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04 Jun 2015 22:55:52
I think, if we can get in konopyanka, a rb, a decent scorer with records and a gk.we are good to go. Looking at how we can attract players from top clubs, is time for the transfer committee to think and look at other leagues. The earlier, the better.
04 Jun 2015 22:48:54
Whilst I think Milner is still a reasonable Prem player with a lit to offer as a squad player but not guarenteed starting 11, I fail to see why we need yet another midfielder. His presence - and the fact he came for us for guarenteed playing time, means that someone else is going to have to play less. We already have far to many players and we should be bustng a gut to actually move players on before we commit to bringing in more or others will get disenchanted because of lack of playing time and/or opportunity. And I dread to think what his weekly wage is.
05 Jun 2015 00:48:01
I think what most of the disagrees are trying to say is that if you think Milner is a squad player and not one of the first names on the team sheet, then what have you been watching lately? Fifa 15?
05 Jun 2015 00:55:58
I do agree with you to an extent, but it just points to the exit of Lucas which is quite frustrating given he is the only player we have of his type. Can is a defensive midfielder but not of the same type.
Milner has been able to play all across the pitch, I think it is a good deal, I find it a bit confusing that we might also go for Kovacic (apparently) if we did go for Kovacic that would mean (without departures) Can, Lucas, Milner, Coutinho, Kovacic, Lallana, Allen and even Markovic, Ibe and Sterling can play higher up the pitch through the middle.
That is a lot of central players, it also makes it seem like Teixeria, Rossiter etc. will never get their chance.
05 Jun 2015 01:04:10
Gerrard out, Milner in. 1 - 1 = 0. It's simple really.
05 Jun 2015 01:06:54
He is obsessed with them. We played a 4-7-0 formation against Stoke for the result that we all know of. He even converted a wide midfielder to play forward in spite of signing THREE strikers and now he wants two more in Milner and Kovacic. We have glaring areas that need attention yet he keeps stockpiling mids like North Korea stockpiles nukes. This guy will NEVER learn. Carry on, BR and we will be in trouble again and your acolytes will always be there to support you, BLINDLY.
05 Jun 2015 01:38:34
Being as Brendan's prefered formation is 4-3-3, then if Milner is regular starter and Henerson is a regular starter that leaves one place to be fought over by an army of midfielders a lot of who will go if they don't get playing time. Even if he switches to 4-2-3-1 as some suggest, we will still have the same dilemma although marginly smaller.
05 Jun 2015 02:07:31
First name on the teamsheet for who, Burkeyboy? How do you fit Lucas, Henderson, Milner, Coutinho, and Lallana into a side? At least one of them has to sit out, perhaps two, plus you've got Can, Allen, Teixeira, and Branngan to squeeze in as well as Rossiter and probably another kid or two. Basically I can't see Can or Allen hardly ever playing and Teixeira might as well put in a transfer request.
05 Jun 2015 08:25:22
Who cares what his wage is?
It won't be as much as what Gerrard was on so the wage bill will have gone down over the last few weeks.
04 Jun 2015 22:47:44
We should be developing our midfield around a deep lying centre mid, as Mascherano was, whether Lucas or Can fulfills that role remains to be seen, but Brenda certainly doesn't see the platform of a mean defence being as important to winning games as a pacy attack - if he did, we would have addressed it the season we finished second, conceeding 50 goals. This is why so many people have lost faith with him. The defence has been screaming out to be as mean as we were during Rafas time, but Brenda just doesn't seem to get it??
04 Jun 2015 21:42:17
ed are we looking to sale Allen or Lucas???
{Ed002's Note - Not as far as I am aware.}
04 Jun 2015 22:12:15
I'm happy with the Milner deal; I hope he is used mostly in a CM role.
It will be interesting if Lucas stays; if he does then four CM's in Henderson and Milner either side of Lucas or Can does look good.
Personally i would still buy a new No1 Goalkeeper.
If he was attainable I'd get Garbutt on a free from Everton.
I personally think Sterling will go; especially with Rodgers staying; hopwever with Lallana, Coutinho, Ibe, Markovic, Ojo, Texeria we have enough wide and AM's on the books.
I think Enrique as well as Coates will go as well.
After reading some of the comments it would appear Borini is on his way out and Balotelli is unlikely to find a buyer at the price we are asking; I think I saw a post saying Lambert would be staying. If we have Sturridge, Balotelli, Origi, Lambert, Sinclair and maybe Ings then that does look a little overloaded to me.
I personally think Sterling will go; especially with Rodgers staying; hopwever with Lallana, Coutinho, Ibe, Markovic, Ojo, Texeria we have enough wide and AM's on the books.
Hopefully the money we get from Sterling will cover the transfer fee's, signing on fee's etc. for the above players (of course I would love a couple more world class players but I think we blew that when we spent the money last year).
04 Jun 2015 22:51:23
Milner who is good not great, Henderson who is good not great, Lucas who is good not great and Can who is good not quite great. Hmm can't see many folks swooning over that midfield. Hardly Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano is it? More midtable mediocrity.
04 Jun 2015 23:53:06
I would prefer Lucas to Mascherano any day
05 Jun 2015 00:03:49
Alonso from Real Sociedad, a good not great player.
Mascherano from West Ham, a good not great player.
They elevated their status in the game whilst with us and earnt their 'galactico' moves. We can't feasibly bring in whatever many class as 'great', at least not currently. So we go the echoelon below and hope we come across more Alonso types, who flourish and become world beaters.
imagine if we were trying to bring in the then Real Sociedad, Xabi Alonso now. Many would be in meltdown!
05 Jun 2015 01:03:38
My god, Big E, a man with sense and perspective! I applaud you sir.
05 Jun 2015 07:15:15
Well said Big E.
Most of the signings we have are knocked before, during and after they play for us.
When Milner signed for Man City if the teams had the money then most would have attempted to sign him; wasn't it us that bought Villa's second best player the season after for £20m (Downing).
It's no shame playing second fiddle to Silva and Toure.
Also the attacking midfielders we have can play centrally so in my opinion we have a strong midfield.
04 Jun 2015 21:53:45
I'd say we are likely to see Skrtle leave this summer, and due t this I'm hoping Ilori at least gets a chance to stake a place in the first team.
To have a youngster who is blessed with so much pace and potential to never have played a game for us in two seasons is baffling.
I think him and Sahko could for a great partnership at the back.
We won't receive much in a fee for Skrtle but we wouldn't for Ilori either. However Ilori is a lot younger and is on a much lower wage than Skrtle is.
05 Jun 2015 01:04:53
Id normally go ballistic over the mistreatment/messing around of players but the club are seriously doing us a favour by offering skrtel a terrible deal.
05 Jun 2015 01:09:58
BR won't let that happen if he could do something about it which he can't. Like his other love child Allen, he is fond of Skrtel and nobody else but he can explain it but him.
04 Jun 2015 21:10:38
I read the following stat:
"In 2013-14 Liverpool scored 101 Premier League goals with 50 coming from their two strikers. This year that number dropped to 52 with a paltry eight coming from Sturridge, Lambert, Balotelli and Borini combined."
8/4 forwards. Compared to 50/2. So obviously we need to buy a proper striker. The rest of the team chipped in with 44, which, if replicated by the forwards, would (probably) have been enough to get us into the top 4.
Milner will improve us defensively, as I think he can do the job going forward and still getting back to defend, and I think the flow of the ball through the middle of the park will be marginally better as well. Keeping the majority of our players is important, but personally, I would snap City's fingers off for a worthwhile Sterling bid and invest in the striker I want--I mean, Rodgers wants.
Bringing in Ings and moving Borini is good business. Keep Lambert, do your best to sell Balotelli, use Origi often and save the rest of your money for a star.
04 Jun 2015 22:49:47
Our 4 strikers may well have only got 8 goals between them, but what makes it even worse is Everton's back four actually scored more than that.
05 Jun 2015 09:15:32
So Amerigo you want to have Sturridge + Ings + Origi + Lambert + A New Top Forward
And you want Origi to play often out of the 5 of these? Plus you mention do our best to sell Balotelli, so you know there is a chance we may not sell him. That would be 6 strikers. We had 3 this season and Sterling played more up top than any of them.
Going for Ings is just going to clog up the squad numbers and prevent us going for a top forward.
05 Jun 2015 12:31:00
Lambert was only on a two year contract correct? Let him go on a free after next season, unless you genuinely have a way of getting most of that money back in the short term. Balotelli is the main concern, as he'll have to be moved on.
Yes, play Origi. There are cups and the Euro league if you'd prefer Sturridge or Ings in the league. Also, note that I said we should save our money for the big guy. That's not Benteke either, I mean someone who is going to obviously improve our squad. We've got plenty of options all over the park.
It may take until next summer to find that player.
05 Jun 2015 14:10:21
Ok Amerigo I didn't think you were talking about summer 2016 transfers, seems a bit odd but anyway.
04 Jun 2015 20:10:16
Have you heard as in last 24-48 hrs if we are going to offer Konplyanka a deal with us?
Haven't heard he's signed for Stoke yet.
{Ed002's Note - That would be about £300M spent today and another £5M a week in wages by Liverpool. Have you searched on Konoplyanka?}
04 Jun 2015 21:08:15
Yeah just searched twice under his name no nothing confirming he has either signed for Stoke or that we've made an offer.
300 million spent ?? Just one player and a free
04 Jun 2015 21:31:53
More money down the drain !
04 Jun 2015 22:49:42
All reports of Stoke also mention £100k a week wage demands, plus a signing on few. Added milner with a signing in fee and £150k a week adds a lot to wage bill ( also couts and hendo getting new contracts).
Didn't actually just sink in, rate milner and think he improves the squad but surely this makes him on off if not the highest paid player on a similar wage to what saurez was on.unsure about that.
04 Jun 2015 23:36:09
We will wait till he has one good season with stoke and then give them 30million for him. That's the liverpool way.
05 Jun 2015 01:27:52
Thought milner agreed a cheeper deal around 90k with guarentee of football
05 Jun 2015 05:13:54
When Milnet signs, he will be LFCs highest earner.
05 Jun 2015 12:34:25
How many titles has the rest of the squad won? (Johnson and Toure aside) Get behind him and stop worrying about his wages. He's a classy, hard-working player who can be a leader for us now that one of our greatest ever players (two, if you'll let me count Suarez!) has moved on.
04 Jun 2015 18:00:05
Hi Eds,
Any interest (from any prem league team) in Marcel Sabitzer from Austria. On loan at Salzberg. I travel with business to Austria and try to see as much footie as I can. Seems up and coming player and highly regarded over there. My colleagues over there say all the big German clubs are following his development . I know the standards are different but this young guy really stands out.
Thank Eds.
{Ed002's Note - This would be a great question for the European page.}
04 Jun 2015 17:40:03
Eds i don't get how a season review can be done in less than 2 hours? What was the point in Werner coming over for a holiday/board meeting yet not turn up to any game all year? Reading between the lines i believe Klopp was spoken to and he out right refused to work with a committee and distanced himself completely by saying he is taking a break even though eds said he was getting his friends in the media to get FSG's attention? Surely if we didn't even acknowledged him because Rodgers uses big ridiculous words i.e. character & is good mates with Gordon (am sure SPARKY will know why!) its just getting silly now any insight into what actually got said in the meeting? I think the pressure will be unbearable by xmas and Rodgers will be found out.
Thanks in advance for the reply!
{Ed002's Note - All aspects of the club have been under scrutiny all season which has led to the many, many changes that have been made.
Liverpool did not make any illegal approach to Klopp and there are no lines to read between. I am not sure what Ed has suggested he has been clamouring for the Liverpool job but it is incorrect. I think you are maybe looking for a conspiracy, and I am afraid there isn't one. There are no secret messages. The Klipperty Klopp Kleenex I had made up will now need to be used by the Liverpool fans for tears.
Sparky will in 10 days time be accompanying me on mankind's last great adventure. When we return I am expecting him to be more vocal as we get near the transfer window opening. He has, today, again had his paws fluffed and is unable to type.}
04 Jun 2015 19:27:54
I have just seen Brendan's interview about his formation next year and why he signed Milner.
He's going to play a 4-2-3-2 formation.
He thinks we will have enough legs to out work the opposition and we should always have a player in space to create a chance.
Genius!!
04 Jun 2015 19:44:27
nice formation but you have one extra player there.
04 Jun 2015 20:33:45
Nice guy Rodgers giving the opposition an early chance to prepare. :D
04 Jun 2015 21:03:22
Genius. If we can regularly get 12 men on the pitch we could yet sneak into the top 6 next season
04 Jun 2015 22:21:55
Like the 12 man approach, outstanding new tactics and yes should always leave someone in space. Looking forward to terrific next season now I know we're in safe special hands. Okay.
05 Jun 2015 00:16:40
I think he is just testing boundaries with the new philosophy. Why have a goalkeeper when we play possession based football. Just retain possession, press hard.
Personally think Milner is a good addition to the team, I just don't know where he will play. Unless this means keeping Can at rb, which is just a crime against football.
04 Jun 2015 19:22:23
Im going to state now and want anyone to pull me up on this end of the season either way. James Milner will be a fantastic addition to our team and squad as a whole.
He is the ultimate professional and can lead the way by attitude, application and displays. I personally feel he will be a star signing. We have lost a lot of leaders the past few seasons and needed someone to step up and lead. I know Hendo is supposed to be that man but I feel Milner will play before and lead better. It's my opinion and not a fact. You are all entitled to your own.
I do believe though the man will have all of us singing his praises come Xmas. Top top signing
04 Jun 2015 19:34:50
Benching Henderson for Milner. I could actually see that happening and it's the worst idea ever.
04 Jun 2015 20:26:01
You wouldn't put it past Rodgers.
Milner and Hendo should be played together as the left and right side of either a midfield 3 or a midfield diamond.
I'd prefer a Diamond as it allows Coutinho to play centrally. Although a 3 would allow Ibe to play out wide, albeit it pushing Coutinho slightly out of position. Honestly haven't been this pleased with a signing since we got Suarez though. Milner is right up there with Lucas as one of the most under rated players of the last 5 years.
I can't believe he even wanted to play for us with the state we're in. People should learn to be grateful when a top player comes to us though. I highly doubt many more players will leave Champions League clubs to come here and play right wing back for Rodgers ;)
04 Jun 2015 20:48:46
I like Milner, EMS. As you say, he's a good player.
That said, I personally don't get it. We seem to have a habit of signing good players that we don't really need(Markovic, Lallana, et al) rather than spending perhaps a touch more and filling in the gaping holes instead. The most pressing need is clearly for goal scorers, a backup and/or replacement for Lucas, a backup and/or replacement for Mignolet, and this time perhaps a RB. Ironically, these are pretty well the same holes we had last summer which were never filled (with it being a RB this time, instead of a LB).
04 Jun 2015 21:04:23
Surely a 4-1-2-2-1 would suit us if Studge is ever fit?
04 Jun 2015 21:20:45
lucas isn't under rated he is what he is,milner isn't under rated he is what he is,bread and butter players although lucas is more margarine than butter,as far as other teams interested,arsenal where reportedly interested,but i'm sure milner would have played second fiddle to coqelin with maybe both being used playing certain games where a draw would be acceptable,europe ect.over 100k a week for a good squad player!. i'm not to sure many top teams would have been genuinely interested at that money
04 Jun 2015 21:27:23
That's fair enough RDL.
Tbh I didn't see it is a priority position but when the opportunity arises to sign a top player, in our position you have to take it.
Also we kind of have to just trust that Rodgers knows what he's doing and what he wants. Judging by all the central midfielders we're stockpiling I'm assuming he wants to go with either a 3 man midfield or a diamond. In which case, with Gerrard and potentially Lucas leaving we are light a couple of players.
04 Jun 2015 21:33:48
Football is a squad game these days guys. i'm pretty sure over the period of a season that there will be plenty of matches to go around.
04 Jun 2015 21:49:01
Word he isn't even a similar player to Coquelin.
Arsenal, City, United and Bayern were all rumoured to be interested in him.
04 Jun 2015 21:51:41
what i can see though,is a few top teams being interested in martin skrtyl
04 Jun 2015 21:52:17
Sort of an issue for me, EMS. I don't trust Rodgers and I have no idea what he is doing. So far by my count we've played 3 at the back, 4 at the back, and once even 4 CBs at the back, wingbacks, fullbacks, 2 holding mids, 1 holding mid, no holding mids and instead a DLP, wingers, wide forwards, 1 striker, 2 strikers, and even no strikers at all.
I simply have no idea what BR wants to actually do and I'm seriously beginning to think our scouts and such don't know either thus us just buying reasonably good random players rather than players we actually need.
04 Jun 2015 22:25:40
Well two things, word up. First, Lucas is more sunflower spread. Secondly, Man City would have both kept him and paid £165k pw.
05 Jun 2015 01:02:40
I can see it now. Milner RWB in that awful 352 formation.
05 Jun 2015 05:33:37
352?
I thought it was 550.
04 Jun 2015 19:21:58
Tried the search engine eds, no luck.
After the meeting are u aware of any plans discussed to help shore up our leeky defence, such as some sort of defensive coach??
Surely our defence was one of the main talking points.
Thanks
{Ed001's Note - none that I am aware of.}
04 Jun 2015 17:40:24
Well that's one world class player in, Ings to follow and we are set to assault the premier league. Totally underwhelmed by the leadership of this club tbh. Serious question, what are all of your expectations for next season readers and eds?
04 Jun 2015 19:14:04
Top four minimum, Milner is just the start of the summer, so let's start getting behind the club.
04 Jun 2015 19:45:23
I think a top 12 finish is well within Brendan's grasp
04 Jun 2015 19:49:22
Too early to say. We need a top top striker, I don't think Ings is the answer unfortunately but what options do we have? I asked ed earlier about Aleksander Mitovic I think who ever gets him will have bought an excellent player and I say this almost everyday: Konoplyanka? I don't understand why we're not pursuing him relentlessly, it would take a blind man not to see the talent that oozes from this player. I do believe we have a good midfield and depth in that department. The other area that needs some strengthening is RB (hoping we can make a deal for Clyne, doubt it though) and centre defense, can't honestly say who I'd go for that would be considered realistic, maybe a sneaky bid for Vertonghen??? ;-P
04 Jun 2015 20:14:06
I think we can start looking forward to winning a trophy in 16/17, with the foundations being put in place this year.
The championship play off trophy, that is.
04 Jun 2015 22:09:55
That gave me a 5 minute giggle young red, thanx. 😅
04 Jun 2015 18:24:56
Welcome Mr miller!
Cracking signing we have dropped on one the best free transfers of recent times.solid consistent experienced player full of energy. Exactly what we need in the midfield.absolutely chuffed.
04 Jun 2015 19:15:42
He'd probably appreciate being called his proper names as opposed to Mr miller.
04 Jun 2015 19:33:19
I look forward to seeing our revolutionary 3-6-1 formation. How many center midfielders do we need?
05 Jun 2015 02:21:22
4-7-0 more like it
04 Jun 2015 18:09:18
Shoutout to The Great Macca for providing us with the Milner news weeks back.
04 Jun 2015 18:15:39
It wasn't news weeks back it was guess work. The eds have said it would happen for a long time now but because they didn't say it was done when it wasn't you don't credit them?
04 Jun 2015 18:28:13
The info we receive from the eds and macca is much appreciated, let's not make it a competition between the 2 though.
If one is rite and one is wrong then so be it, both are only passing on what they have heard.
04 Jun 2015 21:58:29
I feel both the ed's and Mecca are under appreciated on here at times. It also annoys me when they get slated for not giving the answer people wanted to hear. So a thank you from me guys love this site and the work you do
04 Jun 2015 18:05:50
All these players demanding more money is really getting on my nerves. I can't think of a single player who over the course of the season deserves a pay rise.
04 Jun 2015 18:32:39
Maybe coutinho only player come out of this season that's improved
04 Jun 2015 18:00:18
Are we just average now? I mean I'm realistic enough to realise that we can't just go and buy anyone but surely if we have aspirations of finishing in top 4 we have to sign some quality?
I'm happy enough with Milner but what worries me is what follows!
Ings I really do not see the point in buying him? He isn't a starter and if he is then oh dear. So what's the point we already have a whole list of strikers that don't start.
04 Jun 2015 17:38:58
Milner signing for me is just another edition to the squad, nothing special, works hard and I suppose for a free it's not a bad signing, but what we need is a modern day Souness or someone like Yaya Toure
04 Jun 2015 18:16:59
There isn't a player on the planet like Souness. He was a dying breed even in his own era.
The closest thing you get nowadays are players like De Rossi, Strootman, Medel etc. Midfield destroyers who are also technically gifted and have the intelligence and energy to burst forward but only when it is safe to do so.
None of them are as gifted all round as Souness was though. Of course all I've seen of Souness are replayed games on LFC tv, highlight reels and old videos. So I've likely only seen his best performances.
Yaya Toure is actually a liability a lot of the time. When fit and on form he's unplayable and capable of winning a game alone. But he lacks discipline and tactical awareness. He is more like Gerrard than Souness. Pace, power, technical ability, capable of the spectacular etc. But he's far from a consistent midfield General.
04 Jun 2015 19:15:51
Sorry but to say De Rossi isn't all round gifted is nonsense. De Rossi has been utterly brilliant for years. He's reached 100 caps for Italy. For me he's much better than Souness who plenty of the time played like a thug. You might be right about strootman and Medel. But Derossi is one of the finest footballer this generation has seen.You hae greatly undersold him here EMS
04 Jun 2015 19:17:16
Souness was the best midfield general of his time had every attribute except great pace . You could tell in the first ten minutes how the game was going to go he would sort out the opposition midfield then stroll around the pitch knocking passes that Alonso and Gerrard would envy and he could strike a ball as good as most of the top players around the world . I was lucky enough to see him against some of the so called best midfield players in Europe and there was usually only one winner SOUNESS I still believe he is the best midfield player I have ever seen in his era for all round ability, will to win , leadership, skill, tackles, organisation on pitch pure brilliance to watch and your right I do not think we will ever see his likes again in this so called modern game which is a disgrace
04 Jun 2015 19:56:59
I didn't say that Bob. I only said he isn't quite as gifted all round as Souness was.
De Rossi has been my dream midfield signing for years. I just don't think he has the same devastating shot Souness had.
04 Jun 2015 22:00:42
Did I just read that Souness was a thug and not as good as DeRossi. Do we have mancs here by mistake. You'll be telling me next Rush was average and Dalglish over-rated
04 Jun 2015 22:44:57
No I'm saying DeRossi was a better midfielder than souness. Who was a thug in the way he went into some tackles.
God forbid any one criticise Sounesses overzealous attitude. But we'll keep bashing current players?
If I was De Rossi and read that,I;d be insulted. It for me is the typical British mentality of not appreciating foreign player in foreign leagues
04 Jun 2015 23:03:59
Sourness was one of the best midfielders I've ever seen!!!! A thug? Never!!! Hard ruthless ? Yes that's how it was then. He was a fantastic player.
04 Jun 2015 23:09:35
Paul pogba?
04 Jun 2015 17:27:20
Over the last few years every time I've seen Milner come on for England my heart's sunk, I've always seen it as a negative move by an over cautious manager. So why am I so pleased about today's signing?
It's really refreshing that someone has picked us over a richer club for footballing reasons. We may not be his dream club but we can offer what he wants. It shows that he's not just come for a paycheck and he still has ambition.
It suggests that he has hopes for a successful future, something that is very welcome after the negativity of the last couple of months.
He's certainly not a flash player but he's transcended his talent through hard work, the same thing was said about Carragher and we always dreamed of a team of Carraghers.
He's been popular amongst staff and fans at every club he's been with so I'm confident he won't let us down.
I don't think he's a player to take us to the next level but I just can't help feeling happier that's he going to be a red.
04 Jun 2015 18:07:07
Dont take me wrong but I don't understand this signing. Is he a backup for Henderson? I would play more Lucas and Can in midfield and give a chance for players from academy.
04 Jun 2015 18:30:17
Spot on Eomer! Milner does not fill me with any great excitement because he isn`t any better than Hendo nor Can and out wide we have lallana (better tacnically and Younger) as well as Ibe and marko with Ojo coming through. I`ll support him because he`s ours now and nothing more.
04 Jun 2015 18:36:37
Pleased because it's free!
04 Jun 2015 18:47:41
Maybe Can and hendo in the middle with Milner on the right (also cover in the middle) Lallana on the left, coutinho in a free role and 1 striker depending on who's fit I suppose.
Excelent signing in my opinion, might not be the most exciting, I have seen a few posters moan it's not kovacic (doubt they have seen him play, but he's got a fancy foreign name) but he will do a job for us and a good one at that.
04 Jun 2015 18:49:59
Our biggest problem in midfield for years has been a lack of mobility. It generally helps to have 2 agile and athletic players in the centre of the park. Under Rafa we had Masch and Gerrard knitted together with the technical genius of Alonso. We now have only Henderson and Allen in terms of senior players. Can is still young and hasn't played much football in midfield even before he came to us. At Leverkusen he was regularly played at left back. Allen whilst being energetic and mobile lacks the power to be a good defensive midfielder, but lacks the vision to be a good attacking midfielder. Which doesn't really suit a counter attacking system which is essentially what Rodgers tends to play with nowadays. He doesn't even have the passing range to play as a deep lying playmaker. He is a good squad player who can perform a useful role as an impact sub; coming on late to shore up the midfield, keep possession and offer us a player with the stamina to press late on.
So that leaves Hendo and Can. Lallana may well drop into midfield next season as well, but even then if Rodgers wants to deploy two box to box players it is better to have a couple of back ups. Added to this the fact that he may prefer Can in a deeper role anyway. Milner is quite simply one of the best box to box players in the world right now. I keep seeing people say "he performs the same role as Henderson". Well, yeah. Congratulations you tactical genius. This may suprise you, but there is a left and right side of central midfield to fill. Juventus have just got to the Champions league final playing Pirlo as a deep lying playmaker with a box to box player either side; usually two of Pogba, Vidal and Marchisio.
So signing Milner really isn't that silly to be honest. Hendo and Milner can just be our Pogba and Vidal with a player holding behind them. Then we have Lallana and Can both capable of covering these roles in the event of congested fixtures or injuries.
I keep seeing people moaning about how Rodgers system is forever changing and you're right. It's damn well annoying and stops us finding consistency. Chelsea are the best team in the league because they have like for like cover all over the pitch. If somebody gets injured or loses form, Mourinho doesn't have to change his formation or style. He just puts Ramires in for Fabregas, or Remy in for Costa, or Cuadrado in for Willian.
So why are people moaning that we're signing similar players to what we have? It's about bloody time Brendan started trying to balance his squad so we can find an identity as a team. I'm sick of not knowing what tactics he'll pull out the hat every weekend.
I get that Milner has this perception of being boring, but i honestly don't care if he never does a step over, a backheel or a fancy turn. As long as he runs himself into the ground, makes good decsions on the ball and continues to score and assist goals into his 30's I'm a happy man.
The other complaint i keep hearing is his age. I mean we can't win? We sign younger players and FSG are being stingy and looking for resale value ahead of valuable experience. We sign experience and all of a sudden we're wasting wages and game time that could be given to an academy prospect. I'm going to use the same word again; it's about balance.
Maybe Milner will flop. Who knows? Unless you're a psychic, you might as well get behind him and show him some support because this is no longer a rumour; he is a Liverpool player.
04 Jun 2015 19:00:17
You give players from the acsemy there shot when things are going good not when were coming off the back of the season we just had. Too much pressure to perform and there so inconsistent its unbelievable! And that's not there fault or lack of quality but like Loftus at Chelsea now, he's coming into a winning team without to much pressure and better players to take the pressure off os he isn't having a great game!
Rossiter, Kent, eilson, Sinclair, branna all best get there chance or I won't want Brendan anymore as they are all going to be good players, and they need a chance but right now there are too many kids. We need experience and we have abit more of that now with milber. He won't replicate Gerrard in the team but he will in the dressing room! Guidance, tutoring, brilliant signing just for the mentality of him!
Any signings we make have to be 26/27 + now get some experience in there!
04 Jun 2015 19:13:28
Spot on Maxi.
04 Jun 2015 19:25:58
"milner is one of the best box to box midfielders in the world"
I actually don't know if that's harmless sarcasm on your part or you are being serious ems.
04 Jun 2015 19:36:46
Milner was a Liverpool fan as a boy. Although he signed for leeds as a youngster he supported lfc.
04 Jun 2015 20:09:37
City were willing to pay him 165,000 a week for a reason Mr. Potato.
How many better are there? Toure, Vidal, Ramsey, Pogba, Gundogan, Henderson? Milner is arguably as good if not better than some of those players. Top box to box midfielders are hard to come by.
I really don't understand this Milner hate. Poor guy deserves better than fans like some of the people we've got on this site. He takes apart Bayern Munich, has a better goal return per 90 than any midfielder in our squad, he takes a massive pay cut to sign for us despite us having no CL football etc. City fans and clearly the management really didn't want to lose this guy. He is a world class player by my definition of the word; which is that he is in the top 10 players in the world at what he does.
If you disagree then just say you disagree or make a counter argument. But stop making snide remarks or personal attacks.
Either add some value to the discussion or clear off.
04 Jun 2015 21:03:16
I'll have some of what you have been smoking ems there's no way he's 1 of the best box to box midfielders in the world he is a decent player he has no outstanding qualities other than work rate all his other attributes are just decent. Not complaining as he is a free transfer and can cover a number of positions just don't understand how everyone can be so excited by his signing.
04 Jun 2015 21:56:30
I like the fact he brings age and experience for the younger members plus the up and coming lads. Plus he's a good player
Is he a world beater? No, but as I said before don't be surprised if he ends up captain. at least Carra agreed with me!
04 Jun 2015 17:11:23
I like the Milner signing but I find it horrific how many British players we have in the squad (because the British nations are so awful in world football) I feel like Rodgers is trying to prove his "British players can play football" line that he liked to spout when he was talking about the England job we could seriously play ward wisdom Jones stewart flanno Milner hendo lallana sterling ibe sturridge who have all been involved in squads at the least in the PL. It worries me that we barely have any foreign international players for example at the last World Cup we had 4 players get through the group stages 2 back up gk's and sakho and the runt that we sold that is not good enough.
04 Jun 2015 17:49:08
Rodgers doesn't buy the players
04 Jun 2015 18:13:36
According to some of the buys O G he probably should
04 Jun 2015 18:40:08
Our squad is full of players from the 15th best team in international football
04 Jun 2015 18:49:47
Does it matter where they are from? At least he not another player from the continent who's trying to use us as a stepping stone for Madrid or barca.
04 Jun 2015 18:59:45
Yes he does because he has the final say on who gets signed. The Eds have said that repeatedly here. Don`t fallthe owners did, bro. He keeps bragging about the players he buys and when they don`t pan out because he doesn`t play them, he acts as if they all dropped out of the sky and has no idea how they got here or where they came from.
04 Jun 2015 19:00:48
Or we could be stock pilying from the enzy great generation haha
04 Jun 2015 15:50:13
Hey ed001,
I suppose with BR probably staying during this window, the likes of ilori, coates etc will be leaving?
What would happen to teixiera?
Also, do you see sinclair being given a chance next year. I remember you said that he is better than kane.
Thanks in advance.
{Ed001's Note - Teixeira is likely to stay for a year, probably another loan. While Ilori and Coates are up for sale. Sinclair will get more chances next year, and I said he is potentially better than Kane, better than him at the same age.}
04 Jun 2015 18:21:45
Ed1 you rate Sinclair that highly? That's good to know. Also hasn't Teixeira picked up a bad injury at the the end of the season?
{Ed001's Note - yes, which is why he will need a loan period when he recovers.}
04 Jun 2015 19:09:11
Thanks ed001. Yeah, I meant the same for kane n sinclair.
Btw, with our current attacking talents, what do you expect the formation n upfront attack would be. You said that diamond leaves a lot of space in mf, but 3-5-2 according to me exposes teams on flanks. So what's its going to be for mr. Br next season according to you?
May be send him an anonymous letter/call and talk some sense into him ed001?
{Ed001's Note - no way of knowing what Brendan will go for, he doesn't know himself most of the time.}
04 Jun 2015 20:48:55
hey ed01, are you surprised by harry kanes sudden burst this season into a class striker. considering he was struggling norwich. would love to know your opinion of him.
{Ed001's Note - hard work and a great attitude mate. That is why he burst through, he listens to the coaches and works hard on his game. He should go far, though I don't think he will ever be the great player the media are making out, he will be a very good Premier League forward.}
04 Jun 2015 16:42:03
As far as the striker situation is concerned, imo the man to target is Kevin Gameiro. He's a proven striker and has an excellent record in Spain, both as a starter and coming off the bench.
He could play in a partnership with Sturridge (Gameiro has experience playing on the wings so could run the channels well like SAS did) or as a lone striker.
It seems like he will be available this Summer so would be attainable, and while personally I rate Ings I think Gameiro is the ideal striker for the club at this moment.
04 Jun 2015 19:01:01
VIETTTTOOOOO!
04 Jun 2015 19:02:20
They are both not good enough because they are both squad guys at best andm they will not add the amount of goals we need need to make a diff. Might as well give Sinclair a chance if you`re going to spend money on bench warmers like Gameiro.
04 Jun 2015 18:38:40
What about Aleksander Mitrovic? Ed does anybody hold any interest in him?
{Ed002's Note - Something wrong with the search function?}
04 Jun 2015 16:09:23
What is this where Liverpool players are demanding higher pay? since when have they deserved to be payed like champions league/ title contending/ trophy winning players?
We can do a lot better than Skrtel, it says nothing that he was our best defender last season because he was also the constant defender in everything that was wrong in our defence. I'd put my faith in Lovren and Sakho as no1 and 2 next season provided that we get a first team right back in. I'd replace Skrtel with Papadopoulos, they are in a way similar defenders only different is in the way the go about it. Papadopoulos ins't a defender that is on the back foot like Skrtel is, he deals with treats early on as opposed to Skrtel's style which is more of last gasp efforts, which comes from the defensive panic he creates by dropping off.
04 Jun 2015 16:44:19
Personally I'd do everything I could to keep Ilori and give him and Wisdom the opportunities to replace Skrtel
04 Jun 2015 17:06:03
Papadopoulos is not worth it - always injured. We need to look to Ilori or someone from the academy
04 Jun 2015 17:24:25
I don't even think he was the best defender, Sakho for me. Skrtel is the common denominator (along with Rodgers) in our poor defence because we play a high line and often with no (proper) defensive midfielders.
I'd love for Ilori and Lovren to take his place, which is unlikely to happen, given the manager.
04 Jun 2015 17:30:24
How can u make a case for illori and wisdom to come in as first team centre halves!! Wisdom isn't good enough and very suspect with ball at feet . He's like a young toure . Illori u can't have ever seen enough of him and he's not even a regular in France
{Ed001's Note - Wisdom is not very suspect at all with the ball at his feet, hence why he was put at right back, nor was a young Toure, who played in midfield, even on the wing, due to his ability on the ball.}
04 Jun 2015 18:07:40
Toure's good on the ball. Anybody remember that 'what is he doing there' moment against us a few years ago?
04 Jun 2015 18:09:28
Wisdom is certainly better with a ball at his feet than Skrtel but I have a feeling he will end up at right back under Rodgers, and I've seen enough of Ilori to know he has much, much more pace than Skrtel which would allow us to play a high line more effectively, he is also less erratic.
Even if he was as erratic as Skrtel he has the pace to get back and fill the spaces Skrtel leaves open.
04 Jun 2015 18:36:09
I wouldn't be disappointed to see Skrtel leave and certainly wouldn't bow to his contract demands.
04 Jun 2015 19:04:24
Skrtel should be sold and Ilori should be kept. As for RB, don`t be suprised when Marko or Ibe start playing there next season.
04 Jun 2015 16:04:03
hi edds, i hope you do not mind if i postthis?my daughter who is going to do a 5k run for cancer research in july, i am looking for sponsors, any small donation would help a lot, have posted this on the conspiracy site as well.
https://goo.gl/WcgYa8
thanks a lot. franky.
{Ed002's Note - No problem man.}
04 Jun 2015 19:02:28
I was the disagree and it wasn't meant, sorry pal.
The best of luck to your daughter mate! You should be proud :)
04 Jun 2015 16:00:53
With all the talk regarding Ings, what would people react to Charlie Austin signing? If I'm not mistaken he has quite the goal scoring record and I'm sure he hit 20+ goals for QPR last season
04 Jun 2015 16:17:07
A better goalscorer but he doesn't suit us. He'd be good for West Ham, Stoke, Sunderland, etc.
04 Jun 2015 16:29:31
The same Stoke that played us off the park?! ha. Just can't think of too many strikers that would improve the team drastically
04 Jun 2015 16:34:12
Well Ings won't improve the team. We have to look further, there have to be better players attainable than Austin.
04 Jun 2015 15:52:18
I've read a few comments on SSN from some reds slating the fact we signed Milner (Subject to Medical)
Can I just say what a quality signing. I think he'll be a great addition and very very underrated!
04 Jun 2015 16:40:24
Well of course they slated him. That's what they do
04 Jun 2015 16:55:50
I don't see the magic of Milner either. Yes he's a grafter and will always give 100% but so does Allen. Hendo is a grafter. What we needed was a bit of quality craft. Why has Milner omly ever been a bit part player for City and more importantly only ever view as good enough to be a bit part substitute for a poor England side?
04 Jun 2015 17:09:59
Grafter like Dirk kuyt
04 Jun 2015 17:10:05
A midfield 3 of Can, Henderson and Milner doesn't sound bad. Coutinho will then have the freedom of the pitch in front of this 3, and hopefully some of the midfield can focus on defending now.
04 Jun 2015 17:47:30
But where does that leave a very expensive Lallana, Piledriver? We have too many players for far too few positions.
04 Jun 2015 18:10:37
I would have Can,Lucas,Hendo and Milner fighting for the 3 midfield positions. Have Lallana, Coutinho and Markovic fighting for the roaming spot in ahead of them and 2 up front,
Simple maybe, but that's how I'd set up.
04 Jun 2015 19:08:12
Milner is not what we need because he adds nothing special to what we already have in the team. Our squad is so unbalanced in some areas that it is becoming embarassing. We know the areas we need help at YET the geniuses at the helm of the club are neglecting them and focusing on collecting midfeilders like a lady collects shoes.
04 Jun 2015 15:24:36
Hey Eds,
With the papers saying that Utd are considering bidding for Sterling I thought you might give your take on the media speculation. Is this report (and others) simply the agent trying to create a demand for the player, is there genuine interest or is it the papers making stuff up to fill the back pages?
My understanding is only City have shown any genuine interest and I suspect that's got as much to do with buying English as it has needing the player.
Despite my opinion of the man I'd still rather have the player than not so I hope he stays. Do you know if the relationship between Sterling and the club is irrevocably destroyed or do you think it can be patched (particularly if it turns out none of the big clubs want him)?
{Ed002's Note - I don't comment on MU any longer.}
04 Jun 2015 15:57:03
Is there a reason in particular that you don't comment on Man Utd any longer Ed002?
{Ed002's Note - Yes.}
04 Jun 2015 16:45:10
It's because ed02 doesn't talk sh!te and United fans don't understand this.
04 Jun 2015 17:33:38
Ok thanks JQLFC96!
04 Jun 2015 15:39:15
Really pleased about Milner, his attitude and knowledge will be invaluable in the dressing room. A player our youngsters can learn from now Gerrard has left.
Would like it if all the players the club wish to sell could be gone, so we can see what is left before moving onto the next signing.
Imo only a GK to challenge Mignolet, as the club like a bargain rather then buy the perfect answer, Marshall performed really well in the EPL. He might be good enough?
Striker. Has to be proven both to score and at this level. Origi, Sinclair and Yesil are talents, but I'd loan Sinclair and try Yesil this season as the young back up. Origi clearly will get game time. But with Sturridge out til November (light training?) that's half a season. We need quality.
Although I wouldn't want to pay £32m for Benteke, I can't think of anyone who ticks the boxes we need. Proven, EPL settled, young. If/when DS returns, at least this guy still offers an alternative to what we have. Also he scores from corners and set pieces. How many goals did our strikers score with headers from these last season?
Can anyone suggest an alternative to Benteke, that offers us proven goal scoring in the EPL, plus a different style/alternative to the current ones we have? Even if we get Ings, he's 22 with 1yr at this level.
04 Jun 2015 16:15:42
Proven in the BPL, kinda missed that boat with Remy and Bony - only ones left really are Berehino and Austin.
Outside of it Luiz Adriano and Higuain are the only two that stand out. In past 100 games both have about 60 goals, though don't think we have interest in either but apparently are attainable.
04 Jun 2015 17:19:46
Yeah that's my point in a way, who else? Bony would have been the one, a better Benteke. But he's gone. Remy, well he is again very similar to what we have, quick small and best on the ground. Origi, Sinclair, Sturridge, if he joins Ings and not sure about Yesil.
Bony, Benteke are both strong, bully defenders and can score with their head, tall for set pieces, hold the ball up and can play with another striker.
We need an alternative option, in my opinion. We need to win games ugly sometimes and ping balls in if we need to. I also think it has to be someone who has done it in the prem for a while. Origi, Yesil, Sinclair no goals or game time all 20 or younger. Ings, one season 22 and Sturridge clearly can't be a full season reliable striker.
{Ed001's Note - Remy is tall and good in the air. He is far from best on the ground, as his control is not the best. He is best running onto a ball over the top and hitting it early.}
04 Jun 2015 19:24:36
Remy can play anywhere on the frontline as well because that is where he started his career at Lyon and even tho his delivery can be poor, he is lethal from from either wing
05 Jun 2015 07:49:07
An alternative option, what you mean like Lambert? Because that worked out so well!! Really don't understand this view point of alternative options to "ping it" and "win ugly". Fact is Brendan does not play this style and does not coach it. This meant that whenever lambert was brought on or started, the team played the same through balls they would have for the likes of studge. This was seen in one of the last games of the season which almost lead to coutinho and lambert having a barney on the pitch. I actually feel sorry for lambert, he's come to a team that refuses to adapt to his style to get the best out of him because he's a childhood fan and all its done is cause him to get grief from fans and lose his England place!
But back to the original point. There is no point buying a "alternative option" as it's been blatantly obvious all season Brendan is incapable of adapting his tactics to incorporate such a forward. Plus in my opinion just lumping it forward rarely gets results as teams just sit back and soak up the pressure, unless of course you have a defence like ours that is as useful as the popes b@!!*cks!
04 Jun 2015 15:11:24
Whats wrong with todays fans. Milner signs and wants to play for us, yet all i see is people moaning, about his ability and wages. Same with potentially ings. what's happened to us. People moan about the likes of chelsea not singing at their stadium or waving plastic flags, then i watch our games and its silent. Its true when rival fans sing what happened to your famous atmosphere.
04 Jun 2015 15:26:33
He has never said he wants to play for us he wanted to go to whoever guaranteed him first team football. Not an arrangement I'm entirely fond of considering how well that worked out with johnson
04 Jun 2015 15:31:06
Not only that mate, but I think that Milner and Ings would be 2 very good signings.
We need a couple more on board as well but it certainly would be a good start.
04 Jun 2015 15:51:40
Did you not "moan" about Ings yourself?
04 Jun 2015 16:14:37
It won't be Milner that is the problem next season, it will be what are genius manager does with the players at his disposal.
04 Jun 2015 16:48:32
Dorset Red, Rodgers wants to manage us yet u and the Rodgers out brigade don't want him to. Opinions are not always shared. Also didn't you say you wouldn't be happy with ings signing??
04 Jun 2015 18:47:50
You can't buy a player because he wants to play for LFC. If that's the criteria, sign me up! Lfc should stop buying average players in quantity and buy quality! Even if it's only 2 or 3 players. We've been making the same mistake for the past 7-8 years (even more). That's why we aren't competing. 1 world class player is all we need to elevate our team but we always miss out or think players like Downing or Carrol are the answers!
04 Jun 2015 19:32:57
I still don`t want him to manage us and to me, Milner is not what we need because we are well served where he would be playing already.
04 Jun 2015 15:10:25
Time to step back from the manager and player bashing.
Out of our current squad, what player are you all looking forward to seeing most next season?
I want to say markovic, but I don't think Brendan will play him much.
So I'll say Lallana or Lovren. I think injury free, Lallana could have a great season; Lovren and Sakho needs to happen as a partnership and be given a good run of games.
04 Jun 2015 15:36:52
Lallana and particularly Lovren, needs to step up big time. I am hoping for more consistency from Coutinho and he is the one player I cannot watch to play again.
04 Jun 2015 15:37:02
A hopefully fully fit Sturridge, a Balotelli who wants to play along side him and the back of Sterling
04 Jun 2015 15:41:50
Louvren can't step up because he is just not good enough, a poor poor signing,
04 Jun 2015 15:52:46
The progress of Jordan Ibe should be good to see too. An exciting quality young player.
04 Jun 2015 16:07:12
Lallana. Definitely a good player, and I think he'll be a huge asset to us if he can stay injury free next season.
04 Jun 2015 16:26:27
Emre Can in midfield would be exciting to see.
Personally though I like to see how all the players progress.
04 Jun 2015 17:30:07
Ibe and hopefully Yesil. He seems a natural goalscorer.
04 Jun 2015 15:04:38
Afternoon Eds.
Nothing on search so thought i'd post. what's the latest with Andriy Yarmolenko? Its clear he is going to leave his current club. Personally I think he's good and with time can become great!
{Ed002's Note - You need to ask about random players on their club pages or on the European pages.}
04 Jun 2015 14:56:08
Milner will wear the no7 shirt.
04 Jun 2015 15:12:28
and you know what that means for the rest of the summer!
04 Jun 2015 16:33:35
Why give no7 to a player who wants to play in CM? make zero sense save no7 for Vietto.
04 Jun 2015 17:19:44
If your want vietto to wear the no7 it looks like that shirt won't get warn again then never going to happen
04 Jun 2015 18:06:07
Do squad numbers really matter?
04 Jun 2015 14:48:48
You have to laugh when the Sao Paulo goalkeeper has scored more goals in his career than Mario Balotelli and Andy Carroll.
04 Jun 2015 15:32:58
Hehehe, agree with you somewhat.
Bare in mind that the guy is 42 and took the penalties and free-kicks. :)
04 Jun 2015 19:34:13
And he is LETHAL at it as well.
04 Jun 2015 14:43:34
Now that Juve have signed dybala do you think a move for tevez is an option?
{Ed002's Note - Try the European pages.}
04 Jun 2015 14:42:57
Skysports News HD report Liverpool have offered Stirling to Arsenal for a two player exchange, Walcott and Gibbs!!!
Doubt Wenger would bite at that deal!!!
04 Jun 2015 15:04:49
Whats rodgers trying todo get the england team together. Both injury prone players aswell.
04 Jun 2015 15:06:43
Two sicknotes for one of the brightest English talents in the game. I don't understand why he wouldn't take that deal.
04 Jun 2015 15:10:36
If, and that's a huge IF Liverpool did make a proposal or vice-versa, I think that would be a great and logical piece of business for Liverpool. Saying that, I'd be amazed if there were any truth.
04 Jun 2015 16:39:15
I don't understand the logic in going for English players. Look where that got kenny, look where England is on a international level, since when was it ever a good idea
04 Jun 2015 14:42:31
Hi eds
Just wondering is Andre Wisdom going to get a look in this season? If so is he seen as a right back or centre half? I think he could do well in Can's RCB position, allowing him to push into mid.
Also can you see Moreno improving? soery the questions aren't specifically transfer related.
Cheers
{Ed002's Note - Wisdom will be in the squad - I cannot say more than that. I really can't answer about Moreno.}
04 Jun 2015 17:33:23
Neither are good enough IMO
04 Jun 2015 14:06:18
G'day Ed's and others. Ed's, what are you thoughts on the Origi lad? I have never watched him apart from at the World Cup, but I have mainly heard negative things. I know he is only young, but didn't he also make it into the French Leagues Worse Team of the Yea?
{Ed002's Note - The same as it has always been - try the search engine.}
04 Jun 2015 15:37:17
Dont read into all the crap about worst team of the year etc etc.
lets see what he does in a Red shirt and judge him on his own merits.
Go on yourself Divock!! lol
04 Jun 2015 20:00:09
Lille was aweful all season long and he was the fall guy as always, someone has to be. Happy he`s left that aweful club and the new beginning will do him well.
04 Jun 2015 13:55:07
Hi
Just like to say, "Welcome to LFC James Milner"
Wishing you all the success with lots of trophies.
Onwards and Upwards.
04 Jun 2015 12:53:47
Asides from transfers looking into U-10 level we should sign blaze gerrard brown.The kid is amazing, scored 113 goals in a single season.His maturity level is extraordinary, wants to be next gerrard .
04 Jun 2015 15:17:41
Is this a joke?
04 Jun 2015 16:00:32
Michael Owen only scored 70 odd goals in a season so the fact that this lad scored 113 makes me question the 'fact'
04 Jun 2015 12:41:13
listening to talksh radio, asked about james milner, danny murphy said, "he, s a good player to get on a free, but he, s not sure what he brings to lfc that is better than what they already have, he wouldn't lace stevie g, s boots as he doesn't possess the quality to ping passes to his team mates".i would say danny isn't to excited about james
04 Jun 2015 13:25:56
I think Danny Murphy is one of a small handful that talks sense but on this i disagree. As long as he is played in right position i think he will be exactly what we need.
He won't play the killer pass etc, but do we actually need a perfect 50yard pass that often? We play ball to feet and one of my criticism of Gerrard was because he could play it, he often would even if it wasn't the right choice.
Milner is a great team player and i think he will do very well. What do you think ed01?
04 Jun 2015 13:50:23
Seems a bit disrespectful by super dan. Milner is a cracking signing, gives up champions league and a higher wage to join us. Hope he asks raheem how much he gets paid a week
04 Jun 2015 14:21:16
Disagree! Murphy took the words right out of my mouth as I have posted the very same thing. Milner doesn`t offer anything we don`t already have in Hendo, lucas and Can and out wide, we are good there as well with Lallana (skillfully better and younger than him), Ibe, and Marko as well as Ojo if need be. He is a grafter and harworking. Those are a prerequisites to be a pro athlete and not qualities or skills. Hendo and Can (more skillful and younger as well) are those as well so what is he adding exactly if not blowing a hole in our wage bill? He`s here now and I`ll support him but still a baffling signing.
04 Jun 2015 14:53:27
Milner is awesome for us ! Looking around our dressing room he has a lot more to offer than anyone. won trophies. actually has international caps( not many in our team have more than 10) been around the block. and offers experience without the ego. Welcome to LFC!
04 Jun 2015 15:05:42
Milner brings in tons of experience playing at different levels.
Attitude, hard work and less injury prone.
He is rodger's dream, play as full back most important requirement of rodgers.
Then his regular quality of playing anywhere in midfield.
04 Jun 2015 12:31:08
Hi Eds and reds,
Quick question for the eds if possible. It's reported that Milner will sign for Liverpool whilst at the same time, taking less money because playing time is more important to him. If we were to hold onto the midfielders we have and not sign anyone else, but a relationship between Lucas, Can and Henderson in the centre became formidable to the point that they became undroppable and Milner spent the majority of the season on the bench, is there likely to be any sort of breach of contract?
The reason I ask, I remember a lot of rumours on here a few years back stating that when Benitez gave Johnson a contract, it was on the provision that whenever he was fit he played. We must have suggested to Milner that he would be playing more games for us than he would if he stayed at City so i just wondered, due to your more knowledgeable experience within certain contracts, would we have offered him guarantees of starting or would it be more along the lines of he believes he has a better chance of starting with us than City.
There's rumours of even more midfielders coming in as well which will make a guaranteed start for any of them questionable at best until they have fully proven themselves, which may take 10 games and a lot of tinkering or more.
Was just interested to hear your opinion ( I know it may not be fact but just your general opinion ) on what the talks may have consisted of regarding game time.
As always, thank you for your time.
YNWA
JFT96
WelshScouse
{Ed001's Note - the problem is not the breach of contract issue, it is more the breach of trust it would show. It is very difficult to legally enforce those clauses, but it is also difficult to attract the next player you want to sign who has other options.}
04 Jun 2015 12:54:34
Thanks for the response Ed001, much appreciated, and I agree, if we are even hinting at guaranteed starts that may not be contractual but as you say, offered in good faith and trust, it will damage not just new people to come in, but also, contract negotiations with existing players if they have seen the club have gone back on their word with others.
04 Jun 2015 15:34:39
If Rodgers is guaranteeing first team footy to all these then we are clearly playing 2-9-0 formation.
04 Jun 2015 12:24:06
Hi Eds, I'm trying to figure out the end of last season. We took just 8 points from our last 9 games. We would have wanted more from the Chelsea, Utd and Arsenal games but getting 1 point from those games isn't the problem. The problem is taking just 7 points from the other 6 games.
Arbitrarily the 6th best team in the league should have expected somewhere in the region of 10-15 points playing the 9th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 18th and 20th teams. We got 7. To me that suggests there was a larger problem behind the scenes. The most generous explanation is that after clawing their way up to 5th and being within touching distance of 4th to falling 8 points behind again after losing to Utd and Arsenal destroyed morale, a blow that wiped out the rest of the season.
As I know you're less inclined to be generous to Rodgers do you attribute this collapse to something else? Dressing room revolt for example?
{Ed001's Note - poor tactics, lack of squad cohesion, there are numerous reasons behind it. The fact that we dropped so far behind was not the cause of the bad form but a symptom of poor tactics and lack of squad cohesion.}
04 Jun 2015 14:45:09
And players pretty much giving up on him. See Stoke Massacre if you have any questions.
04 Jun 2015 11:52:11
If lambert is too stay and we bring in ings and origi back from loan, sell aspas, balo, borini wheres the extra forward going togo. We would have sturridge, ings, origi, lambert. Unless origi is sent out on loan or lambert is sold not sure what's going to happen. Thoughts people.
04 Jun 2015 12:23:00
I doubt Ings will be the only striker coming in. It will be Sturridge, Ings and the new striker being first choice in the premier league games while Origi and Lambert will be use mostly in the domestic cups and Europa. At least that is what i think will happen. Preferably i would rather we did not sign Ings and just give someone like Yesil or Sinclair a chance.
04 Jun 2015 12:30:37
EXACTLY! There won't be one. I'd say Ings is another of our famous "squad players" who are good but not good enough to be first choice but add depth. I'm sure he'll go the same way as the other players we've messed about: Borini, Lambert, Aspas, etc.
Sturridge, Ings, Lambert and one other forward would be fine but only if that forward is deemed good enough to be our first choice. If he's not better than Sturridge then I honestly would rather save the money. Rather than blow another circa £10m on a player Rodgers isn't even going to use and just waste everyones time and money
04 Jun 2015 12:34:47
I would be happy if it meant we were going to go with 2 up top next season. Doubtful though!
04 Jun 2015 13:07:09
To be honest, I personally feel Rodgers bought Balotelli with the sole purpose of playing him and Sturridge up top as a front two. However, due to Sturridge being injured, I think Rodgers panicked and realised he didn't have a back-up plan. I think even Rodgers knew Balotelli cannot play up top on his own.
04 Jun 2015 13:08:27
The club is repeating the same mistakes.If we need a squad player then its time we should give a chance to Samed Yesil.He is a natural goalscorer,and has potential to be a great player.And in midfield there is no hope for Texeira,Since we bought Milner we have an overload of players in same position.
Once again it looks like we are maintaining the consistency to fail in transfer window.
04 Jun 2015 13:13:07
You will be mistaken if you think Divock Origi is coming to LFC to play in the League Cup.
04 Jun 2015 13:13:43
I think you read my post and posted the same thing, so I'm going to say I agree Dorset Red haha!
04 Jun 2015 14:20:15
If that's our strike force were knackered
04 Jun 2015 16:25:35
We are seeing the same mistakes we have seen before and with the way things are going and we will all be hear to witness the consequences of our recurring blunders.
04 Jun 2015 11:31:34
I myself am not that chuffed with milner signing. He is a decent midfielder and no more. His best position is right central midfield which is also hendersons best position. He offers us nothing different to henderson albeit more experience so when I hear fans delighted I'm a bit bewildered.
As for ems and stats. One day you state stats are irrelevant and the next your giving out stats.
And to just point out when the club did go on stats and buy players based on that we bought drowning and Carroll. that's all I need to say on stats. They are ridiculous on judging a player unless he's anice outstanding goalscorer.
And milner does not score many goals. So as to what we have added in midfield that we do not already have i would love to hear.
Also as for he can play many positions we have enough utility men. Look at can for example. Completely wasted playing any position than midfield. Will our midfield of milner and henderson create chances and dictate games? I believe not even if can does return to midfield. We are still relying on continho to make things happen.
I am not trying to belittle milner I'm simply stating the truth. Forget about 'frees'. Is milner going to significantly improve us? No
And ems. You always state when we are linked to player's they are 'great players' such as lambert yet they are found out and you go missing for a season. So fans should gather and post their own opinions of players by watching them instead of basing on useless stats and what team they play for.
It is just of my opinion that milner is not atall a great signing. He's a grafter on the pitch not a magician as made out on this page who also should it be mentioned will be most likely the club's top earner
04 Jun 2015 12:46:55
I went missing due to personal reasons and stats are useful when in context. Stating how many goals and assists he got is hardly an issue.
If you don't rate him that's fair enough, just don't go around throwing stones in a glass house mate. Do tell me what Lambert did wrong this season on the rare occasion he played though?
I was wrong about one player; Balotelli. I've not hidden from that.
Milner is class in my opinion though. Your decision if you want to find reasons to moan about beating City and Arsenal to his signature.
04 Jun 2015 13:05:22
I personally don't use stats too often. I said a few weeks back, statistically, Lovren was the best defender in the league and right up there in Europe. Plus, you watch some players pass sideways and backwards and come the end of the season, their passing stats are the best, yet I would rather have a player who tries that through ball that doesn't always come off.
04 Jun 2015 14:12:11
Ems
One player? You said we have the best squad with Chelsea and would challenge on all fronts did you not? And also went on about how other clubs signings would be flops? Who have been top players and been great signings for example Chelsea. You have got many wrong.
Most fans can't predict how players will perfect however you say henderson and milner will create and many. All of us realistic fans know that is not true . Henderson is a decent finisher but milner offers us nothing to what we already have. He is identical to henderson.
A great start to the summer would be signing players we ACTUALLY need. Such as a DM,top striker (not ings) and goalkeeper. So how fans can show optimism on milner and ings is beyond me
04 Jun 2015 14:39:01
I stand by that opinion. Our squad last season was easily good enough to challenge. I under estimated Costa but Fabregas was average all season. In the first half he was at fault for as many as he assisted and in the second half of the season he went missing.
We should've challenged. However I wrongly assumed Rodgers had learnt his lesson and found a system and style that worked.
What do you want me to say? Sorry for giving my opinions on nearly 100 players every season and being wrong every so often? Even professional scouts cock up so why would I feel bad for getting stuff wrong? I'm a 21 year old Design Engineer for crying out loud. There are talent scouts who've been doing it 40 years and still misjudge players.
I've said it before and I'll say it again; I quite simply take it as a compliment that you pay attention to my posts well enough to remember what I said 12 months later. I don't even recall seeing your name on here before.
04 Jun 2015 15:00:08
Because you say the most laughable things ems. ChallengEd? With one striker who is always injured? A poor midfield that gets cut through like butter? One of the worst defences we have ever had and a poor goalkeeper?
How can't you be remembered for saying such things.
We had a good enough squad for 4th. We were never challenging in a million years! You must be on the good stuff with origi who thinks we can also win the title with our current crop
04 Jun 2015 15:22:55
Well that's your opinion but I'm not going to lower myself to personal insults like you are spouting.
I'll just agree to disagree. Our squad is nowhere near as bad as it looked last season. The manager was the issue.
04 Jun 2015 15:50:20
That one striker scored a wallop load of goals the season before and maybe if we hadn't played him while injured the last 3 months of the season before he might have been fit this season.
Can was bought to toughen up the midfield was he not? You can hardly blame Adam for Can playing RB and RCB. Lucas back to fitness but watching from the bench.
Moving on to your go at him about the defences - Lovren looked very good (imo) at Southampton and I thought he would be a fantastic signing to play alongside Sakho in a back 4. Skrtel playing the whole time is not Adam's fault. A keeper losing his confidence also isn't Adam's fault. Manquillo was brought in for RB and started well (as in we only noticed he went forward loads, pity the more you see you notice he doesn't come back hardly at all). Moreno came for LB and he hasn't done very well - if you read the site then you obviously know Adam was screaming for Bertrand, he got in team of the season.
This was an easy title for Chelsea. If we played to our potential we would have finished 2nd.
I don't recognise your name so that's partly why I'm standing up for Adam here, he is on the site for years and at least he backs up his points. Have you been on the site a few years or what's your story?
04 Jun 2015 16:49:17
I don't normally reply about individual posters and I'm more of a lurker anyway but imo ems speaks a lot of sense and I generally agree with what he says.
I think Milner is a great signing and could stay for many years being as influential as Gary Mac was.
04 Jun 2015 17:17:38
Stats are worthless because you can manipulate them to fit one`s narative. truth is if you wanna know how good a player is, use your eyes, watch him consistently with an open mind to form an opinion for yourself.
04 Jun 2015 10:44:23
question for ED001 what do you think of milner as a player and what do you think he will add to the team. Do you think he will be a starter?
I personally think its a good piece of business done by liverpool
{Ed001's Note - he is ok, just a lesser version of Henderson for me. Lots of workrate, good attitude, good technically but nothing special.}
04 Jun 2015 13:37:37
thanks. any bids come in for any of our players? if so who?
{Ed002's Note - There has been interest in Ilori and Balotelli - both are over-priced. Right now the price for Ilori will need to drop and unless there is a very significant change in position, I am told that Balotelli will stay.
Liverpool will look to sell Coates, Aspas and Alberto.
I would expect Sterling to move on and there is interest from Manchester City.
Two clubs were at the recent game at Stamford Bridge looking at Coutinho - but it has ended there as far as I know.}
04 Jun 2015 10:42:17
Morning Eds, now we've signed milner any news on whether we're after a defensive midfielder. Any interest in kondogbia?
{Ed002's Note - There is lots of interest in Kondogbia - you need the European pages for details.}
04 Jun 2015 10:24:38
Absolutely delighted with Milner. Great signing Imo. The next month will tell a lot. 2 more signings are all we need . if they are the right ones. Ynwa
04 Jun 2015 10:54:16
If Sterling leaves we'll also need a good winger with pace and goals in him.
04 Jun 2015 10:55:08
i wonder if the milner signing has opened a can of worms,if what i was reading is correct,man c offered him 140,000 pw.so obviously lfc have offered milner a shed load of money,now i read on SSN skrtyl is saying his new contract offer is totally unacceptable and is something you would offer an older player with injury issues,once you go down that road it can lead to unrest in the camp
04 Jun 2015 11:21:22
It also says Milner turned down a much more lucrative offer from City. Milner moved purely for footballing reasons
04 Jun 2015 11:28:03
I don't think he's been offered more money at LFC, he just wants more opportunity to play.
A great signing IMO.
Well done to the much maligned transfer comittee on this one. Still a lot of work to do though
04 Jun 2015 11:35:22
Word up our club is a mess atm. As for skrtl he does not warrant any contact
04 Jun 2015 09:53:21
I have to admit, I'm chuffed with Milner, heart determination and a damn good footballer, I thinks it's what we need, no it don't change a lot but it's a bright spot in dull period, welcome to liverpool lad
04 Jun 2015 09:59:58
Good signing imo. Adds versatility, experience and a winning mentality to the team. I think a box to box midfield role suits him best along with Hendo on either side of a CDM.
04 Jun 2015 10:01:13
A very bright spot. Top top player, if we could get 2 more of his quality then we might have a decentish season, sadly I think this is were the good news will stop😢
04 Jun 2015 10:02:14
Great signing. Can't wait to see him pull on a shirt and play alongside Hendo. The combined work rate and passion they offer will cause opposition teams so much problems. Both incredibly under rated technically as well. Lots of goals and assists between them last season; 15 goals and 24 assists to be precise.
04 Jun 2015 10:17:59
Still need a top GK and striker to challenge for top4 next season though. But i'm afraid the club will waste money paying for Ings and Clyne when neither are what we need.
04 Jun 2015 13:43:49
It's a good signing. Could turn out to be a great signing. You don't win anything with a team full of fancy players. You also need experience, guts and sheer bloody minded determination. In spite of what our fearless leader would have you believe a big factor (and that's not to say the only factor) is that we have lacked character when the chips have been down. Where's the doggedness been? Milner is that and he quite obviously wants to play here. We need his enthusiasm and will to win. But don't get fooled into thinking he's all hard work and no class. Read what Pellegrini thinks of him: there are some faster players and some more skilful but very few that can do ALL the things he does well.
04 Jun 2015 09:42:25
Milner has now signed according to ssn
04 Jun 2015 08:57:48
So if Lambert is more likely to stay and if we sign Ings then I presume that we wouldn't actually be going for another striker? As in one to go straight into the starting 11.
Origi is on the way. We'd have Lambert, Sturridge and Ings. Then you have the likes of Sinclair for 5th choice striker. That includes Borini and Balotelli both moving on.
I'm afraid signing Ings is going to block us from going for someone better, we'll have too many strikers.
04 Jun 2015 09:57:55
Lambert won't be staying mate
04 Jun 2015 09:59:13
That's always the case. You should go for the best you could possibly attain. I would rather have looked at Vietto, Jeremy Menez, Bas Dost, Alberto Bueno etc. I hope Ings turns out to be a good signing though. could be but i really don't have faith in "british talent" in general.
04 Jun 2015 10:04:39
Why would you suggest this!? I'm sure Rodgers is looking for another striker to come in and fill the right-back role!
04 Jun 2015 10:37:56
@Brendanthebluffer, Ed001 answered someone else around midnight on Lambert indicating that Lambert doesn't want to go and he is unlikely to go.
04 Jun 2015 10:41:14
Also I would like to add part of the issue (a big part of course) is that Rodgers does not need such a big squad. Last year with Sturridge out all season we had Balotelli, Borini and Lambert on the books. None of them played that much.
Origi and Ings added to the mix, then you'd hope Sturridge would come back to fitness. How could we need Ings if we are to go out and buy someone as good as Sturridge? I don't think we'd use Origi or Ings much if we did so that's why I'm saying, really hope I'm wrong, that I think Ings would be the only striker coming in.
We wouldn't have good enough quality up top but numbers wise we'd have too many on the books to go get another.
04 Jun 2015 12:45:09
For me it looks like Borini and hopefully if we find a buyer Balotelli leaving. That would leave Sturridge, Lambert and Origi as our strikers. Ings would be a good option imo, he is used to the premier league and 10 goals in a relegated side is pretty good, my only concern is his mental strength (he didn't have the nerve to take the penalty). There is no guarantee that any of the other strikers linked with us (Vietto ect) would A. suit the premier league and B. adapt straight away. I think this season we need proven premier league goal scorers and there aren't many of those available
04 Jun 2015 07:34:03
HI Eds.
Hope you are well. Looking forward to the next season. Although I am unconvinced by Rodgers, he is being given the opportunity to argue his case for being retained.
I was wondering what your opinions are on Kovacic? I have seen him play a few times but cannot comment properly.
Also, what striker do you rate and what striker would you like to see arrive?
{Ed001's Note - from what I have seen and heard off scouts etc, Kovacic is a very good player. The only problem is he is very similar to what we already have, while better than most, it still seems pointless when we need bite in midfield, some steel, not more silk.
I have not really seen any strikers I would go all out for, probably Higuain, out of those within reach.}
04 Jun 2015 08:08:19
I rate kovacic very highly. For me if we are keeping Lucas then him hendo and Kovacic will be perfect for me with can as backup. I think coutinho should be pushed further forward rather than him in a midfield role. He is also a good tackler and has a decent build sort of Gerrard esque. Quite similar to Gerrard in some aspects but his shooting needs to improve. People who dish his goal return that's low because of he was being forced by mancini to play in a much deeper role. For me he is a traditional central midfielder with a dash of creativity.Would be very happy if we signed him. But signing both hin and milner would be excess unless Lucas were to leave
04 Jun 2015 08:10:46
......................
{Ed002's Note - Just take this stuff to the European pages please.}
04 Jun 2015 11:57:55
Higuain is in reach?? Excuse me I need to go to the bathroom.
04 Jun 2015 06:47:11
The way we have been going as of late ON TRANSFER RUMOURS, under BR, it looks like we are aiming for a 0-10-0 formation for next season!!
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.
04 Jun 2015 07:33:58
Wrong. It will be 0-11-0 as we won't be playing with ten footballers and a goalkeeper but rather eleven footballers. In all seriousness i wouldn't it put it past him to try something like that. He certainly is clueless enough
04 Jun 2015 09:59:57
He was a genius when we were winning with his system !!!!! Brendan's has shown give him good players what he can do
04 Jun 2015 12:46:32
Didn't Roma actually try a 1-10-0 formation this season
04 Jun 2015 13:47:40
What's your point? 6 attacking midfielders and 4 wing backs. Brenda would go for that. You make it sound like a daft idea.
04 Jun 2015 06:36:45
We seem to be in the market for a solid RB and are being constantly linked with Nathaniel Clyne. But at the price being asked i would be surprised if we carried on.
Why don't we have a look at the 3 relegated sides for some solid and cheap squad players.
One such player IMO would be Kieran Trippier of Burnley. We have some decent RB when they come back from the treatment room so spending BIG on Clyne would be a bad move and Trippier created 37 (wow 37) MORE chances last season.
A cheaper player than Clyne, who statistically can compare, looks like a no brainer to me.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.
04 Jun 2015 07:19:25
Clyne is another Johnson. Wanyama and schneiderlin are the players there
04 Jun 2015 08:50:14
Trippier?? Please no. What is wrong with Wisdom? We'd be better off using Wisdom than splurging cash on the likes of Trippier.
04 Jun 2015 09:37:16
Wanyama! No thank you
04 Jun 2015 10:40:21
Wisdom is not that good, positional he is poor and poor distribution, the only part of his game that is any good is his strength. Maybe a backup and hopefully he can come good in time.
04 Jun 2015 12:47:55
Wisdom's ability on the ball is vastly under rated, wasn't the reason we switched him from centre back to right back was because he was so good on the ball for a defender his age. I would happily have him as back up or in rotation in the right back slot
04 Jun 2015 13:08:30
We already own Wisdom. I do not see Trippier as better than Wisdom so I wouldn't see the point in selling Wisdom and buying Trippier.
04 Jun 2015 06:04:45
Hi Eds
This is obviously just random theory talk, but I was wondering is there a possibility that LFC have said "have a year off Mr. Klopp and if Rodgers doesn't turn it around then its yours"? Far-fetched I know but does that kind of thing happen?
{Ed001's Note - it hasn't happened, nor would it happen. Why would he do that when he can walk into just about any job?}
04 Jun 2015 09:51:01
are you implying that klopp should be our option than our no 1 target? interesting.
04 Jun 2015 12:49:12
Why would Klopp listen to us for career advice, he has nothing to do with the club and we have a manager so I very much doubt we would tell another manager to take some time off
04 Jun 2015 13:54:23
In what job would he be able to walk into? United won't fire Van Gaal, Arsenal won't fire Wenger, City will change manager this year, Barca won't change manager, Real just got a new manager, Bayern won't change manager, Chelsea won't change manager.
The only jobs that are within his reach currently(and next year) are us, PSG, Milan and Inter out of the giants. And his preference is England.
{Ed002's Note - Far from correct.}
04 Jun 2015 15:00:14
Looks like Bayern manager 2016/17 to me.