Liverpool Banter Archive May 07 2014

07 May 2014 22:33:37
Hilarious how Skrtel is "our best defender" as many fans say! he is gob awful! just because he scored 7 goals don't mean anything!

He has made more mistakes leading to goals than our entire back-line combined apart from Johnson and that is a stone-wall fact none can even discuss!
now how on earth is that our best defender? He has also 4 own goals, why do you think that is? Because he is not suitable to Liverpool's style and is way to deep all the time! I said last season we will never stop leaking goals with Skrtel in the team and guess what we haven't!

Then someone said how come Liverpool leak goals now when we were solid defensively!

When on earth were we solid defensively last? under Benitez?! Because we conceded over 40 goals the last 3 or so seasons and never and I will say that again NEVER scored more than 90 goals in a single season! Not even close to that! First time in our history!

So if you're talking about under KK that we were solid, we scored 47 goals and finished 8th and conceded 42 times I think! Not so solid, 10 times the goals difference and 6th places higher, I know which one I prefer everytime!

Sure disappointing to not win the title but go to the banter archives and read some posts about where we will finish before the season started, not the most optimistic of us would have predicted this.No one expected this and to mcgob or whatever he is called, if someone said we can win the league with 7 points from our last 3 games before the season he would have been called crazy and delusional and the fact that we actually could is nothing short of a magnificent achievement and no I don't care because the players, staff, etc are not used to this and will only grow because of it! So you can take your negativity elsewhere yeah!

Kotomoto, I think your carer must have forgot to collect your repeat prescription!
Just a joke, take it easy lad.

Am to be fair I though the first half season under Kenny we were solid and played some very enjoyable football. The problem was we never scored near enough, as you pointed out. That said none can undermine what Rodgers has done. We had the chance and blew it but to even be in this situation is a feat in itself. If he can improve our defense in anyway similar to how he has improved our attack then we will be better again.

Kotomoto
Take away the koto from the moto and change the m of the moto to and r and in Einsteins work you have roto( a term used to describe a drunken person who could be angry, no commen sense and can't walk in a straight line)

Mistakes leading to goals. Opta stats.

Skrtel-9
Johnson-6
Toure-3
Agger-2
Sakho-2
Flanagan-1
Enrique-1
Cissokho-1

Case closed, Skrtel = NOT our best defender, actually far from it. Nothing against him, but facts are facts.

So you can praise him all you want, totally undeserved, I would rather he didn't make those stupid mistakes rather than scoring some goals.

Skrtel is a threat from dead ball situations in both boxes, that is all really, he is very rash, very slow, no bravery in his positional skills whatsoever, has a reputation of being strong but he isn't at all and that's why he gives away countless fouls in stupid dangerous positions because he thinks he is stronger than he is so he clatters players. that in the football world is called rashness not strength. He has a huge amount of clearances which describes him perfectly:

a defender who always backs off until he has to make a last ditch tackle or clearance which looks good on TV, if positioned correctly he wouldn't have to make them in the first place.

Add on top of that the amount of clear fouls he's got away with! Skrtyl is a mistake always waiting to happen! Jonny Evans is much better than him imo (yes i'm a utd fan lol)

Has Skrtel not played more games than all the others? Interesting to see the average stats for "mistakes" leading yo goals.

Big al, this site is becoming more and more educational, thanks for that.

08 May 2014 00:05:03
I would love to know how many more games skrtel played than all the rest if your not there you can't make mistakes he would be the last 1 I would look to run out the door.imo

Kotomoto, I am neither agreeing or disagreeing, (I wouldn't dare the mood you are in)but let's twist some stats, Skrtel -
mistakes leading to goals 9
Goals scored 7
9-7=2 divided by games played (say 40) = 1 goal every 20 games caused by a mistake.

Kotomoto, was it a Skrtel mistake for palaces third or Johnson's for giving Skrtel two men to mark?

Using stats to close a case will only work if all stats are looked at. How many goals has Skrtel prevented from clearances and tackles this season. I have no idea, but you can't just look at the stats that support your case and ignore all others - narrow minded player haters annoy me.

Skrtl`s of no use to the team if he cannot do his job properly which is to first and foremost, defend. Scoring 7 at the other end should be a bonus instead of a way of cancelling out the goals he has caused or should have caused. He and GJ defend way too deep and allow attackers to come onto us which is the cause of all the panic we see during games. They`re both poor and should go.

Also, while the mistakes the players made are punished on 25 occasions according to the above stat, I am sure some of them could have been prevented if others had done better. For example, Flanagan allowed Gayle and Snodgrass to easily jump above hom to score. This is not meant to defend Skrtel as such, but IMO, mistakes will be made, but good defenders can cover effectively.

Redohio, just an excercise in showing how stats can be used to suit any particular argument. By the way, who's fault do you reckon was palaces third goal? For me having 2 forwards to worry about skrtel was caught in two minds and done neither attack the ball or drop to mark Gayle, johnson was nowhere near his man or any man for that matter.

{Ed001's Note - do you not think both of them were at fault there Alan? Skrtel should have communicated to Johnson, both to tell him what he was going to do and to get him to cover whichever of them he wasn't going to pick up. George Graham would have drilled the full back to be behind on the cover anyway in his time, but modern day full backs don't seem to think about defending so need to be told what to do.}

08 May 2014 09:36:11
Palace 3rd goal was Skrtels & Johnson's fault, just like Swansea'2 and 3rd were Skrtels fault, like Hull's 1st and 3rd, like fulhams 2nd I could seriously go on to tomorrow.

then you who disagree say how much more he has played? are you serious? I have listed 6 defenders who combined had 1 mistake more. 6 defenders ffs. those 6 has played 2, 8 times the minutes skrtel has so the excuse is useless. His mistakes are inexcusable. and I will say it again.
We will never stop leaking goals as long as Skrtel is in the team, if we don't start parking busses that is, the only style and system he is suited to. CTR lad no disrespect, Coates is better than Evans, after fergie all your players got found out, and nothing will change for years! enjoy

08 May 2014 10:05:37
The third goal was neither of skrtel or Johnsons fault. Where was our midfield?

Reading these statistics, Johnson and Skrtel are the most mistake prone defenders we have. I would sell them.
Reading other statistics, Enrique and Coates are the most injury prone defenders we have. I would sell them.

Jon Flanagan, Andre Wisdom and Ryan McLaughlin competing for right full back.
Kolo Toure, Martin Kelly and Tiago Ilori competing for right centre back.
Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho and Stephen Sama/Lloyd Jones competing for left centre back.
A new player, Jack Robinson and Brad Smith competing for left full back.

That is how I would tweak the defence for next season.

If not Skrtel, then who?

Toure will be a squad player and the only CB I have seen us linked is Steven Caulker, who is Skrtel mk 2.

Johnny evans :))

08 May 2014 10:54:10
the 3rd goal was not Skrtels and johnsons fault? LOL. get real lad, what midfield? it was a hoof ball, 100% Skrtels fault stop talking crabs!

I completey agree with you AG, but my post were about mistakes directly leading to goals, Skrtel and all the others have mistakes leading to goals but not directly. F.eks Toure & Skrtel mix up give saints a corner, agger sleeps and looses Lovren, and Gerrard could have maybe cleared better. that is a goal who statisticaly is Aggers fault for loosing concentration but Skrtel and Toure were indirectly involved.

and I also completely agree with you AG about Caulker, hasn't he scored some goals as well? wow people's perception of what is a good centre half is completely screwed up. Their job is to stop goals, not score them. I personally have 0 problems with these 2 partnerships, Toure-Sakho and Ilori-Agger, Kelly provides cover as does Wisdom who is now a RB after playing 34 games with derby at RB. I hope Skrtel is being played all season to maximize his transfer fee.

He did get a 20 million offer, he didn't play we got 10 the following season, maybe that's why we have also played a bit more on the counter-attack and deeper to suit him as well. I don't think we need a CB to replace Skrtel, we have 3 others who don't play who are much more suited to the way BR wants to play. remember our defense were so solid with 3 clean sheets in the first 3 games, no Skrtel. So Injuries happened and the rest is history.

08 May 2014 11:16:56
i have read that Jack Robinson is a bully and very harmful to younger players and so on, I think if he hasn't changed his attitude on loan he will be sold.

Enrique got a season ending injury, his price would have dropped massively, I think he will stay to prove his worth and fitness next season, then he will have 1 year left in his contract, prove he deserves a new deal or the exact opposite Like G.Johnson currently is doing.

What actually is really sad is G.Johnson plays like a world class player 1 game and 5 like a championship player. The definition of inconsistent, you can't just keep rewarding such awful displays with much money. I hope he goes, Flanagan and Andre Wisdom are our future at RB. proper defenders!

Alan your welcome mate :)

Yes agreed totally ED, I was just making the point and wondering in komototo's stats who he would have at fault, 1, 2 or both. I just think stats can easily be manipulated to back a certain viewpoint, and actually I didn't disagree with Komototo's post. I thought Johnson was poor for each of palace's 3 goals but did offer a threat going forward.

I won't go over the same old reasoning. But skrtel needs to go. I don't think sama will cut it, and Wisdom may be sold. so if we get rid of skrtel and coates and possibly wisdom we may see another cb in the mix?
As long as skrtel and GJ aren't here next season and we've brought in another wingback. I'll consider it an improvement on the defense.

Aren't the majority of goals the result of somebody making a mistake. i'd there were no mistakes most matches would end up 0-0!

07 May 2014 22:12:50
Ahoy - and self imposed superstitious exile over.

Flights to Liverpool airport booked.
Hotel booked
Tickets in hand
Excited for first trip home since Swansea game

Pity it's for Little Mix on the 23rd at the Echo Arena with my kids and not the last game of the season.

BOILED ONIONS

What do BOILED ONIONS smell like?

{Ed007's Note - Boycie's hair..Gar(a)y...???}

07 May 2014 22:02:04
Miracles do happen bring back borini for the last game haha lol

07 May 2014 20:43:36
Reports say that we have started talks with Barca for Tello. Anything on this Eds please? Is it likely or a little premature at this stage?

{Ed002's Note - Is there some reason you cannot use the search function?}

I always use the search function Ed. I meant is it premature at this stage meaning I doubt we can actually talk to his club as the season is closed. I was only asking.

{Ed002's Note - If you mean something different, say. If it is premature there is help you can get, creams and support groups.}

08 May 2014 11:47:57
Ed02 strikes again!

07 May 2014 19:35:14
Ed02, I remember some months ago you pointed out the different release clauses. Buy out, release, termination. I think. It was a great read, and well a friend posted on fb about Liverpool losing points because Suarez should have been allowed to leave. Is there any chance you could find the transcript and post it on this post, would be nice to educate him!

{Ed002's Note - This is a horribly complex area not least because they are written under individual national laws.

The "buy out" clause is legally binding between a club and a player. The "buy out" is effectively what it says - a means for the player to buy himself out of the contract. As an example, if a player wishes to buy himself out of a contract, he pays the applicable FA the amount of the "buy out" clause effectively becoming a free agent. The problem is that in most cases a player would need to obtain that money from the buying club - and this is fraught with issues regarding "tapping up" and, of course, taxation as it can be seen as income for the player and would therefore be subject to income tax. There was a test case about the taxation issue in Spain about three years ago.

A "release clause" is far more common in that it gives a figure that the club would accept for the sale of a player to another club - but it is not legally binding except where both parties are in the same country, and even then that only applies in certain countries - notably Spain and Portugal. These are normally unreasonably high figures (Messi at Barcelona for example) introduced to act as a deterrent for hostile bids - and even then the club could easily block a move. However, if a club does agree to match a release clause then the club would be obliged to ask the player if he is interested. Examples are Goetze who decide he wanted to move and Cavani who, regardless of two offers that were made in 2012 that matched or equated to his then "release clause" recognised Napoli did not want to sell and could block a move abroad and he accepted a new package. Since then Napoli said they will listen to offers of €60M or so and indeed accepted a bid this summer - which is of course different.

There is then the becoming popular "termination clause" which is binding between the player and the club and if met would see an offer from anywhere accepted and the player given the opportunity to make a call on a move. This overcomes the issues associated with "buy out" clauses as the money would be paid by one club to another.}

Thank you very much!

If I`m not mistaken, I think that`s what happened with Costa when we were said to have matched his release clause as he used that as leverage to get a new-improved deal with AM. I could be wrong. Ed, your opinion?

{Ed002's Note - The interest in Costa was there when the expectation was that Suarez was leaving.}

Did Luis Suarez have a "release clause" last summer in his contract?

{Ed002's Note - This was done to death last year. I have no interest in reopening it.}

07 May 2014 21:29:30
Oh well, we had one hand on it and it went for one reason or another.
I am as frustrated as many of you but we must remember at the start of the season our aim was champions league football and during that chase we found ourselves chasing the title.
Inexperience, sloppy play and some bad decisions cost us the title.
I have been so proud to call myself a Liverpool fan this season as the football we have played has been outstanding but BR and the players have to learn when you are winning there are times you have to shut up shop as so to speak and take what you have.
Here is looking forward to next season with a stronger squad and pushing for honors again.

07 May 2014 21:18:52
Really hope our interest in Bertrand has ceased because he is piss poor

Please can you explain how he is 'piss poor'? He had a solid game and made a few tackles/interceptions aswell as being solid going forward. Only thing I can think of is the first goal which was not entirely his fault due to being bombarded by the best fullback and the winger at the same time?

Don`t know about being piss poor BUT he`s always been poor and he is NOT what we need regardless of amt of tackles and/or interceptions he would have made. He`s simply not good enough for the heights we`re trying to reach.

There is no explanation needed, Bertrand is quite poor.

They've watched him in 1 match jackoo. and are suddenly experts. I wouldn't waste my breath

07 May 2014 20:54:15
City v Villa is a currently a draw at half-time.
Not saying it will happen, but imagine if the score stays at it is, our draw against Palace become even worse than the loss to Chelsea (from the point of view of letting a 3 goal lead sip in the last 10 minutes against a team we should really beat and were beating quite comfortably - whereas as Chelsea was always going to be a hard team to get any result against knowing the way they can play and do play against a team with any class/skill.

I have my fingers, legs, arms, eyes and nuts crossed that the score at least stays the same or Villa somehow nick a win.

I still feel West ham can get a result against them too. There's a reason we spent all the money on big AC and sent him down there with SD and JC ;-)

Just imagine AC getting a winner against them!

07 May 2014 20:58:30
If Villa gets a point, Then Hammers just need a draw at city, Which is more likely than Villa, West-ham known for their style and physicality, won't be easy picking for City. They have the second best BUS after Chelsea

Sorry to disappoint but the cream has just risen to the top 1-0

07 May 2014 20:37:09
0-0 in the city-villa game.
Would it be too much to ask for a cheeky goal or 2 from villa?

07 May 2014 21:02:13
Why do we need Villa to score against City, West-ham are more than capable to pick a draw at City.

Either will do for me.

07 May 2014 20:29:45
Wishful thinking I know, and more than a little stressful, but my perfect scenario is that City mess up and we win against the odds now with the added benefit that we will have learned from the harsh lesson Monday night too. Best of both worlds!

That said, it is hard to see City slipping up although I think we may end up losing on goal difference and rueing Monday's collapse. Either way, what a cracking year we've had and long may it continue. I've supported the club through thick and thin for 40 years now and it's been a long while since I've enjoyed watching us play so much with so much hope of what the future may bring.

Come in you Reds :-)

07 May 2014 19:29:05
It's not over even if city win tonight, whatever happens it goes to the last game

Square tomato, it's over mate city won't **** up .hope we finish 2nd and pray BR gets transfers right in summer .

It probably is mate but I'm just saying it can't be decided tonight, we'll be better next season which is a scary thought!

Your right mate. Not giving up hope until the final minute but it's a long shot now.

07 May 2014 19:01:07
Hi eds was my post ok or did I say something wrong, post was sent between 4-5pm today :)

{Ed002's Note - It is on the Teams page.}

07 May 2014 18:36:51
All we need to do is believe its possible. Come on villa.

YNWA.

It's possible!

07 May 2014 17:21:01
Eds I've seen reports today that we are set to battle it out with Athletico for Dani Parejo. Was you aware of there intetest at all? Also as far as you are aware do we still maintain firm intetest in him please?

{Ed002's Note - Search function broken?}

Yes I've searched him on there. Nothing much said about him tbh recently. Just didn't know if you new any latest news. Know worries Ed thanks thanks anyway.

07 May 2014 16:27:08
Hi eds,
I was wondering there is all this talk of who we are to bring in, and I was wondering what positions are we looking to strengthen? Obviously we are looking at wingers, but are we favoring a CDM over a CB? would picking up a GK be an option we are looking at?

Thanks, and good luck to Aston Villa today

{Ed002's Note - Try the search function.}

07 May 2014 14:11:55
I think its fair to say that our inability to keep clean sheets has cost us the title this year and that our defense will be looked at again over the summer.

Is Marcos Rojo a realistic target for the left back position?

Do you know what the plan is for Ilori next season? Will he get game time or will he be loaned out again.

And finally, can you give us an update on Martin Kelly's future.

Thanks for keeping us all updated. Your hard work is much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - Please try the search function.}

07 May 2014 12:52:08
I was just reading some stats in the Telegraph about Liverpool's defence set-up.

Of the top seven sides in the Premier League Liverpool have the second worst defence with just two fewer goals conceded than a Tottenham side who have been beaten 6-0 5-0 5-1 4-0 and 4-0 this season.

Goals conceded:-

Chelsea - 26
Man City - 37
Everton - 39
Arsenal - 41
Man Utd - 42
Liverpool - 49
Spurs - 51

Of those top 7 sides Liverpool have the recorded the fewest number of clean sheets in league games - 10

The stats also show the team perform better without Skrtel and Sakho

With them:-

Games - 17
Av goals against - 1.5
Win - 53
Clean sheets - 1

Without them:-

Games - 20
Av goals against - 1.1
Win - 80
Clean sheets - 9

Liverpool only need 5 goals to break a goalscoring record held since 1961 yet could still possibly lose the League on goal difference.

It goes without saying that football is won by scoring goals and all the possession stats etc in the world won't matter if the ball isn't in the back of the net (Barcelona), just wondering if Suarez goes - who's form this season could prove a tad irreplaceable and this tactic is not addressed then what?

Still loved this season!

Sorry the 53 and 80 is % games won

If Suarez goes you spend the money on a left winger, left back, a goal scoring midfielder and another striker.
He's not irreplaceable, Sturridge will be our main threat and the rest of the team will have to tighten up a bit so we don't concede as many.

07 May 2014 14:10:14
Mikey 1985

All those combined wouldn't add half amount of efforts ( goals, work ethich, injury free, assist ) what Suarez adds to the team.

I like Sakho as a player, but whenever he plays, we leak goals. It is perhaps he needs a better partner.

No doubt our defending has been quite poor over the course of the season. LFC have conceded possession cheaply leading to close to something like 50 chances for the opposition this season. This tells me it's not necessarily the defenders, but the defending as a team, which is the problem.

Thats because everytine Sakho plays, he has Skrtel next to him. He hasn't played with a single other partner than Skrtel. Skrtel has been tried alongside Toure, Agger and Sakho and none of them have been great. Agger and Toure had good balance and leadership but injuries hindered their partnership. Sakho deserves a chance with Toure. Our defense since the 4th game into the season has been shaky, and Skrtel is the only common denominator.

07 May 2014 15:26:09
So if sackho makes a mistake r plays bad it's his partners fault that makes sense yeah .when he has the ball I'm worried not a good sign to be nervous when r cb has the ball the jury is well and truly out on him imo.

Well said Tommy.

Skrtel is taking some stick from fans at the moment, but he has been by far our best defender this season.

Maybe it is Skrtel who needs a better partner.

Red Rum

I did/do think Liverpool need a centre half – someone commanding and a good reader of the game but if its the tactics that aren’t right, will it make a difference.

The Chelsea game was the big loss for me, Crystal Palace just shamelessly highlighted the biggest weakness this season. Going into Europe next season and against teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern etc. If Crystal Palace and Cardiff can get 3 goals, what will they do?

I want Liverpool to build on this season’s success, I would hate to see them assume they can go on with conceding goals so long as they score more. Too risky

Of course if Man City slip up, Liverpool will be tactical geniuses all over again such is the fickle world of football.

If suarez goes which will be for about 60-70 million Cavani Falcao might be avaliavble for that sort of money maybe less clear off a bit of death and still spend some money that was already avaliable for transfers

Paddy, I was not impressed with Cavani at all during the Champions League?

07 May 2014 11:22:12
Eds, your opinion on Simon Mignolet? I was unaware of him not being Rodger's first choice but despite the odd error I'd like to see him as number 1 for the foreseeable future.
About 0 chance of it happening but would also love to see Reina return as a number 2 to provide the needed competition, wishful thinking of course.

{Ed002's Note - I have no thoughts about Mignolet.}

Not even at night time or in the shower?

Who was his first choice

Begovic as I recall dezyboy.

07 May 2014 10:41:50
Great news if it's true Brendan is signing a new contract I have to say since these owners have come in their is much more stability at the club we are all pulling in the same direction couldn't be more proud of our team this season great football to watch.

Ofcourse he will be signing a new contract.

07 May 2014 09:31:18
do you edds think we'll win the league? I think there's another twist in the league and belive city will lose. i'm a firm beliver in fate and confinced the footballing gods will see gerrard lift the league trophy!?!?!

{Ed001's Note - I have never thought we could win it. I would be very happy to be proven wrong though!}

07 May 2014 16:25:57
I remember 001 saying we'd finish second in pre season

07 May 2014 08:27:44
Hai Eds, Good day ahead.

I don't get this fuss on Johnson, Some here suggest him to play as a RW.
Y do we need Johnson to play there, when we would be buying a LW/RW in the summer. Johnson is very high on wages and should be sold Immediatly
Johnson was so poor was Suarez was chasing the player at the righ hand side in the 75th minute, As he ran almost half way line

I agree. Johnson is a Full-Back. He either plays their or should be sold.

07 May 2014 07:20:50
Ed 001
I see you mentioned in one of your replies that we need to add more steel to our midfield and you mentioned medel as a choice.
1-Are we actually interested in him?
2-What would you say to Mohammad Diame?
3-Whi would all the posters want?

{Ed001's Note - unfortunately we have yet to show interest in Medel. I am not a big fan of Diame, but he is played mostly out of position by Allardyce, so it is difficult to really judge the lad.}

Fabian Delph or Mark Noble. I think Hendo offers enough steel when available, but without him our midfield looks static and weak.

Delph and Noble are both agressive and both have incredible engines. I don't think we need another holding midfielder as Rodgers only plays with 1 and Lucas is more than capable of covering Gerrard. If Rodgers doubts that, why not give Coady, Baio or Rossiter a chance?

I think it's the energy in front of the holding midfielder than makes us week and the amount of space we concede out wide due to Flanno being played out of position and Johnson being a weak link. Coutinho is young and not suited to a deeper role, Sterling is strong and energetic but is wasted in a deeper role and Allen isn't powerful enough to deputise for Hendo against physical sides. I'd like to see us sign Lallana and Delph and then I think our midfield is Champions league quality. Then we just need to hold onto Borini, sign one more versatile forward, and then fix the defence with 2/3 players.

I like Diame but he is a bit inconsistent. Medel for me, would be an excellent buy, but it will finish Gerrard or Lucas' Liverpool careers. He is better than Gerrard in the holding role and Lucas won't be 3rd choice.

{Ed001's Note - please not Delph or Noble! Neither are good enough or consistent enough.}

Haha, not even as squad players Ed? I don't want us to become Man City and end up with 30 unhappy players and 15 over 21's out on loan. Luckily for you, Rodgers seems to prefer Dani Parejo anyway ;)

{Ed001's Note - we have better players in the youth teams, why on earth would we want players that simply aren't good enough for lower end clubs instead? Noble is average on a good day, Delph is the most inconsistent and rashest player I have seen in years. His first touch varies from putting it into the stands one second to being top class the next. He is a red card waiting to happen and has no positional sense at all. Noble is better of the two, but most West Ham fans feel he is barely good enough for them, so that says it all to me.}

I like Delph, we'll see what he's made of tonight against one of the strongest mid-fields in the game!

I like Diame personally. I think he's versatile enough to do the Henderson job and also as a more defensive midfielder. At perhaps around the £5m mark, he's got to be worth a look?

Noble takes a cracking penalty though :P

Fair enough Ed, I'd fancy them to do a job for us surrounded by better quality, but I can see where you are coming from. Could be a major crash and burn!

Hopefully the better half of Delph turns up tonight!

Diame would be a perfect squad player, Big strong guy, has pace, energy, a cheap yaya if you will. would massively help strengthen the midfield especially when hendo is out the team. at the moment we have no other midfielder with those qualities, which could have helped us against palace.

Medel for me, seen him a lot this season and he's fantastic, good with the ball at his feet, reads the game very well. he's also proved that his temperament can also be relied upon. it's a no brainer for me.

{Ed002's Note - Interest in Gary Medel from Lazio has returned and Malaga and Valencia have expressed their interest, but Besiktas still remains a more likely destination in my view.}

Ed would he really be available for the 3.5 million being thrown about?

{Ed001's Note - there was a clause in his contract, but I don't believe that still applies now.}

What about schneiderlin ed001?

{Ed001's Note - I would think he would be too expensive.}

07 May 2014 14:14:46
I would take Shneiderlin in a blink of an eye.

I don't think we need more "squad players". We need players to push Henderson and Gerrard.

In all honesty AG Gerrard's best days are behind him - we don't need someone to "push" him, we need someone who'll replace him. The "QB" role has worked well but defensively he still seems very absent and positionally poor (in that regard Lucas is much better) - I think we need to be looking for somebody who'll be starting week in week out - Gerrard will be a quality option to have from the bench and as a starter for certain games but he should not be the first name on the team sheet, not anymore.

In response to the other posters:

Medel is good but we already have Gerrard and Lucas for the DM position - do we have space for another? probably not.

Diame is very overrated in my opinion and I don't think technically good enough for our midfield, I wouldn't be keen.

Noble is a good player in a poor team but nowhere near good enough for us.

Delph is also a good player in a poor team who has short lived moments of brilliance combined with long lulls of abject mediocrity - again nowhere near good enough for us.


p.s. Allen's tackling has looked much improved and he seems to have developed a bit more steel to his game. I was a huge critic but I have been proven wrong, the lad is doing well and if he continues it bodes well for next season.

Seano, actually, I am not sure Lucas would be particularly good in a QB role. He likes to run around and tackle. Sort of like a roamer. Before his injuries, he had the stamina and just about enough pace to work throughout the midfield, covering side to side.

I am possibly being to harsh on Lucas, but I think he will work well in a 2-man central midfield.

Regardless, wouldn't you agree we need someone better than a squad player?

I agree AG Lucas doesn't have the quality of distribution to play a "QB" role but he does have the ability and reading of the game to play the defensive midfield role. What I meant was that Lucas is much better defensively than Gerrard but lacks the attacking punch/distribution Gerrard is capable of. The problem is that I think it limits the team if we play both in the starting line up.

I agree though, we need a top quality signing, we have more than enough squad players as it is.

07 May 2014 08:11:52
I voted yes to signing Cissokho permanently although I don't see it happening. He is one of those players who always gives 100%, doesn't moan when he's not playing and is actually a good player. He is like Joe Allen and Brad Jones in the sense that he is a perfect squad player.

However, I would only keep him if we can shift on the glass man, Jose. Enrique is getting on now and players his age don't recover quickly from these injuries. He perhaps needs a move to a team in a slower league or with lower expectations. Unlike Cissokho, he has shown very little capacity to learn.

I would want Cissokho as cover though, so it would allow Flanno to play at or at least cover right back. Rojo or Coentrao would be first choice options. I'm edging towards Rojo because he comes with a aerial threat that we may lose with Skrtel potentially leaving. He is also better defensively, which is crucial to us I think. I do love Coentrao as a player though.

In other news, Brazilian Cafu is on his way to Anfield this weekend to watch our very own Scouse Cafu! Go on Flanno son!

Cissokho is not good enough, hence Flanno being played there (out of position).

Enrique is a good second choice if he can manage his injuries, but even if he does pick up another injury we know Flanno will do a good job there.

Red Rum

07 May 2014 10:19:15
nah man, we should certainly aim for better. he is awful in position sadly and simply can't play the way BR wants, although he is a good defender. New LB and Enrique can fight it out for a starting place.

07 May 2014 10:33:45
Gives 100% and quality are two different things.

Fair play to the replies. This is what football does though, divides opinions because for me, Cissokho despite not being as great going forward as Enrique is the overall better left back. Can we afford to have a player in our squad on £60k+ a week who plays less than 10 games a season?

Cissokho will not be joining permanently. I think that much is pretty evident.

Nothing against the guy at all but he won't ever make the grade required for us. wish I knew who we could get as shaw is going for mad money but ally is going back to valencia just as moses is going back to chelsea

In my opinion he just isn't good enough. I've got a lot of time for him because he does try and he does give 100% - after all what more can we ask? - but for the ambitions we harbour we require better and as he is on loan it makes little sense, in my eyes, to sign him permanently.

07 May 2014 07:14:48
What is going on with Martin Kelly?, he is never in the match day squad? Is he injured? surplus to requirements? not playing well?

He has seemingly fallen off the radar for a once top prospect?

Ed001 mentioned something about Kelly being given this season to recuperate fully from the ACL injury he suffered last season. Imo he deserves to be given at least next season to establish himself as a first team regular. With Johnson likely to be sold, I would like to see Flanno, Kelly and Mclaughlin battle it out for the RB slot rather than bring in a new player.

07 May 2014 10:39:30
Mclaughlin and Brad Smith on either side. Simply Brilliant.

I would keep kelly, although we have so many better prospects at rb: wisdom, flano, mclaughlin. We could also use kelly at CB with his height and pace if he can adapt to 1st team CB he will be a massive asset, Ilori and kelly could replace Agger internally no problem.

07 May 2014 16:29:48
Homefan I agree them 2 r going to be r future but next season may be a bit early for them maybe loans in the premiership if possible.flamenco and Ryan r going to battle it out for r right back position for years.

Not sure Kelly will be playing right back again in light of the seriousness of his injury however he could, if he gets back to a decent level, be used as a centre back. Tall, strong, read the game well (from what I can remember) - worth giving another season too and then seeing where both club and player stand. That injury was a real shame though as he looked like a potential world beater at right back.

How did Liverpool go from a strong defensive side to leaking goals for fun

Carragher retired, Hyypia left, we started playing proper attacking football.

06 May 2014 22:16:35
ed 001 I no its very early but can u see a change in formation next season with the players we sign maybe going to a
4-1-2-1-2 with the new wide forward or don't u think it will make a difference thanks

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure how that would be a change, it is just a bunch of numbers. I mean that to me would suggest a diamond, which is what we have been playing.}

After upsetting him yesterday (unintentionally, sorry Ed001) I have to agree that numbers on a page don't work for me.

realistically most of this season we have played 2-1-2-2-1-2 as a result of our full-backs pushing on so high

our formation is pretty fluid which has it's positives, but also has negatives when we are broken on

{Ed001's Note - nobody upset me mate, no need to apologise.}

06 May 2014 21:21:46
OK - I accept it's silly season as far as rumours go and a really good excuse for very lazy journalist speculation.
Seen a few reports on the following players:

Cristian Benavente
Mats Hummels
Ovie Ejaria

A lot of hot air, or any semblance of truth?

Thanks in advance

God knows who the first and third are, but although I am 110% positive mats hummels will never join Liverpool, he is absolutely everything we need to sort out defence at the moment.