Liverpool Banter Archive July 09 2014

09 Jul 2014 22:47:42
Anyone think rogers should(or might) wait to see how Ibe performs in pre season before going and buying another striker/wide forward to replace suarez?

For me Ibe has all the attributes, he has a physical presence, he's quick and skillful. I'd personally like to see him thrown in at the deep end.

Why? So we can destroy his confidence when he inevitably suffers? Give him a bit of a run in preseason to see where he's at, a role in the early cup games, and a few substitute appearances.

I agree he is class. He'll be handled like Sterling was but a bit more relaxed because we have more options than we did back then.

I hope a few more youngsters are allowed to step up too. Which they should. Exciting times

I agree he needs to be brought up with Sterling,

For me Ibe has got the potential to be great for us and he was ripping up the reserves not last season the one before when he first broke in to the 1st team - I definitely wouldn't loan him out this season and would like to see him coming off the bench in games quite often

With his lightning pace he's bound to make impacts on tired defenders, If the inevitable happens I would like to see 3 behind sturridge inc Sterling/Ibe - Coutinho / Lallana and Markovic - Real good options to have

And Lambert

09 Jul 2014 22:44:48
Is it the Argentinian Rojo that we were interested in for full back, looks handy, thoughts lads and lassies?

09 Jul 2014 23:36:18
It's really quite difficult to tell. I've been floating in and out of sleep for this entire 120 minutes. Good news is the "master tactician" can't get very far with draws in the EPL.

That's him, looks a good player in my opinion, much better defensively than most other attacking full backs but unfortunately it seems as though we might be going for Bertrand instead.

I don't rate Rojo at all mate, hope it ain't true

09 Jul 2014 22:01:50
I point blank refuse to believe there won't be a world class player coming in after selling Luis. I don't think It 'must' be a striker either. It 'should' be a player who plays in the positions we are weakest. When we won't the champions league in 05 we never had a goal scorer,,, but world class midfielders and 1 or 2 at the back. The squad is good, and the players coming in are obviously going to improve the options,, but we're being linked with players and not sorted out the 'priority' positions where we was weak last season and we all know a CB and a LB needs to be bought. I'm surprised the club didn't line these players up months ago and it just seems we're spending all this money on players we don't need. Rojo Lovren and Walcott for me. Markovic Huntelaar Origi I don't get it?

09 Jul 2014 21:34:59
Ed what's in de vrij? I'm blind.

{Ed003's Note - Milk is Daley.}

09 Jul 2014 21:13:37
I've heard Brendan Rogers has turned his attention to experienced full back Dirk Kuyt. Joking aside its great seeing him still playing at this level! Wether he's up front, left mid. In goal, you know what your going get!

He's better than Johnson as right back lol

Great player. Every team should have a Dirk Kuyt.

Love Dirk Kuyt, such a hard working team player and never let's you down. Deserves a winners medal for his performances.

Have to agree Muller, it's a joy to see him still on the worlds biggest stage

Sorry hard working he is - but he lacks quality or slows the play down as he doesn't or can't see a pass/cross - don't get me wrong he was good for Liverpool but unfortunately he is limited as a player.

Hence why he was moved on - lacks pace in the positions he is played as well.

Who remembers his 1st touch resulting in him having to make a tackle for the next ball?

Can't fault his commitment but never an out an out Liverpool legend IMO.

I loved his hat trick against the Mancs

09 Jul 2014 20:59:11
Ed01. Can I post?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know can you?}

Is it Harry?

Letter?

09 Jul 2014 23:18:11
Pretty close.

Dear me Harry. You are getting thru some user names my man.

09 Jul 2014 21:08:19
I am not sure either. seems I just got in. Befre the light goes.
I have a question for you.
Martins Indi?. Looks some player. And seems we are ready to splash some money on a CB. Y not him then?

09 Jul 2014 20:22:09
I don't think with Suarez imminent departure, what we"ll be missing is his goals or asists, because even if rest of the squad combine to give half of his goals and assists, we'd be standing in a good position.

What we'll be missing on is his tireless work rate, which at times had rubbed on to other Liverpool players the right way.

Second of all' how about using sterling as a second striker (Would love if Ed001 can give an opinion on this), he has goals and assists in him, can dribble and is quick enough to drag couple of defenders with him and create space for other players to exploit.

Sterling is a player i'd like to see starting in every game owing to the versatility he provides with being able to play as a second striker, a winger or at right back if required, He'll also allow Brendan to change his formations and tactics if required in a game.

Fellow Reds Inputs is much appreciated.

{Ed001's Note - I like Sterling playing with freedom, I think that suits him. For me, I think he is better coming from deeper positions and running at defenders, rather than being further forward. While he is a lot stronger than he looks, he is not going to out muscle some of the brutes at the back in a Prem team, so I don't want him fighting with them to get the ball. I want him picking it up and attacking them with it, which is when he is at his best.}

I'm with the Ed. I also think he's vital when it comes to defending. Giving his size he really surprised me in that department and he will only get better. The kid has the potential to be up there with the best

09 Jul 2014 19:36:00
Just seen on different web site that Liverpool and arsenal are rumored to preparing a offer of £35 mill release clause
Any thoughts Ed thanks

{Ed001's Note - thoughts are that it would help if you mentioned what you were talking about!}

If you did that deliberately (not mentioning a players name) then that was a genius post as I'd say there are hundreds of guys reading this and freaking out wondering who you are talking about.
If ya just plain forgot then not so genius.

He means are we interested in Jackson Martinez Ed.

09 Jul 2014 20:18:17
Great answer to a barmy point Ed

Ed001, I think Patrick may be talking about Jackson Martinez. There is a report suggesting LFC and AFC are preparing to meet the players release clause.

Think he's referring to Jackson Martinez ed.

For Andy Carroll?

Sorry eds I mean Jackson marteniz

{Ed001's Note - no truth as far as I am aware.}

Hey Patrick great to see there are so many other guys here who can read your mind, LFC fans are the best.

No I think it's Suarez's release clause for next year after biting poor Ramos's arm off.

09 Jul 2014 18:20:28
Hi Eds,

Just a quick one - have you heard why we are unable to convince Sanchez to come to Liverpool? Is it as simple as his mrs wanting to live in London? Or is it something more worrying eg he thinks Arsenal will challenge more consistently over the coming years than we will?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - Time to move on.}

09 Jul 2014 19:03:40
I hear lack of fancy hairdressers in Liverpool.

Why does it matter?

We only want players who want to play for Liverpool and will respect and give everything for the shirt.

09 Jul 2014 21:11:57
Have to say Anfield Boy your posts are a breath of fresh air amongst some of the other ones on here recently.

We want players who want to play for Liverpool. That's always been what Liverpool FC is all about!

It wasn't Chilly enough.

Our shorts were too long on one side

But do players REALLY have to live in close proximity to the ground?
Surely it isn't necessary when you are on 100k per week. Just hire a plane or helicopter if you need to travel long distance. London to Liverpool, it's not exactly difficult to commute.

09 Jul 2014 17:36:06
Hey eds, great work on the site, thanks for all your hard work. Just wondering if you know are there any other CB's we have interest in if the Lovren deal doesn't go ahead which may not happen?

09 Jul 2014 18:16:44
Am glad loveren is overpriced same as he is as a player not good enough for lfc we can buy a lot better than a mid table player for cheaper too that's a FACT!

Who? And don't say Caulker.

09 Jul 2014 18:47:40
". not good enought. "?
It seems you're clueless to say the least.

Surprise, surprise another potential signing getting slaughtered by fair weather Liverpool fans.

In all honesty if we thought he was so good we could have signed HOM 12 months ago for 8 million.

09 Jul 2014 21:13:10
I would have got a bigger name for that kinda money.

09 Jul 2014 23:10:54
Let it begin the lad hasn't signed let alone kicked a ball for LFC and is already being slated. Imo great transfer business by BR Ian Ayre and FSG so far. Can't wait to see what surprises we get in the next few weeks. Then let the season begin. Lfc is in the right hands and headed in the right direction.
Oh yeah chewyo Luis. the grass isn't always greener ask Fernando lol.

He used capital letters for fact so it must be true.

Randy proton is quite a big name 😉

09 Jul 2014 17:28:28
Divock Origi has arrived at Melwood ;)

I've just seen the photo!

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Did you lads post it up on the site

Yes! we're signing Eddie Murphy. The back of his head looks just like Eddie Murphy's.

09 Jul 2014 16:49:19
Hello eds that picture of origi at melwood is it true do your think. Thank you for the hard work

{Ed001's Note - sorry I have no idea what picture you are referring to.}

If the picture is recent then I would say he is 100% at Anfield.

On Liverpool sightings Ed

09 Jul 2014 17:12:41
Lots of posters seem concerned with loopy Lou going and how we will replace him. I find this very shortsighted and I for one am more concerned about replacing the legend that is stevie G. Guns for hire will come and go but to find a sheriff to stay the long term and put heart and soul into our beloved club will be much harder. Can't wait for the new season to start as long as we don't see that 3rd strip too much! Come on the boys let's spank em good this season. YNWA

That kit will be used for our champions league away games as far as I understand, I'm hoping we see loads of it!

09 Jul 2014 19:25:56
Still not convinced by the 3rd strip, 50-50 with the yellow away but much prefer this year's home kit to last years. 3rd kit design looks more like a golf shirt.

09 Jul 2014 15:39:41
Is there still the possibility we could try and sign moreno still? Tried sf but had no luck

09 Jul 2014 14:23:20
Edd002 with the debts topic obviously without going into numbers. I would like to know mate if you wish to comment, why there is no contraints on the amount of transfers in or amount spent. We have spent a lot of money 70plus million( not exact), the suarez deal should reduce that amount greatly but is there now more.emphasis on sales now before buys? I just feel we are spending certain amounts on players that might not make any great improvement like some transfer last year. We could potentially buy 8 players this window which is alot. what's your opinion edd, not on figures but on how you think we should working in the transfer market, e.g sales before buys? Cheers

{Ed002's Note - The club are looking to improve the squad, purchases have been made and there will be more.}

They improve the bench but not the starting 11 which is unacceptable

Let's spell it out Maradona.

Last season

Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan; Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho; Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez
Subs: Jones, Toure/Agger, Cissokho, Allen/Lucas, Aspas, Alberto, Moses

Next season (possibly)

Mignolet; Johnson, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana; Sterling, Sturridge, Markovich
Subs: Jones, Flanagan, Skrtel, Can, Allen, Coutinho, Lambert

Suarez was always going to go but we have strengthened our weak areas and replaced Suarez with a combination of attackers - some experienced, some not. The bench is certainly much stronger and we will see whether the better players in the starting XI make up for LS departure. But don't forget this was a squad that finished 2nd.

09 Jul 2014 13:43:28
Hi eds. epic site mate I love it. 2 quick questions.

1) who do you see leaving in this window?

2) do you see ant barcelona players coming to Liverpool?

{Ed002's Note - (1) Suarez, Suso, Assaidi, Reina, Coates and possibly others. Maybe Lucas, possibly Enrique. (2) I wouldn't think so.}

09 Jul 2014 18:15:10
Suarez. He ate my hamster.

09 Jul 2014 18:32:24
1. Reina, Wisdom, Coates, Ilori (loan), Agger, Robinson, Lucas, Ibe (loan), Suso, Aspas, Assaidi.

09 Jul 2014 14:34:55
Reading this page for a while now, I think most people worry too much.

I seems that when they try to predict the consequenses of not having Suarez around, they look at things in a historical view, forgetting that all players will develop into a new season. Some get better and some get worse.

As far as I can see, we have more players than our opponents, who presumably will get better i.a. they are pretty young.

And, just as important, we have a style of play and a team that glues well together.

Looking at the world cup there is very little difference between the absolute top class players and the next in line. It is more a question of being well organized as a team, which we are.

So cheer up everybody - we will be just fine.

09 Jul 2014 14:09:15
We'll agree to disagree. I am not a fan of lambert and donot mind being proved wrong and hope he is a success.
However sanchez was sought so that makes me think were obviously after a top attacker( markovic was being sought reguardless and a wide player).
Right now I would like us sort out defense, a top CB( Lovren) and a top LB. Imo betrand is no improvement on what we have.

09 Jul 2014 13:56:04
I'm just getting a little concerned, early in the window granted but now with Eds mentioning not having buckets of money to spend. God knows how if we are one of the top marketable clubs in the world, 2nd place, TV money, CL football and £70m coming in in sales from one player. but hey we've spent up already??

Suarez scored 31, won free kicks, penalties and assisted in goals directly aside from winning corners we scored from

We will not replace that. We can hope to get close to 50% of his contribution through untried Markovic and midtable players like Lallana and Lambert. The only way to help towards those points is to tighten defence.

We are not signing any? Lovren and Blind need to come in and if Agger goes, replace him too.
But it sounds like the money has gone towards forward players. The other three clubs who finished in the top four are buying top level players and non have sold their top player

Trust BR, I do. We finished 2nd, he knows what he's doing. He did, with Suarez not without him.

I'm after noticing your name, that's quite a lot of posts from you that I don't agree with.

Money - you haven't a clue. £70m is nonsense. Losses the last 3 years and we've already bought a lot of players.

Lovren and Blind. Lovren we've clearly tried to sign and £20m turned down so the club has done everything it can to get him. We still could. Blind - I agree we should go get a top left back. You make it sound like we haven't tried but we nearly signed Moreno. Yes I know we haven't but there's plenty of time left.

Agger - we replaced him last year, you must have missed all the games with him on the bench for Sakho. We are also looking at bringing in Lovren, as you know yourself, and we have Ilori returning from loan. For me, if we get Lovren we can afford to lose both Skrtel and Agger. We have loads of centre backs.

The last comment about Rodgers not knowing what he is doing without Suarez is complete and utter drivel.

You should be embarrassed by your post.

09 Jul 2014 14:15:27
Blind does not "need to come in" at all.

He was average all season, he's had a hakf decent WC that's all. I hope we give more thought to our signings than that.

Chelsea have just spent money to get weaker. Costa is no better than Torres and Fabregas is worse than Oscar.
United have overpaid for every player so far, but admittedly look to be getting stronger. City will be half the team next season without Toure.
Wenger yet again is refusing to address his teams main priorities. They didn't need any more attackers. They need holding midfielders and defenders.
We will probably not be stronger, but Lallana, Lambert, Can, Markovic, Lovren and Bertrand will see to it we are just as strong. I've not been overwhelmed by any signings yet apart from Lallana and Tadic. They are the two best signings of the summer so far in my opinion.

I don't get why nobody rates Lallana, if he had gone to United you'd all be screaming about how he is world class (which in my opinion he is) but no. He is average/mid table because we signed him. I'm seriously considering a break from this site because I can't take all these depressing posts from the hero worshippers.

Sounds like you're more than a little concerned, but I wouldn't worry; money is not the main issue we have in getting in the players we want. Takes willingness to do business on all sides, so I doubt Suarez is what is holding up any potential transfers -- they will happen w/ or without him, but without him, we may have funds to snag an additional wide forward/striker or simply invest more in other areas of the team (which I think is more likely).

As for Markovic, I think he will surprise you guys. I posted something from a mirror article yesterday, where they quoted Avram Grant as saying besides Ronaldo and Messi, Markovic at 19 is the best he's ever seen. While his expertise is somewhat questionable, I doubt he was being facetious in any way.

Yes, top four clubs always buy players. I'd take Lallana over Fabregas every single day of the week and it has nothing to do with him being English. His game is entirely different. I'd also take Lambert over Costa (though the difference in quality is steep, the return on investment has to be much, much better).

For me, we need a wide forward (Markovic), a left back (Moreno), a center back (Lovren) and another striker (Origi). Anything after that would have to be a class player to even get in the side, unless we're getting rid of Agger/Lucas/Borini.

09 Jul 2014 15:00:45
Adam a.k.a EMS, I don't meant to scare you man, but everyone now knows your name, where you live, how you and your girl friend looks, and if a madman were to visit the site cough cough Harry Scousser cough cough, especially one on the verge of a nervous breakdown now that a certain Uruguayan footballer is leaving LFC, bad things could happen.

Agree with Ems here again. we seem to have fans who just want names and not players. fabregas will not be good at Chelsea and lalanna will have a much better season. look at all the World class players who we've missed out on recently such as mikky and blind this season Who have done nothing of note throughout the season and yet a player like lallanna who was in the team of the year and had an incredible season is considered average I don't get it?

Man city just signed a goalkeeper no top sides were interested in but I don't hear their fans moaning about how crap he is?

Costa is no better than Torres? You think Costa will only score a handful of goals each season in the PL? i'm glad Liverpool never got him then. :-/

Seriously? What has Lallana ever done to suggest he is world class? This is nonsense.

You critisize posters for hero worshipping yet you put Lallana on a pedestal of "world class" that he has done nothing in football to deserve? Maybe a touch of realism is required in your own posts first?

09 Jul 2014 15:26:49
EMS I'm on the same thought as you. Ysd I just post about how whenever we sign/link with someone they automatically become avg/bad player. Whereas if other get the same player we will be praising the world class player they get.

Irish rover
Worldclass is a term that is well overused. There are only two players in world football I deem worldclass, messi and ronaldo.
Lallana is top class ;)

Lalanna has shown consistently over the last couple years in the prem and a few more years before that he consistently performs at a high level and also has loyalty.

I'm not saying he's better than Sanchez because he's not but how would you quantify world class? Is Sanchez world class and if so how?

Big Al
I agree! I also hope Lallana is top class for us.

Not embarrassed at all. Valid point about not replacing Suarezs contribution. And we haven't signed any defenders, which we needed above all.

We were title challengers, now have CL football. We have addressed the leaking goals issue. Sold our best player and the incoming are not world class.
Chelsea Utd Arsenal are signing title winners n finished articles. It's great to buy promising talent but they and we need quality for them to play with.
I was surprised to see no one else move for any of our signings, including their exmanagers.

As I said. The noise seems to be our money is running out. Still no top class defenders. Also looks like the £70m is under £60m for Suarez, but then Ayre has been in negotiations.

At Atletico it was built around Costa. Koke, Turan, Villa etc all served to make him look better. Chelsea have a habit of making strikers look worse with their negative play. Costa offered nothing to the Spanish National side and half of his 30 goals were penalties which skewed his stats. He is not creative enough for his team mates and is either going to lose the ball or shoot. I think in the right System he can guarantee you goals. Chelsea isn't right for him though and yes, I think he will struggle to make double figures next season like Soldado, Aspas, Morientes etc did when they moved here. Defences are tougher, more organised and better in overall quality in the Premier league. He will take at least a year to acclimatise and Chelsea will lilely only give him a year before he is replaced. Torres would do better up top in my opinion than Costa and Chelsea have missed a trick not going for Balotelli who suits them to a tee and is Prem proven.

Lol AG that did make me chuckle ;) I have facebook and get into all kinds of debates on there. I trust that you are all sane!

I perhaps shouldn't jump on the world class bandwagon as you're right. Wprld class means "would walk into any team on earth" so arguably only Neuer, Lahm, Silva, Ramos, Alba, Alonso, Iniesta, Kroos, Messi, Suarez and Ronaldo can claim that accolade as they are the best players on earth.

But Lallana is as good as the likes of Silva, Hazard, Mata etc. Like a previous poster said, he is top class, but he is far from average!

Crunch
Do you know Ayre personally that you can label him a poor negotiator? Or, as I would guess, like numerour other posters that talk out of their backside regarding transfer policies and how they work?

Comparing our transfers to the likes of Chelsea, City, and United is always likely to end in tears.

Two of them have ridiculous money, players who are not super important they can move on for a lot of cash, and a fair amount of recent success.

United makes something like £100M a year more than us and, last season aside, have a pretty good track record.

Arsenal are a better comparison point, but they have consistency which at the moment we are lacking.

We're just back in the CL, it'll take time before we can consistently attract players at the 'world class' level and even when we can I'm not convinced we will as it's simply not the Liverpool way. When was the last time we signed an actual marquee/big name? Torres maybe? But even he was relatively unproven and more of a hot prospect.

09 Jul 2014 13:22:12
Hi Ed002 hope your having a good day. You recently responded to a post that there is interest elsewhere for our ST position. Besides huntelar and Origi is there someone else? Thanks

{Ed002's Note - You will have to point me at the post.}

09 Jul 2014 13:42:59
Can I just say, I'm sick of hearing "BR needs to learn about playing in CL" and giving him tips. If you're going to write anything like this, think about it. And ask yourself, "am I an person?"

Can I get a hell yeah?

Hell yeah!

09 Jul 2014 14:36:29
urm no i'm afraid not. :-)

09 Jul 2014 14:36:29
urm no i'm afraid not. :-)

09 Jul 2014 14:39:51
Hell yeah!

09 Jul 2014 12:54:14
Numerically speaking if we were to negate all of Luis suarez's goals last season we would be on 68 points just one points behind spurs. And if we were to negate all his goals as well as assists we would be on 7th position with 57 points 1 more than southampton and 7 less than manchester united.

On the other hand if we were to negate all of Daniel Sturridge's goals the we would be level on points with manchester united with 64 points. And if we were to negate all his goals as well as assists we would be on 7th position with 57 points 1 more than southampton and 7 less than manchester united.

So if we are getting more than 70 million for a player who is not happy, who will miss almost quarter of the season and STATICALLY second best in terms of points won for the team then I think its time to make our peace and look for the future.

Exactly and obviously another player would be there instead of Suarez to provide goals and assists. and the overall 11 would also be improved with signings of lalanna and loveren. assuming markovic is a "Suarez replacement"

09 Jul 2014 13:09:38
Sorry man, but that is all nonsense.

Well said!

09 Jul 2014 13:24:03
Urchin

I was just going through the same maths as I always felt that Suarez used to be hit and miss in the big games and when games were tight - so a lot of his 31 goals were scored when the game was already won - if he had spread those goals around when we needed them in tight games, we would have walked the league and he would now be more difficult to replace (but not as difficult to replace if we kept him and he fell accidently into somebody's shoulder again, and we ended up with a worthless asset).

What a crock. The amount of games Suarez had 2/3 players around him creating space for others. His assists giving belief to others when he could have scored and passed instead. His fight his determination to battle even when losing. His influence on every game he played last season couldn't be replaced by any amount of money or mediocre signings

09 Jul 2014 13:41:05
You have a point there Urchin

Statistically it's spot on AG.

Good point urchin, worth thinking about even if just to help people move on!

Come on people, stop trying to convince we will be better off without Suarez, no-one could possibly know that as yet, by quoting statistics only time will tell but don't take away his contribution both in results and his play which at times was unbelievable.
Dont get me wrong, I too think its time he went but what a player (headcase as well). I've read statistically this statistically that, we will be better balanced, we will retain the ball better etc etc, the truth is he helped us to our best position in years, with some truly wonderful displays.
If him going is going to make us better or better balanced, concede less goals (OBVIOUSLEY HOPE IT DOES) we should p*ss the league by Christmas.
I am just glad I got to see him play for us, he did make me smile and shout a lot but ultimately he did let us all down and I do feel bitter but I can't forget how good he was to watch.

09 Jul 2014 14:06:34
points lost if goals scored by luis suarez are cancelled out:
sunderland away: 2 points
west brom home: 2 points
everton away: 1 point
Norwich home: 2 points
cardiff home: 2 points
stoke away: 2 points
cardiff away: 2 points
norwich away: 2 points
palace away: 1 point
total points lost: 16

points lost if goals scored by daniel sturridge are cancelled out:
stoke home: 2 points
villa away: 2 points
united home: 2 points
swansea away: 1 point
newcastle away: 1 point
everton away: 1 point
villa home: 1 point
westbrom away: 1 point
fulham away: 2 points
swansea away: 3 points
sunderland home: 2 points
newcastle home: 2 points
total points lost: 20

i donot see any non sense here.

STATISTICALLY that is nonsense. Essentially you have shown us "statistics" for if we were to play with 10 players all season.

09 Jul 2014 14:39:43
Sean,

It isn't nonsense - it is a way of putting Suarez's goal contribution into perspective, and shows that, whilst his 31 goals will be missed, those goals weren't as valuable as everybody makes out.

Dan's goals were just as valuable to the team last year, if not more so (especially when the Dracula was serving his last ban!).

09 Jul 2014 14:39:43
Sean,

It isn't nonsense - it is a way of putting Suarez's goal contribution into perspective, and shows that, whilst his 31 goals will be missed, those goals weren't as valuable as everybody makes out.

Dan's goals were just as valuable to the team last year, if not more so (especially when the Dracula was serving his last ban!).

09 Jul 2014 14:46:17
Statistically or not, that is all nonsense. Because:

1. by OP's logic, we would have played with 10 players for 33 of the 38 games last season.

2. If above applied, then the opposition would have definitely scored more than us and we would still have scored less than even without Suarez.

3. The above did happen, someone else would replace Suarez in the team and there is no way of knowing how that person replacing Suarez in the team would have been Aspas, Allen or Kelly. And if a an educated guess can be made on who replaces Suarez, then you would expect that player to score IN PLACE of Suarez at least a couple of time.

09 Jul 2014 14:48:12
4. Suarez contribution cannot be looked into and built up into statistics based on a game by game basis abstractly either.

@Mickey Bee - so we would have played those matches without Suarez with nobody else coming in to take his place in the team is it? Play with 10 men? Would we not have conceded more goals with 10 men? Or maybe somebody else would have come in and played a stormer and they could have scored some goals to win us some matches we drew or lost? If Suarez didn't score in the game and we lost can we replace him in those games too for these "statistics"? I think his replacement could have won us these matches. Or sorry are we playing with 10 men?

I have the same questions for Sturridge then instead of Suarez. Also just to clarify the logic I have used is the same as yours, nonsense.

09 Jul 2014 15:09:59
But, I agree that we all don't have to fret about the loss of Suarez and should be excited about next season with CL.

IMO, this has so far been an excellent window for incoming players and based on what we hear, I think this will be the best window we have had as a club since 2007/08 summer.

5. Suarez was banned. If they both played the same amount of games, with the same ten players around them, in the same weather, etc. I think you get the point i'm making here. Or maybe I am being silly and don't understand variables.

There just seems to be a divide on this site at the moment of people who are saying we won't cope and the people who say we will.

Anytime someone says we will cope however the people who say we won't are just saying we don't appreciate Suarez and are mad.

No one is saying Suarez is a bad player (at least I hope not) but we are looking for positives instead of being negative and there is a lot of evidence to say that we will cope without Suarez. that is the only point trying to be made here.

Why would we want to go into a season thinking we're dead and burried before a ball has been kicked? The beauty of football is about the support and probably a bit of blissful ignorance at times.

So I would much rather spend my time appreciating the new signings and dreaming of us sticking 5 past Southampton rather than spend it worrying about how we will cope without a man who has no class and has shown no respect to our football club!

Well said Shane. Worrying about something before it happens especially when you have no control over it is crazy. Mankind didn't get to where we are today by fretting about going out of the cave in case they got ate.

09 Jul 2014 12:39:58
What a player Tomas muller is I would love to see him replace Suarez think a bid of 35-45£ mill would be fair bid but doubt we would leave bayen so just a fantasy:-(

09 Jul 2014 12:16:35
Eds

Is it true that representitives and agents from both Liverpool and Barcelona were in talks about the transfer of Suarez, as far back as last November?

Thanks in advance

{Ed002's Note - And Real Madrid, yes. I kept telling you that during the season.}

Eds.I thought it was just LS's represenatives, and not the Clubs representitives

{Ed002's Note - After Suarez's Comcar comment at the beginning of last season everyone knew it was inevitable he would leave. Real Madrid dropped their interest after the recent biting incident.}

Thanks Eds

09 Jul 2014 11:18:31
Ctr
My sarcastic mate returns, Markovic is a very raw player, your spot on with that. Imo he will need one to two seasons to flourish. Lallana will be a top top player for us next season ;)

Ems, are you on something inall seriousness.? Lambert will replace sturridge when he's injured or rested, that is a fact you finding it hard to come to terms with. A player that has scored 5goals from open play last season? Dude you have given yourself a spanking with an embarrassing uneducational opinion about a footballer. and I will be offended if you use the word offended again to any fan on this page. Everyone has.opinions on this page, might it be viable or not, I think you might be frustrated mate? The united fans can give you links for animals do funny things' think.it would be your thing ems :)

Just getting annoyed with all the criticism fans are giving Lambert before he's even pulled on a shirt when none of it is justified. Do his free kicks not count then? Didn't see anybody chalking Suarez's free kicks off his tally last year. Okay, penalties might not be a great barrometer of a player but you are judging a playmaker on his goals scored from open play. That is ridiculous. Lambert is barely even a striker for Southampton anymore. He drops into the hole allowing Rodriguez and Lallana to come in off the wings. He is a creator. If you put him in the box though he is clinical. Just because he isn't greedy does not mean he isn't a good player.

I think people are judging him based on youtube compilations, meaningless stats and his height. If you think he's an out and out striker there is no opinion about the matter; you're wrong. He isn't even that good in the air because a target man is not his game! It's an aspect to his game he is capable of, but he is not a world class header of the ball.

I'm sick of fans writing off the signings just because they didn't cost loads or are still young. People would be going mad if we signed Barkley. Here's a 'stat' for you. Emre Can played less games, often in more defensive positions, but he was directly involved in more goals than Barkley still. Adam Lallana was arguably one of the best playmakers in the league last season. Only Silva and Hazard matched him in my opinion. Lambert was one of only 12 players in Europe to get double figures in both goals and assists. I can't see a problem with Lambert signing for £4m so just get off his back. I'm with you, I want another striker; one who is different to Sturridge and Lambert (as I think Borini is better out wide). I would not be opposed to Huntelaar, Lacazette, Higuain etc as they are all compeltely different in their own ways to any options we currently have at the club. We are looking to sign another forward regardless of the Markovic deal as all the Ed's have repeatedly stressed so if anything it is you with the issue. Why are you being so negative? I understand you probably hero worship Suarez and think he single handedly got us to second last season (which he didn't), but don't criticise new players based on irrelevant stats and unfounded opinions. Watch the players first and judge them on their whole game, not just one aspect of it. Lambert is a playmaker forward, not a poacher. If he had scored 15 goals from open play last season (which would've made 22 in total) and got 0 assists I bet you wouldn't be complaining. Why is scoring goals more valued than assisting them?

I apologise for getting so frustrated, but your post was just the tip of the iceberg of moaners and groaners and I'm sick of it mate. We are 9 days into the transfer window and have 3 players signed, 3 more bids placed, a rumoured medical tomorrow etc. Why are you still angry?

Our striking options currently are Sturridge, Borini, Aspas, Lambert, Dunn, Yesil. Lambert and Aspas aside, they are all young players who will only be better next season. Aspas if he stayed would definitely improve though. Why judge a player as not good enough after 1 season in a new team, country, lifestyle and football league? I'd be 100% happy with going with what we've already got. You are not looking at the bigger picture and you're single mindedly focusing on replacing Suarez like for like. There is no like for like, but everyone we have signed so far is a great player and they at least deserve your support for next season.

Just give Lambert a chance mate because he will seriously suprise a lot of people next season when you all realise he is more like Sherringham than a poor mans Shearer. He brings others into the game, makes unselfish runs, floats excellent balls into the box, plays people in behind, knocks headers down for people breaking into the box etc. Let's ignore his 4 penalties or whatever then. He got 8 goals (you cannot take away free kicks!) and 10 assists in a mid table team. What do you think will happen when he is suddenly aiming at Sturridge and Sterling instead of Rodriguez and Ramirez and has better supply to score his own goals)? His link up play with Lallana in particular was incredible, and we now have both at our disposal. All I'm asking is that people stop judging Lambert on simply 'goals scored' and judge him as the player he is as a whole; a very creative forward who chips in with a fair amount of goals and will be happy to play second fiddle unlike most players in their prime. Again, I'm sorry for venting days of frustration on your post, but I just want people to stop the doom mongering when it is so clearly not necessary and actually go and watch Lambert play a full 90 for Southampton (not Woy's hoof ball) before they try to claim they know what he is like. A Southampton fan was on here the other day saying how much they'd miss him and he'd be excellent behind our front 2. Go ask a Saints fan what he's like as a player. There is so much to his game and judging him on goals scored alone is naive and unfair.

09 Jul 2014 14:38:16
Your assessment is spot on mate, but you also need to consider that Rickie was not intended to play as much as he did last season, but events (Rodriguez, Osvaldo etc.) meant he had to.

His games will need to be managed carefully next season otherwise his long term back problems will put him out completely. There is a reason why Saints let him go so cheaply, and that is it.

Equally, take a look at Lallana's stats. in terms of minutes played per game started. He would have been Saints most substituted player last season.

Not certain LFC will find they can get any more from them, so be cautious.

09 Jul 2014 14:38:16
Your assessment is spot on mate, but you also need to consider that Rickie was not intended to play as much as he did last season, but events (Rodriguez, Osvaldo etc.) meant he had to.

His games will need to be managed carefully next season otherwise his long term back problems will put him out completely. There is a reason why Saints let him go so cheaply, and that is it.

Equally, take a look at Lallana's stats. in terms of minutes played per game started. He would have been Saints most substituted player last season.

Not certain LFC will find they can get any more from them, so be cautious.

Well said Adam

09 Jul 2014 15:11:47
I understand your sentiments Adam. I appreciate your efforts in trying to defend LFC players from their own fans.

Big Al, I agree, I think Lambert will be to replace Sturridge when injured or needs resting. I don't think he will play behind forward(s), coutinho, lallana, sterling will be more likely to play that roll in my opinion.
Think Lambert is a good all round footballer and will do well when called upon but see his game time limited barring injuries to be honest. Hard to suggest how many goals and assists due to above.

EMS, you seem to want to use stats to back up your points but say at other times other posters state meaningless stats? can't have it both ways mate.

Cheers StMarys. I'd be happy if they just match what they contributed last season! Although I think Lallana will excel alongside Hendo and Gerrard. Interesting to hear about Lamberts back though. He'll certainly be a squad player if you're correct.

Hope you lads do well next season. Tadic will be a star for you!

Cheers MarcO!

If Lambert replaces Sturridge which I agree with you he will in the case of injuries he would play as a false 9 if Rodgers uses him right with two forwards coming in off the wings like Sterling and Markovic etc.

Stats are great analysis tools Alan but taking them out of context is meaningless. For example (extreme) Mingolet had an awful first season because he scored 0 goals. Right? Wait you mean that's not his job?

Lambert is a forward. His job is to help us get the ball in the back of the net. I don't care if he does that from a set piece, open play, or if he just plays the killer pass. Either way, he did his job. Last season he contributed to 22 goals in the league alone. I don't see it as a problem that 4 of those were penalties. Costa contributed towards 31 and I think about 12 were penalties. So you could argue that after taking away penalty goals, Lambert is just as effective as Costa and he costa hell of a lot more! (Punbelievable Jeff!)

EMS, not disagreeing at all re Lambert, just saying as I have said to you before stats can and do mislead and be manipulated to prove a point (not saying you have in any instance by the way) but interestingly I do seem to recall you playing down Gerrards stats due to set pieces and or pens, however take them fully into account with Lambert.
As I say, you can't have it both ways mate.

09 Jul 2014 11:02:20
so if its true ian ayres has managed to sqeeze 58 mill for suarez wow what a deal john henry get rid latest in along list of poor negotiating

{Ed002's Note - You want to blame someone for the fee then blame Suarez.}

Ayre couldn't negotiate with a lucky lucky man

09 Jul 2014 13:13:54
You cannot blame Ayre for Suarez's fee.

I have no idea what price we have/or will get for Suarez but the fact he will miss games (is it 10?) and the likelyhood he will commit another offense seems likely he will miss more. And I may be wrong but is he not currently on 200 grand a week?

I may be wrong but that's a lot of money down the drain so as far as I am concerned let him go for 50 plus

09 Jul 2014 13:27:25
I think the the way we deal with transfers is terrible. First it needs only a few people not a long table of opinions. Ian Ayre is not a bad guy and I think he has increased sponsorship deals and done other things that have helped us or will help the club long term. I think he should be removed from all transfer activity and be used in another capacity. He is quite possibly the worst negotiator known to man.

09 Jul 2014 14:03:22
Is that figure quoted ANYWHERE near the truth Ed002?

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - I won't know the final figure until it is lodged with UEFA but that is not the correct number as I understand it.}

It's lot more than if he bit someone or abused someone racially again, which incidentally would be less than the square root of f*** all and it's more than Arsenal offered last year. So think of it this way, If he messes up again like he did with Chiellini/Evra/Ivanovic et al then a lifetime ban means no transfer fee for Barca and they lose and get nothing back. What's important now is that the club don't waste the money on rubbish like downing and Carroll.

09 Jul 2014 16:48:07
Thanks Ed002. I know your hatred for discussing figure's so your reply was much appreciated.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

09 Jul 2014 10:16:28
Suarez goals won us nothing. Suarez incidents cost us a lot. Without Suarez goals this coming season I can imagine us scoring 10-15 less goals. No problem. Because with the improvements to the defense that will surely be made our defense could easily concede 10-15 less add that to the fact we will be playing a more solid formation with only 1 striker the team as a whole should be more solid & that with the improved defense I don't think we'll have a problem. Ps I've been saying since January Lucas would be gone in the summer he doesn't fit our style of play & is far too good to want to sit on our bench I think ed001 will finally agree

Im sorry but all this garbage about Suarez going will have no impact etc is such rubbish. Do.people hear themselves? No doubht he had to go, no question about that however a player is going who scored 33 goals, provided double figures in assists and has influence in our goals and his partnership with suarez was the best in the league. Its okay saying yes suarez had to go but let's be real, he needs replaced with a top player.

What improvement to defence? Although we seem to have £30m for Sanchez, yet another attacker, we cannot get 'top target' Moreno or Lovren.
We're finally back in CL and cannot attract any quality.
Didn't see any other CL team try for Lallana or Lambet and both teams with first options on Can and Markovic refused.

Aside from the 31 league goals, how many assists? How many free kicks won? Penalties?

Just cause he bit someone we can't wait to get rid yet no one seems bothered his level of player are not coming in?

I really don't get why everyone is playing down how important suarez was to Liverpool now he's joining barcelona

Lallana will replace his assists in a 4-3-3 formation we just need a top winger who can score 10-15+ goals a season and let Sturridge be the main striker

^ thankfully we have.some Real fans, the question is we donot have unlimited.funds. I would like us to sign.lovren and moreno and if there's money available sign a.quailty forward but who is there? Huntelaar we are being linked too but he is nowere near what we.need.
Who would people realisticly want?

Agree 100% with the first 3 comments. Suarez's contribution needs replacing to the best possible extent we can. Yes we will have Lallana and maybe Can in the starting 11 but at the expense of probably Coutinho & Allen/Lucas, all very talented players. If we still had Suarez our squad would definitely have improved with those signings and our starting 11 also, albeit not by a huge extent considering who we're replacing in the team. However this isn't the case, Suarez is leaving and we have a huge gap in our team who I don't believe can be replaced by Markovic yet as he is quite simply no way near being the finished article, which is the epitome of what Suarez is. I genuinely believe we would significantly benefit from another wide attacking addition to the first team be that Shaqiri, Greizmann or someone else of that quality, because at the moment our starting 11 is weakened without Suarez despite the replacements we have signed and Lovren + a LB being looked at.

He was very important no doubt. But the fact remains if our defense was as good as citys or Chelseas we would have won the league. All we will do is balance out less goals scored less goals conceded, if you concede less you don't need to score as many. If we concede 15 less next season which is very probable and someone scores half as many as Suarez did there's the 30 he scored.

Eez eh
Spot on mate, if were.to sign moreno and lovren, we would create a balance

09 Jul 2014 08:10:53
Couldn't find anything in search.

Can you shed any light on yaya toure leaving and if as the Express is saying we are ready to make bid?

I feel sure if he was off we would show interest with every other club in the world, but I presume a move would be extremely unlikely!

{Ed002's Note - Try the Manchester City page.}

09 Jul 2014 08:42:16
First time posting Ed002 if Liverpool get £65 million for LS and the fact we would have had money to spend with out that would you still expect us to spend a lot more than £40 million we have already spentie on a centre forward to replace LS.

{Ed002's Note - I have no interest in discussing money.}

09 Jul 2014 09:36:38
I'm confused as to why Liverpool have prioritised signing Markovic instead of Shaqiri can someone explain this to me? And why is Rodgers is trying to get rid of Agger, the best defender we have at the minute?

09 Jul 2014 10:10:45
Longer hair and a very good candidate for Playgirl.

He's the manager trains then has a plan and will do it his way! Cop on we finished 2nd why question him

09 Jul 2014 10:18:59
Surely Rodgers deserves our support after last year.

Because agger is nowhere near the best defender Liverpool have.

Agger our best defender.clearly no good if injured for 50 percent of his career and had some dodgy displays last season

Agger has lost pace and he is terrible at marking men at corners and free-kicks. He has been turned inside out the past year when anybody has ran at him. Going forward he hasn't added anything like he used to years ago.

Big wages for a player with a history of injury problems, getting older and only good enough for our bench now. To improve the club you (as in Rodgers) have to be ruthless.

From Aggers point of view, he has been fantastic for us overall and I would rather see him starting for a foreign club than sitting on our bench.

Shaqiri himself is not a proven top player, too inconsistent. Trust BR.

Markovic is young and has something special.he has pace and ball control.very talented player.

09 Jul 2014 08:06:42
Morning eds really pleased with our business so far but who are we interested in that we have a real chance of signing to replace suarez we seriously need to think about getting another striker in

We have 3, we will be fine

Sturridge, Borini and Lambert for one position. I think that is sufficent. Hopefully we sign a great wide player and can play 4 3 3 we looked more balanced with. We only played the two up to accomodate Suarez and Sturridge.

Sturridge lambert borini aspas is cack

Sturridge, Aspas, Borini, Lamberto and Markovich can all play as striker. even Origi if he doesn't go back to lille. If Sturridge gets injured then Lamberto will do what he was bought in to do. cover.

09 Jul 2014 02:14:27
Jesus christ. The Germens have been absolutely ruthless. Hope Brenden watched this match today and shape Liverpool fc into the germens philsophy. Precise passing, fantastic lightling counter attack, tracking back/ appling pressure and so selfless even afront of goal.
This philsophy is perfect for the Premier league.

You perfectly describe how we already play. It's the defending part we need to work on!

09 Jul 2014 08:46:58
This game reminded me of the game at anfield against arsenal were we just ripped right through them.

Selfless in front of goal was key IMO. Imagine if we had done that in games that we have absolutely hammered teams, but only managed to get 1 or 2 goals.

Yes, let's hope BR abandons his own beliefs and principles that have worked so successfully for us in the PL and copy the Germans! Hold on, didn't Costa Rica have a good game too. better copy them instead. Oh no, another semi final tonight, who will we choose then. I hope BR's head doesn't explode with all these choices to copy! ;-)

09 Jul 2014 09:22:10
That's EXACTLY how we played last season! 5-1 against Arsenal? 4-0 and 5-0 against Spurs? 4-0 against Everton? If anything, Joachim Lowe has taken a leaf out of Liverpool's book!

09 Jul 2014 09:54:11
We do play like the Germans. Defending is one area we need to improve upon however.

St Helens Red
I thought the exact same thing.

In the history of the World Cup, never has there been such an inept performance in a semi final, FACT.

Don't buy into that score line at all, Algeria should have beaten the Germans, I could of gotten together 11 lads from by mine who would have giveN Brazil a game last night, they were ABYSMAL.

08 Jul 2014 23:33:30
Heyaa ed, hope you are holding up the fort against the tides of madness!
Sorry to be a bother, I am just curious if something is going on with a certain Carlos Vela this summer? He has stalled a little bit I think, but he is still a classy player, and I recall that we were keeping tabs a year or two ago, just in case Chewy Suarez leaves? Has the club shown any recent interest?

{Ed001's Note - not this summer so far, no.}

09 Jul 2014 02:02:53
Excited if we sign markovic, looks a real talent.
However if sturridge gets injured next season, we have.no other top CF. Lambert scored 14 goals last season and I believe 10 of those were from.penalties and setpieces. I really hope we use our money more wisely. We need a.top LB AND CB. Lambert was bought for 4million plus, still not convinced by his signing. Origi looks likely at a hefty sum and is very unproven and will loaned back.next season. Betrand looks likely at 6ish.million and is not an improvement in what we have. that's 20plus.million on players who will most likely not improve us at all and a possible 20million that could have been saved.considering our debts.

Stop believing that only strikers should score mate

Yes I believe we have scouted and signed or soon to be signed big stars for the future. I am excited to see our new faces in action. C'mon LFC YNWA

09 Jul 2014 07:35:20
Is he the next Adam Lallana AL :-)

In all fairness I saw him quite a few times last season and he does look like a talent albeit very raw still, plus he always done well for me when I signed him on football manager lol that's normally the best way to find out how good a player is ain't it?

Origi is for the future, you've clearly never watched Bertrand if you think Johnson/Enrique are better players and for the last time Lambert is not a Centre Forward! At best he is a false 9! He plays off the main attackers and drops deep to create.

I am getting sick of this negativity and complete lack of knowledge regarding Lambert. He is a creator who can take a wicked set piece and is clinical when he does get into the box. Go and watch him in a full 90 minutes for gods sake because your lack of understanding offends me.

Have faith in the players we have. Sterling scored 10 in 34 games last season. If he plays the whole season he'll add another 6 goals. If the team is set up for Sturridge he'll score more as his chance conversion rate was better than Suarez. Lambert will get double figures. In Markovich & Sterling we'd have arguably the two most exciting wide players at their age in world football. With Coutinho & Lallana we can open teams up more consistently and use them as a deadly duo. One gets an hour and comes off and the other is fresh for the last 30 mins. The only question left is whether we sign another striker like Huntelaar and whether he's on top of Borini or in preference to Borini.

EMS, have you heard of the word humility? Because you pontificating offends me, the opinions of others are just as relevant as yours so tone down your reply's lad.

And forgot to add, betrand can't even.break into aston villa side fighting relegation and origi at ten million being.loaned back is good business for us next season?
Deary me, I can feel the heat on your ass from here dude. Spanked that much I feel guilty

Waro preaching humility? Is that a unicorn I can see?

I'm the most humble person I know Blocked, and modest aswell ;)

09 Jul 2014 13:20:06
Blcked, no that was just Ed001 having a banana.

08 Jul 2014 23:27:16
Whats the latest on Markovic?are the reports of a medical accurate?

Echo reporting Thursday or Friday for the medical.

09 Jul 2014 06:47:07
It's just the Dentist.