01 Sep 2026 02:24:41
Salve all,
A bit of a break from the constant flow of frustrating transfer news (or rather lack of it). I wanted to bring up the situation for Senior CB once VVD goes (which I assume he will). Watching Araujo so far, he has been very impressive. He dealt with Delap in the time he was on, and I know it is very early in the season, but I think we sign him permanently. He looks like a great defender and would suit us well. My hope is that AI recognises this and gives him sufficient game time at CB to partner Van Dijk and maybe Jacquet moves to RB.
In the midfield, I think Wirtz and Szobo start together with either Grav or Macca. I can't see either dropping to the bench. They're just too good. Attacking wise, Barcola will start always on the Left, Isak down the middle and Munoz/Gakpo on the right. When Ekitike returns, Chiesa is sold or leaves and Ekitike learns to play on the wings.
Hope we do well this season, there have been many diamonds among the rocks.
01 Sep 2026 03:18:32
Yes, after Delap ran around Araujo and into the box, Araujo started to play well. You could see him geeing up his teammates to keep pushing for the equalizer.
01 Sep 2026 03:44:25
Agree on Araujo.
I think Szobo should be our starting RB. I'll admit it drove me crazy slot played him there, but he's a way better RB than mid. He's too often caught dwelling on the ball and his right footed crosses/through balls can replace what TAA used to provide.
Also, I've never liked him but the sooner we give up on Isak the better.
He offers literally nothing unless you place the ball at his feet with an open shot of goal and half the time he hides behind a defender so he isn't even available for a pass. Out of possession, he basically plays for the other team because they can play right through whatever space he occupies. Gakpo center for now and Ekitike can rotate in when fit.
01 Sep 2026 04:08:13
I'm not so sure I would push Szobo to RB yet. I think he needs time and coaching to make that position his. He's ahead of the play too much, as if he was the 10 when we have Wirtz playing as 10. With his long shot prowess I'd rather him make the late runs.
If there's anything I'm hoping after switching from Slot, it is that we coach and improve upon our players.
While there are some holes, we do have a pretty good squad tbh imo. With better guidance the good players can become great, which is what was missing last season.
If we can get the midfield positioning right, the fullbacks can be our strength.
01 Sep 2026 07:01:17
Dominik Szoboszlai used to be one of the best ACM in Europe before his arrival to Liverpool FC and I am convinced we bought him to play the Lampard role for us. We shouldn't have signed Wirtz at all. That is what happens when you change SD every 12 months and hire coaches who have no control over transfers.
01 Sep 2026 07:45:10
It’s either Szob or Wirtz in the side for me.
That’s why Szob moves to various positions including RB.
Defensive he is not.
01 Sep 2026 09:20:28
The current full backs with the exception of a fit Bradley will never be our strength. Frimpong gives great effort. But neither can pass well enough. Neither can tackle: Frimpong because he is too lightweight; Kerkez because he plays the man and not the ball. Neither can cross effectively.
Neither can head a ball. Both are poor out of possession. Both lack positional sense defensively and both are not good enough to be an attacking threat that concerns the opposition. We desperately needed new full backs this window and I am surprised more than any other position that was not attended to.
01 Sep 2026 09:38:19
I’m still waiting for Bradley to also show he is the answer.
01 Sep 2026 09:55:50
The problem you have here with the midfield is that Iraola wants his midfielders to be able to play those penetrating passes that break lines into the final 3rd to find the attacker or the no. 10.
Based on what we have seen, neither Szob nor Grav can do that cos that is not their game as they lack that type of vision. This leaves you with Macca as the only one with that type of vision and passing ability to find the forwards and Wirtz from deep, all that was on show vs Forest. If his legs hadn't gone, he would be a perfect solution here.
And even tho I wanted him gone, I cannot deny what my eyes are seeing.
Therefore, Macca has to be in the team as he can execute these tasks. Then, this leaves who between Grav and Szobo can play the 8 role behind Wirtz, one who can cover, recognise danger and snuff it out in transition while being able to help in attack with their passing and running.
Not sure who I would pick as both have the same flaws as in, they are careless in possession and lack defensive awareness in transition.
01 Sep 2026 10:06:02
Why give up on a striker we paid so much for? AI will play more to his strengths. Jesus Christ, give them a chance.