21 Apr 2015

Can-Killer? Liverpool chase 'extraordinary' £37m star whose 'dream' is to 'play for a club in England'

With only a couple of months to go before Steven Gerrard leaves Anfield, the search is on for players to fill the void, and in that regard, the Reds are once again being linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

In March, multiple Reports claimed that Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal are all interested in signing Carvalho (who has a €47m (£37m) buyout clause in his contract), and according to The Mirror this week:

"[Brendan] Rodgers wants an established central midfielder to replace Steven Gerrard, with Sporting Lisbon’s experienced international William Carvalho on his radar".

Earlier this season, Carvalho - hailed by Portugal boss Paolo Bento as an 'extraordinary' player - revealed his desire to play for one of the World's top clubs:

"We all have ambitions and I hope one day to play in the best leagues in the world. If I continue to do my job as I have done so, it will certainly come sooner or later."

Then, Last month, Carvalho made it clear that he wants a move to the Premier League. He told reporters:

“My dream is to play for a club in England. I know some clubs are interested, but my agent Jorge [Mendes] is looking after it and I am relaxed.”

Carvalho is exactly the type of tenacious, athletic, tough-tackling midfielder Liverpool (arguably) need, but if the Reds spend £30m+ on him, where does that leave Emre Can?

* Club's don't spend that kind of money on a bench-warmer, and if Can moves into midfield, and LFC sign Carvalho (or some other midfielder), the competition will be incredibly fierce:

- Henderson
- Allen
- Lucas
- Can
- Carvalho

* It's possible that one of either Lucas or Allen may leave this summer, but if not, I don't see how Rodgers can keep five first-team central midfielders happy for a whole season. Henderson will almost certainly play most games, which leaves just ONE spot available to share between four players.

* The other option is to kill-off Can's midfield ambitions by converting him into a full-time defender. I doubt the German will want that - he's on record several times stating that midfield is his preferred position, and with Gerrard leaving, he probably expects to be playing there next season.

It's probably all moot, though. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have superstar managers capable of attracting top players, so when it comes to the crunch, Liverpool will almost certainly lose out on the transfer, especially if Rodgers is still in charge.

That may not be such a bad thing overall - £37m for a 22 year old with no experience outside Portugal? No thanks. In my view, that's too much of a risk for a club that's wasted an incredible amount of money on dud players over the last five years.

Author:


152 comments:

  1. Most likely would be the replacement for Lucas but cannot see this player moving to us in our current state.

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  2. Portugese league players not gd enough, get kondogbia for 30m, experienced player vs barca, psg, arsenal, real madrid and only 22

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  3. Nicolas Chamberlain6:29 pm, April 21, 2015

    Catchy headline but definitely not a Can killer.

    ''The other option is to kill-off Can's midfield ambitions by converting him into a full-time defender. I doubt the German will want that ...''



    Have you ever played football Jaimie?
    Because you just play where your manager wants you to play.
    I think Can is to eager to go forward to be our CDM.

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  4. Nicolas Chamberlain6:31 pm, April 21, 2015

    Logan, you are talking like we are Newcastle...
    Always so negative...

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  5. Casemiro looks good for Porto too... Perhaps Madrid will opt to keep a Spaniard (Illarra) rather than him and sell him?

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  6. Also he was instantly good in defence yet in the three or four times he has played midfield he has not looked so good so the pegs thing doesn't really fit. Unless we are talking about fullback where I have to concede.

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  7. So ignore what I am saying and change subject or????/

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  8. He did a reasonable job down back likely not ready yet to hold a spot in the midfield i dont have rose tinted glasses i call it how it is.

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  9. I agree, but Can is probably the only one that actually did make some sense. We needed a powerhouse midfielder, and that's what we got. He's actually doing a really, really good job in the defense, so it's not really a "Square peg in a round hole," but rather, sticking a "Square peg in a rectangular hole when it would fit much better somewhere else."

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  10. Interesting thought.. IF we get Klopp (which is unlikely, but possible) would you take Gundogan? He has a big reputation, but I can't get my eyes off that injury record.

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  11. Markovic, Sterling, Lallana RWB's? It does not end.


    Gerrard as our DM in of our biggest matches this season vs Villa? Rodgers is a genius!!!

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  12. What matches has Can played midfield. Name them.

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  13. If the choice was yours, which man of the 3 would you rather at the helm....?

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  14. Played or started or both?

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  15. To be fair, we did get an RB in Manquillo, and nobody thought we were going to need an RWB, but again, I agree. He's playing people out of position, and we're paying for it.


    However, that's not to say they are inherently bad players. Markovic has talent. Not 20M worth (more like 8M), but certainly someone to watch. Lallana could be a good backup to Coutinho + someone else.

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  16. Name them. What matches. It is not a trick question.

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  17. Reckon you have answered your own question there.

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  18. Which ones? the ones he started, or the ones he was moved to mid game?

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  19. Yeah, but I was looking to see what Logan thought ;)

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  20. I am not encyclopaedic in my knowledge so will have to refresh my memory. Are you saying he has not played in midfield?

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  21. Markovic is not a RWB but Rodgers will persist. Our manager has become his own worst enemy and he will not learn from his mistakes.


    If he stays on next season we will be even worse off than what we are now. Mark my words.

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  22. I am asking you which games he has played in midfield. What is so difficult?

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  23. How many has he played and why was he out of place against them i cant remember!

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  24. Like I have said barring Besitkas which instantly comes to mind I am having to look at fixtures to separate which ones were which.


    Now answer me, are you saying he has not played midfield?

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  25. Something that sticks in his mind, and constantly reminds him, he was wrong, again....

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  26. The 343 lifted our season be grateful for that and we dont have a recognized wing back you know that

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  27. That is not what I said. I asked you WHICH MATCHES HE PLYED IN MIDFIELD. HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE FEATURED IN MIDFIELD FOR US?


    Is that easier for you?

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  28. Lifted our season? Where are we?


    Rodgers will be exonerated time and time again. It will be acceptable irrespective of where we finish this season. It is not going to be top 4. That is a fact but Rodgers will steam roll the EPL next season?


    Rose tinted glasses.

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  29. Basitkas, Bolton, Spurs. There are others I am reminding myself.


    NOW ANSWER MY QUESTION. IT IS HOT HARD.

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  30. I already answered your question.


    Now, Can is a midfielder, Rodgers has spent £67m on our defence over the last two seasons and playes Can in defence in the FA Cup semi and Gerrard as a DM.


    I rest my case.

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  31. Go check the ladder where we were to where we are it did turn around our season dont avoid the fact jack.
    Call it how it is accept the truth or remain deluded its your choice.

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  32. Well rest your case all you want. Can has been better in defence than midfield. I am not discussing Gerrard as we agree there. Stop changing the subject.

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  33. Who's on first?

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  34. Yes, we will have this discussion next season should Rodgers dtill be in charge when and be even worse off.


    I can see the wood for the trees. First manager of LFC to not win anything in his first three seasons. How much has he spent? So how much more will he need to spend when he will not be getting another £120m kitty.


    Rose tinted glasses, square pegs round holes, mediocrity is what we will be under Rodgers. He does not even have a settled style of play three seasons later because the plan he sold to FSG failed. The plan he will go back to and he will fail again.


    Nothing delusional here.

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  35. on contre allen and lucas is hardly fierce competition coupled with can has played in defence this year and hendo at wing back

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  36. I'd sell Lucas, we need a more imposing Midfielder.

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  37. He has played more games in defence has he not while £20m Lovren has been rotting on the bench.


    If Can was given time to settle in midfield then what would you have to say. Fact of the matter is that can has had very little time to prove himself in midfield so your point about him being better in defence is moot.

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  38. Exactly my point :-)

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  39. Your literally bananas aren't you? Why mention Lovren? Can was instantly good in defence. That is my point. The one I made earlier, one you have ignored.

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  40. Look who's talking.
    Same old posts

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  41. we need to shunt allen and lucas and sign another Dm to go with hendo or can in the middle or all 3 depending on formation carrying 3 quality cm is hardly over stocking

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  42. I just read Henderson, Carvalho, Can. I love Lucas, but the writing's on the wall- he'll be a squad player at best, like Allen.

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  43. Mate, that doesn't make sense at all..

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  44. if anything can is a forward playing midfielder as he is only one of a few players we have who can run with the ball

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  45. Let's see - a player who is highly touted by most of Europe's top clubs and has a massive buyout clause with a club tough to deal with. I think we all know where this is heading.

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  46. Many players are converted from their earlier positions and go on to star in their new ones.Carra was a midfielder ffs.
    Can has not set the world on fire when moving into midfield, so far the only position he seems suitable for in that area is DM and he needs better mobility for that. His recovery pace is suspect and creativity has been lacking. I like him, but it's entirely possible that we will have better options in midfield.
    Lovren has had a poor time of it and Can has played there before at the top level so enough with the tiresome round peg line- you need a new mantra.

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  47. I see said the blind man.

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  48. Starting a forward, playing Steven further up the pitch(not giving up on that), back 4.. Every decision he made- the opposite..

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  49. Hendo,Carvalho,Can and Lucas is a solid midfield squad and if we sell Allen and get Rossiter, that is really good. Of course, that will never happen.

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  50. Carra was a midfielder?!? In the youth?

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  51. It pains me to know better than the guy who gets paid to know those stuff..

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  52. The name Luis Figo mean anything and if it does not, what about Cristiano Ronaldo?

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  53. The list for the past 5 season is longer than square pegs of Logan's..

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  54. too short!

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  55. Round peg, triangular hole...?

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  56. Would be great if he would rest it..

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  57. Peggy round, holly square?

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  58. No editing, I'll withdraw my upvote next time!

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  59. You should double your upvote. Comment improved.

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  60. My internet is so slow that JK would come up with Sterling killer by the time I can log out and upvote as a guest.. 26 DAYS since I signed a contract with the internet provider. Again Sterling comes to mind, he would deliver sooner..

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  61. Sign another top DM and he will be played in CB. Sign another forward and will be played at RB or RWB. False 9's, pass till you are blue in the face, change formation and styles every season, three times in one match.


    Three seasons in and we are one our way back to where we want to be. Rodgers going to deliver. Trophy after trophy, years of success ahead. Wait for it!

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  62. Struggles to write a post without the name Rodgers in it too
    Go ahead, check it ..

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  63. I knew you'd come around! ;-)

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  64. It's a stupid question as he can't name them- he ain't google, and you both know how many approximately.

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  65. hmmm... Real Madrid's bench? Or Chel- *ahem* Vitesse?

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  66. Really torn about this- Def not De Boer. Rodgers deserves a final go but Klopp would elevate our chances of better signings

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  67. Too many sheep on here. At least gilstrap, myself and a few others have made peace with this pathetic season.


    Rodgers = sacked = lips sealed ;-)

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  68. Sadly yes.. Even the prospect of regular football will not get the players at this state.

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  69. I share your view.Emre Can's recovery pace is my only reservation about playing him in midfield.PL football is played at 200mph and he's slow off the mark.When he runs and builds momentum it isn't Olympic sprinting but it isn't quick sand running either,He just needs to work on the initial burst of pace.
    Maybe Liverpool could bring in Michael Johnson for a week to help some of our players with quick short sprints.That's what he does with so many athletes.
    Hexagon pegs in Pentagon holes?

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  70. Too many sheep on here. At least gilstrap, myself and a few others have made peace with this jovial season.

    Rodgers = sacked = majority lips sealed ;-)

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  71. You see your screen. That is it.

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  72. Don't forget. You have code in your corner, too.

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  73. Code is a person of many different personalities. You do not know which way he swings.

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  74. I would say Madrid,Chelsea, Bolton and Besktas were the games in which Can played in midfield and against Madrid and Chelsea, he was really good and took the game to the opposition. IMO, he needs adequate protection in a DM to cover for some tactical flaws in his game while he is learning and I think if he is played alongside Lucas, he can shine.

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  75. Where has he been by the way? Another sabbatical or is he waiting till the end of the season to cheer us up :)

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  76. just another flop on the list to get rid of asap.

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  77. And he is supposedly a better CB? I mean it is like saying Markovic should be converted into a fooking RB?


    We payed 20 fooking million pounds for Markovic and has been asked to look out of his depth.


    More of the same next season then.

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  78. I'm guessing he's spending time in a padded room somewhere, rattling off the names of people he wants to kill a la Arya Stark, while rocking back and forth, eating bugs, and insulting Jamaicans.

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  79. That is inexcusable with the Markovic situation. We have three right backs on the bench, sold one and have one out on loan just so that 45 million worth of signings can play there. I really do not get it. Can is too good to remain a CB and plus, he does not have the aerial ability to be a full fledged CB. Against big strikers, he will find a lot of trouble.I honestly see Can as a CAM. He is unstoppable when he dribbles and never gets tackled.

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  80. Thanks for not making a fiasco out of a pretty simple question mate ;-)

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  81. Yes yes and yes. Power, physicality, I will flatten you, let him run towards goal and try to stop him yet he is being asked to fill the gap in a back three while Lovren is on holiday and cost us £20m.


    What a joke.

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  82. And now we have Skrtel playing in the centre of the back three and all he has to do is head and clear the ball.

    Put Skrtel in a a back four and he needs to defend.

    Rodgers had Stevie last season thumping balls up to Sturridge and Suarez to score goals. Now what? Needed to figure out a way keep clean sheets to save his arse.



    Clock is ticking for Rodgers...

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  83. Stupid question which SidLFC answered?


    Makes him stupid too right?

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  84. Why would he be a Can-Killer? I rate Can as highly as Coutinho to be honest, he has dealt with so many gigantic tons of shit from BR, and was still a positive influence in a position he shouldn't even be playing.



    Midfield is the place for him. Putting him in CB is an insult towards him and his abilities as a player.


    We all knew as proper LFC fans we needed a change in our defense, and all we got was Lovren, who looks as lost as David Luiz in the CL, let alone David Luiz in general. Just goes to show BR has no clue how to spend money, treats 20m as pocket change.

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  85. Hahaha, silly you, forgetting world-class-deemed-to-win-CL-monster signing that will change the way football is played at Liverpool, James Milner, dubbed ''English Robben'' by BR, set to play next to ''Welsh Xavi'' Allen, and hopefully ''English Pirlo'' Delph.

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  86. Deserves how? Deserving something comes with accomplishments which BR has had absolutely none of, unless counting ''Best manager to flush down 200m'' as an accomplishment. By the way that isn't including wages.

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  87. Hate to do this but WEST BROM 3 LIVERPOOL 1

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  88. Lucas Can in the mid, Ibe Sterling wide and Lambert Sturridge/Balotelli upfront.

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  89. Don't believe you. About either..

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  90. Word is he's looking for Jamaica... but with his geographical skill set, that might take a bit of time.

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  91. SidLFC answered a stupid question did he not?

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  92. Would love to go have a pint or three with you some day.

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  93. I did not change the subject. At least SidLFC answered my question the first time round.

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  94. Don't forget... he was Rodgers biggest fan last season when we finished 2nd. :)

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  95. as he picked up his hammer and saw

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  96. Who will be the last man standing?

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  97. What's on second?

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  98. Answered it the first time instead of trying to beat around the bush. Clearly SidLFC did not see it as a stupid question otherwise he would have replied in the same manner as you.

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  99. Rodgers will be paying the bill and then leave his 180 page dossier on the counter because it ain't going to help him in his next interview.

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  100. Also he was instantly good in defence yet in the three or four times he has played midfield he has not looked so good so the pegs thing doesn't really fit.



    First time you asked.

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  101. Sorry but your reply does not make sense.

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  102. That is copy/paste Jay Jay's reply on your question on Can playing in the mid. But then you go around and around and ask WHICH GAMES, like that matters.. You have a round nail in a square brain mate. The problem is you ain't stupid..

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  103. You given a stupid reply just like the stupid question which SidLFC was able to answer first time round and Jay Jay trying to dodge.


    SidLFC ain't stupid, otherwise he would not have answered my question the first time round.

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  104. So I needed to refresh my memory. Why does that matter? You kept talking about other players. That is changing the subject.

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  105. He did play Gerrard further forward though. He did start there. Would Balo, Borini or Lambert been better than Sterling? Truth is I am not saying he did the right thing. He didn't. Poor decisions all round. I just don't know what the right decisions should have been.

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  106. All my replies deleted.


    All i can say is that SidLFC did not try to ignore my question and answered it straight away without any "I want to ignore the facts" replies.


    Go read SidLFC's replies and he will also tell you that Emre Can is a square peg in a round hole at CB. Simple.

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  107. All my replies removed.

    All i can say is that SidLFC did not try to ignore my question and answered it straight away without any "I want to ignore the facts" replies.

    Go read SidLFC's replies and he will also tell you that Emre Can is a square peg in a round hole at CB. Simple.

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  108. Agree about the Madrid game but less so the Chelsea game.

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  109. You must really hate RAY then

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  110. He was good for the goal but felt he got bypassed too often in that game. I like how he looks and see his future in midfield but I think it is trite to say he doesn't suit defence when he has been quite good there more often than not. His passing from the back is only matched by Sakho.


    I agree about poor investment. I think both me and Logan were in favour of Lovren but we were very wrong.

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  111. You don;t have to be a d!ck. There is a difference between people disagreeing with you and being sheep. The same could be said of those following another pipers tune. My feeling's and where I sit can be seen in Garath Roberts piece for the Anfield Wrap. I am a type two person. No sheep.

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  112. Do you need to talk to someone? Should I get you the Samaritans number?

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  113. Why do you even bother replying to my posts?


    bob loblaw and I actually have a good understanding between each other. Bob hardly gets defensive like most of the posters on here.


    Any other issues I can assist with?

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  114. I just can't help myself. RAY is the definition of rose tinted glasses. I imagine an evening out would be unforgettably joyous.

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  115. Bob is raelly sound and less bothered by people being nobs. I am also a nob.

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  116. What other players?

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  117. For the love of God - stop denigrating other posters. I'm also getting sick of your antagonistic approach to 'debating' that seems to rile up so many posters.

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  118. all terrible english players who are overrated. manquillo is better than all of them but i think he will go. just like borini is better than lambert and balotelli but he will also go ahead of these two misfits

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  119. Jaimie, please look at those calling my questions stupid and telling me not to be a d!ck. Calling me a toddler etc.


    Let have some equality here.

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  120. Enough with this <> already, please.....
    Just take a look at previous hot strikers from dutch league and consider what happened next with them (and their careers):
    van Basten
    Romario
    Bergkamp
    Litmanen
    Ronaldo
    Ibrahimovic
    van Nistelrooy
    Suarez
    Bony
    - to name some of the most recent players.


    Of course, sometimes it was different story, like Mateja Kezman or Afonso Aves, but, in general, when there is a hot striker in dutch league, it is better bet he becomes world beater rather than expensive flop... Ronaldo was 17 when he was ripping opposing teams apart...
    I beg FSG: Sell Sterling and buy Depay, go all in for that dude. In my opinion massive, massive upgrade.
    Cheers from Poland :)

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  121. You brought that on yourself with your antagonistic approach, which involves posing endless pointless questions. Those other posters are wrong too, but you are the common denominator.

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  122. Endless pointless questions when SidLFC managed to answer my question first time round? While others were trying to avoid?


    Come on Jaimie.

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  123. Why does Henderson start? HIs ordinary, he always has a good run for couple games but his just not Liverpool quality, I hope we do buy him but we will miss out and we will get Milner instead. Cause his gonna get us a premiership. Going backwards

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  124. It's not antagonistic, it's criticism! It may come off as demeaning but it could also very well be true, and in this case I must agree with Logan, he isn't denigrating, just stating a consistent opinion.

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  125. I see so much in someone who offers so little in wisdom but so much in repetetive sayings that offer no true explanation square peg round hole polly want a cracker!!!!!!

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  126. Depay is some player. Would instantly be our best player if he comes.

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  127. It's okay, you did well

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  128. I have no problem playing the line. I did it for years, but you have to be aware of your position so you can be in a position to help if the ball is reacquired. Balo is chronically unaware and never makes an effort to get back onside after an attack. Watch him. It's infuriating how lackidaisical he is.

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  129. They're a disgrace mate, like you say, caught bang to rights, up to their knees in corruption and there has been no consequences whatsoever. Makes me sick

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  130. Wasn't one of the reasons given for BR's appointment, his fluent Spanish and ability to communicate in multiple languages...?

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  131. Yeah, but there still a hard core of "loyal" fans who unfortunately will overlook anything.

    I am convinced if BR was convicted as a hardened criminal, they'd still be fans out there who'd claim he was innocent and had mitigating circumstances for his crimes.

    Lemmings will always be lemmings.

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  132. I agreed with you on the Manquillo over Wisdom debate. Of course Rodgers has selected others ahead of academy youngsters but I don't expect every youngster to be preferred. However, overall Rodgers has integrated or given many chances to many youngsters and that should be aplauded. Look forward to your article

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  133. Manquillo looked very promising in the early games, much more so than Moreno. My only hope is that Moreno has learned a lot from all the games he has played and learned from the many mistakes he has made too. I still feel out of the two players Manquillo is the better player and would have shown it if he'd had the same faith shown in him as Moreno has.

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  134. Actually I think Ibe just might be..We have to think Dani Alves here, not Steve Finnan.

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  135. I actually like the fact that the club take care of business without involving the press. Coutinho and Henderson are sorted without much hassle. You can't blame players for negotiating their deals rather than taking the first offer. Sterling on the other hand...

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  136. Decent player but I can't see that value.

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  137. I think that, like Sterling and Marko, you'd be wasting Ibe's strong attacking. Alves is a Wingback who operates more like a traditional left mid, with slightly more focus on the defense, in that he basically provides width to make crosses (9/10 of which are just awful) but isn't really the cut-in, take-on-a-player type of guy that Sterling/Marko/Ibe would be. Having said that, Ibe is the best fit out of them because he has pace and strength, whereas the others generally have either pace (Sterling & Marko) or strength (Can & Hendo) but not both.

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  138. then God save you

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  139. Rose tinted glasses

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  140. Thx God, i'm saved me.........

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