17 Jul 2026 12:12:26
Do we think Rayan and Barcola would be good enough?
With Rio and Munoz as well?
17 Jul 2026 13:04:18
Well, ask yourself.. Are any of them definitely better than Gakpo as it stands right now?
17 Jul 2026 13:05:40
Yes, with Isak and Wirtz that's a juicy front 4.
17 Jul 2026 13:17:18
It's an interesting question, Florian. Going off the World Cup you'd probably say no for Rayan, and only a maybe for Barcola.
Unless someone's an absolute standout in both formats, it's difficult to judge, and unless the club and international teams play very similar tactics it's hard to compare.
If it's one or the other, rather than both, we have more need of a right sided player. Not sure whether Rayan can make the step up, but at least Iraola will know him and he's played prem.
Barcola is a name, but perhaps more of a risk given the apparent asking price and his lack of physicality.
17 Jul 2026 13:20:40
Ekitike... too!
17 Jul 2026 13:37:05
In terms of our wingers, I think on paper that's a decent group. Bearing in mind that Wirtz and Frimpong can help support LW and RW respectively.
In terms of our strikers, we have Isak and Ekitike (once he is recovered). To supplement, Barcola and Munoz can play through the middle too if needed. Maybe Iraola has already seen something in Koumas and/or Wright that means they could also be used as bench options.
Given that under Klopp we basically had 4 first teamers for 3 roles - Salah, Firmino, Mane with Big Div as a roving forward, we will have more depth regardless, esp as Chiesa may end up staying too. Also Dom plays RW for Hungary.
Interesting to see how it all plays out.
17 Jul 2026 13:43:39
Don't forget Danns. I know he has been injured a lot, but he has grown 4/5 inches in the last 18 months. He looks like a player to me.
17 Jul 2026 13:49:11
Can't go off the World Cup for anything, international football is generally slower and always has been, I don't think we should judge anyone on that.
17 Jul 2026 14:53:40
Define good enough... I do hope so, the serious lack of talent out there does worry me, I genuinely don't remember the last time the market for wingers and DM's looked so bleak. Let's hope Isak finds top form and the boys on the wings can maintain a high standard of service.
Jari, where did you see that, mate? That would put him at about 6'5".
He definitely hit a huge growth spurt prior to any first-team action he had under Klopp, and he was certainly 6 foot by that stage. You sure he hasn't just filled out? A 5 inch growth spurt at 19/20 is crazy. I haven't seen him recently myself tbh.
Rum Lad, fully agree, literally the worst competition for sounding out talent in my opinion.
17 Jul 2026 15:18:18
Honestly, I also expect Ekitike to play some on the wing as well. He played there in Germany, and I think he could succeed on the left.
Isak also started his career out wide. I don't expect him to play much there when he's healthy, but it's an option.
I know that Isak and Ekitike will be fighting for minutes, but I think having them in the same front line, when healthy, would be a very formidable attack. I have no idea if it will happen, but Ekitike to the left and Isak in the center is a good start.
17 Jul 2026 18:11:10
My gran is better than Gakpo and she's been dead ten years.