Liverpool are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Southampton central defender Dejan Lovren, and former Reds boss Roy Evans is convinced that the 'absolutely brilliant' Croatian will be a much-needed defensive boost for the club.
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported:
"Liverpool are close to finalising a deal for Dejan Lovren.
"Ronald Koeman does not want [him] to depart and said he will go only for a healthy price"
That 'healthy' prices is believed to be £20m, which, in my view, is massively inflated, but that seems to be par for the course these days when it comes to Liverpool.
When asked yesterday about Lovren's ability to make an impact at LFC, Evans - whose teams never finished outside the top four during his time in the Anfield hotseat - told Sky Sports:
"They [Liverpool] need a stable back four, and they need to get someone in who's steady and commanding, and that's certainly a position he [Lovren] can fill"
Lovren is apparently 'desperate' to join Liverpool, and when asked about the club's interest last week, Lovren slammed Southampton for failing to inform him of LFC"s £20m offer, and made it clear that he wants out of St. Mary's. He barked:
"Liverpool sent the [£20m] offer and the club haven't informed me. I found out from other people which disappointed me and I realised I've got no business staying at Southampton. Frankly, my head is already at Liverpool".
Reacting to Lovren's comments, Liverpool legend Jan Molby accused the defender of being 'unprofessional', and insisted that his behaviour is 'not condonable'. He further added:
"It's an affront to [Southampton]. Liverpool fans shouldn’t be accepting of this behaviour, either, just because it stands to benefit them. What if Lovren has an outstanding season or two at Anfield, and attracts Real Madrid or Bayern Munich?"
I agree with Molby here, to an extent. One of the key points I regularly make is that bad behaviour shouldn't be ignored, justified, encouraged, or condoned just because it benefits LFC, but that is exactly what happens whenever fans like a player. However, if Lovren has an agreement with Southampton whereby he's to be informed of any offer over £20m, then his ire is understandable, if not condonable.
That aside, signing Lovren is a good thing, and his organisational/leadership ability is much-needed, but the deal will also cause a few similar problems:
* Last year, Rodgers created unhealthy competition at centre-back with his dual purchase of Sakho and Ilori. It mean that Liverpool had four senior first-team centre-halves (Sakho, Skrtel, Agger, Toure), plus Tiago Ilori. I strongly argued this point at the time, but few would accept it.
* The team couldn't sustain that many centre-backs, so Rodgers farmed Ilori out on loan; Sakho spent a lot of time on the bench, and Agger ended the season angry and frustrated, as evidence by his reason resentful comments.
* Unless something changes, it's going to be the same thing again: Four senior centre-backs (Lovren, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho), plus Ilori, Toure, and Coates, (unless all three leave/go out on loan).
Even with the Champions League, the team cannot sustain FOUR international centre-backs. All four will want to play regularly, but as Evans suggests above, Liverpool need a 'stable' back four, and that means playing a consistent central defensive partnership, not chopping and changing every few games just to keep players happy.
Lovren will almost certainly be Liverpool's number-one choice, which leaves Sakho, Skrtel, Agger, and Ilori fighting for the other central-defensive position. Who is most likely to get the nod? In my view, it has to be Martin Skrtel. After a fantastic season, he certainly deserves to stay in the team ahead of Agger and Sakho, and he should retain his position on merit.
Of course, if that partnership doesn't work, then Rodgers has the personnel to try something different, but right now, Lovren/Skrtel is (IMO) the most solid defensive option.
Author: Jaimie K
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported:
"Liverpool are close to finalising a deal for Dejan Lovren.
"Ronald Koeman does not want [him] to depart and said he will go only for a healthy price"
That 'healthy' prices is believed to be £20m, which, in my view, is massively inflated, but that seems to be par for the course these days when it comes to Liverpool.
When asked yesterday about Lovren's ability to make an impact at LFC, Evans - whose teams never finished outside the top four during his time in the Anfield hotseat - told Sky Sports:
"They [Liverpool] need a stable back four, and they need to get someone in who's steady and commanding, and that's certainly a position he [Lovren] can fill"
Lovren is apparently 'desperate' to join Liverpool, and when asked about the club's interest last week, Lovren slammed Southampton for failing to inform him of LFC"s £20m offer, and made it clear that he wants out of St. Mary's. He barked:
"Liverpool sent the [£20m] offer and the club haven't informed me. I found out from other people which disappointed me and I realised I've got no business staying at Southampton. Frankly, my head is already at Liverpool".
Reacting to Lovren's comments, Liverpool legend Jan Molby accused the defender of being 'unprofessional', and insisted that his behaviour is 'not condonable'. He further added:
"It's an affront to [Southampton]. Liverpool fans shouldn’t be accepting of this behaviour, either, just because it stands to benefit them. What if Lovren has an outstanding season or two at Anfield, and attracts Real Madrid or Bayern Munich?"
I agree with Molby here, to an extent. One of the key points I regularly make is that bad behaviour shouldn't be ignored, justified, encouraged, or condoned just because it benefits LFC, but that is exactly what happens whenever fans like a player. However, if Lovren has an agreement with Southampton whereby he's to be informed of any offer over £20m, then his ire is understandable, if not condonable.
That aside, signing Lovren is a good thing, and his organisational/leadership ability is much-needed, but the deal will also cause a few similar problems:
* Last year, Rodgers created unhealthy competition at centre-back with his dual purchase of Sakho and Ilori. It mean that Liverpool had four senior first-team centre-halves (Sakho, Skrtel, Agger, Toure), plus Tiago Ilori. I strongly argued this point at the time, but few would accept it.
* The team couldn't sustain that many centre-backs, so Rodgers farmed Ilori out on loan; Sakho spent a lot of time on the bench, and Agger ended the season angry and frustrated, as evidence by his reason resentful comments.
* Unless something changes, it's going to be the same thing again: Four senior centre-backs (Lovren, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho), plus Ilori, Toure, and Coates, (unless all three leave/go out on loan).
Even with the Champions League, the team cannot sustain FOUR international centre-backs. All four will want to play regularly, but as Evans suggests above, Liverpool need a 'stable' back four, and that means playing a consistent central defensive partnership, not chopping and changing every few games just to keep players happy.
Lovren will almost certainly be Liverpool's number-one choice, which leaves Sakho, Skrtel, Agger, and Ilori fighting for the other central-defensive position. Who is most likely to get the nod? In my view, it has to be Martin Skrtel. After a fantastic season, he certainly deserves to stay in the team ahead of Agger and Sakho, and he should retain his position on merit.
Of course, if that partnership doesn't work, then Rodgers has the personnel to try something different, but right now, Lovren/Skrtel is (IMO) the most solid defensive option.
online survey
Author: Jaimie K
Agree totally
ReplyDeleteLovren Pogba Reus still waiting for those world class signing
Pogba to replaceGerrard long turm
Sakho is class and will be starting the majority of games alongside Lovren.
ReplyDeleteWith Agger and Lovren doing all this barking I shall be out of a job
ReplyDeletecoates toure and either skrtel or agger are leaving anf for once we will have 4 decent centre backs .This is a time to be excited .Altough suarez is a loss his money means we will have a stronger team .If rodgers was able to get 2nd with team we will be back at the top table for lon time ....hope illori gets fit saw him play in spain m.o.t.match v barcelona
ReplyDeleteLiverpool doesnt buy world class they make them world class
ReplyDeleteGreat signing for you. I knew as soon as he walked on the pitch for our first game last season he was a leader. Even in the warm up he was controlling everything. He started like he'd been playing for us in the Prem for ten years. He's still young and improving, £20m great investment. For us great business, we'll take your money, "ta very much" purchase a similar replacement for much less and then probably sell on in 1 - 2 seasons time.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind being a feeder club, or a stepping stone. We get a name for quality players, we attract quality players, we have the benefit of them helping us move up the rankings. We also attract the cream of youngsters. Whilst all the while making huge profits, funding even more greatness.
Thank you so much Brendan, would you be interested in a few more? we'll give you a discount!
You are asking the wrong question, as Lovren should not be an automatic starter. Skrtel and Agger are both better, and their partnership under Rafa resulted in an average of 0.7 goals per game. They were also the best pairing this past season (although at just above 1 goal per game, partly on account of Mignolet's poor season).
ReplyDeleteWe should get rid of Sakho, he is clearly the weakest of the bunch. And also the ugliest.
Is it weird only to me that we've spent the entire window so far chasing attacking players and haven't really done jack to improve our shocking defence? And Saints are still adamant they haven't received any more offers since the one they rejected. If Lovren does come in he will undoubtedly provide much needed leadership, strength and excellent tackling ability. And step overs? You betcha. That will presumably push Agger towards the exit door. He'd be an excellent addition, regardless of price.
ReplyDeleteA quick question to all the Johns posting today - are you all the same John or are you several different Johns? Will the real John please stand up? I'm confused.
ReplyDeleteYou don't spend £20m on a central defender to be a squad player. Unless Lovren totally fails, it's very likely he will be LFC's number one central defender.
ReplyDeleteWhenever Agger and Skrtel did well they had a proper defensive midfielder in front of them. Gerrard does not really perform this role and you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'd rather we spent the money on a top class 'Mascherano like' midfielder as a priority.
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to take Lovren if we can get decent money for Agger, (which recent history tells us we won't). Also don't right off Sakho - he's still young and i think we will see a big improvement this year :-)
One destroyer and another player also doing a DM's job.
ReplyDeleteLucas did the job on his own before he got injured against Chelsea, but yes mainly it was Masch and Alonso providing the platform for the rest of the team
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Although Lovern is young, I'd only trust the likes of Agger & Skrtel as our back anchor (especially in Champions League). Toure is far too inconsistent while Sakho looks way too immobile (for being a pro footballer IMO). If Rodgers was wise, he'd be holding onto Agger and Co. simply to keep that depth in the defense.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that about Lovren and about time someone mentioned discounts for bulk purchases :-).
ReplyDeleteCarragher has been really critical of our lack of leadership at the back, so Lovren sounds ideal if we can offload one of our many existing centre backs
Do you reckon they come in a boxer breed?
ReplyDeleteTook the words out of my mouth. If Rodgers didn't want him that bad he wouldn't pay £20m
ReplyDeletePogba is to sulky to ever replace stevie g' he hasn't got the class of a natural leader to ever even think of replacing him. i would hate a ex manc to come in a replace stevie g'. only one player that has it in him to replace stevie g is hendo' he need to get that more convidence in him self and start finding that thru ball, but when hes found it, he will be the natural replacement.
ReplyDeleteI think you are spot on. It's pointless chasing around after world class signings who will never join us. Hopefully Markovic and co will continue in that tradition :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat have you been watching? More immobile than Agger?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It is one reason why Chelsea had such a good defence last year. They play with two DMs. At least one of those primary job is to just break up play. Usually both. We had none. Gerard can do a job there and probably made more tackles by the end of the season than anyone else but he is no Masch or Matic for that matter. Not in a defensive way anyway.
ReplyDeleteLiverpool doesn't need to buy world class players, we make them and have made them for the past 30 plus years... i would love Lovern to join, he looks the real deal along side skytel with flanno and johnson either side, our defence would be solid. thats the one thing that we struggled with last season. we have IBE, strurro, sterling, Markovich, Remy, courthino, hendo, Lallana, Lambert. that all can find the finish, maybe add one more big player in january when we are starting to struggle and give the team a added boost. this season looks promising and i cant wait for it to start. Y.N.W.A
ReplyDeleteFunny how all these claims of Sakho never get backed up with facts.
ReplyDeleteGranted he is gangly but it honesty seems like so many people can't see past that.
ReplyDeleteI know. He has a gangly style, so f***ng what.
ReplyDeleteThat would be stupid to buy a CB before getting rid of the one we already have ( i don't even want to start thinking about the 20+ yo CB we have).
ReplyDeleteHonestly i'm not impressed with Lovren, haven't seen a lot of him in the PL but in the WC he was aweful but i guess if BR decide to buy him i'll trust his judgement.
I think Rodgers has proven that no defensive midfielder is actually required. Rather one player who can dictate and two CM's who do the leg work by fetching the ball rather than waiting for the ball to come to us.
ReplyDeleteThat is why we were so potent last season. Most teams were not given any time on the ball last season. Press, press press.
My problem with Sakho is that he cannot move on the ball, so he always looks for an instant pass hence the immaculate passing percentage he's got. Whenever he has the ball it just seems like he's stuck in the mud. IMO it causes uncertainty and he can get boxed in by pressing forwards.
ReplyDeleteAgger/Skrtel/Toure can all move on the ball. Skrtel especially, runs down the middle with the ball quite frequently. This can open up passing angles and can sometimes get you out of trouble.
Every player may have a fault, but the criticism I've seen of Sakho is pretty fair IMO. You don't need hard stats and you don't need to get 'the facts' as Logan wants to simply put forward an idea/opinion.
As a Saints fan I hope Lovren does sign for Liverpool. I would be glad to get rid of this player as he has no respect for his club. He behaves like a petulant teenager who just wants his own selfish way with little concern for his teammates or those who pay his wages. I would not be surprised if he treats Liverpool the same way! I would feel sorry that a loyal player such as Lucas has to make way for this person.
ReplyDeleteOn the first game of the season it will be like watching Southampton play in a red kit.
You built an entertaining competitive team that just missed out on the PL trophy so it seems rather strange that BR wants to make so many changes to a successful team.
As a Liverpool fan you guys won't recognise the team that walks out.
If Lovren comes in then yes, as you say, someone has to go. I think the ideal situation is 3 players into two regular positions with one more player on the fringe. In the course of a heavy season across many competitions I think it's totally sustainable and even required to have 3 quality centre backs either in a planned rotation or covering for injury and periods of indifferent form. There will be plenty of games to go around, no one should be bothered by a lack of time on the pitch. Toure and Ilori would both work well as the 4th choice but at this stage I'd prefer we see what Ilori can do rather than stick with the old man. Toure will find a gig at some other club, he's still got plenty to contribute.
ReplyDeleteIn my view Rodgers handled this perfectly. Toure came in to give experience, Sakho as a genuine starter. Ilori was a bit of a surprise but the point made at the time was that when you find quality centre backs you snap them up. Ilori had 6 months at the club and 6 months on loan getting some quality playing time. Toure has done his job and Ilori should be ready to step up. Swapping out Agger for Lovren is just a plain 1 for 1 upgrade. At the end of the day we've improved the quality of player at the club, we should end up with really good combination of youth and experience and none of the players left will be passengers. Everyone will push each other for a regular spot, there will be cover for injuries, the young guy will get his chances to play ... what's the problem?
I have read many times how of how Henderson also looks awkward in his running styles.
ReplyDeleteSakho's movemnt might look awkward too but to suggest that he is immobile?
As Greg Jones asked BMW, "what have you been watching?"
Also perhaps why we conceded so many.
ReplyDeleteBravo - you've just glossed over all the problems :-)
ReplyDelete* You've assumed that someone will leave. That's not a certainty. Everyone thought one of Agger/Skrtel would leave last season and it didn't happen.
* In the last six months, Agger has complained twice about not playing regularly. If Lovren signs, and LFC retain Agger, Skrtel, and Sakho, this frustration will continue, with with him, or someone else.
* A good defensive partnership needs to play together regularly. Last season showed that chopping and changing the partnership is counter-productive. As such, if BR chooses, say, Lovren and Skrtel as his first choice, I doubt Agger and Skrtel will be happy just starting domestic cup games.
* How will Ilori get regular chances to play with four international centre-backs ahead of him? He got farmed out on loan last season, and the same will probably happen again this season.
* There were injuries last year, but that didn't stop Agger being frustrated, or Sakho warming the bench a lot.
In my view, you've outlined the LFC.com spin version of Rodgers' handling of the central defensive issue, not the actual reality.
Leadership at the back was clearly a massive issue.
ReplyDeleteGerrard normally drops back as a 3rd CB. If we can find info suggesting that a 1-2 midfield lead to us conceding more goals then I would be happy to agree with you.
Yeah he's not David Luiz.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think we can all be grateful for that.
That's running without the ball, not with it. I don't care what someone looks like while running. I'm clearly making reference to matters on the ball which you conveniently missed. And, I'm pretty sure Sakho tripped over his own feet and KO'd Snodgrass against Norwich last season, but anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't matter what you've been watching.
The claims against Sakho do get backed up wit facts; you just choose to ignore these facts in your incessant quest to defend Rodgers' signings.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the facts?
ReplyDeleteYou don't see anyone because you are blind. Facts about Sakho's defending have been advanced by countless people over the last year, and in various articles, but you refuse to acknowledge them because it doesn't fit your agenda.
ReplyDeleteI'm the real John
ReplyDeleteThere is a point there but I think it is over emphasised. He can move with the ball but generally doesn't do it at much pace like we can see Skrtel doing at times. Agger doesn't really do it now either Toure as you say does.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that this perceived uncertainty I don't agree with. Sakho out of all our CB options tends to make first time passing, he is very sure in his work for 99% of the time. He always looks to pass forward he tries to get play moving quickly, these things are good for the way we play. He is always available for the ball too as exemplified by receiving the ball more in a game than any other defender. This doesn't scream uncertainty or lacking in confidence on the ball etc.
Personally I think a lot can get made of one or two games when a certain pundit is being critical. The mass of what he does is done with an obvious surety. Or at least that is how it seems to me.
Such as?
ReplyDeleteThe more good players the merrier. I'm for letting BR sort it out...that's what he's paid for, but he's got to love the options he's getting. Don't forget...4 tourneys this season.
ReplyDeleteYou are blind too. Greg Jones does not think Sakho is immobile? Where are the facts to prove this?
ReplyDeleteAgree. He does look like a penguin rolling a snowball, but he's a beast on defense and he does have good passing accuracy...I think he's solid.
ReplyDelete--he barked.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you referring to other posters? Stick to the point for once.
ReplyDeleteThere is an amount of common sense here though. Don't get me wrong leadership was a serious problem and one I am not arguing against it's just that two players who's primary goal is to protect the defence is better for that defence than no player with that primary goal. As for evidence I can't be bothered looking for specifics but look at Rafa and Mourinho's reigns and look at teams with good defensive stats.
ReplyDeleteI'm johnacus!
ReplyDeletewell played, sir.
ReplyDeleteWell what is the point in saying that Sakho is 'immobile' without proving it? Provide the proof and we can discuss it.
ReplyDeleteI don't pay much attention to any punditry. I'm a defender so I like to pay particular attention to defensive areas. You've made a fair comment about some of the positives about Sakho. I'm not going to take any of those away, but what I mentioned previously is just what I've noticed whenever watching a game. Everyone has their own ideas.
ReplyDeleteI thank you.
ReplyDeleteI know it was a post in reply to you but wasn't necessarily saying you were so swayed. I think travelling with the ball is actually a good point. One that once mentioned I thought yeah there is a something in that. He will move the ball forward while looking for a pass but not really travel with it. This may change with time. I don't remember Skrtel doing much of it before Rodgers influence but he has changed his game. And at a further point down the road in his career.
ReplyDeleteWith this sort of comment it's as if Logan hacked into your account to post it :) If I recall correctly, Jaimie has presented statistical analysis on Sakho before. The discussion is not purely about uncertainty whenever Sakho has the ball, nor is it about his physique on the ball or whatever you want to call it.
ReplyDeleteFor someone to suggest Sakho is immobile or he causes uncertainty or whatever, that's a genuine opinion and you don't need facts to present that. Facts/evidence is required when arguing about other areas such as tackles, goals conceded etc.
Besides, even if something was proven to be 100% true, if it went against Rodgers I know someone who would dispute it.
Tourneys? Sh!t have they got to joust ad all that? I knew fifa wanted to spice things up but f£ck me. ;-p
ReplyDeleteSure but Mourinho and Rafa's teams will not score as many goals as we did last season though.
ReplyDeleteI think once we have a voice in our back four then thing will improve drastically.
Well IF he signs he'll be an excellent addition to the squad.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have noticed and I'm sure many of you have noticed is that Brendan is deliberately not buying prima donna's, people with huge egos or big mouths.
It strikes me that although some of us WANT a superstar signing, we are not going to get one.
I don't mind myself, in a fact I'd prefer it because it creates REAL competition for places.
No one player will be bigger than LFC, which means that the Centre Back positions are up for grabs...as long as we shift out Coates & Toure leaving Agger Lovren Sakho and Skertel much much stronger than in the last 3 years.
My concerns are more to do with shifting the Martin Kellys of this world who offer NOTHINg other than the fact he's a scouser.
Flanagan is MILES ahead of him Kelly needs to go in my view he can only play on one position and isn't needed as a centre back also as we have the FULL BACKS Johnson, Manquillo, Flannagan Enrique and hopefully Moreno .
Midfield is a worry doesn't look to me as theres enough strength in depth for the CL and PL . I have no seen enough of Can and with Gerrard Henderson Allen and Lucas as the defensive Midfield I think we are very Vulnerable.
As for the attack I'm confident we can score more goals than last season.
We SHOULD see the like of Ibe and Suso added to the attacking threat this coming season.
Ibe,Suso,Coutinho,Sterling,Markovic,Lallana with my feeling that Sterling & Coutinho moved into the number 10 role behind the striker.
Ibe will take his places as a out and out winger with Lallana, Markovic.
The 'STRIKERS' in Sturridge and Remy will not play together in a 433 formation we'll have one striker and a number 10 with 2 wide players.
My two cents what do you think ?
You've assumed we'll sign Lovren and not sell anyone else. The whole discussion is an "if then else" scenario, we don't know what's going to happen. For the record I'm happy with us not signing anyone at all, but if Lovren came in and Agger went then it really would be an ideal result. Everything else I've said is indeed based on that assumption so all your retorts are somewhat beside the point. Adding Lovren and not selling anyone would be slightly ludicrous, I don't see it happening. I'm happy to be corrected if it does, but I just don't see it.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with your version of the "stable defensive partnership" concept. Going deep into 4 competitions next season would mean playing twice as many games as we did last season and even then we had times where injuries were pushing our resources. All of these players have to be managed and it's simply not possible for any player to go 90 minutes in every single consecutive match. I just can't see a scenario where the three main CBs won't get significant game time. Either through injury or rotation, they'll all get their chance to show why they should be first choice. Skrtel won't be an automatic pick either, it's a clean slate.
For all of Agger's complaining he still saw plenty of action last year and that's even with his usual run of injuries. I really don't know what he expects and I think his comments are a bit daft, something I thought you agreed with. His frustration is his own problem, not the team's. He's gotten himself worked up over a mostly non-existant problem, I think it all stems from that run of 4-5 games where Sakho was picked ahead of him, despite the fact that it was Sakho who was benched for the most important games right at the end. He's taken it all a bit personally and I wouldn't be surprised if there was something more going on beyond just time on the pitch, he just doesn't have a good case to argue.
We agree then.
ReplyDeleteNo mate honestly this has been an ongoing thing. Satistically Sakho is only behind Skrtel in the defensive aspects and ahead in passing accuracy. I think oddly Agger may have been ahead in headers won but that is it.
ReplyDeleteGenuine opinion or not it lacks much depth when actually analysed. Immobile being a bit of an overstatment in the first place but I am not the only one who saw Agger get torn a new one by Frasier Cambel was it? Or have a fifty yard head start on Chamberlain in the FA cup. He is no slouch the Ox but he isn't Bolt either. Yet Sakho is MORE immobile? Not what I saw.
I get your point about some acting like Rodgers has never gotten anything wrong but that is not what
You are being wilfully disingenuous once again. There are no statistical 'facts' to prove someone is immobile, so why are you asking for something so ridiculous? It's like saying 'give me proof that player X sweats more than player Y'.
ReplyDeleteIt's not quantifiable in the same way as specific aspects of a player's game, so when arguing about immobility, it's principally an opinion based on watching someone play.
This is obvious.
Shall we stop saying immobile anyway and say less mobile. I know it is pedantic but there is lots of stats to prove his mobility. He runs don't he?
ReplyDeleteOther than that Jaimie is right. It's not quantifiable. Yet!
From Fifa site apparently. Not sure how it was compiled though. So like I say not YET!!! DUN DUN DAAAA
ReplyDeletehttps://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/wc-mins-per-km.png
ReplyDeletehttps://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/wc-top-speed.png
Ha ha, brilliant. Complete nonsense
ReplyDeleteLet's get Hansen back
ReplyDeleteFor Pete this talks of him in possession. Again I am unsure how they obtained the stats.
ReplyDeletehttps://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/wc-mins-per-km-in-possession.png
Lovren , though right footed, plays left CB. Even played there at Lyon. Cant see the logic in buying him after paying 18M for Sakho. CB
ReplyDeleteThanks, interesting...
ReplyDeleteSurely that's kilometres traveled when the team had the ball? Not the player? Otherwise it doesn't make much sense to me.
It does mean Sakho is a decent worker though.
this is a random theory but lovren presumably speaks french from his time at lyon so presumably he and sahko would be able to communicate well together.
ReplyDeleteLovren and Skrtel for me. Sell Agger. Use Sakho and Ilori as back up, and Toure as a little more back up.
ReplyDeleteWith 4 competitions, there should be suitable game time for them all to get a look in once in a while.
Any news on the Ilori injury?
Sahko and lovern by far stronger skrtel had as many mistakes as good points last season just cause he scored goals people are blinded to the fact he equaled PL record for own goals he is a liability and agger is just so overrated its laughable can't remember last time he won a header from set piece and I haven't missed game in 16 years as for coming out with ball 3 or 4 years since we seen that lfc fans really need to move on from Benitez era YNWA
ReplyDeleteAgger and Skrtel have to be fazed out soon or later, they are both 30yrs. Agger is a clever enoughcof a defender to play in the EPL for 4 more years, but he's never fit and his pace is diminishing (Soldado crapped all over him). Also with his pace on the decline, he needs to be playing regularly, to keep game freshness (as he has to play the game in his head more). But he won't stay fit enough to do this, so pains me to say it need to be moved on.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if Skrtel loses his pace. The way he pulls shirts, it'll be like a man pulling husky dogs (it'll look more blatant, than it already does). I think on last year along, Skrtel deserves to stay (even if it means we sell Agger).
JK mentions a defence should be built on stability and kept more often than not unchanged. How do you plan for a stable defence, if Agger gets injured ever two games.
Think Sakho should be given another year, we all remember Skrtel at Havant and Waterloo. Maybe it's a language thing for Sakho, as with France he marshals the back four well. When Koseilny played with Varane (3rd group game WC), they look lost at sea.
well said - Chelsea are a good example of a team that you don't fancy your chances scoring against. Loads of great teams in history have this quality. We unfortunately do not, and the more teams fancy a mistake or lapse in concentration from us the less likely they are to submit.
ReplyDeleteI.m unsure. The author of the site seems to indicate that it is the player in possession. But says this is probably made up of overall. So Sakho having more of the ball and traveling a small distance quickly could statistically give way to this. Non the less all together these (not proofs of h0ly writ) but good indicators of the mobility of the player.
ReplyDeleteSo post one of Sakho's latest videos showing his immobility.
ReplyDeleteSo he can and has played RCB too though. So paying that much for the two of them seems to indicate a partnership.
ReplyDeletePogba can never replace Gerrard...but I personally love to have the kid playing for us. Between Vidal or Pogba? Hell Pogba any day
ReplyDeleteAndrew Beasley owns the Bass Tuned To Red site.
ReplyDeleteEven the official LFC website has used some of his work...
I don't need to prove anything to you. First, I'm not the one making the claim that he's immobile. Second, I don't waste time arguing with people who are totally obsessed with defending Rodgers' transfers, irrespective of their performance for the team.
ReplyDeleteBut then why get involved when I my reply was in reference to BMW claiming that Sakho is immobile?
ReplyDeleteI am a little unsure of Lovren, If he was that good Lyon wouldn't have Sold him for 8mil and a bigger club would of come in, I think he's solid & had a good season but it's different defending for a middle table sided than it is for a top 4 side..... The thing is there aren't many other REALISTIC options out there for a good price but 20 mil fr Lovren is excessive!
ReplyDeleteEasdy to say LFC turn players into world class players but we're in The Champs League this year we need players for this season!
Concentrate on getting a quality LB in Rodriguez or Rojo/ Moreno.
We have Agger, Skrtel, Sakho, Llori at CB, Tell Ageer to stop moaning and if he wants to play he'll finally have to become a leader of the back four, that's what we need just a voice, An organiser something you'd expect shoudln't be hard from your VC who has such great apparent love for the club.
Ilori was signed "for the future". I know you hate that jaimie but it's true. Out on loan last season and probably again this season. Also we don't know how many defenders we'll still have come the end of the season. And really 4 centre halves for a season including champ league really isn't that much
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Ilori is 'one for the future'. My point is that in the last 20 years+, no player LFC signed 'for the future' has ever come back from a loan spell and actually established themselves in the first team.
ReplyDeleteI think we have a different calibre of youngster now. I fully expect Jordan Ibe to go on to make an impact along with suso if he's given the chance and Ilori falls into that category IMO
ReplyDeleteDoes he not play right centre back for Croatia?
ReplyDeleteI think I've been going on about "Healthy" prices in a number of posts. Still don't understand why we over pay and under value in the transfer system
ReplyDeleteIf Borini sale goes through, and Assaidi to Stoke (looks a little less likely with Bojan signing) we will make a healthy profit.
ReplyDeleteIf Chelsea sell Lukaku for £25 million plus they will have made a decent profit on both him and De Bruyne.
Although Ilori profit is currently difficult to imagine being realised
There is a future in this model, but Granada possibly not the type of team to target, although perhaps wealthier rivals, Valencia and At Madrid for example could pick up on him
Pogba is ex Man Utd. wouldn't that be a poke in the eye for them! he is a fine player too, would love him at our club, he would be an excellent buy, Lovren would even for £20 million be a great buy too, and i thought Kelly worked hard and has played very well so far (a CB in my opinion) and Coates too, just wanted to give them a bit of praise after all the bad comments about them.
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