02 Nov 2017 10:17:48
Hi
Stefan di Vrij being mentioned in the press. Is he a leader and organiser of the defence? Who do you think, that is available, would be a great addition to try and solve our defensive issues? Great site and thank you.
02 Nov 2017 10:33:01
Organiser? Yes.
However he is slower than Klavan. Would help on set pieces no doubt, and he can play! However, we'd still get done in behind against the bigger teams.
02 Nov 2017 10:38:32
We need to start looking at signing defenders who will work in a partnership.
So if we assume Gomez is going to get a run in the side then what are his strengths and weaknesses.
Biggest weakness is lack of experience and I think he's not dominant in the air, understandable for a young lad. His biggest strength is his speed and ability to recover a situation as well as his ball skills.
So we need a defender who's experienced and dominant in the air and can lead a defensive line. Might sound obvious but the recruitment team needs a lot of direction.
02 Nov 2017 10:47:43
Sami Hyypia wasn’t quick, but he knew how to use his physical strength and he had an extra yard in his head because he was a very intelligent footballer. So I’d take a defender who had the intelligence to make up for their pace.
02 Nov 2017 10:56:23
Agree Mr Dennis. Even Carragher was not blessed with pace, but he was the only voice you could hear shouting and screaming to organise that defence. Read an interview with Phil Thompson recently who stated Van Dyke is not that kind of player so how would he help?
My question is: Who is out there that is available that has those traits?
02 Nov 2017 10:56:37
Well said Ron. Gomez is also better on the right side of the partnership, so we should target someone who plays on the left side.
I think that is why the club wants Van Dijk. He is as dominant in the air as you can get, he prefers the left side, he is club captain at Southampton etc. The only problem is he likes to go walk about.
You could argue though, that he just doesn't suit Southampton in open play. Their defensive line is ridiculously deep, and Van Dijk likes to get involved im the play. For him to do that at Southampton he has to come about 40-60 yards out of the defensive line. In our team where we dominate possession and press high up the park, Van Dijk can get involved without having to massively vacate his position. It might suit him. He does need to sort out those lapses in concentration though, so that he gets himself into position a split second faster.
Macca seemed certain the club would sign him. I think everyone within the club still believes we will. He wants to come, Klopp wants to sign him. He wouldn't be my choice, but I'm trying to understand the logic for signing him and there is some there. City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool are the interested clubs. I think that says a little about his abilities, even if he his over rated to some extent. If he is the player Klopp wants, then let's just hope the club can get it done.
02 Nov 2017 11:02:33
Hyypia played in a deep defense.
02 Nov 2017 11:25:23
True Dennis, but Hyypia played in a deep defensive. Klopp won't adjust his style so we need a centre back with the pace to keep up with strikers running beyond them.
02 Nov 2017 12:41:48
Most Strikers are generally quick and they will always be running forward. A defender needs to turn to chase that striker so unless the defender is Usain Bolt 9 times out of 10 they will always struggle to match that striker even if they are just as quick as them. What we need are defenders who read the game and are in position ready before the striker even breaks into his stride. That's where players like Hypia were great.
{Ed001's Note - you are forgetting that the striker is very rarely able to sprint flat out, due to needing to control the ball or hit a shot. That is why someone like Sol Campbell got away with being positionally inept, he was quick enough to get back in and make a challenge.}
02 Nov 2017 12:42:18
De Vrij is injury prone, slow and will be bullied by PL CF's who are built like tanks. Comparing Hyppia with any of our defenders is a false narrative. Tho he was an intelligent footballer, he played in a deep defence and he would struggle in ours esp. w/ o a true DM in Hammann protecting him. VVD may not be my choice but he is a step in the right direction, plays on the left side of the defence and is powerful in the air. He is not vocal and his languid approach to the game is a concern BUT that can be coached out of him, IMO. Gomez does need to get more games cos he can be a great asset to us in the future.
02 Nov 2017 18:26:28
Gomes is clearly seen as the future of liverpools cb hence the chasing of vvd who plays on the left.