Al's original post.
3 first team players is a maximum for me, anymore than 3 threatens to disrupt team spirit.

At the end of the day, what will be will be. We can't influence transfers, they happen when they happen, some clubs won't want to sell, some players won't want to come.
No point in getting het up about it, we already have the quality to beat any opponent, we just have to apply ourselves consistently for a full season.

01 Jun 2017 02:27:41
3 players is a good amount but that focus should certainly not be on a RB where we can do with Clyne for at least another season. A CB, LB, CM and a versatile forward should be the priority if Sturridge is sold.

31 May 2017 21:49:44
I love pork. Especially bacon and crackling. Nothing better. I will go to work with that hat on every day.

01 Jun 2017 06:04:23
Real Ag, we cannot do with Clyne for another season. If Mane gets injured, our right hand side will once again go back to be ineffective and easy to defend against. Clyne does not even make up for his attacking ineptitude with consistent solid defensive performances. Just an average run of the mill player who was brought by BR without thorough scouting. I hope the club follows up on the Periera interest as a combo of Mane and Periera on the right hand side will leave the opposition on that side gasping for breath.

01 Jun 2017 06:42:07
Max, we messed up when Klopp bought Klavan and offered Lovren a new contract with a huge salary to go with it.

31 May 2017 18:11:43
Seen a few people saying we won't be bringing in another striker now we have solanke (unless one of the others leave) . Having never seen him play before I have to ask what kind of striker he is? I read somewhere that he has a good turn of pace, strong, can hold the ball up well and is quite a good finisher similar to. oh I don't know. a young daniel sturridge?
Could he not be sturridges replacement hoping for a very similer but less injury prone player?

31 May 2017 18:34:27
If Sturridge stays I honestly do not see Solanke getting ahead of him at this point. We still also have Origi and Ings.

No point in hyping young players. Give the lad his space and let the coaches do their job. He probably will get chances. Still just a kid and he also needs to keep his head straight. You work for a place in order to earn it. Nothing is for free.

01 Jun 2017 02:24:26
He's got the right physicality, good movement and a good finisher. Decent in terms of passing and when on the ball but arguably his movement and finishing are his natural strengths.

Fantastic record at junior levels and performed decent enough when on loan at Vitesse, but he's still only 19 and hasn't been given the chances to prove himself at top table so remains to be seen how quickly he can adapt. From what I've seen he could be a surprise package if he gets enough playing time.

The way I see this transfer is we have Firmino and Sturridge as our preferred strikers, then Origi who's done OK but struggled at times and Ings who's got to prove his recovery. If we lose a couple to injury (far from unlikely given Sturridge) then we are extremely thin, but likewise with 4 strikers already we don't need a $50m player if Firmino be Strurridge manage to remain fit, so cover provided by a hungry young striker ready for the next step doesn't seem such a bad idea.

Welcome Dom and hope you get your chance and grab it with both hands!

31 May 2017 16:13:11
Ok people, let's get this straight. The transfer window has not opened yet so Salah's agent following Liverpool on twitter and posting a photo of a plain ticket to London, please get a grip.

Klopp said “I wish we can bring in the players tomorrow but of course that isn't really likely. The best scenario is always to have them in before pre-season. ”

Reports have suggest that we offered Clichy and Casillas. Both these rumours have been squashed and Liverpool are likely to be linked with many more 'on the verge of joining" rumours.

I can understand majority become frantic when the next player to be rumoured being on the verge of joining LFC but if you take Goal and Mirror rumours at heart then you are most likely to get frantic about nothing. Believing everything you read. only gets you one thing and that is delusion.

31 May 2017 14:41:54
Hi Eds,

Just wondering if there's any more new on the Quincy Promes front?

{Ed002's Note - What?}

31 May 2017 17:01:47
He dribbles a lot and likes to play from the back.

31 May 2017 19:49:08
He will need a bib then.

{Ed025's Note - love it mate..

31 May 2017 08:49:05
Eds I used the search function and didn't see anywhere that you actually dismissed the Salah rumours as a 'red' herring. We're not really interested in him are we? Surely his poor work ethic would be be antithesis of what Klopp looks for?
Thanks v much.

{Ed002's Note - You will have to point me where I said anything about fih.}

31 May 2017 13:19:36
Ed1. You mentioned on the page that there has been no standout left sided attackers in a post about how we shouldn't buy brandt because it would limit chances to our youth players.

My question is this, Im sure you once said Harry kane also didn't stand out in the youth sides or on loan at Leicester yet is now one of the best strikers in the league and dele alli was only playing league 1 football before he was scoring double figures in the prem from the get go. Do you not think there is a chance on of our youths could do the same as kane as in not really shine until they play in the big leagues.

Sorry for the long and rambling post, Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - yes they could come in and shine, we will only ever know for sure how good they are when they get a chance.}

31 May 2017 16:04:53
Why do all of our youth players only ever get written off, loaned out and sold without ever getting a chance in the first team? It seems giving young players a chance is one of the many objectives FSG claims to strive for, yet never does anything about.

31 May 2017 19:46:41
They don't get a chance as managers are reluctant to gamble their livelihood on them. As is highly evident with Liverpool "fans" (and other teams) all hell breaks loose when we have a bad result. This results in both manager and players getting extreme criticism. Even now players that haven't even signed for us yet are being hung, drawn and quartered. It's even worse in smaller clubs with emerging managers where as little as a handful of bad results could lead to them losing their job. Personally this is one of the core issues effecting English youth development and also British professional coaching. Only 8 teams out 20 had British managers in the premier league last year and that same trait is now creeping into the championship with only one of the three promoted being British.

31 May 2017 21:19:47
Well he gave a chance to a young keeper and as soon as he made a couple of mistakes fans and rent a managers alike jumped on his back and forced the manager to take him out the firing line. The fans are just as big an issue in this as the club and manager.

{Ed025's Note - the fans never forced klopp into anything IAC, it was the ineptitude of karius that forced him to act mate, but i do agree that the fans can be very fickle..

31 May 2017 11:52:48
hi Eds. i was wondering if any clubs have expressed an interest in Peplin Ljinders over the past few years? he is a highly rated coach and will inevitably go into management. i am just curious if any clubs have approached us or him about becoming their head coach or manager?

{Ed001's Note - yes we have been approached a few times regarding him. No head coach roles that I am aware of though yet.}

31 May 2017 15:28:34
cheers ed, from what i have read about him and the way he speaks about the game, he seems like he could have a bright future in coaching.

31 May 2017 15:58:48
Somebody I know was at a meal with him and a few other academy coaches on Friday and he said Ljinders was a really nice guy and absolutely hilarious. Apparently Ljinders said that after training Klopp is always sitting down at Melwood and smoking for two hours which I was really surprised at.
Ljinders though has a bright future for sure, he's rising through the ranks and I'm a sure he will take over as manager or whatever at a top division side one day.

31 May 2017 13:25:19
Hello Ed001 et al., I'm a Chelsea fan, but I've watched a lot of our youth team in the last few years (and I'm mates with a few of them still there, or that have been there) so I thought I'd give you something of a rundown of what to expect from Dominic Solanke.
I've spoken to the guy before briefly, but not much and I don't know how true the paper reports about the behind the scenes fallout with him and Chelsea are. What I can tell you about is his strengths and weaknesses as a player however, which I hope will be fairly useful.
If I was to rate him as a prospect overall, it'd probably be a 7/ 10. I think he'll be a very decent player, but at the same time I think he'll never be a top world class player. In our youth teams, his scoring record was always sensational, but he did benefit massively from two things. Firstly, he had arguably three of our best youth players supplying him in the Youth CL and Youth FA Cup, as well as U18 and U21 level in Jeremie Boga, Charly Musonda and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The former two created so many chances due to their technical skill being miles above most others in their age group, the latter because he was physically ahead of everyone else. This physical advantage is something Solanke shares, he is very powerful for his age, he's tall without being gangly and he uses his body well. However, he did struggle with asserting himself last season on loan at Vitesse when he was up against more experienced centre backs, who were liable to give him a good shove or kicking early on, and he didn't find space as easily as at youth level.
He's not especially fast, but he has a good turn of pace and his positioning is very good, he knows where to go to get goals. His best attribute in my view is his finishing, by far. He's comfortable on the right and left foot, and good in the air and at youth level has been very clinical. If you give him say three chances in a youth game, I'd wager he'd score at least one of them. He handles pressure well, being a nominated penalty taker for our youth sides and for England's youth outfits and technically his finishes are precise and powerful. Inside the eighteen-yard box, he is deadly. His incredible 2014/ 15 youth season saw him named our Academy POTY, when he scored something like thirty-four goals in thirty six appearances.
Now onto his weaknesses, which I think have held him back and ultimately led to Abraham overtaking him in development terms. Solanke is at times very lazy. By this, I mean he contributes very little to build-up play, struggles to hold up the ball and often his passes do go astray. This was again a main criticism during his Vitesse loan spell, he couldn't play as a sole striker which their system relied upon him doing. To his credit, he has tried to work on these skills, diversifying himself as a wide midfielder and inside forward this season, but he clearly needs a lot more time on it. His first touch is also very erratic, at times brilliant and other times he can't trap a beachball. Solanke also did at times give off the undesirable attitude of 'can't be bothered', and this has probably been his biggest downfall at Chelsea. He's clearly demanded stuff the club weren't willing to provide him and he did refuse a loan spell this season- something which Abraham snapped up gleefully. He isn't one of the hardest working players in training, and several youth team managers have been willing to let that slide because of his goal-scoring ratio, but I could hardly see Jurgen Klopp or Antonio Conte willing to make such compromises. His fitness has also been an issue, with some niggly ankle injuries, and less than desirable commitment to rehabilitation.
So why has Solanke not broken through yet? To an extent, I'll admit it's an issue at Chelsea and more youth prospects should come through, but that's a whole other essay. If you had asked me three seasons ago, I'd have said he'd be a first team rotation player by now. But alas, natural progression has seen Abraham (whom I think has a higher potential anyway) overtake him, but at the same time he seems to have decided he has outgrown youth football. Solanke is clearly very talented, but it'll be interesting to see if your manager can get him to put the ego to one side and start working for the team rather than himself. If I was to predict, I think he'll be a solid premier league fifteen-goals-a-season striker, but not a title-winning centre forward. I do think comparing him and Abraham will be very interesting (especially if the latter gets a PL loan next year) as it could be a case that Tammy turns out to be what Solanke could have been if he'd tried a bit harder.
Hope you've learnt something from this guys, any feedback or questions is appreciated and welcomed.

31 May 2017 13:35:12
Thanks for the info CFCForever
I can't see him realistically becoming a first team player with us. Just have a feeling he'll end being one of those youngster similiar to K. Stewart, Illori, Markovic etc.
I think it would of been best for him to go make his name with a Championship club or lower level Prem team.

31 May 2017 13:42:21
Thanks for the insight pal!

31 May 2017 13:50:13
That's epic mate, thanks a million. I do hope the change of scenery and Klopp's influence can get the lad training and working hard and we see him get a chance to bang a few in for us sooner rather than later. A natural good finisher is one of the things we actually need.

31 May 2017 14:51:50
Thanks for the feedback. Good signs he's got a decent scoring record at all levels. He's obviously got a lot of work to do as most do at 19. It's whether he'll get a chance to prove himself that makes it a little strange choice to sign him.

31 May 2017 18:06:53
Thanks for your insight mate.

31 May 2017 19:27:48
Cheers lad.

His success or failure will depend on what he's got between his ears. If he listens to people like Sterling listened to - he will fail. If he listens to the likes of Hendo and Lucas he will succeed.
He has potential, he needs to stay humble and work hard.

31 May 2017 21:49:23
Thanks for taking the time to post here CFC.
Can't see Klopp tolerating a lax work ethic, but I'd expect Solanke's aware of that and the things he'll need to do. Often a change of environment helps people re-evaluate themselves; he's young enough to learn.

31 May 2017 11:08:08
Hi eds great job as always. Just wondering if there is any news on how mane injury is progressing. Him coming back fully fit n no recurrence would be better news than any signing to me.

{Ed001's Note - nothing at the moment no. Sorry.}

31 May 2017 11:28:11
Thanks for the reply.

31 May 2017 10:56:11
I don't get it why jurgen keeps forgetting RBL emil Forsberg and he pushes hard for keita Forsberg was key attacking midfield for them and yes his nature poss is left.

31 May 2017 11:20:28
Because we don't need anyone in Forsbergs position. Firmino, Coutinho and Lallana all play a similar role for us.

31 May 2017 12:44:24
And Can and Wiji are both pretty comfortable there.

31 May 2017 09:16:51
Ed001, good morning mate.

Did you ever list the left backs we are looking at?

Plenty of names buzzing about ( Tymon, Robertson, Sessegnon, Mendy, but didn't no if there was any to add to? The last 2 mentioned seem to heading elsewhere also.

{Ed001's Note - I haven't had a chance mate, doubt I will get one now.}

31 May 2017 10:19:43
Ok mate no probs.

31 May 2017 08:58:17
thx for the quick answer ed, i was thinking about woodburn, wilson and ojo who could play there, although i see woodburn more centrally in the future.
i just want those youngesters given some game time with all this talk about squad depth.

{Ed001's Note - Woodburn is central, Ojo and Wilson can play on the right, but neither really has stood out for me.}

31 May 2017 11:04:55
Woodburn strikes me as someone who'll develop into a Llalana or Coutinho type player - can play wide but at his best sitting just behind the forwards in an attacking mid type role.

31 May 2017 13:34:20
Younes of Ajax? Young and gifted. I think he's 19!

31 May 2017 07:46:31
I don't understand the negativity on here in regards to possibly getting Clichy on a free.
If we cannot get Sessegnon or Mendy which right now are seemingly unlikely, I would be happy with Clichy on a free.
IMO he's better than Robinson and a lot of the other bang average LB that are being linked.
He also would bring a lot of experience and more importantly, winning experience.
I would rather Sessegnon or Mendy but if not attainable I say take CLichy on the free for 2 years.

31 May 2017 08:02:26
Completely agree on this. Clichy is an experienced LB who has won titles. At 31 he still has a few years left and could really offer us a decent option .
City can afford to go and spend £50m on an new LB, we simply cannot. I think Clichy offers a good option in the short term and could really help to develop a younger LB when they come in, shrewd business if you ask me.

31 May 2017 08:11:03
Nope! The point is, Clichy is no improvement whatsoever on Milner and would probably command a significant sign on fee and high wages. Money that could be spent far better elsewhere.

31 May 2017 08:33:45
I'm confused by this. Part of me thinks it's good to get in an experienced pro who was a good record of winning stuff but another part of me wonders if a 32yo (when season starts) is what we need in the LB position. I'm confused, I suppose if it keeps funds available for other positions.

31 May 2017 08:44:23
Doubt he will be on more than Milners reported wages.

31 May 2017 09:09:25
Chaps we have zero interest in clichy!

31 May 2017 10:52:36
Guys, considering what we have at fullback, i'd even take Sagna.

31 May 2017 06:59:25
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Hull City Season Review

31 May 2017 00:19:01
Is anyone in the Premier League looking at ..................

{Ed002's Note - You are on the wrong page.}

31 May 2017 00:14:48
Rumour that we've offered a two year deal to Gael Clichy? Anything in this? Surely we would only look at him if we have someone younger (i. e. Sessegnon) waiting to come in?