Liverpool Banter 2

20 Aug 2026 17:52:30
When ManC sell both Silvinio and Marmoush. They may test water with BarCola.
The quality winger pool is low and dry.

20 Aug 2026 18:34:33
Is that your opinion, Bhav?

20 Aug 2026 20:30:39
He doesn't want to be behind Doue, Dembele and Kvaradona so he'll move to City to be behind Doku, Haaland and Semenyo.

20 Aug 2026 17:44:16
In regards to Yakuba Minteh, his percentile stats are great if we are looking for a right winger that can feed good balls into the box for Isak and Ekitike. Granted Minteh is not a big goal threat himself.
Some of his stats are,
Key passes 90th %
Crosses attempted 97 %
Successful crosses 95 %
Dribbles attempted 97 %
Successful Dribbles 98 %

0 % being god awful and 99 % being amongst the best in the league for those not familiar with percentile stats.


I would take him as an Mbaye alternative all day.

20 Aug 2026 18:44:56
He's a good player already, and at just 22 years old, will only get better. On top of the positives you've already highlighted, he also works extremely hard in the press and tracking back.

An Iraola-type player for sure.

It's frustrating that he is injured, but it's only a short term one. If he is who the scouts have identified, then we shouldn't be put off by something so trivial.

20 Aug 2026 18:53:49
I just don't see it. He's all pace and zero end product. It's all well and good being able to fit into what Iraola wants from his wingers, but at the important end of the field in front of goal he is extremely erratic. I'd avoid if we can.

20 Aug 2026 19:04:11
Minteh has a high ceiling, AI would get the best out of him. Would far prefer Minteh over Maybe... exciting signing if we get him.

20 Aug 2026 19:08:21
Yeah I'm all for Minteh over Mbaye. Still young, ticks a lot of boxes. Finishing can be worked on. Most importantly he's Premier League proven. Obviously, the injury isn't ideal, but if the price is good. What is the injury, anyone know?

20 Aug 2026 19:09:57
Employing a load of nerds who obsess over spreadsheets and haven't got a clue about football is what got us into this mess in the first place. There are thousands of different stats to the point I'm sure Stewart Downing and Sebastian Leto were in the top percentile for something.

I'd like a sporting director who watches the game and doesn't identify the 2nd coming of Yannick Bolasie as our Mo Salah replacement.

20 Aug 2026 19:31:32
Mk, you're a hard read. Every player is very good to you.

20 Aug 2026 19:35:30
Chicken Staff, those nerds identified VVD, Salah, Bobby, Mane, Robertson.

20 Aug 2026 20:14:16
Not sure what makes you say that, Ron Funk. I think what you'll find is I'm just not a drama queen who thinks that you can get to the very top of professional football without having any positive aspects to your game. I give balanced views by commenting on a player's strengths and weaknesses, rather than hyperbole either way.

Take it or leave it, mate.

As an aspiring optimist, I try to focus on what players (and people in general) do well, rather than what they don't. Minteh is a good player for a 22 year old. If he was 26-28 and still lacking in end product, my views would be quite different on us signing him.

20 Aug 2026 20:32:40
Those nerds also identified Borini, Manquillo, Aspas, Ilori, Sakho, Markovic, Lovren, Moreno, Balotelli, Lambert, Keita, Moses and Cissokho. I think we have Klopp to thank for plenty.

20 Aug 2026 17:38:03
Looking forward to the season starting, who do you guys think starts alongside VVD?

20 Aug 2026 18:35:40
It may be Araujo for the first game, but I would expect Jacquet to be his regular partner, the only reason he may not be in the first game is whether the medical team want a bit longer on his shoulder injury recovery.

20 Aug 2026 18:40:19
Jacquet was bought, Araujo is a loan - that may be the answer. However, Jacquet is still likely not fully fit.

20 Aug 2026 18:40:50
Jacquet.

20 Aug 2026 18:48:52
Araujo.

20 Aug 2026 19:51:39
Jacquet for me. Played 45 last week, a full week until Newcastle. He'll be fine. Not as if Newcastle are going to be fully fit either. No player in the league will.

20 Aug 2026 16:49:45
It's getting tense and exciting... The rumours are still coming through and I truly believe, the 'done deals' won't be too far behind (too slow in lots of people's minds but we're not talking about 20-30 million pound spends any longer, so we need to 'calm your skin' and wait for the pen on paper - it takes time!).

Few things to think about:

1 - We'll definitely be fitter this season. ✅

2 - The press will definitely be higher and quicker. ✅

3 - We'll get players through the door before the window shuts to freshen us up. ✅

4 - We'll love the new tactics (but it might take a little while for us to get up to speed with them). ✅


And for all you doom and gloom merchants:

Remember this - If you worry you die and if you don't worry, you die, so why worry?

20 Aug 2026 17:31:05
I'm worried about worrying now in case I die, very worrying!

20 Aug 2026 18:17:20
I'd also like to see fans show less emotion.

After all it's only a game.

20 Aug 2026 17:09:17
Yakubah Minteh then. Nobody would have guessed that. Although he has scored 10 goals in the last 2 seasons and is out injured until October. So congratulations if you didn’t guess that, you are sane. Unlike our sporting director.

20 Aug 2026 17:16:30
Over to you, @Ris mate.

20 Aug 2026 17:31:59
Smokescreen.

20 Aug 2026 17:48:52
Oh, please, God, no.

{Ed025's Note - his name should be...Minty..

20 Aug 2026 18:24:04
I guessed it weeks ago. 😂

20 Aug 2026 19:20:10
I'm glad you admitted it was a guess, Robbie. 😂

20 Aug 2026 14:26:45
Anyone think AI will use Gakpo as a right footed RW, get to the byline and whip balls in for Isak and Wirtz coming into box late?

20 Aug 2026 16:17:24
I think that, unless we specifically recruit a RW (probably a left footed one), then I think AI will use Barcola, Gakpo, Munoz, Rio, Koumas as a fluid group across RW/LW and through the middle if Isak picks up an injury.



Interesting to see AI's interpretation of wingers in the coming season. Inverted wingers were very much a feature of the Klopp era, but with Isak/Ekitike as dedicated strikers, will it differ under Iraola?

20 Aug 2026 16:31:17
Don't think so. Gakpo is an inside forward. I can't see him hitting the byline, beating his man, and whipping the balls.

20 Aug 2026 16:34:12
Gakpo is not that type of player. He is at his best arriving at the back post to score/finish moves or cut in for a shot.

20 Aug 2026 16:38:01
When would he be able to get his 10 shots a game away? Bloke would be miserable out there. 😂

20 Aug 2026 16:43:21
Possibly if we don't bring in a RW, but primarily I see Gakpo rotating with Isak and Barcola. I think Iraola himself is yet to decide on what exactly will happen on the right, obviously he has ideas, but he'll have to see who actually performs out there.

20 Aug 2026 16:52:39
Gakpo has been our best player last few games, hope we don't sell and Iraola can get him back to 17 goals a season plus player.

20 Aug 2026 17:15:14
I don't think so. He's never really been used there. I suspect Rio and Munoz will be used there, and there's probably also credence in the Minteh bid, so that could be the medium term solution to the rw gap.

I think if Barcola comes in, and Minteh, there's a big chance Cody leaves.

20 Aug 2026 17:23:21
Frimpong would be the most likely if Rio and Munoz can't play, I imagine. Still need to get someone in!

20 Aug 2026 17:38:16
We tried Gakpo, Diaz on rw for a while when Salah was at AFCON... they were both terrible there. It's a no from me.

20 Aug 2026 17:44:31
I wonder where De Zerbi will use him?

20 Aug 2026 18:14:32
If Iraola is so good at improving every player, then surely a player who has 39 league goals and assists the last 3 seasons is worth keeping to be improved.

20 Aug 2026 13:23:36
I've got to be honest, out of all the young lads, Koumas has probably impressed me the most.
Nyoni has obviously caught the eye, and it's so refreshing to see a young player come in with that absolute intention to be noticed. But for me, Koumas has that bit of bite about him.
I love the lad's appetite for the game. He can be a little rough around the edges at times, but his movement off the ball, aggression, work rate and confidence have really impressed me. He's got good ability on the ball too and can use both feet.
For me, that's everything you want from a player. He might not be the finished article and some might say he's not quite ready or quite good enough yet, but if you bring that appetite and desire, you're definitely someone I want with me.


He could be a real dark horse to have an impact this season and in the seasons to come. I'd much rather give a lad like that a go because you know you're going to get 110%.
We're always fascinated by new signings, but I genuinely love watching the academy lads and seeing players develop into the first team. That's the heart and soul of the club for me.
Really exciting to see how Koumas continues to develop. I really like the lad.

20 Aug 2026 13:55:56
With you on this, Farmer. I have high hopes for him too, and very curious to see him develop during the season under Iraola-ball.

20 Aug 2026 13:55:58
Oh, hi, Jason!

20 Aug 2026 13:59:26
I expect Koumas to get a loan before the window closes.

20 Aug 2026 14:05:00
I've been saying for years he is the better prospect between him and Jayden Danns. For a start, Koumas' body looks up to the rigors of senior football. He just plays with an aggression and intensity beyond his years. I think he's found wanting technically at times, but he'll be a good versatile squad player this season whilst we await the return of Ekitike.

I can see Koumas coming on late in games to maintain the pressing intensity. It does make Chiesa redundant, though, in my opinion. There's nothing Chiesa offers that Koumas doesn't, without taking up a crucial non-HG slot.

20 Aug 2026 14:22:21
Does anyone else think Koumas reminds them of Lallana? Or is it just me? Maybe just a little quicker, and Lallana had better ball mastery, but every time I see him play, Koumas does remind me of him. I really like the player, though.

And happy Iraola is looking to utilise him. Not surprised by Nyoni's emergence, as I felt he was ready last season, but Koumas was a welcome surprise.

Fingers crossed everything goes well for the young lad.

20 Aug 2026 14:23:42
Danns is technically top class though, MK. He has shades of Harry Kane about him, but, unfortunately, his body doesn't seem to be assisting him. It will be a real shame if he can't get a proper chance to stake his claim. I like Koumas though, and, as you say, he is certainly looking like a better option than Fede at this moment.

20 Aug 2026 14:24:01
I think you're right, MKS. Chiesa was and still is a personal favorite of mine, but I've gotten the feeling that he's outgrown his usefulness to the team. He looked okay under Slot as a backup, but I have my doubts as to how he'll play under a faster, harder Iraola-ball. Plus, that 200k per week wage can be used better elsewhere.

20 Aug 2026 14:50:54
Koumas is 100% more useful than Chiesa. Also, Chiesa is on 150 k a week, which we should look to get rid of.

20 Aug 2026 15:01:35
I've got to say that in the (mainly) highlight reels I see of Koumas, he reminds me of a mix between Lallana, Suarez (obvs not the skill yet, but the bite) and Bellamy. He's also a more polished (even now) version of Delap, who a number of folks were clamouring for us to buy for his set fee last summer.



I'm pleased he's in the first team squad, and I think he could have a good breakout season.

20 Aug 2026 15:10:47
Nyoni to me looked the best in pre-season, no doubt, cool calm and collected, always looked to progress the ball, looked effortless to him, a real natural with a great eye for the game I think. Koumas did very well but in my opinion, showed his inexperience, tried to rush or force things at times and can be a bit unaware of his surroundings, none of which are major concerns and could easily be put down to the fact that the young lad was simply trying so hard to impress.

Looking forward to seeing both of them given opportunities this season.

On a side note, someone mentioned Danns, who I think has already proved he can produce top-quality football. It's a real shame about the injuries. Hopefully he bounces back asap, as I was really looking forward to seeing him develop further; there's great potential there.

20 Aug 2026 15:56:58
Danns is top notch. Such a shame about his body. Watched a lot of these two lads for the academy over the years, back to when Koumas was a midfielder. Both were always top prospects. Talent-wise I'd say they are evenly matched. Both scored some absolutely terrific goals.

20 Aug 2026 17:18:31
The world of football moves fast. Just over 12 months ago, Liverpool fans were excited to see 100 mill plus signings, Isak and Wirtz, in action. Fast forward to now and it's Nyoni and Koumas.

Personally, I think both will be very much bit part players, but hope both take the opportunities when they present themselves.

20 Aug 2026 13:20:15
Hi Guys
What is the code for the Liverpool rumours fantasy football.
I thought it would just reinstate from last season.

20 Aug 2026 13:56:20
55378008.

20 Aug 2026 14:36:54
What FF site are we using for this folks?? First time entering!

20 Aug 2026 15:02:16
It's the main FPL site, Johnny.

Also, for those folks who were in it last season, you are automatically enrolled, so you won't need the code again.

20 Aug 2026 16:32:20
Curtains, it took me far too long to understand why your code didn't work. 🤦

20 Aug 2026 11:16:18
Hey eds and reds, do you think we are still after Rayan? perfect for our right side.

20 Aug 2026 13:48:11
According to VG, yes.

20 Aug 2026 15:59:49
I heard an interview with Bournemouth's new manager yesterday where he said Rayan, Scott and Adams are going nowhere this season as they need everyone for a season in Europe.