08 Jun 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, Iraola Expectations and Liverpool Squad Priorities
08 Jun 2026 07:57:44
That's a pretty decent assessment, Davey. I have to say I would sell Jones too though, never rated him, he brings nowhere near enough to the team.
08 Jun 2026 08:31:44
When it comes to Jones, I would rather listen to the opinions of Klopp, who, on at least three occasions, when asked, said that he always felt there was more to come. Sadly, it never arrived.
08 Jun 2026 09:01:36
Jones is the new Lingard, constantly said he was a young talent when he was 26. And now Jones, who’s 25, and we are still saying there’s a player there.
Needs to move on, otherwise we will be saying it when he’s 30.
08 Jun 2026 09:27:52
I would probably sell Jones and Macca, replace with Scott, and if possible one of Camara/Sangarre.
08 Jun 2026 09:36:50
I don't mean to come across harsh here but:
"I think Gakpo will excel under Iraola. He is perfect for the style of play. Direct. Gakpo hates it slow. I would not sell for less than 70 mill. I'd have Gakpo over Barcola any day. Particularly for the style we are about to play."
I don't think any other team and their fans would take Gakpo over Barcola, this is red tints fully in place.
I'm not entirely sure where you think Gakpo likes direct football? He holds it up constantly. Barcola is a direct forward who loves to play on the shoulder, I can only think you haven't seen him play much? This is exactly what he was playing in the final vs Arsenal where he missed 2 v ok chances.
08 Jun 2026 09:58:14
I honestly don't get why people have a problem with Gakpo. He had an awful season but before last season he was a really important player for us.
He suffered from the general lack of fitness and conditioning throughout the whole squad, but we are expecting that to drastically improve this season, so it would be safe to assume that we will see a better version of all players, including Gakpo.
If we sell him, I think we'd end up regretting it.
08 Jun 2026 10:00:55
Next season's expectations are interesting. Am I in the minority to expect a title challenge? I don't expect to win it, but hopefully be there or there abouts and who knows. Arsenal are favourites but aren't the same quality as City or us from 5 years ago.
I think we can also agree that no one was impressed by us last season, so even small improvements, both ends of the pitch, and we should be picking up more points.
08 Jun 2026 10:08:04
Gakpo is a good player. Everyone was awful last season. The key thing with Iraola is that he builds a system so the players should all benefit from the system. Gakpo was good for us previously, depending on signings this season, we may actually see him predominately as a cf.
08 Jun 2026 11:05:27
I have this feeling I can't shake that we'll challenge for the title.
Regarding players, Jones seems like he wants a change after that weird attitude when he scored on his 2 mates' final game for LFC. I'd sell him and Macca. Then bring 2 CMs in like Scott + a strong one on the takle.
I think 2 CMs out and 2 new ones in would be the perfect balance for the midfield so it doesn't feel like major surgery but enough change to refresh and 'reset' an area that felt so stagnant last season.
Last thing, I'm not sure both Diomande and Rayan come to us. I think it's one or the other. RW is both their preferred and best position, and neither will want to be on the bench when they're such important players for their current teams. I think we push for Diomande now, but if the price is ridiculous and RBL doesn't want to budge, then we might pivot to Rayan.
08 Jun 2026 11:33:27
Sorry guys, I don't know if these replies are at me, but I certainly would never call Gakpo direct. People get annoyed at Jones for his 10 touches, Gakpo does the same.
For me, there are problems with Gakpo in. It's too easy to read his game, you know he's cutting in, he doesn't cross anywhere near enough, he doesn't use Kerkez enough (but I don't rate Kerkez's crossing last season), he doesn't give and go as much as Diaz used to. He doesn't generate the space he requires before trying to shoot.
We end up running back to retrieve the ball when he shoots and it's blocked, instead of him just passing it to a more central midfielder and us keeping our shape. This invites a press onto our centrebacks with Kerkez now out of position. I don't really rate his pace, his shooting, or his passing. His touch is decent.
Personally, I think Gakpo is a good squad player but not a starter.
I certainly can't see how anyone believes Barcola isn't an upgrade.
08 Jun 2026 12:05:25
Well said, Phil Babb. Completely ignored Kerkez's runs.
08 Jun 2026 12:20:50
Woodmans out of contract end of this month.
Elliot has one year left, and with lots of interest will be sold.
Jones has his heart set on Italy, and with one year left will be sold.
Macca wants to leave, and with Atletico Madrid interested I'd say he goes there for £45-50m.
Endo has one year left, and will stay as no point in getting rid.
Gomez also has one year left, and the club I suspect won't stand in his way if an offer comes in.
Ramsay will go, just not good enough.
Chiesa may get game time, and no will pay what we want for him so if keep.
Gakpo is unhappy with the Slot departure and many clubs interested, so I suspect he will leave.