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7 new signings, 7 departures – Predicting Liverpool's squad for 2016/17
Jurgen Klopp is likely to put his stamp on the Liverpool squad over the summer, with a new-look Reds side to be primed for the 2016/17 campaign.
Impressively, Klopp is spending the 2015/16 campaign walking a tightrope between striving for success and negotiating the flaws of a fragile Liverpool squad.
But while this season could end with a top-four finish and Europa League glory, Klopp is likely assessing the group he inherited from Brendan Rodgers ahead of a summer overhaul, with expiring contracts and diminishing quality prompting a change in personnel.
Klopp has made no secret of his desire to restore the club to its former glory, and while his motivational work deserves commendation, to do so will require adding quality to his ranks.
So how will Liverpool's squad look in 2016/17? Here, we predict the 30 players Klopp could have at his disposal.
Goalkeepers: Timo Horn, Simon Mignolet, Danny Ward
Klopp shocked Liverpool supporters by handing Simon Mignolet a new five-year contract in January, with most questioning the Belgian's ability after a torrid spell on Merseyside so far.
Miserably, this has largely continued in 2016.
Mignolet is far from the quality required for a club challenging at the top end of European football, and while this extension may be a show of faith, Klopp will no doubt target another goalkeeper this summer; if anything, to provide Mignolet with added competition.
With Adam Bogdan likely to leave the club this summer following his first-team exile, and Danny Ward showing no sign of troubling Klopp's starting ranks following his recall from a loan spell with Aberdeen, Liverpool are in need of a new No. 1.
Linked with a move to Anfield this month, Cologne's Timo Horn would provide an immediate upgrade on Mignolet, with scope to develop into one of the Premier League's leading goalkeepers.
Full-Backs: Nathaniel Clyne, Jon Flanagan, Alberto Moreno, Jonas Hector
The signings of Alberto Moreno in 2014 and Nathaniel Clyne last summer looked set to stabilise Liverpool's full-back ranks for the long term, but while Clyne has settled immediately, finding consistency on the right flank, Moreno is still adjusting to life in the Premier League.
This has seen the Spaniard's form fluctuate, suggesting that Klopp would be wise to add to his left-back ranks this summer.
Enter Jonas Hector, with the Cologne left-back able to provide a welcome defensive strength for around £6.2 million, giving Klopp tactical flexibility, able to rotate between Hector and Moreno.
Providing similar cover and competition on the right flank should be Jon Flanagan with the 23-year-old, having proved his fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, deserving of a new contract.
Centre-Backs: Mamadou Sakho, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez, Martin Skrtel
Bringing Steven Caulker to the club on loan from Queens Park Rangers in January highlighted the injury crisis Klopp was forced to contend with at centre-back in his first months at Liverpool.
But with Caulker having made just one start for the club so far, Klopp's ranks are looking much healthier.
Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren look to be developing a strong partnership at the back, leaving Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure out of the picture; both could feasibly leave the club this summer.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Joel Matip from Schalke, and the return of Joe Gomez from an ACL injury, sees Liverpool's defence strengthened considerably.
Another signing may be required, but in Sakho, Matip, Lovren, Gomez and Skrtel, Klopp could find reasonable strength in depth at the back.
Central Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva, Piotr Zielinski, Marko Grujic, Kevin Stewart
The rise of Emre Can under Klopp has been remarkable, with the 22-year-old thriving in a regular role at the heart of Liverpool's midfield, showcasing his ability to shine in an all-round role; Can is set to develop into a world-class midfielder, and a future leader.
But while Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen have all shown flashes of quality throughout 2015/16, it is clear that, if Liverpool are to progress, Can needs a stable partner.
This could be Borussia Monchengladbach's Granit Xhaka, an aggressive, technically gifted midfielder who is said to have been the subject of interest from the Reds this season.
Xhaka's blend of tenacity and finesse could see the Swiss stationed at the base of Klopp's midfield flanked by Can and Henderson, or in a strong, two-man unit alongside the former.
With Allen seemingly set to be replaced by Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski, Marko Grujic arriving from Red Star Belgrade and both Lucas and Kevin Stewart likely to remain on Merseyside, Klopp will find able cover for a tough 2016/17 campaign.
Wingers & No. 10s: Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Mario Gotze, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Lazar Markovic, Jordon Ibe, Sheyi Ojo
"We have enough strikers—five with Roberto [Firmino]—but not too many wingers, just a few young ones with great potential," Klopp said February, hinting at his plans for a summer overhaul.
While Klopp can call upon Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and James Milner as solid options in support of his lone striker in a 4-2-3-1, question marks over the latter duo—and the development of Jordon Ibe—have made additions on the flanks a priority ahead of 2016/17.
Welcoming Lazar Markovic back into his squad, and promoting the hugely impressive Sheyi Ojo into the first team on a permanent basis, could see the German address this to an extent.
But this winter's pursuit of Alex Teixeira highlighted Klopp's desire for a proven, top-level addition alongside Firmino and Coutinho.
Mario Gotze may represent an ambitious target, but with the 23-year-old facing a bleak future at Bayern Munich as his contract runs down, and already enjoying a positive relationship with Klopp from their time together at Borussia Dortmund, he would be the ideal addition this summer.
With Klopp stressing his willingness to spend big if required, a move for Gotze could see the 48-year-old complement Firmino and Coutinho with an established, high-quality contemporary.
Strikers: Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings
While the 2015/16 campaign has been dogged by injuries to his attacking ranks, Klopp is able to call upon four worthy options as his lone centre-forward for the long term.
Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings all possess the right balance of off-ball work rate, intelligent movement, lung-bursting pace and a predatory instinct required to thrive in Klopp's forward line.
Meanwhile, Firmino's six goals and five assists in 10 appearances as a striker this season serve as a testament to the Brazilian's quality when moved into the focal attacking role.
As Klopp attests that Liverpool "have enough strikers," it could be that the German is not looking for another centre-forward this summer.
But if the ill-fitting Christian Benteke is sold, with West Ham United said to be interested in a £20 million deal, he would need to decide if he has enough cover.
Predicted Liverpool Squad, 2016/17:
GK: Horn, Mignolet, Ward (HG)
FB: Clyne (HG) Flanagan (HG), Moreno, Hector
CB: Sakho, Matip, Lovren, Gomez (U21), Skrtel
CM: Xhaka, Can, Henderson (HG), Lucas, Zielinski, Grujic (U21), Stewart (HG)
AM: Coutinho, Firmino, Gotze, Lallana (HG), Milner (HG), Markovic, Ibe (U21), Ojo (U21)
CF: Sturridge (HG), Origi (U21), Ings (HG)
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Why Xhaka ? He's good but not THAT good and honestly, I'd rather keep Allen than spend all on Xhaka. Keep that money to ship in a top top striker (because we know Sturridge isnt reliable in both his performances and his physique) and a top goalkeeper.
If Allen wants to leave for a starting place somewhere else, why stop him? I agree though, I'd love if he stayed.
Allen has always done a job for us when played in his proper position.
THANK YOU, I was starting to think I was the only one here who didn't see Xhaka as the second coming of Platini!
Watch him play for Switzerland and you see his play making qualities.
Mon is not going through the best season atm
I know we've shown interest in Horn but I'd also look at ter Stegen again and Karius from Mainz. Hector would be an excellent choice and looks like Germany's future LB. I don't see us getting Xhaka with clubs like Arsenal in for him and a better chance at UCL with Monchengladbach than us. I'd also keep Kolo over Martin as well as he's really played well this year and is great in the dressing room. Lastly, I'd maybe loan Ibe to a Premier League club as he's struggled recently and could do with playing every week.
That's exactly the squad as I would see it. Well except for the new signings. I agree in entirety about the ones staying. Would like to add that klopp might yet keep benteke.
I would definitely keep Benteke for another season and see how he plays with wingers at the club like Markovic and Piotr Zielinski ( who is also a winger/midfielder) . I would have had a more high profile winger in the place of Zielinski though. Anyways, Ibe should be sent on loan and ojo given his place.
If we sell benteke to a prem club we should milk them off as much as possible. 25+ millions is for sure. Though I would give him a chance.
I am dreaming of ibra scoring a crazy goal against Chelski at anfield.
And as for high profile winger I'm dreaming about a blonde guy from Germany. Or if we can get hazard for 15 million I would get him in a heartbeat. I don't think PSG or real want him seriously. Also El Ghazi of ajax is the one to look for.
Ibra? Pfft you are dreaming. And the only hazard you're getting for 15 mil would be the dad's sperm to create our own.
Dad's sperm…
That's was a top class pun mate.
He has 2 goals this season. Who knows if we can have him. And ibra is definitely possible of we pay him high. Definitely possible.
Didn't Ibra say he wanted to play for Klopp.
The most most important and must is we get klopp's choice of keeper and winger in the first week. A winger who can cross bloody good and scores and assist plenty goals is a must( did I said Reus) can get the best out of our strikers and especially benteke.
And for LB ajax's Dijks is awesome. Check him out. He is on the radar of Leicester scouts. That speaks volumes able him give their scouts success rate.
Didn't Arsenal acquire Leicester's scout ?
They got someone for sure. Hate it as much as KDB playing for xity.
But I guess he surely had eyes on him while he was with the foxes.
Sorry..one season ago who was raving about their scouts? I do not buy the leicester have good scouts argument. Soton have good scouts. Unquestionably given their long history of producing PL players and recruiting cheap young talent. You can even say watford have because of who owns them and the owners history of recruitment in other leagues and teams. But leicester. Leicester will have good scouts when they are able to replace mahrez and vardy and kante with equally good or better ones and do it repeatedly over a few seasons. Otherwise I generally think EPL teams have really bad scouting networks with very hit and miss records.
About LB and winger, winger I agree…LB i dunno..all on klopp. I would like to see smith given a chance though
You make a good point. A few years back everyone was raving about Newcastle and their french scouting after they got Cabaye and a couple of others that did ok. Scouting is a lot about luck in how players develop and settle in. Liverpools has not being near as bad as people make out-just lack the patience required to let the likes of Can Lovren Firmino etc settle in at the club. We have a very strong young squad at the disposal of arguably the top coach in the world while Chelsea United and City have aging over paid bloated squads that will all have a summer of upheaval with new coaches again. Well played Fsg
Well don't be sorry.
And I am among those who believe that Leicester have one of the best scouting networks in PL. It's not possible to scout another jewel out of nowhere when one of your his taken by the big clubs on the other hand for clubs with money it's possible to replace their star player immediately at will because they are already famous and known. The thing you are asking for is not easy at all. If you judge Leicester's scouts on th basis of how they will replace Riyad, kante or vardy ( assuming they leave this summer) then that's not fair. If this process was such a walk in the park then probably our very own klopp's dortmund would have never fallen.
Leicester are in news for their scouting not only because of the quality but for the price they brought the players. I guess I don't need to explain the price inflation – big small club theory.
Soton undoubtedly has one of the best scouting network in Europe aided by quality coaches / mangers at academy and first team level.
And for other European clubs they have no option but go East and south to get the talent because of their financial constraints which PL clubs don't have. If PL clubs would be facing such problem even they would have been forced to follow the non pl clubs model. Less media attention and other factors also aids player development abroad.
Yeah but tell me, before mahrez and vardy and kante was anyone hailing Leicester's scouting network? It's the first I've heard of it. And based entirely on some sensational form shown by players who were there last year as well. I would never use the Leicester example to substantiate an argument is my point. At least not yet.
And soton replace their players everytime. That is the very definition of a good acoustic ng network. Atletico keep replacing their strikers who they lose to bigger and richer clubs. That is the example of great scouting networks. I commend Leicester scouts for unearthing these gems for sure but I'm not going to summarily label their system as successful and good based on just this.
That is just not how my thinking works. As for the last bit of your post. I agree completely. When you have money to throw around, scouting isn't high on the agenda.
It takes time for players to be a cohesive unit and now they have a talented manger.
To end this I can only say we have different standard of appreciation.
Yes we do :)
Who is this Granit Xhaka you guys keep going on about? I mean, I know of one player with the exact same name, who plays for Mönchengladbach, but he doesn't seem to have anything else in common with the Xhaka you lot describe. Emre Can is so much better than him that it's like they're playing two different sports altogether. Xhaka is no Zidane or Xabi, he's at best a taller, stronger Masch.
Another super hyped player. Everybody talks about him, and the more people talk, the more his price increases. £30M for him is plain b*ll*cks.
This season he's contributed half a key pass per game and doesn't have a single assist to his name so far! He's fairly impressive defensively but technically gifted, creative or a great passer of the ball? Absolutely not.
He is a DM. He wins tackles, interceptions and he has a good pass completion. He is still improving as a player. But I also believe Chirivella is very similar and is still very young
I've only seen him play for Monchen once this season but remember him playing for Basel a while ago in the CL and he was excellent. He looked like a very good box to box type player. Not sure how he has developed since but if he has that quality then we could use it in central midfield.
He takes a lot of time to trap the ball, look around for an open player, set himself up to pass and then finally pass. And even then he's not that great a passer of the ball. H's used to getting all the time and space he needs, and I have seen nothing to suggest he'd make it in the super fast, super aggressive Premier League. He might make a good ball-playing centre-back but that's it, as far as I'm concerned. For our system, we need someone with a much quicker mind than the big lad seems to possess.
Seen him play a few times. Not overly impressed. No special qualities. We have enough midfielders with workrate, we need top quality talent
He IS overhyped and overrated for sure. If he can transition his game to the style of football in England, then only will he be an upgrade on Hendo. They can lick my left side nuts if they want 30m for Xhaka. I would rather we go for Victor Wanyama for half that.
The guy who has picked up 3 reds this season and has missed 12 games through suspension?!
The guy who Southampton actually play BETTER without…
So spend 30 mil on a player who has had no premier league experience? From what I've seen, he ain't no freaking world class. I don't mind us spending even 50 m on proven players such as Griezman, Aumbeyang, Reus, etc. And who says Wanyama won't improve under Klopp?
On that logic spend 49m on a premier league proven winger vs 55m on a highly rated youngster who failed in England – KDB or better 3.4m on the player of the season from France – Kante?!
Don't let your biasness fool you.
Wanyamba very limited and reckless. And Southampton players don't come cheap. 25m on a player whose not the best dm in England not even close vs 25m on a kid who could be?!
What I am trying to say is that spending 30m on Xhaka is stupidity, he may prove me wrong, but i haven't seen anything from him that says he is worth 30m. And Yes, I would spend 50m on players such as Reus, or Griezman because i really believe that they are world class talents by watching them play. We definitely need someone better and more dynamic in our midfield than Wanyama, but we have a limited budget and need to fill in other positions as well. I would rather spend big on a Striker or a winger than spend that 30m on Xhaka alone. Its not biasness, its common sense.
He will be 30M euros so 22M pounds. Given the transfer market situation – Sterling went for 49 and KDB for 55M – TRUE WC superstars like Griezman and Reus will be far above 50M closer to 70M.
I would rather if we spent 20M for a DM from the EPL it HAS to be Kante not Wanyamba.
Didn't know it was 30m Euros now instead of 30m pounds.
Why would a German team put a release clause in gbp?
The article or the news source could, which often times they do. They don't go around putting Euros in Japanese football news articles or in the United States.
Thanks for pointing that out. I know Klopp wouldn't sign him anyways so i'm not worried.
"he's at best a taller, stronger Masch."
I'll take it! Masch is pretty amazing.
EXACTLY what we are missing!
We don't need a zidane (though would be amazing) we need a pit bull in our MF to win and control the possession.
4 or 5 midfield positions. And 15 midfielders seems a bit excessive.
Desperately need a striker. Sturridge will be out for 3/4 of the season. Origi is nowhere near ready. Ings is decent when fit, but we need another Suarez/aguero type striker
Mate those saurez/agureo type strikers are hard to find on Craigslist.
But ready available on eBay. In fact Ian Ayre has just bid for one. He's stretching as far as offering four strawberry bon bons. I wonder if he'll put Benteke on Gumtree later.
Do eBay have an overpriced section?
The problem is that there isn't any Suarez/Aguero like players. Griezmann is as close as you can get.
juventus won't sell us but dybala is one of best forward, he is just 22
What do you think about Angel Correa, 20 & the next star at Atletico ? Low centre of gravity, like Kun, not scored many yet, but harrasses defenders like Aguero.
Or there's Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe, only 17 & just moved to Fiorentina last summer. 1 for the future tho.
Can't say i know much about about either. But I reckon we need a proven goal scorer. Someone who can score almost a goal per game. Like Suarez did.
That's why I was gutted we missed out on Teixeira.
The squad needs improvement, but seven new signings? Controversially, I think the current squad is not far off from a European league place.
I think it more realistic to say that we need a goalkeeper, leftback and right winger in that order of priority,
We have to realise that we have had a horrible and record number of injuries, so let's not be hasty.
Could use a central midfielder as well I reckon, especially if Allen and Lucas go.
Yep, cos Hendo isn't good enough.
Definitely need another central midfielder!
Of the three types of midfielder that exist, who do we need?
Defensive: Can, Lucas & Stewart
Box-to-box: Henderson, Allen, Chivrella
Attacking: Coutinho, Lallana, Brannagan
Not bad existing options and for the future with good coaching!
Not really… Henderson isn't good enough,he doesn't offer enough creativity! We need a midfielder like gundogan that can add assists from midfield!we miss Gerrard dearly in that department!
I know, but a box to box midfielder is there to provide defensive legs on a counterattack and keep recycling the ball. We were rather spoilt having a certain Steven Gerrard.
Surely, we should have enough creativity with the three behind the central striker?
To be controversial I would rather play Allen instead of Henderson as he is a bit more intelligent.
Me too. Allen under bodgers was like a chicken with its head cut off, running around in circles. Allen under Klopp has had a major resurgence and is a better player for it. YNWA!
I agree but imagine the mess we'd be in if we had another injury crisis next season. I really don't like how everyone is happy to rely on third-a-season Sturridge for example.
I know, but the injury crisis was unprecedented and during a time of management upheaval and transition.
The odds of it happening again are remote. Our striking situation was made worse by Ings injury, Origi's rawness and Benteke misfiring. As I said, unprecedented!
and Firmino hadn't yet found his feet. we really have more than enough in the striking dept. should only buy a striker if they are as good as or better than Sturridge. If not, its just a waste of money.
The injury crisis came from Klopp taking over and changing the way of playing. With a Klopp preseason there will be a lot less injuries.
Couldn't agree more.
Ricardo Rodriguez for left back. Good at taking set pieces too.
Brad Smith in a nutshell
*Brad Smith wanted by RM and mancity in a nutshell.
Well that's the important thing. Only joking, bored of hearing 'finding it hard to adjust to the prem though' Gomez and Smith with a full pre season will be really good imho
Never !!!
Kidding man
I think that another season of Aussie Brad bedding in will create enormous competition with Moreno.
Ricardo is regular international and has played over 100 games for wolfsburg. Played european game at 19. Experience wise Ricardo is way ahead.
Good shout
The best out there. Can't believe no one has moved for the dude since the last World Cup.
Horn and Hector are both realistic and significant upgrades imo…
Matip, Grujic, Ings, Gomez, Marko, Stewart, that 'feels' like six new signings already, if we sign a goalkeeper and a left back that's already eight 'additional' players we can call on…
A left winger is more of a priority in my opinion
Agree with that except I would say a rugged central midfielder who can also play is the biggest priority along with a keeper. I'm not convinced by Gotze and think there might be better forward options out there. If we cash in on Sturrudge (as I would) and/ possibly move Big Ben (which I wouldn't), then we will need to bring in another striker. The news about Spurs being interested in Hendo is also intriguing. If they offered £25m, would we sell? My sense is if a big talent like that young Swiss dude comes in and Can keeps developing, then Hendo will not be guaranteed a starting spot and might be worth selling if the price is right – £25m sounds about right in this respect.
Why would you sell our best striker and keep the one out injured?!
And sell our captain to a direct talent…
Madness. I tell you. Madness.
Not being picky but the 'news' about Spurs being interested in Hendo is actually the 'rumour' about Spurs being interested in Hendo, it's from a dubious source and personally I wouldn't give it too much credence….
2 points to be made –
1) That's still 5 players overall coming in.
2) Central MF is severely lacking in options at the moment. Klopp doesn't like playing Milner and Allen in that MF 2 and Lucas doesn't have the legs. That leaves us with Hendo and Can with Grujic coming in.
Plus Stewart and maybe Branagan, there's also the forgotten man of LFC, Jordan Rossiter, we might have more midfield options than we realise…
My guess is players like Brannagan and Stewart are still seen as fringe options looking to make a regular place for themselves, much like Ibe, and not regular starters. Many fans out here moan about Hendo's form and perhaps with some valid justification..we just don't seem to have any proper options there besides Can and Hendo at the moment. The 3 players you mentioned can't compete with those 2.
Absolutely, there's no guarantee any of the three I mentioned can kick on and force their way into the team but they'll get the opportunity. I think (or hope) that Hendo's current form is down to the ongoing issue with his heel, a fully fit Henderson still has a lot to offer but we can't carry him indefinitely…
I forgot to mention but it's not just an issue with Hendo…I generally don't expect to see a fully fit and in form Hendo and Can for the whole of next season…we need to have quality in depth as well.
As you say fella, numbers is not what we are lacking. The squad is already massive and we have added three more heads in Matip, Grujic and the return of Markovic. With Gomez, Ojo, Stewart and Smith showing a bit of worth too it is definitely not numbers we need. I would take us signing a world class keeper and leaving the rest as is over numbers.
I don't think is too drastic. I think the problem we had the past two seasons was we were trying to ask too many players to jump immediately into the first team and asked to replace top level players. Too much expectations. You also had Rodgers under a great deal of pressure losing confidence in young, new players and desperate to find results playing players out of positions and regressing their development.
This plan adds depth and supplements positions. Even the most high profile players – Gotze and Zhaka would be displacing key starting players fighting for spots.
The center of the midfield is not remotely of grade to compete for the CL let alone in the CL. Can is ready but young. Henderson is not caliber. Lucas and Allen can do a job, but Lucas is injury prone and both are physically limited. Lucas in speed and Allen in size. Nice players, not good enough though. They need to be upgrade. Grujik is young and will integrate over time. Not asked to do a starting jon.
I look at the back line and I see the need to bring in someone to compete with Moreno. Is that going to destabilize the team? I don't think so. Matip taking a spot at center back with push Lovren & Sakho. He no longer has to be thrown into the mix straight away and pray he works out. He can integrate with Gomez into the squad. I also think Lucas will transition into a CB specialist of sorts.
Too often, we look at things that failed and classify the broad problem while losing track of the context. Why did adding too many players fail? Because you can't add too many problems into a squad or how the players were utilized?
That would be a shocking transfer window.
What would you like us to do?
Gotze is a dream signing. I believe he is unlikely unless we got Champions League place
and I think Gomez can play Full Back too. He is good
I say it's time Klopp rectified one of BR's most embarrassing mistakes in the transfer department and sign Gylfi. He's an exemplary professional, can efficiently play any of the three positions behind the striker, can cross and shoot with either foot, possesses a lethal free kick and great delivery from corners. His pace may not be blistering but he gets around, gets himself in positions and works hard for his team.
Having watched him tear Holland apart–twice–in the Euro qualifiers, there's no doubt in my mind he'd fit Klopp's team perfectly.
Listen you just said that you don't know who xhaka is,therefore you don't want him,yet you're suggesting gylfi?NO THANK YOU!!
Is he talking about that Swansea CM? The French guy?
No, the Icelandic no.10, Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Ohk. Yeah I remember. He was massive for his country.
Hes talking about siggurdson
Yeah got it.
I've been watching Xhaka since he got into the Switzerland U21s. I know who he is. That's the reason I have difficulties reconciling what I know about him with how you lot tend to describe him. I've been watching Gylfi for even longer–since he scored that penalty against us in the FA cup for Reading. I stand by everything I've said here because I know these players and base my opinions on how I've seen them performand am not just parroting stuff other people have said. Did you know Gylfi has nine (9) goals to his name in the PL this season? Or that he and Firmino had a great partnership at Hoffenheim? Did you know he got Iceland into the Euros this summer, scoring 5 in 10 games? Do you realize the magnitude of that achievement? You should take a break from Championship Manager and watch some actual football from time to time, you'll love it, trust me.
I'm not a fifa man mate!!but I know that players that move from smaller clubs don't necessary work out!!if he is so great m,why didn't he perform at such a high level at spurs? If he aint good enoughfor spurs,he is surely not good enough for us!!
Who? Ex spuds player playing for Swansea?
Are you talking about Sigurdsson?
Absolutely and unabashedly! I just prefer calling him Gylfi to avoid spelling his surname, especially since this Disqus thing is the laggiest thing ever to lag.
This is all guesswork. At best you can only predict the positions within squad that need changing/improvement which is a better exercise. Naming players is just unnecessary. One thing Klopp showed for sure is that he doesnt read forums or papers. So far all his transfer targets were unknown. I beieve it;s going to remain this way.
We need a player with quality deliveries… and a keeper maybe a winger too
I'd be happy with just a goalie tbh, anything else will just be a bonus in my eyes.
£20m keeper, £40m striker.
Bang on.
We are not going in for striker.
Munich set their price for gotze at 31.5M pounds curious to see how this plays if we easily paid .5 more for tekkers
Well we should look at ajax in the summer. Their winger Al ghazi and LB Mitchell Dijks are amazing players.
Ghazi 19 has amazing speed and dribbling and van score head goals.
Dijks 25 is 6'5″ tall LB. Strong in tackle. Can actually cross the ball. Yes he can CROSS the ball. And yes he can defend. Sad part is that we will have to fight Leicester to get him.
Both of them will come under 30 million combined.
On the other note I can precisely remember that I have only criticised klopp twice till now.
One of that time is to reward mings with a new contract. Don't know how much klopp was willing to give him the new contract and what role TC had it in. But that was horrible news.
I like your thinking . We definitely need more left footed players in our squad to provide a bit more balance
How good is this Polish fella? Him being on loan from Udinese suggests he can't be that great no?
He's 21 & got 3 goals & 5 assists in 25 games this season, as a holding midfielder. Been likened to Scholes.
I just cant trust prospects from Serie A
Generally that kind of player won't catch a lots of attention with his stats but half of the dortmund squad was similar before they created history.
Did we heard about lewy, Hummels and gundogan before they raised to fame?
Not in support of that that Polish fella but totally in for low profile signings that together moves mountains.
I admit I don't know much about this zielinski guy. But the other article on here said he was like Allen. But not as good.
So why would we sell Allen and buy someone worse?
The difference is, Zielinski's been playing at that level consistantly for 2 years & is 21 now, Allen is only just playing at that level after 3 years & is 27 tomorrow. (Happy birthday Joe, Google just told me)
Did this( site) said that he is not better than Allen? Well for majority writers here brogers and Allen are above klopp and Zidane.
Him being not a famous name and targeted by klopp ( if the news are real) than that really excites me.
Am I the only one who thinks gotze wouldn't be a good signing? We already have a bunch of CAMs and what we are lacking is a fast and powerful winger which gotze isn't.
we'll basically be acquiring another player whom we won't play over coutinho and let him be wasted in positions not suited to him like Lallana has been before ! If we lose coutinho, it makes sense to acquire Gotze. Otherwise it doesn't !
I have same view as you. But watched his YouTube video and said why not.
That's exactly what I've been saying.
Go back and watch BVB he actually played on the wings a fair few times – far better than Cou.
Cou's best position is 10 undoubtedly but we need a smart player for the left and/or right.
Goetza would be a MASSIVE statement of INTENT.
I trust in Kloppo
Agree Gotze would be a massive (and expensive) statement of intent but if we're going to think big and bid big at least make an effort to sign Reus, absolutely no guarantee we'd get him but he's a far better option than Gotze and definitely worth the effort…
Reus would be a dream come true! Only concern is can his body hold up in the EPL and under Klopp's training regime?
I think BVB will only sell one star this summer – besides Gundogen who won't resign a contract – it will be Reus or Aub for crazy money though..
I see it being Aub to Real for 60M plus.. If that happens we should get Jese AND Goetza…
Gotze may have plenty of talent but powerful he is not .
agreed, but wouldn't he be an upgrade on all of our CAM?
We can argue on that but the least likely position that we should be worrying about is the CAM position.
That is arguable but the position we least need to worry about is the CAM position.
Depends on whether you think ozil was a good signing for arsenal or not
He was a good signing for Arsenal but unlike Arsenal we already have 3 good CAMs. What we should be spending big on is on a position where we lack quality (RW and GK to name a few).
Arsenal and their overstocking of CAMs is the most joked about thing ever. We're not at their level yet. And goetze is a versatile player. Same with firms. Klopp's best 11 it seems has all 3 of "LFC" playing together, in that regard goetze is not totally unnecessary.
We don't have 3….
We have 1 potentially WC one – Cou
We have 1 who isn't actually a 10 but more flase 9 – second striker – Firmino
And one very erratic hard running decent one in Lallana
Not only you bro.. Am also thinking in the direction…
I'd rather play Firmino as part of a front 2. Lallana hasn't been providing enough creativity, until recently. Coutinho's biggest weakness is his lack of consistency. For that, I'd say lets get another creative midfielder. This team needs more creativity, especially when playing against teams that sit back and rely on counter attack. I don't know if Gotze is the answer though
Gotze would be an unbelievable signing. But I don't see us getting him. Unless Phil leaves…..
Feel the same Dan. Gotze is the better player for me, but Couts is tried and tested in the prem, stick or twist
Phil cuts/plays on the left, Gotze from the middle and Firmino on top as a false nine, we still need an upgrade on our right CAM.
Gotze from the right..
I think this sounds about right, although I'm not sure on the Granit, Gotze signings. Gk, lb definitely and then see if we can find a player with similar qualities to Can/Hendo (a rare breed these days) and a winger and we're set.
A new Keeper and a new Striker are the priorities for me. Neither Mignolet or Sturridge can be relied upon.
i do fancy giving Danny INGS a chance. from the few games the boy played before injury he showed he can be not just a scorer, but a work horse too.he was at a better level last season than Vardy, look at Vardy this year. what says Ings can't emulate Vardy with the proper players around him. the boy got heart too.
Where is one of the most technically gifted player, with both a good footballing brain, hard working and possibly one of the best set piece delivers? Brannagan?
Surely there must be room for him in the squad for next season?
Gutsy shout, Trent Alex (under 18 captain) will be something in the not too distant future as well
He is still pretty young -19 and has picked up 2 reds this season… Needs game time definitely but also needs to be developed without added pressure of expectation.
He turns 20 in May, agree that he's still pretty young, but can't understand that being given a place in the squad next season would prevent his development. That's what they all fight for and they have to learn how to handle pressure.
Admit that I haven't watched the U21 games, but what he showed especially against West Ham proved that he is good enough on the top level. Exciting player, maybe some small adjustments on his temper is needed then :-)
I mean given the competition it would be more beneficial for him to play in the youth league teams but he doesn't need to be registered as part of our squad to play in the squad besides Europa.
Would love to see Klopp send out the second team and kids for FA Cup and League Cup.
Stewart and Brannagan play so well together. We need our second team to NOT be a step down from our first.
Migs/ Ward
Flano Gomez Sahko Hector/Smith
Stewart Brannagan
Marko Grujic Origi
I understand. But being registered in the squad, which he possibly deserves, would be a great personal reward, add motivation and most likely further development for him. Also add the opportunity of playing in Europe.
The second team you set up looks great. I haven't watched Ward, Hector or Grujic, but have full faith in Klopp and his team.
Isn't Brannagan more of an AM?
Don't think Sakho will be used too much in the so called second team either, he is a first teamer in my eyes.
Wouldn't mind watching a team like this:
New keeper
Flanno Matip (Lovren) Sakho Clyne
Stewart New DM
Lallana Couts Brannagan (sub Origi)
Firms (sub Ings)
Branngana can play both areas and we have Pedro Chiv too!
I am a BIG Sahko fan but given his form and given Lovren form and turn around I see Lovren being part of the CB pairing next season with Matip.
As much as I really like Flano I don't see him making first team over our most consistent player this season – Clyne. Also I think with 2 Left Backs in the squad a RB should not be playing there.
This is what I think our FIRST team may look like:
Migs – Klopp has reaffirmed his faith in him. We won't buy an outright first choice but a second to challenge him and hopefully improve on what we have
Lovren/ Sahko
Moreno /Hector
2 – Can is definitely nailed on
New DM – Like Xhaka
3 – Cou Firmino Lallana/Hendo
1 – Sturridge.
Or Klopp will put Firmino as the main striker and play a winger plus Phil plus one hard working industrious player like Hendo or Lallana.
But I do like the look of your team definitely strong enough for the FA Cup.
Good points. Completely forgot about Can :-) Agree.
Good to finally have alternatives and strong and healthy competition.
Future looks bright!
Gonna be a bad week to be an Arsenal fan, oh well
Same can be said for United.
Out of Europe – LFC and Barca should make sure of this.
Out of the FA CUP – soon that replay should do them especially after giving everything in EUROPA and complaining again.
AND TOP 4 starts to slip away with respective losses to CITY and Leicester.
As long as we win our Europa and and EPL games we can laugh and enjoy this. Especially seeing Man Scum lose to 2 of their BIGGEST rivals in the same week.
Pray tell Jack why is Skrtel out of the picture and looking like leaving this summer?
When as klopp never played him when hes been fully fit ,if he was that out of the picture and as certain to leave as you try and make out surely Klopp would have dropped him first chance he got
Also posters thinking Lallana cold be the one to lose out in the summer transfer merry go round ,Why?
Klopp as picked him every time he as been fit Hardly the actions of a manager that wants rid of certain players according to some
Because he is the weakest central defender we have had this season? because he is in his 30s? or just to wind you up? Take your pick.
As far as signings are concerned what a signing Lukaku has been for the bitter blues , we pay 32.5 mill for big Ben & now rumored to be prepared to accept 20 mill for him whilst they pay 28 mill for Lukaku a real bargain buy .
In this scenario buying Götze doesnt make much sense, as we have already seen at Bayern he isnt much of a winger and if wee keep coutinho, Lallana and Firmino and buy Zielinski who is also capable to play in a number 10 role we have 5 offensive midfield players but only 2 wingers.. Jese would be a better option imho
Agree 100%….
Any one watches the league in Holland. the papers are buzzing about Bazoer, but a friend of mine was saying that Davy Klaassen was the better player and the real deal. a player in the mold of Berkamp; can score and assist freely. anyone seen the boy playing day in -day out?
We should be buying wingers and a goalkeeper not gotze who's a cam which we have 3 already
if we sell benteke instead of another CAM(gotze) we have to buy more a natural forward like saurez
i think we bid for icardi on final day of january transfer window so klopp might as well go for a natural forward in summer(just assuming)
if we are gonna spend 50m on one player instead of gotze we have to try to buy
rues/ dybala /higuain /morata /aubamayang
milner is good but he is old he played very well this season so does kolo sadly i want both to leave instead keep allen ,he is 25 he can come good like lallana
send ibe on loan
we are linked with erkin of turkey, who's is better erkin or hector?
I personally would pick Hector over erkin. Gotze is not only a CAM, he can play wide as well.
we already have 3 CAMs why buy another CAM and play him as winger instead we can buy a winger
With the number of games to be played next season along with the interval between games played, we have already seen the quality of football diminish. We need a large squad with quality in depth if we want to really win it. These players are not machines and the FA's greed is costing us a lack of quality football, and not to mention the injuries to players. I agree with the post except we may need to add a quality striker if Benteke is to be sold.
Complete agreement on Benteke, that's the most likely position to be added……..that and keeper IMO.
Bet there will be fewer signings, only 2 or maximum 3 this summer, and some of the players you claim to be retained will be off loaded……..ike Skertl, Good to read but not realistic.
Probably a load of BS, but if the Hendo to Tottenham rumours are true, I would bite their hand off for £25m.
Nahhh..we dont need 7 new players. i beleive the current squad has improved so much compare to how they were 6 months ago. 2-3 (max) of additional world class players are good enough. We have a team..slowly building and starting to know each other well. This team gonna be massive next season. Injuries hampered us too much around Nov-January..
We just need to add another left back..keeper… and a proper young DM..who is not injury prone. The rest are good as it is now… i really want Allen to stay back and prove that he is our PIRLO!!!
You say we don't need 7 new players while 2 players in Grujic and Matip are already signed up. So do you mean 4-5 transfers overall in that case? It may not look like it but we are severely missing options in MF and FB positions at the moment. We were lucky to have Moreno and Clyne fit throughout the season but the future may not end up being the same case. Not to mention the fact that Moreno needs some solid competition for his place, not just Brad Smith. So, adding another MF and LB to the ranks is hardly a bad idea or overkill.
GK and winger/CAM is also something all of us agree on I think.
Grujic and matip… are already our players. So I disn't include them in the 7 players that I mentioned. As I mentioned. ..another left back with moreno and smith already there to rotate. Flanagan,Clyne and probably one more RB.
In the name of wingers… probably yes with one more player to come and Gotze might be one if we are going for him and he is meant to play in the wing.
So I feel basically. .. 1GK, 1LB, 1 winger…and 1 Rb…. that's good enuf.
So that's 6 players from you then. Personally I wanted 4 signings on top of the 2 but instead of 2 more FBs have one more central MF since we're pretty light out there at the moment. 2 more central MFs with Xhaka and Zielinski looks like a bit of an overkill.
4 actually…..1GK…1 WINGER….1LB…1RB…..
i"m not so sure about Xhaka and Zielinski..coz to be honest i"ve not watched much of them.
The reason I'm saying 6 is because the article seems to be including those 2 players as part of the 7 and because it will still be 6 additions next season if you were to add those 4 players.
How much would Max Meyer cost hes young got bags and bags of potential and would get in our team now
all the boxes ticked for FSg as well and looks like he could be the real deal
Raid Schalke I say! Meyer and Sane…..yes please.
Meyer would not be cheap but he ticks every box for FSG so why not
I would honestly take max Meyer over gotze. Both are central players but Meyer is quicker and seems more powerful. Thus he could prove better out wide than gotze.
and he is the same player as Gotze is at now
hes not hes over 3 years younger Meyer is only 20
I didn't meant same about age but for the qualities
Replacing Henderson with a world class player would be the single biggest upgrade for this team. Henderson has no business playing against Madrid or Barcelona . We need to find someone who can
Not sure if Xhaka would be money well spent considering he will likely be £20-30M. Would love to see if Klopp could persuade Ter Stegen to come. I imagine that would depend on whether we play in Europe next season. A winger is a priority. Götze would be an exciting signing if he can stay fit. And a creative central midfielder please.
Its amazing what a couple of wins can do against a man city side thatts managed just 2 wins in their last 8 matches against english opposition (sunderland and villa)
And the poorest man ure side in 20 years ,now suddenly the squads not that bad and it only needs a player or two according to some
Well yes the squad should be decent the last man in charge spent 300 million plus on the squad
The first 11 is not to win the league we will need 3 or 4 new starters never mind squad players
As for getting back amongest europes elite we are miles off english clubs are miles behind the top european clubs and i do not just mean real barca and Bayern
Maybe the difference is earlier on in the season, we were not even looking good against poor sides. If it was a confidence issue (Lallana) then the recent run might kick start his career. Getting top players is going to be difficult. The manager should only be signing players that will enhance us, I think we need another forward as well.
I agree no point signing anyone thats not going to be a starter unless they are potential players ,we have enough squad players its quality we need now
Someone with ambition. THANK YOU!!!
Its amazing no matter what the results you will find a way to spin the negative about the club and players
7 is a good number..
Horn is not a good solution, we need to solve our goal-keeper situation properly..
First go for Ter Stegen!!! Keylor Navas, Caballero, Ospina all beter solutions.. I don't care about money..
The rest is ok, just we don't need 5 central defenders.. Lucas can fill in if needed..
I agree with your Lucas point as long as he is willing to be considered as such an option in his later years.
Well he's a DM, he should only jump in as fifth defender if needed, that happens once in decade and it happened this year.. I would like to see a partnership of two CDs who play all games, no rotation there.. If we have 5 CDs, that means 1 is on the bench and most of the time 2 of them are not even on the bench..
Ospina and Caballero aren't better than Horn.
Given the reported price, Horn woould be a really good buy.
Oh yes they are, they are very good keepers..
Did you not see Guediora's goal for Watford before ? Severely powerful shot, but Ospina only had to stick his left arm up to save it. Willy's had quite a few howlers over the years too. And I think Horn has potential, kinda reminds me of Joe Hart when at Shrewsbury.
I really rate Loris Karius at Mainz though, he looks like a young Neuer.
Ospina really isn't that good of an option…
Keylor Navas, Ter Stegen then..
Keylor Navas is No. 1 for Madrid, so not happening. I don't know if Barca are willing to let go of Stegen.
Ter Stegen wants to leave the club.. In Real they don't value Navas.. They will probably bring another keeper..
"Real Madrid Fans Want Keylor Navas to Remain as No. 1 Ahead of David De Gea" this is the first news that pops up at the moment…how are you so sure that Real don't value Navas?
Keylor Paras (stops).
Well they never did.. They always wanted a 'better' keeper..
Navas was a pretty good keeper to begin with. And now that he's shone he's upto the task why would Madrid want to replace him? Sure I can understand them going for DDG again but that doesn't mean Navas will leave, they'll likely rotate in some capacity.
Yes, they would want to leave him for sure, but the guy deserves a first team role.. We offer the money, he requests transfer and that's it..
Well, IF we're qualified to CL, I think only Ojo and Ibe can be considered U21.
Grujic, Origi and Gomez wouldn't be considered U21 by CL (and maybe EL as well, i don't know) rule and must be placed in the 25 player slot that must be registered.
Also for HG, we needed four HG from our own club from our 8 HG players who is registered in the 25 player squad.
As far as I know, only Ward and Flanagan is considered Liverpool's local lad. Pretty sure Ings, Sturridge, Lallana, Milner, Henderson and Stewart weren't our local lad.
In terms of CL (and maybe EL), we need to remove five players from this squad.
Typical bureaucratic meddling to ensure youngsters development creates confusion.
Take Xhaka off that list right now. Bang average player not sure he is even as good as the ones we have considering the EPL is a tougher league.
I'd rather we went for Lars Bender instead of Xhaka.
Why has the Fellaini situation gone quiet?
That's probably with lawyers right now, and the F.A don't wanna pay them on weekends.
Ye should have thought of that Rob. Lawyers have to go skiing on the weekends, it's the law
Because the Costa situation has taken centerstage instead :)
That costa situation was just wrong, it made my skin crawl
how you going to lick another man neck?
Seemed like one of those FIFA video game reenactments.
Hope you haven't forgotten about El Pistolero now..
Villiaini booked again. Utd playin decent but WH not showing up
He's small and people see him as an easy target.
after 3 years with us before 21.
None of the six HG players apart from Flano and Ward can be Local HG
and I rated him too. I think he was unlucky with his injuries and all
Interesting..title says 7 new signings, but really, only 6 are listed here. Also interesting to see 3 new central MFs being added there which may be needed after all.
Just to come up with some kind of overall transfer business estimate.
Timo Horn – 10mil
Hector – 6mil
Zielinski + Xhaka – about 35mil
Gotze – 30mil
Overall – 80mil
Allen + Benteke – about 30mil
Ter Stegen and Gotze, end of.
(Gotze: "You should ask Klopp if he wants me at Liverpool. If he wants me, he should approach me." Check.)
Allen is entering the prime of his career and really seems to have taken the bit between his teeth under Klopp. Little man bosses the midfield. Going nowhere. Zielinski and Xhaka are not worth the risk and time to settle.
I'd file Gomez under LB, a common move for young CBs. Moreno gets another season to sort it.
Benteke stays, rather than taking such a steep loss, as a Plan B/strike partner. Balotelli strapped onto a rocket and shot into space.
Allen hasnt been offered a new contract. It seems that is what the speculation is based on
I'd be very surprised if that situation remained at the end of the season. Possible, but I have serious doubts.
In a team full of kids, he is one of our few experienced players. See the Exeter game, when he led the youngsters beautifully. I'm expecting him to have a strong Euros, too.
Really hasn't put a foot wrong since the end of November.
But he isn't deployed as a MF 2 under Klopp though…it's been either box-to-box as part of 3-man MF or as a more advanced CAM.
I don't wanna see him go either, but then I feel the same way about Toure as well.
Allen has the intelligence to play wherever he is told to play. Was never a DM, but always put in a shift.
I like him best in a 4-3-3, especially as he balances nicely with Can as our DM. But he is an excellent reader of the game, and has shown that there is quite a bit in his locker that we didn't see when he was being played as the deepest midfielder. And we've all seen him lay well in a MF 2 along Henderson.
His versatility is a massive plus, particularly as his best attribute is elevating the play of those around him with the all the intelligence, graft, and hard work he puts in.
The one aspect of his game that had been missing was a certain level of aggression, and I think Klopp has successfully tapped into it.
Can't see him going.
Like I said, it's how Klopp deploys him that counts out here. He's not used the same way under the new manager the way he was under the previous one, very much like Milner. So I think it's safe to say that both Milner and/or Allen would not be deployed as part of a 2-man central MF. Milner now has pretty much taken up a wide attacking position.
That's why I don't see him in that position, regardless of what you and I think about him as a player. Ideally, I don't wanna see him go either because he's done so well with the chances that he's gotten but with all the possible new signings coming in Allen could likely be on his way out.
I'll certainly admit that I'd be disappointed with an Allen exit, but I genuinely don't see another midfielder besides Grujic coming in.
I expect one big name attacker with goals (likely Gotze), and a GK. Other than that, I think it will be our quietest summer since 2012, even counting Matip and Grujic.
We'll see. Who knows? We may have to be ready for a run in the Champions League next season! ;)
How often did we see him play deep really? He played on the left side of a diamond or 433 predominantly under Rodgers. With Gerrard or Lucas in the deeper role.
He played as DM under Rodgers but that doesn't really matter IMO since Klopp's a different manager and hasn't deployed him there a single time.
Not on a consistent basis. The deepest he played is similar to what Can and Henderson are playing now mostly or higher. The title challenge season was Gerrard or Lucas in the deepest midfield role.Last season Gerrard played there till the switch to 343, which has 2 central midfield players rather than defensive specialists. I never really got people complaining about that. He simply seldom played defensive midfield.
Well in reality he never played that many matches in the season to begin with. The words defensive MF can mean a lot of things to people, he has been deployed as the most deep lying MF for a good percentage of those matches he's played for us. First season he was here – first 10-11 games was as a DM before he got his injury. Even last season I do remember him being deployed as DM for some of those matches. But it's like I said that was under the previous manager and it wasn't to particularly great effect all the time. I remember a match against Everton where he was being bullied off the ball by their MF – not a good sight to see.
This season his best performances have come as a B2B MF.
Im sorry but thats simply not correct. The deepest he played was in a midfield 2 last season when we played 343, indeed he had some stand out games in the position like city at Anfield.Liverpool played 433 when Rodgers came first. He played on the left of a 433 with Lucas and Gerrard when he came first before injury. He never played dm at all in 13/14. That was lucas at first then Gerrard after christmas when he came from injury. One of Allens biggest problems for me is he takes 3 or 4 games to come back to sharpness after injury. When he is sharp he has all the ability to play any position in midfield. Will be a loss if he goes
So you don't remember what position he played when he first came into the club then? Look up some of his matches if you don't believe me. 13/14 Gerrard was used in that regista role to great effect..so yeah, that position was his and no one really took over. Next season Allen did play a few times in that position not too many.
I remember clearly where he played when he came first-liverpool played 433 with Lucas behind Gerrard and Allen. Check the line ups if you dont believe me. The first game was at West brom. We played city shortly after at Anfield with Skrtel gifting them the equaliser. Allen was on the left of a 433 with Lucas playing at dm.
Again, our definitions of defensive MF may be different but I distinctly remember Allen being deployed as the deepest MF in many of his games at the start of his LFC career. I think it was against United that he assumed that regista role. Rodgers loved talking about the inverted triangle MF…IIRC Lucas got injured during that United match leaving him with Allen, Hendo and Gerrard as options. He's done it with Allen, done it with Gerrrard and done it with Lucas, though Lucas was used as more of a destroyer than a regista.
Allen played less in a dm role under Rodgers than any other position. He covered when the original first choice (lucas) was injured thats all. Other than that he played in a midfield 2 obviously with defensive responsibilities like any centre mid. Its a complete comment section myth that Allen was played "out of position at dm" by Rodgers. It rarely happened and when it did it was injury enforced. What next Klopp being blamed for playing Lucas centre half?
I'm not trying to blame anyone for it, those were Rodgers' choices, but there were times he enforced it without any pressure. It's known as regista role and it's less about defending and more about starting possession from the deep end. I do remember him being used as DM in that Everton game last season as well.
Choices influenced by injury. When Lucas or Gerrard were fit they played as the deepest midfield player-that is fact.He was in a 2 man centre mid as part of the 343 formation when He struggled against everton as he was returning from injury not because of the position. He was motm from the exact same position against city a few games later. Its a comment board/twitter myth that Joe Allen was played out of position. He is a midfield player. How many different midfield positions did Gerrard play in his career.
Ugh I don't know why you keep talking about the played out of position bit, I'm not really concerned with that because that's largely opinion based and a different point altogether from what I was saying. And you seem to be contradicting your own claims here…on the one hand you say Allen has almost never been played out there other than to fill a gap/compromise, on the other hand you say that he was MOTM against City in that same position.
And btw, there was Nuri Sahin as well in the team in first season and his ideal position was deep MF but Rodgers deployed him in an advanced position. I refuse to agree that Allen was only played in regista when Gerrard/Lucas were injured. He played him there out of choice, not out of necessity. Gerrard only played regista in the second season which was a success but got found out for lack of legs in the third one. Rodgers was never a big fan of Lucas because he was more the disrupter/destroyer type MF than the distributor from the back, the kind he liked. Not casting judgment on the manager here but this much can be proven on empirical evidence.
The original thread with Brooklynred was questioning how much he actually played at dm. There is no contradiction, a midfield 2 in 343 had 3 centre backs behind them and had less defensive responsibility or necessity to come back and split centre backs when in possession. In 433 the central midfield player is a true dm in the busquets mould. Predominantly Lucas and Gerrard played the position, Allen only played there in the event of injuries, he was not played there by choice.
Yet another myth-Sahin played on the left of a 3 in 433. How is that an advanced role. He played deepest against stoke in one of his earliest games and was a pure liability as he kept giving the ball away and getting caught in possession. It was absolute necessity to move Sahin.
Youre refusing to agree with fact. When lucas was fit he played deepest in the 3, he was replaced in Jan 2014 by Gerrard for the calendar year and the switch to central midfield 2 after that changed the reponsibility
You keep saying this but the fact is Allen played as the deepest MF in his first season in that first spell. Rodgers played a 3 man MF at that time with an "inverted triangle" as he liked to call it. One MF at the base as a regista(Allen) and 2 box-to-box MF ahead of Allen to bomb forward. He did quite well in this role before getting injured after about 9-10 games and didn't come back until later in the season.
By the time he came back, Sturridge and Coutinho had come into the team and it looked a lot more different. Rodgers went with 4-2-3-1, hence no concept of a regista.
Next season the 3-4-1-2 was applied with SAS. Allen was not a starting figure at that time with Lucas and Gerrard making up the 2 man central MF. Allen used to come on for PC when Rodgers wanted to change to 4-4-2 diamond formation later on in the season from 4-3-3. Because Gerrard was doing so well in that position and most would agree that he's a better player compared to Allen there was no chance or scope of him playing there that season.
3rd season was a mishmash. It started off with Gerrard in that regista role but getting outrun by opposition defenses. Again it's worth noting that Allen wasn't a regular starter. Lucas came in and steadied the ship in that destroyer MF role but Rodgers saw that as a compromise. Somewhere in between that run Allen was deployed as a 2-man MF as well.
Forget the original point but I do remember all of this quite well. He used to take the ball from Skrtel and Agger the first season he came to play. I do remember that quite well at the very least.
He played deepest when Lucas was injured and Sahin was clearly found to be not good enough. Not more than a handful of games in the position.
Even in the pairings, Allen was usually tasked with the defensive duties while Gerrard or Henderson focused on attack. Rarely in the final third. Was typically the outlet ball for defenders, too.
In the relatively rare times that he played alongside Lucas – the 5-0 against Spurs a memorable example – he was given the freedom we have seen in the past few months, but typically he was in charge of holding down the fort.
Gerrard played the whole of 2014 in the deepest midfield position. There is no doubt Klopp has him in a more advanced position but to suggest he only played dm under rodgers or that he didnt play well at all under Rodgers is simply wrong. He was very good when he came first injuries badly affected him but he still played a really effective role in the title challenge season. Injuries held back his liverpool career not where he was played.
He wants game time and to be a VITAL member of the starting 11. As good as he has been Klopp doesn't see him in his long term plans – how many games has he started w/out necessity?
Its March now and season over in June very little time to sort a new contract out and he is down to 15 months..
I actually not in favour of him staying. I am in favour of lallana and benteke staying. But not Allen. It's a simple time based theory. Both allen and migs have been here longer without having absolutely convinced. Allen has had great response to the prospect of earning his contract but I do not think it's enough. For 2 reasons- firslty, I think he himself might want to leave for game time. And with some incomings, there is simply no space for so many midfielders. I don't think Lucas will be sold unless he himself wants to go. He's shown his leadership qualities and consistently under every single manager forced his way back into the team over and over again. More than that, klopp uses him as his de facto translator for the Spanish guys. And from every evidence over the years, Lucas is a strong dressing room presence and mentor to the youngsters coming through. So it might come down to letting Allen go because simply, nobody else can go.
Interesting point about that Spanish translator…he's Brazilian so should likely only know Portuguese but I do remember reading this up somewhere.
Not sure about that Spanish thing, but Klopp definitely trusts him. If I had my druthers, he'd stay on like Toure for sheer presence. But I'm not sure how often he'd get into my 11.
Recently chirivella gave an interview saying Lucas was the biggest help. He's popular with everyone. And from whatever interactions I've seen of klopp and Lucas, I don't think klopp is going to let him go.
Lucas should be made CLUB CAPTAIN.
He has given everything to us for 8 years. And is a great role model for the kids. Plus he has FAR better leadership qualities than Hendo or Milner…
True, but a lot know both, especially if they grew up near the borders, as the countries around speak Spanish.
I think we could pick up a translator for less than 70g a week elsewhere :-)
There is a lot of other things that he has. Whether you like it or not, he is a leader and he's shown it repeatedly. He is also among our only defensive minded midfielders. Not to mention, Lucas is only one among 3 players in our entire squad who has experience of winning something AT THIS CLUB. I rate that as foremost in my assessment of who to keep and who to let go. I don't really care if we sign messi. Messi won't be "messi" for me unless he wins something with us. And lack of a trophy is a monkey on the back of this young squad. The sooner we break the jinx the better. It's a weight I feel. Intangibles like having guys around who have experience of winning things at our club is precisely the sort of thing I feel the fsg project has rejected and is something we can definitely improve on.
Lucas has won what? he was injured for most of 2012. Keeping Lucas for sentimentality reasons is not Klopps style. If he rates him he will keep him and vice versa. Klopp has enough experience of winning, his influence will be a lot stronger than Lucas
Lucas has been here close to 8 years. Our trophy drought has been for the last 4. This is not a sentimental reason. It's a valid reason over and above the fact that klopp obviously rates him.
Lucas did his acl in 2012 missed most of the season including cup finals. We shall see if he keeps him-with his wages i doubt it myself
This is all speculative of course. But it seems that he is fond of him. But yeah of course I can be wrong and you can be right. I do feel that Lucas himself will move if he feels he can get better game time elsewhere.
I cant see how he gets any game time as a first choice starter being honest. Injuries and age catching up on him.
Like I said. I'm not saying he will be here as a first choice starter. But he will definitely be kept if he is happy with a squad role. Which is my original post mentioned the fact that I don't think Lucas will be sold unless he himself wants to leave.
Lucas did his ACL when Juan Mata tackled him back in his Chelsea playing days…he actually was the reason we made it to the cup finals with that game against Man City and that 2-legged tie against Chelsea.
There was no 2 legged tie v chelsea. Lucas injured his knee at chelsea when Martin Kelly scored the winner. He didnt play against Man city. Why do you not check your facts before commenting? what is the point in that?
And a better centre half than Sakho
No CB is coming beyond Matip. Whether or not he is better than Sakho remains to be seen.
Spot on. Personally I'd prefer Sirigu over Ter-Stegen, but basically that's it. A top GK and an established wide forward/winger/AM.
Meanwhile De Gea moves to Paris? Kill two birds with one stone ;-)
Anywhere across the Channel is fine with me!
You mean the Ter Stegan that City want?
Benteke can't stay at 140k a week as a very expensive plan b….
Keylor Navas may be available too ;)
Replace Gotze with one or two proper wingers and it gets more realistic.
Also I really cannot see a Xhaka deal happening, we don't want him enough to pay what Gladbach wants for him.
Horn and Hector were suggested by me already a long time ago, and they would be two very logical signings, but until now we don't know if Klopp rates them.
I am also unsure if Skrtel stays.
I agree, Gotze isn't the kind of offensive player we need and I don't see the Xhaka deal going through. What we need is a proper winger, with bags of pace and crossing ability, and instead of Xhaka i would rather see Camacho coming in, as he would be much cheaper and still a great buy.
What does Gladbach want for him?
30 million pounds
Hmm bit high but let's see if Klopp/LFC would be alright with that. The upcoming transfer window would be very close to the last one if all these signings go through. Two big money signings and the rest would be in the region of 10mil or lower.
30 million is much too expensive for him in my opinion. He's only 22 and hasn't proven himself to be a truly top class player. We could get camacho for 6-10 million and i think he would prove to be a good signing
i dont think anyone is unsure anymore.
Horn is my 1st choice as well
forget gotze sign payet
utd are losing
You jinxed him subhash
unlucky west ham they didn't got the penalty it was similar foul as it was on benteke
we have to be a bit vary of schweini
don't worry buddy, we know we can beat de gea now, we will score, job done
I don't think he's up for sale.
i know,i didn't mean it literally
Sarcasm then?
Good for us, they have a rematch..
In terms of signings, Horn and Hector would be shrewd aquisitions, I think we should sign one of Camacho or Nainggolan instead of Xhaka and Zielinski, and instead of Gotze we should sign a proper winger like Lucas Moura or Bellarabi and then I think we'll have a very strong squad for next season, capable of challenging at least for top four.
With the exception of Firmino, Gomez, Ings and Ben, every player will be here for 2 season plus come July, they haven't demonstrated the abilities required to take this club where it needs to be, for me personally, I would love to see the majority of the players in this squad, becomes role players next season in stead of being starters including the captain, if Klopp can manager to do that, then we can expect great things next season, if not, we are going to be in for a season similar to this one.
Mignolet Skrtel Sakho Flanagan Henderson Allen Coutinho and Sturridge all played significant roles in taking the club into a very strong title challenge. There are real reasons for not following that up. Balotelli replacing Suarez, Sturridge injuries, chronic squad injuries. recruiting young in experienced players. Its a time for patience while this squad is moulded into a side to challenge. The prime example of this approach is Spurs where they were patient with players like Lamela and Dembele until they came good. The result now is a team to challenge for the league.
The current squad has plenty to work with discarding them now and starting again just means more disruption and settling in periods.
first and foremost, Migs was the worst keeper in the top 10 teams that season, he conceded 52 goals in the league alone, if he had conceded 40 out of that 52 we would have won the league, secondly i can't recalled saying anything about discarding any player, i said using them as role players in stead of starters, thirdly we cannot rely on this present squad to win anything, because they are not good enough, as simple as that.
Goals conceded are the responsibility of the whole team not the goal keeper alone. Individual errors by a keeper is a different story and i agree Mignolet has being too high on this aspect but i wouldnt be in the least bit surprised if Klopp gave him another season. Without the errors he is a top class shot stopper which is harder to find than some seem to realise.
Above all you seem to believe this squad has reached its ceiling capabilities and cant perform any better which is strange. The return of injured players alone in the past month has seen a massive up turn in performance and results. Its a new group who have not developed any real chemistry yet. Firmino and Sturridge have played a handful of games together. They have nowhere nearly reached their potential as a squad. You are writting them off prematurely, a weaker squad than this current one finished 7th in 2013 and nearly won it in 2014.
And what happened in 2015? With the same players bar Ben and Firmino, De Gea have a poor defense line in front of him, you don't see him or any other keeper conceding 52 goals in a regular season, that wsd a record dude.
What happened in 2015? We lost a 50 goal partnership and replaced it with Balotelli and Lambert! We struggled at the start of this season for the very same reason. What record was that exactly? If we can get a better keeper im all for it but thats easier said than done.
The 52 goals that Migs conceded, no team that finished in the top 4, have ever conceded that many goals in the history of the league.
Liverpool never scored 100 goals in a league season either. Mignolets errors in 13/14 were minimal we took risks because it was the best way for us to win matches. 14/15 he made significant errors i.e directly responsible for goals. I think we should upgrade if we can-not change for changes sake. He is a top class shot stopper when on his game unless we get similar with better concentration then no point replacing him.
I was about agreeing with you until I read mignolet "played significant role in taking the club into strong title challenge".
Sorry That's total bulls**t and irresponsible, mignolet errors that season (plus the ones we get lucky not to concede) are the real reason we're unable to win the league….,it's bizarre at the time seeing our own fans blaming it on Gerrard slip
How many errors did mignolet make in the season?How many goals was he responsible for?
I never blamed Gerrard-if anyone is to blame its the linesman at the etihad who flagged Sterling offside. That cost liverpool the title more than any other single event that season.
You forgot Milner & Clyne (& Bogdan but so what) & the majority of us reckon only 4/5 will come in this summer, 2 are already done deals. When so many are on the same page, it normally happens.
Reus or Mahrez..
Personally, I would prefer Liverpool to sign just 3 players: GK, LB and a RW.
GK: Horn/Leno
LB: Hector
RW: Yarmolenko
Why isn't Liverpool targeting Yarmolenko? That guy is a beast – fast and strong, scored plenty of goals (in the Ukrainian league though)
I agree with most this but I think klopp will buy an outright winger this summer tho
I think we would all agree that the training and tactics staff have got an extra 10% out of Lallana. If they focus on Ibe in pre season and get the same reward then why go into the market when he is already settled and has undeniable raw talent
I dont know where are you seeing that "undeniable raw talent"
I live in a town where he started out Tali, it is all lack of belief, he is too nice but the trainers and Klopp will get his animal out, trust me dude
well he can stay but he should go on loan or has to accept playing for the u21 or 18 until he improves his decision making
I would like a deep lying midfielder who can cut defensive lines and drive play a bit more. Granit & Hendo aren't really able to do so and Can while he will in future hasn't done it often enough this season. Dembele has done it brilliantly for Spurs this season
Swap Hendo for Dele Alli
I would start Can on that role immediately. No more messing about. He is the deep-lying midfielder who can cut defensive lines and drive play. Sorted.
We need to settle this squad, not more upheaval.
In: Goalkeeper, left back, winger, CM that's an upgrade on Hendo.
Out: Skrtel, Bogdan, Benteke, Balo, Texeira, Ilori, Hendo
Then in the next windows we could upgrade on Lucas and get a world class striker and a world class centre back.
So many people will be so dissapointed after the summer window.
So many people expect a complete overhaul and all that. Not happening.
True, mainly the types who were cryin over depay and matey who went to China.
We just need fine tuning . No real big changes required except GK and Left Winger
We should buy Karius (Gk mainz) its around 15-20 mio €, try to get Nordtveit for free cdm, if possible to get Götze (i think it is possible this window) then just get him, and Saido Mane as Left winger. My team: Karius – Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Moreno – Nordtveit, Coutinho (as a nr.8 CM not AM) – S.Mane, Götze, Firmino – Origi
Squad ;Flano, Ward, Ings, Gomez, Illori, Can, Hendo, Sturridge, Grujic, Lallana, Ibe, Toure,Markovic,Lucas
Sell; Skrtel, Sakho, Mignolet, Allen, Benteke
So you want to sell Sakho and make Coutinho defend? that seems strange. You also want to pay 20mil for a keeper most will have never heard of.
Yes i would sell sakho, if he was soo good, paris would never sell him, i didnt say coutinho in the defence, i said as a number 8 like gundogan or xavi because to get a high clas player for this position i think is NOW impossible than better let coutinho to create the game. And if you think that most of peoples have never heared about karius, than MOST OF THIS PEOPLES LOOKS ONLY PREMIER LEAGUE, why everyone in England knows about Horn (cologne) and i tell you Karius is better. If you pay 13mio euro for Mignolet than 20 for Karius are peanuts. Expands your horizon
The forgotten man at the club, it will be interesting to get another look at the lad when he eventually comes back from injury…
exactly why there is no mention of him, he has talent and character
Maybe we should consider taking our loyalty card back to Southampton for their keeper.
He's not tall enough for our new recruitment policy of only signing 6 ft plus defenders. Good mix of attacking and defending, and he is a ?CL winner. It would be great if one season could go buy without talking about LB as a weakness.
This is really ambitious I must say. Highly doubt we will get Zielenski, Gotze and Xhaka all in one window. I think we will buy one marquee player with two-three value signings
Zielenski is a younger Polish version of Joe Allen
The Polish Welsh Pirlo?
If you're right about this then maybe we should continue with Allen?
Think maybe the 2 extra MF signings is an overestimation on Jack's part…otherwise it doesn't look too out of place. 1 GK, 1 FB, 1 CM and 1 winger.
Two things come to mind reading above…
1.) Given that Lovern and Sakho are almost always injured for a period each season, I think we have to be very careful when deciding on what CBs are on the books for next season.
2.) Looking at those strikers, When DS inevitably has a spell out next season, I don't see 15-20 goals for either Ings or Origi as a given (perhaps a combined total, yes)… not sure this is enough for a title chasing team.
I'm glad you brought these points up especially the second one.
On point number 1, with Gomez and Lucas still supposed to be part of the team, surely they can put a shift in those positions when needed. I actually don't think Lovren is generally an injury prone player. He seems to have gotten most of his injuries on the field over the last 2 years and everytime it looked a little horrific he came back in normal time. Think one of Toure or Skrtel will also provide that backup quite well if needed.
With regards to the second point, I have to say thus far some of the best LFC performances have come with the trio behind the center forward scoring. Or when we end up playing that false 9 formation with Firmino. I think Firmino can potentially be our top scorer not just this season but the next one as well. He took a while to get going and his technique in front of goal is deceptively amazing. Take that finish against Palace for example. Not to mention the goalscoring contributions from players like Milner, Lallana, Coutinho, Mr X(Gotze?)…so center forwards may not need to contribute that much in the future, and Firmini might just end up being the best of them.
Sorry for delayed reply… crazy at work…
Good post and I agree on Lovern. I'll revise my wording here. I guess I'm not thinking in terms of Lovern being unreliable. It's simply that it's unreasonable to expect him or any of our defenders to be perfectly fit all season long. When talking about planning for next season, there has to be an element of preparing for the worst possible scenarios in advance. Defensively speaking, we need to evaluate the various combinations that will work and minimise loss to the team when injuries strike. For instance, if you are quick to arrive at a combination of Can and Lucas as a combination of central defenders, this is a situation to be rectified and should only be the 6th or 7th fall back option.
Look at UTD, I know LVG as manager is an issue in itself, but when you look at the players they have relied on to fill in at various times, despite so much money spent. And it's not just impact of making do for one position, but the impact that it has on other positions.
Our own injury crisis this season was bizarre (and I don't buy all that nonsense on correlation between JK's style and injuries striking us down.
I disagree with you on the second point. You'll find that Coutinho, Firminho etc. are more likely to score winners in the big games than they are when well organised and 'defending first' teams come to town. Number 10s get swamped when the game becomes compressed and they cannot find space to operate. This is when games cry out for somebody to stretch the play and occupy defender's minds. Look at the criminal amount of space Sterling could always find with us when opposition was driven to distraction over Suarez.
Arsenal have some of the best no10s in the game, yet cannot buy a league and struggle in Europe because as good as Giroud is, he misses key chances at key moments. Walcott is not a striker and Wellbeck has lost a year of development. And as they found out, 40m doesn't buy you a proven world class striker no matter how many pounds and shillings you add to the price.
We have had Coutinho and Firms fit all season. We would be in the top 4 now if DS had been fit all season. Therein is reason we need to ensure that we have two strikers next season capable of getting near 20 and above.
Sorry if this post has rambled a little and reads a little incoherently… Tired mind
On defenders – Lovren, Matip, Sakho, Toure/Skrtel, Gomez(5th) followed up by Lucas as 6th choice. That provides us with plenty of cover I feel. I don't expect Sakho/Lovren to stay fit all season, but I do expect 2 to be fit out of 5 of them next season.
With regards to false 9/utilizing Firmino I just wanna say that we have looked best as a team when the 3 behind one CF or the front 3 rather have been at their best. This sets up a precedent for the future for Firmino, Lallana, Coutinho, summer signing, Milner to be part of our attack with Origi/Ings/Sturridge being utilized as and when it's needed. With Origi for instance it doesn't look like he'll score a lot..but he does provide some excellent CF play from tactical perspective stretching the defense. Against park the bus teams it's always difficult…there's no one solution really. Firmino to me looks like one of our best finishers/goal scorers at the present and for the future. Maybe there is a case for another center forward to come in..
Agreed but if Skrtel and Toure were to leave… Gomez is inexperienced and Matip will be new to the league. There's only so much forward planning you can do, but I think it's food for thought when deciding on Skrtel/Toure's future.
I still think another striker is needed, esp if we sell Ben. We have to plan on basis that DS will be injured for a number of games. We also have to factor in that our main rivals will all seek to improve their firepower. It's a non-debate for me.
I do enjoy a bored jack Lusby article. Can't see anything other than Can and Henderson in midfield unless hendo is sold or we play 4-3-3, Can's settled partner will be jordon. It needs better options off the bench and injury cover that is all. Gotze would be a steal, can't see it happening, but ive been wrong before! Strkel will probably be moved on, matlip and sakho, lovern gomez and some youth prospects is plenty of cover, agree with the full backs although I think Brad smith might be in there, but a more defensive option would be good like flanagan is a move defensive option to clyne. Agree with the strikers no need for anymore money to be spent there!
Go to sky sports for latest news on Gotze
We will spend 50-100mil..
Agree apart from the strikers. If a top player is available in that position
Agree with you. Can see signing another midfielder if we are playing with 2. At the present moment, we are well stocked especially with Grujic coming in. Xhaka is only possible if we shipped one of Hendo or Can out – Can't see that happening.
Unless we sell Benteke, we are ok in that department as well.
Fantasy Island…I hate these ales because they don't amount to much. Why not include Messi and Ronaldo in our potential squad too…such a dic& tease.
Eventually Lucas would leave the club. But if there is a chance to keep him and use him as we did so far this season why not? He is a senior, knows the club and is happy with his role.
Ibe has been poor this season. Too often the attack becomes pedestrian and predictable when the ball goes to him. If Klopp can improve Ibeee's decision making Ibe will become a far more effective player for us.
we need some pace in our wingers dept
Gotze would be a coup.. Really can't see it happening! The rest seems more feasible
It looks a bit like this. The WC teams, Barca, Real, Bayern will get 1st pick, then clubs like City, United,Chelsea, Arsenal, Juve, Athletico will have next pick. We will then be in line. Our manager gives us extra kudos and we might get 1 real top player – The rest will be younger players or reliable ones Klopp has some knowledge of.
Thinking that Chelsea may drop a bit w/o CL………we could rival them due to Klopp if the owners back him.
One year without is ok for them i think. They can still pay the massive fees and wages. Plus location. It seems the big players love London.
Klopp himself noted that the 7 inbound signings last summer was "a lot". I don't think he's going to go for that many players, or if he does then some of them will be around the fringes. Probably 4, maybe 5 inbound players, and not all of them guaranteed first team players. Matip is going to challenge for a spot in the team in defence, Grujic might be a little bit more around the fringes. Maybe we need a box-to-box midfielder, a properly top class player, or maybe Klopp will stick with what he's got for now. He identified the need for width so I think the big target will be a wide attacking player. After that, if Benteke does go then I would expect him to be replaced. The club can't continue to rely indefinitely on Sturridge. I would guess Benteke will stay because he does represent an effective plan-B type player who can really change a game coming off the bench. A club like Liverpool should have quality on the bench and I don't care what his transfer fee was, to me we're a better club with him around, available if needed.
As for a keeper … I think most fans are still dreaming and Klopp has made very clear his public support for Mignolet. Whatever you think of the keeper, the manager likes him, and it's what the manager wants, not what the fans want, that will drive summer spending. I don't think Liverpool will spend up big on a new keeper, but what might be likely is to see a young talent come into the ranks, someone who can sit alongside Ward to eventually challenge Mignolet for the starting spot.
Very good post, found myself nodding my head alot. But A keeper is a must I will be very suprised if a new number one is not signed.
Personally I agree, but I just look back and what Klopp has said about Mignolet, and then see how the club extended his contract, and I can't see any indication that a keeper will be on the shopping list. He says nothing but favourable things about him, and we know that Klopp isn't shy about discussing players who are struggle e.g. Benteke. He's a very honest man in his media statements so far and everything he's said about Mignolet suggest to me that he fancies him. If I was to guess, I'd say that he has recognised Migs number one fault which is not being strong enough coming for crosses, and decided that it can be fixed with training, not a new signing. What are your thoughts on the manager and his view of things?
I am glad you asked. I think because of his position (GK) he neds constant reassurance and encouragement. The 5 year deal is either to secure a good 2nd choice or to ensure we can get a good fee for him in the summer. Klopp rarely if ever slates his players, so to get into his mindset is difficult. I still think he will sign a keeper even if its a number 2 MIgs still needs competition. I think there has been enough time and training to determine who is staying or going. In Klopp I trust…
i said that, and the deal does not kick in for a while and yet i got the shiz ripped out of me
The truth is no one knows yet. Lets wait and see.
It's not about being honest/dishonest…Klopp isn't of those confrontational types who will single out performances in his public interviews. Even in the case of Bogdan there was just a slight grimace and he didn't mention his name outright. You can show support for a player and get a better one the next summer at the same time.
Benteke? He hasn't been at all shy about talking about him. And it's not that Klopp hasn't talked at all about Mignolet, he's mentioned mistakes, improvements that need to be made. It's more the things he does say, the actions that were taken. A new 5 year contract and comments that at times have been quite positive. He doesn't have to say those things, but he does. Plus what I mean is that Klopp simply is an honest guy. He doesn't shy away from hard questions, he shows his emotions, he's quite easy to read. If he thinks Mignolet needs to be upgrade then he's hiding it very well. He's been asked about it a few times too.
I say just weigh it up on balance: he says quite a few positive things, responds openly to questions about the keeper, agrees to a new 5 year deal … but where is the evidence that he has issues with Mignolet and will try for a new number 1? It just seems awfully speculative to me. Put the facts that we have in front of us and there just isn't a strong case to make that the manager doesn't trust his current number one, with plenty of real evidence to the contrary. You have to start second guessing him to suggest otherwise.
Yeah but Benteke's situation is different in that he isn't getting any game time, so for Klopp to be positive about him would be unrealistic. It's like I said, I do feel he rates Migs higher than most of us do and I don't doubt his sincerity in that matter. At the very least though, we can say he doesn't rate Bogdan and will get a far better second choice keeper yes? And the role of a second choice keeper is nothing but to provide cover and competition to the first one. I'm not saying or trying to portray that Klopp is hiding his cards very well. Migs being #2 or rotated with another keeper frequently is still a very good position for him and not necessarily against current evidence.
My best guess is, as I already said, a younger but talented keeper to come in and eventually (maybe next season, maybe later) challenge Migs for that spot.
That seems close to what I feel as well…I think Migs will still probably start as #1 choice next season…but the next time he suffers a slump in form, I suspect that backup keeper could probably be in line to replace him for a while.
Regarding the keeper bit, I don't expect the manager to say anything different. When it's established that Migs is your #1 keeper at the moment and he's starting every game, then ofcourse you're not going to come out in public criticizing him…he doesn't say anything bad about Allen either and yet there's a lot of speculation about him leaving. Showing support doesn't mean his place as #1 choice keeper is safe. I do think Klopp rates him higher than most of us do but I also feel that he will be getting a good keeper in the summer who will at the very least be in serious contention for that #1 spot. Far more competition than Bogdan at the very least.
Squad of 27
Ter Stegen
Clyne Matip Sakho Rodriguez
Can Hendo
Yarmolenko Coutinho Firmino
Flano Gomez Lovern Chilwell
Grujic Allen
Ibe Lallanna
In- Ter Stegen, Rodriguez, Chilwell, Matip, Grujic, Markovic, Yarmolenko
Out- Mignolet, Bogdan, Skrtel, Toure, Wisdom, Jones, Moreno, Enrique, Milner, Teixiera, Alberto, Balotelli, Benteke, Yesil, Sinclair
My Dream Team:
GK: Leno
RB: Clyne RCB: Matip LCB: Lovren / Sakho LB: Hector
RDM: Emre Can / Grujic LDM: Hendo / Krychowiak
Left Winger: Coutinho AM: Firmino Right Winger: Bellarabi / Markovic
ST: Studge
Today an 80 year old Borussia Dortmund supporter sadly died of a heart attack while he was watching the game against Mainz. What followed after the game was a wonderful example to all football clubs and supporters around the world as the Dortmund players walked back out onto the pitch and stood in line facing their supporters as they sang a fantastic version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'
What superb and compassionate supporters!! To Borussia Dortmund footbalI club and to all it's supporters, you are a fantastic example to all supporters all around the world.
they are just fantastic….
timo horn
xhaka for lucas
hector for enrique
timo for bogdan
grujic for allen
hernandez for benteke
gotze for milner
mantip for toure
we will move foward
Too many changes = season with reduced ambition due to "rebuild" phase.
Looking at the players out, it's a damning idictment of our transfer system under Bodgers.
Bogdan, Borini, Allen, Lambert, Ilori, Balotelli, Benteke, Mignolet, Markovic etc – all players either not good enough, not given a chance or simply not suited.
Thankfully, this summer under Klopp things should be different.
Don't forget Aspas, Luis Alberto, Assaidi :)
How could I? :)
You haven't been paying much attention. Bogdan, Borini, and Lambert were brought in as back ups. Balotelli, Ilori, Mignolet, and Markovic were all committee players foisted upon him.
Allen and Benteke are the only ones that could be said to be Rodgers' choices. Allen is a talented squad player and Benteke may come good in time.
You might as well include Samed Yesil in there.
There we go into Rodgers defense mode again. Yesil was a youth player signed for 1mil so you can't really compare him to the rest of the squad. Players like Bogdan, Ilori, Borini, Lambert were all failures ultimately no matter which way you want to paint it and Rodgers does have to take responsibility as well.
Allen is a mediocre midfielder who would struggle to trouble the squad of any of the the teams around us.
Benteke may well come good, depending on how long you're willing to give a 32.5 million quid striker.
His performances have deteriorated over the season and when Ings comes back he will be even further down the pecking order.
No goals from open play in 12 hours, terrible passing, poor workrate, non-existent pressing, awful movement, slow reactions, unable to finish when 1 on 1, the fact that Klopp and the club have clearly already considered letting him go (China) – these things do not bode well.
His signing was the desperate last act of an even more desperate man, it's clear that whatever plan Brendan imagined he had for getting the best out of him was doomed to fail, because looking back at his interviews at the time, it's clear Benteke isn't the player Bodgers was describing.
Lallana, Lovren and Borini were all Bodgers boys too.
Lallana is only recently starting to play well and was massively overpriced.
Ditto for Lovren.
Borini was just awful.
Coutinho, Sturridge, Firmino and Sakho were all 'foisted' upon him too – 4 of our best, most easily saleable players.
Whereas we will lose on every single one of Bodgers buys.
oh things i would do if we do sign Gotze…
The ultimate dream. Go get him Jurgen.
swadee klopp
this article is total bullshit…how can u expect so many senior players such as Milner, Skrtel or Lucas to only have a mere squad role!!
Umm players like Lucas and Skrtel already do have a squad role at the moment..players like Milner and Lallana have been playing all season on account of a lack of competition in the squad. If we were to have a winger/attacker like Gotze, Teixiera or Yarmolenko then would it really be that hard to fathom Milner being a squad player for us?
I think klopp will go for 4 or 5 maybe 6 quality proven players around 23 years old or so, he has said many times we have a good squad of players already sure we need strengthening in a few areas. We are now seeing the work of klopp and his approach to the players and the game with some good results it also helps that we have had players coming back from injury. We have some great kids knocking on the door as well.
Ter Stegen
Clyne Hummels Pique Alaba
Alonso Gundogan Stewart
Messi Suarez Neymar
Just won 2017 UCL, League Title, FA Cup and League Cup.
End with 33W – 5D – 1L. That freaking lost is to Newcastle because I don't want Rafa to get relegated.
Suarez got the golden boot with 63 goals in League.
Messi got UCL golden boot with 22 goals.
Tonked Scums 10-0.
Send Citeh home with 8-1.
Gooners went home crying 5-0.
Looking forward to add World Club Cup next season…. :)
Nononon if you dream then dream good. Gk Neuer, back 4 Carvajal, Ramos , boateng, alaba , midfield-busqets, gundogan, verratti your atack is dreaming good
Between xhaka and zielinski we will sign only one of them. For me it's the latter
I don't agree that next season we will again talk about qualifying for Champions league, We will be challenging for premier league !!
Klopp is doing excellent with this team already!! it could be matter of two or three first team buys that's it and we will be roaring again
Well wide of the mark this article. No mention of Smith, What happens if Ings doesn't shape up to playing for Klopp? Will he go straight back to promoted Burnley? Sturridge is a liability injury wise so we need a 1st class replacement. Skrtel is surplus. Mignolet can't be considered as reliable back up. Henderson and Milner need to be moved on,Hendo not a good enough captain and Milner's not upto standard.
I think it's 10 players in and at least 14 players out.
Completley agree with the above.
Except – I think Skrtel will be sold – 30 years old and 2 years left. Lucas will be the backup CB in his place.
It will be Goetza OR a pacey right winger.
I feel Goetza is an incredible player but we have a few players similar to him. I really would love to see Jese Rodriguez come in or Moreno tried at Left Wing. Heck if we could get both even better!
More or less spot on
Liverpool could do with another top quality striker. Origi & Ings are still learning and Sturridge is always injured. We'd be relying on Firmino to keep up his strike rate next season but he could start slow again like this season.
This team is just lacking one more goalscorer. So one to score when when Rf pc or the striker who plays doesn't. Lallana doesn't score enough that's obvious thats dido for ibe or whoever plays along side the samba boys.
Hes 4 years younger than firmino 3 years younger than coutinho yet we keep hearing those two are going to be world beaters when they reach their potential
I would back The younger Meyer to be better than both in the long run ,and if we do not get him soon we never will
Just read in the Echo that Gotze and Klopp are texting other. With word on the street that Ancelotti doesn't fancy him, you don't need me to connect these dots. We can now say with 100% certainty that Gotze will be absolutely, positively, no room for doubt a Liverpool player.
Is Gotke a winger or No. 10?
We need only four players:-
A Goal Keeper – Forster (Southampton)
A Left Back – ????
A CM – Xhaka
A Winger – Gotze/Markovic
No overhaul needed, I actually like this squad all very young players not much difference in age so the bonding will be great. Most of the players are between 21-27 years, we need to keep this squad just a few additions.
We need to let loose many of them
Adam Bodjan
illori (loan)
Ibe (loan)
JC Teixiera
GK : Mignolet, NS(New signing)
FB : Moreno, NS, Clyne, Flannaggan
CB : Lovren, Sakho, Matip, Gomez, Skrtel
MF : Lucas, Can, Hendo, Xhaka, Stewart
AM : Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino, Gotze, Markovic
ST : Sturridge, Origi, Ings
Still need another striker to that I think. Who knows how Ings will perform after his injury and Sturridge is Sturridge. For me If Benteke goes another striker needed.
Sakho needs to be moved on, he is just one big mistake waiting to happen.
Really want Klopp to upgrade over Mignolet. We need a goalkeeper capable of providing an extra 9-10 points. Sirgu is not even 30 yet and Ter Stegen is an option
so no punishment for Fellaini
I liked this piece, is extremely realistic. Nice job Jack.
7 incoming? Noooooo. This is like back to square 1. What with the bedding in of players, period of adjustments bla bla bla. I would hazard the thought of only 3 (yes THREEE) quality players in! I do not get this overhaul nonsense!
I don't think Gotze would be a good signing . Many will disagree but I just have this feeling he will be injured a lot if we sign him . I think xhaka would be a great signing . I'd also like to see us buy Lucas moura a keeper and another striker . Bal has to go and benteke will most likely go too . That leaves us with sturridge who we can't rely on staying fit and origi plus ings which I don't think is quite good enough for getting us to where we want to be
I'd personally like these the squad trimmed. Go all out for quality GK and mobile DM. Maybe another left back.
I don't want a multitude of signings. It upsets the balance of the squad. We already have Matip and Gruchic.
Itching that will be a strong squad
enough with the summer overhauls. this squad isn't where it needs to be, but can we please stop revamping the squad every summer and build on what we have. 2-3 QUALITY signings that come right into the first team and we'll see a massive massive improvement.
Skrtel over Ilori? Interesting debate, especially for 5th CB haha
At first Klopp should sell wery much guys or let them go free; Bogdan (0), mignolet(5-10mio euro), wisdom(0.5mio), illori(0.5) skrtel(3-8), sakho(13-20), allen(5), lucas(5)), teixeira(0.5), yesil(0), milner(2), balotelli(10), benteke(15-20) =60-80. Buy; Karius (gk) 15-20 mio euro, HIGH CL(AS defenseive midfielder around 40 mio euro, Gotze 30-40 mio euro , Mane (lw) 35-45 mio euro= 120-145
good article as far as it goes. I would rather read about the attributes that we are missing in the squad in the various positions. Like leadership in the back line, or speed on the wings, experienced DM, or youth for squad development, etc. Then looking at transfer targets that would meet those qualities and fit in the style of play Klopp wants. Its boring the shopping list every fan has that's based on very little.
Sorry but….
GK: Horn (Ter Stegen), Mignolet, Ward
FB: Clyne (HG) Flanagan (HG), Moreno, Smith & Gomez – No new signings here.
CB: Sakho, Matip, Lovren, Kolo (For one more year), Skrtel – Matip the only addition. Nobody out but if we had to sell/let go, I'd keep Kolo over Skrtel honestly.
CM: Xhaka, Can, Henderson, Zielinski, Grujic, Stewart, (Branagan) – If Spurs really want Henderson, sell him.
AM: Coutinho, Firmino, Gotze (Lallana, if not sold) – The 3 in the 4-2-3-1.
WS: Oxlade-Chamberlain, (Markovic), Ibe, Ojo – In case we revert to a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3. Chambo is 22, versatile and English. Arsenal are rumored to sell. Let's get him. Zielinski can play winger as well, so depends on how Klopp views Markovic.
CF: Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Benteke – Keep Big Ben, we need the depth.
Starting XI: Horn, Clyne, Matip, Sahko (Lovren), Moreno, Xhaka & Can, Gotze on the right, Firmino in the hole, Coutinho on the left, and Sturridge to start at striker.