17 Jul 2015

Top Transfer? 'Excellent' £12m star explains why he joined Liverpool and confirms LFC showed the 'most interest'

At first glance, new Liverpool signing Nathaniel Clyne appears to be an ideal replacement for Glen Johnson, but rumours abound that the talented right-back 'would have joined Manchester United if the chance had been offered'. Other reports claim that Clyne 'rejected' Man United to sign for Liverpool, and in an interview this week, the 24-year old explained why he ultimately chose Anfield.

Speaking to The Guardian, Clyne claimed that it 'just seemed right' to sign for Liverpool, and offered the following reasons why he made the move:

“[Rodgers told me] there’s a spot here for a young right-back looking to push on in my career. He said he'd make me into a better right-back.

“Liverpool showed the most interest and I’m the kind of player that I want to go somewhere where I am really wanted and I felt that here.”


It's good that Brendan Rodgers appears to be getting more involved in the transfer process.

It's vital that transfer targets are made to feel wanted, and failing to do that is (historically) something that has cost Liverpool in the transfer market.

So far, Clyne - who cost the Reds £12.5m - has played only 45 minutes of football for Liverpool, but he's already being hailed as 'excellent' by Brendan Rodgers, which is (IMO) grossly premature.

Clyne merely did his job to a competent level against an exceedingly poor team, so quite how that warrants such high praise is anyone's guess.

Hopefully, when the real football begins, Clyne will prove to be a significant upgrade on Johnson, and Manquillo.

Prem legend Harry Redknapp seems to think that'll be the case, and speaking to the Daily Star recently, he enthused:

"Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool is a great move. He took his game to another level at Southampton and I think that’s a great buy by Brendan."


Redknapp Jr. is a also fan of Clyne, and in a recent column for Sky Sports, he noted:

"I’ve been really impressed with him [Clyne]. He’s athletic, technically good and he’s showing plenty of promise".

I'm still amazed that Liverpool managed to avoid getting fleeced for an England international.

Usually, British players have ridiculous inflated transfer fees, but in this case, £12.5m is a pleasingly low figure, especially when compared to the ludicrous £30m fee Man United paid for Luke Shaw.

There's also one major positive to this deal: Last season, Clyne didn't make a single mistake that led to an opposition goal. If he continues that for Liverpool, it'll make a refreshing change to error-prone antics of Johnson, Lovren, and Moreno.

Author: Jaimie K


161 comments:

  1. ....what's the matter Jaimie bro....can't you sleep....? :)

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  2. ...anyway, Clyne; nice he's cleared that up cos some were convinced Man U has the run on us...they clearly do not..

    ..we are still an attrsctive proposition come what may and as far as Clyne is concerned I perdonally do not know of a better suited right back anywhere...youth, energy, balance, attack, defense, calm and has a huge presence on pitch...

    ...what do u want BR to say - you're sh1t, now go prove me wrong...?

    ...not all management is the same and different ethos/styles work effectively in all walks of life...there is no one rule.....

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  3. Hey bro if he doesn't I don't see that affecting your nightmare, mind u pillow

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  4. Can't we have both the villa and Lyon guy respectively?

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  5. I think its not matter of choosing a club anymore and mostly being advised by agents that one club is a better choice than the other. Raheem Sterling is the best example for this! Regarding price, it's a killer deal second to none in recent years. Remember we paid £20m for a unfinished unproven Markovic when we had Ibe and sterling in the squad! Manquillo I liked him defensively, but was never settled in.We still need a quality CB and a LB if we are gonna come down from top of the league in goals conceeded!!

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  6. “Liverpool showed the most interest and I’m the kind of player that I want to go somewhere where I am really wanted and I felt that here.” THIS!! If only we had made Mkhitharian, Willian etc. feel this way... Depay said the exact same thing after joining Man utd

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  7. That would leave us with 9 first team strikers, 8 if you don't count Sinclair, 11 if you count Firmino and Yesil, but I'll let you decide.


    That is an extremely high number, and 3 of them hardly even play.

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  8. Exactly , as you say Depay said that he never even spoke to BR ,
    Bacca said the same that AC made him feel wanted to help get back on top .

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  9. Need cover at LB , to many CB on the books to buy another one .

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  10. You are so right , most clubs will sell a player before buying a new one , LFC continue to buy with NO idea of what to do with Lambortelli .

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  11. I think the same reason was in play when we were negotiating with Firmino. We heard Ian Ayre took a jet and went to Chile to complete the deal, we showed our intent, CHARACTER and that made him feel wanted. Van Gaal personally made a call and told Depay that they were interested.I guess Brendo learned something.

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  12. Seriously doubt it... Even the PSV Manager and sports director said that. Also CEO of Shakthar said the same when we were negotiating with them for Mkhitharian.

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  13. I think we solved our RB problem for good 10-odd years- He's got it all, can tackle, block, intercept, head, quick, good positioning and can bomb forward with quality crosses; as good as it gets

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  14. I think Clyne signing is a great bit of business. Clearly an upgrade on what we had last season, and wasn't too expensive.

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  15. There have been a number of positive comments about BR from new signings. I am not sure this necessarily means a greater involvement by him in recruitment, a stepping up in the PR dept or the players themselves recognising BR's position and showing support (which will do themselves no harm) .

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  16. A player that can cover both positions, offering a more defensive alternative to Moreno, would be ideal, though, and there are quite a few around. I think we need someone for that role because Kolo will be moving on before long and there are question marks over Lovren.

    I like what I've seen of Joe Maguire as a classical full-back, though, very much.

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  17. I've just seen the team sheet for the match against Brisbane, and while it looks pretty solid, and probably reflects our strongest team at the moment, I'm a bit pissed off that Teixeira isn't starting. I thought he was one of the standout performers in Thailand, he was more involved than Lallana was.
    Happy to see Gomez start though, I thought he played very well the other day.

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  18. Frankie Fletcher9:50 am, July 17, 2015

    In a friendly like this Rodgers will have told the players what he wants to see from them knowing full well the opposition were poor. He would have been looking at each p[layer at a deeper level than you or I so perhaps Clyne did everything Rodgers had asked for him in his style of play and work rate etc.. so I believe yes he deserved praise (in this instance) and quite rightly got it.


    P.S I get your point about over praise leading to over inflated ego's (to a degree) but Rodgers' over hype and over praise seems to be leading to clubs massively over paying for said players in the transfer market al a Sterling

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  19. Joe Gomez is immensely impressive. Hope we don't loan him, first impression is that he looks ready, a real class act, way older than his years.

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  20. We cant get beat to the stupidest named club in world football (young boys excluded)

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  21. So we conceded an easy goal- when will Rodgers see, Skrtel makes all our defenders nervous with constant movement front and back and with zero communication- the goal conceded was an example of that; two defenders hesitating in closing down, i think I've seen this somewhere before...

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  22. Feels good to be able to watch a live LFC at a comfortable time for once.


    They're looking a bit sloppy but I don't really care. It's a rare chance to laugh when we make mistakes.


    I reckon Milner, Clyne, Gomez and Lallana have impressed in the match thus far, but I'm especially surprised by Gomez. He looks very fast and is confident going forward. Defensively solid too.

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  23. He looks very comfortable in his own skin. Already shown more going forward than Manquillo did his entire (albeit short) Liverpool career.

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  24. Gomez is really amazing,he can be used on left side when Moreno doesn't step up.

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  25. I'm also pleased by the pressing. I haven't seen us press like that since 2 seasons ago...

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  26. Yes, he just looks *right* doesn't he? Everything about him just oozes quality. Fantastic find! Looking forward to seeing him at centre back in due course...

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  27. Yes, familiar failings -- (1) taking poor decisions in working the ball out from the full-back position: sometimes our players don't work hard enough to escape from there, which invited the pressure; then (2) Skrtel's typically poor decision coming away to pressure the ball without ever looking like winning it; and finally (3) Lucas not involving himself in penalty-box defending effectively, though as DM that's one thing he should be judged on.

    (1) is just aggravating and I think the coach needs to look at it, it's been going on for years, he needs to add another player to those escapes (2) and (3) I feel are flaws with these players that they've had their whole Liverpool careers, under whichever managers, with however many world class players in the team. It doesn't matter if they are playing Barcelona or Brisbane, we see the same things from them again and again! Uff.

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  28. Analitical as always

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  29. you can say whatever you want about lallana, but he has those magic moments most of the team is lacking

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  30. I don't know why anyone would say anything else about Lallana. He was good for us last season, the criticism he got was undeserved and much of it had no relation with reality at all.

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  31. he just needs to stay fit, and he'll prove his worth :-)

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  32. That's my expectation, too :)

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  33. BR has no clue how to defend properly, that's the major problem

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  34. Well even though that's obviously hyperbole, I don't agree. He can organise a decent defensive side as we saw last season. But I look at the players first, and no matter who the manager is these same problems have persisted.

    Skrtel is a panicky defender who makes poor decisions under pressure. That's just... who he is. But he's strong, rarely injured, aggressive in the tackle and good defending 1-1... so we take the rough with the smooth!

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  35. But we can surely upgrade on him can't we?

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  36. Hehe you are just trying to find a path for Lovren to get back into the side :)

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  37. or IIlori or Gomez? Or Hummels? Or anyone for that matter :)

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  38. Well you summarized Skrtel perfectly, however i still believe that BR has a huge part to play in our constant defensive weakness...
    For 3 years now were defending corners and freekicks like an unorganized bunch of headless chicken...


    If you ask me, we desperately need a defensive coach

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  39. Lucas and Ings a bit disappointing for me

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  40. Ings had his moments, I thought -- nice touch and turn in the first half, several good flicks in the box, some good movement. Lucas just cruising through pre-season like the old pro he is.

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  41. the one that ings is disappointing the most is himself, i think he's to eager to score, almost like lambert last preseason

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  42. that goal pretty much sums up milner, never say die!

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  43. I was going to add Milner but now I'm wondering if we even need Betekesaurusor if we should just move Milner forward;-)

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  44. Heh. I thought Milner was our best player, which just goes to show... stuff.

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  45. actually milner has played striker a few times for city ;-)

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  46. To be fair I have only watched this haf

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  47. first half was better

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  48. If Ibe puts it together, he could be the real deal couldn't he?

    But my intuition is that he's going to have fitness struggles, with his build, and unless he shakes his habit of dwelling on the ball it's going to be hard to pick him except as an impact player. But we'll see...

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  49. Rodgers will eventually make him 'defensive technician'.

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  50. Good performance from the lads. I think that having a good pre-season is paramount to a good start. I don't mean just for fitness levels, but if we win most games of pre-seaon and actually play well then this gives us a huge psychological boost.


    Especially for attacking players if they score.


    Gomez played well, so did Ibe and Milner.


    Sakho Shaky to begin with but then was a wall!


    With Benteke coming in I suspect Lambortelli will be gone.

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  51. "Keeping technician" , "throw in technician", "goal kick technician", "off side technician" and finally, "character technician".

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  52. Just on his way back from a broken leg, I would expect he needs a bit more recovery time than some of the others.

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  53. I'd rather just a jack of all trades...11 of them actually

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  54. Joe Gomez is strong, technically good, composed and quick.His versatility to play anywhere at the back could get him games next season.
    A tougher pre season schedule matching up against top wingers would've been easier to judge whether he could be fast tracked.
    Nathaniel Clyne has got right back locked.Left back is up for grabs.Moreno is great going forward but makes a lot of mistakes defensively.
    It's early days but Gomez for 3.5m looks like good business.

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  55. He's been impressive in both games so far from what I've seen.

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  56. Wasn't Clyne was "cheap" because he only had 12 months left on his contract? Good signing though and Gomez auditioning well for the left in the strange absence of Moreno.

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  57. Sounds like Strikers curse - just needs one or two to go in to hopefully get him up and running, ref didn't help in the last game.

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  58. Oh oh, rodgers called Milner 'outstanding' after the brisbane game where he was man of the match, scoring the winner and i beleive assisting lallana (could be wrong there). Gross overpraise again...

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  59. What an amazing gem of a player Lallana is, an absolute bargain.

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  60. Great signing.... Tell you who else looks like he could be a good signing... Joe Gomez... Looked good today at LB....Infact, I would say he looked better than the others, I know it's pre season, but the signs definately look positive.

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  61. I'd take Rodgers style over that of Van Gaal.

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  62. "He will stay here and compete for a place," - Rodgers on plans for Gomez this season - so no loan out, great news IMO, really looking forward to seeing him get some game time and maybe even carve out a starting spot, genuinely looks the real deal to me.

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  63. Numbers suggest that, but we know in reality only Sturridge, Ings and nw Benteke are going to be considered first team strikers.

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  64. I love football fans... we watch 60 minutes of football against bottom-rate opposition and decide that some 18-year-old kid is the answer to our prayers :)

    With you all the way!

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  65. That is great news... Looks to have abit more composure and end product than Moreno aswell... I won't get ahead of myself seeing as it's only pre season, but I think this is a signing that is going to take many by suprise.....

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  66. I'd rather crazy optomism, over instant downer...Does look like an interesting signing though... Don't think many were too happy that we signed him, I'm sure Jaimie looked at it as a bit of a waste of cash....

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  67. Jaimie may not agree that he was outstanding, but he will agree that he was friggin' outstanding.

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  68. It was kinda of an outstanding assist...

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  69. Isn't it great that so far this summers signings and the start to pre season have gone so well and we've showed some real nous in not only making financially astute signings like Milner who cost little but will deliver a lot, in Gomez we are showing signs of a real improvement in scouting and beating others to the draw and with Firmino we've accomplished things many thought we didn't have in us.
    IF, we can just get the glacier Lacazette/Illaramendi cherry to stick on top, we will have ticked every box, this summer really feels good at the moment.

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  70. I don't think Rodgers actually understands the meaning of the word "outstanding".


    If everyone is "outstanding", then by default, no one is "outstanding"

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  71. I'd prefer Illaramendi over Medel thats for sure, keep Lucas... Lacazette seems unlikely this season atleast... We show some quality, and do well in the Europa League and make the top 4, who knows what signings we could look forward to next summer.....

    Positive mental Attitude... Positive Mental Attitude.

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  72. Unfortunately that's what's going to happen when our best striker leaves, our next best striker is hurt most of the season, and Rodgers plays Lambert & Balotelli up top by themselves, and refuses to play Borini. Thus resorting to playing Sterling as a striker.


    I understand that there were issues last season, but Rodgers was so hellbent on retaining his system that we ended up dropping results in the first half of the season just because of tactics.

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  73. I was impressed with Gomez' performance and was looking forward to kid's development until BR said he was outstanding twice. Now he is not a kid any more.

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  74. Have to say that whichever way you try and shape it, square or round, what you describe is undeniably true and certainly something I think we'll all be looking to see Brendan change; less stubbornness and more willing to make whatever change needs to be made to get us the points please.

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  75. Yeah, I can confidently say that Rodgers himself cost us the top 4. United were barely keeping by and we still didn't finish above them.

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  76. I think things will be different now we are heading in a "new direction" and with our improved "middle and lower block defending"

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  77. That Joe Gomez looked great in the friendly, super composed, strong and heaps of pace. Seems to be able to position himself well defensively and offers heaps going forward

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  78. Lets hope that ALL the people that called him JFM ,will bow down and apologize .

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  79. Best player on the pitch by far !

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  80. Sounds like we'll be making a fine start and I'm also looking forward to this seasons new set of post-match buzz words.
    Am thinking outstanding should be replaced with resplendent and possibly glorious, peerless, unrivalled, unparalleled and splendiferous could also make an appearance.

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  81. Outstanding it is then

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  82. Give it a break on nit picking over every word Rodgers uses to describe a player will you.

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  83. Moreno had a knock and is still recovering, he should be available for Monday.

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  84. and if JM is frggin' then by default all are friggin' .

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  85. Outstanding in the match he is referring to maybe and not in general terms ;)

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  86. I'm pretty sure that's exactly what BR means when he says a player was outstanding. In fact, you might say he's been under-praising his players somewhat - it's no wonder we only finished 6th last season. He's going to have to lay on the praise a bit more if we're to do better this season. Come on Brendan!

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  87. Players are in the change room , not sitting listening to the manager give his press interveiws ,its only the fans that get all hyped up about BR .

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  88. I thought it was an unspoken known that every time he says outstanding it is in direct comparison to Marouane Fellaini.

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  89. But not Fellaini's hair...


    That is TRULY outstanding

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  90. Ultimately, the players are certainly culpable in last season's results as well.


    However, I felt that the players that failed the most were put in positions to fail.


    It's why I still have hope for a player such as Balotelli this season (if he sticks around). If Rodgers caters to his strengths and plays him as the second striker off a pressing player, I think he will contribute.

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  91. just one word

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  92. Frankie Fletcher2:21 pm, July 17, 2015

    Exactly mate, He will no doubt speak to the players individually and as a group but I highly doubt he just says to a player, you were 'excellent' and leaves it at that (like Jamie seems to imagine) haha

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  93. Who knows maybe that's his tactics?

    If he calls everybody outstanding, everybody will feel that he is, but in fact no-one is

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  94. haha.. looks like Delph's move to City is back on.. who says money doesn't talk.

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  95. At the end of the day what matters is the end product., i think lallana had an OK season (considering his injuries ) but NEVER worth 26m.

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  96. Was considering putting him in my fantasy team, but if he goes to City then no chance. I'm not having a bench warmer in my team.
    In a way I can understand the lure. He's at a mid table club at best (no disrespect intended) and he could be playing for one of the best teams in the country.
    But on the flip side, surely he has to look at Sinclair, Rodwell et al and think "Is that going to be me?". Personally, I think it will.
    Sinclair is at Villa isn't he? Surely that says it all...

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  97. Add Aubamayang and Lacazette, sell the remaining deadwood and call it a day...........

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  98. I don't see how he CAN'T win us the Champions League THIS season. they may as well hand it over now.

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  99. I think that is what Rodgers has in plan for Gomez. He stated after yesterday's friendly that Gomez will not go out on loan and will fight for a first team place. I think what Rodgers is trying to do here is emulate what Martinez did with John Stones.
    First he bought a Championship player and brought him into the first team fold and now after two years of squad rotation, Stones is ready to replace Distin as a first team centre back next season and can become a stalwart for the next 10 years. Clever idea Rodgers to copy Martinez because I have to admit what he did was a masterstroke.

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  100. Looks like Benteke is going to be a Liverpool player something we expected in all fairness, wouldn't be my choice but I don't make the decisions and I would love it if he proves me wrong, as my club will take priority over my opinions. I am liking the whisperings about Menez as he can play anywhere along the frontline, with Ings, Origi, Benteke and Firmino being brought in you would expect Rodgers will see it as enough now Sterling has gone and Balotelli, Borini and Lambert likely to go the same way. I still feel we are a little light weight at Leftback and in the centre of midfield even with the emergence of Can and the addition of Milner, other than that we actually do not look a bad team on paper and the players brought in are a marked improvement on whats been sold or are going to be sold.


    GK Migs, Bogdan
    DF Clyne, Flanagan, Sakho, Moreno, Gomez, Skrtel, Toure, Lovren, Wisdom, Llori, Enrique
    MD Hendo, Milner, Can, Allen, Lucas,
    AT Markovic, Ibe, Origi, Firmino, Benteke, Ings, Sturridge, Sinclair,
    etc....


    We still need a LB and a DM, and in all fairness I wouldn't be apposed to us signing some one like Menez

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  101. I think that is what Rodgers has in plan for Gomez. He stated after yesterday's friendly that Gomez will not go out on loan and will fight for a first team place. I think what Rodgers is trying to do here is emulate what Martinez did with John Stones.
    First he bought a Championship player and brought him into the first team fold and now after two years of squad rotation, Stones is ready to replace Distin as a first team centre back next season (Gomez to replace Skrtel eventually) and can become a stalwart for the next 10 years. Good idea from Rodgers to copy Martinez because I have to admit what he did was a masterstroke.

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  102. With news coming in that personal terms have been agreed and the Benteke deal will be done this weekend, I'm starting to accept and actually get behind the idea that Brendan has perhaps taken on board the notion we can't simply go all out, 100mph end to end attack, in every single minute of every single game and so perhaps, we are looking towards a two-pronged/two teamed type set up, with each to be utilised where/when best suited - having a plan B you might call it.
    The only draw back left then, at least for me, is the price; not only does it seem to undo all the good work, thus far demonstrated by the abundance of free signings and the splendiferous achievement that was the Sterling deal, but the more worrying aspect is simply the sheer amount of pressure, that having thirty two and a half million kilos of expectation on ones shoulders could bring.
    Furthermore, perhaps the looming Belgium acquisition does not necessarily rule out any chance of us still also signing, another different Lacazette-like player as well. Either way though, I'm preparing myself to be delighted and like that most enticing of female undergarments, full of support.

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  103. Ahh the days (or day) when me and Stipe had that debate on Lovren breaking into the team or not. Only time will tell...

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  104. With respect, and somewhat obvious bias, though I don't support them, Brisbane are a pretty good team and a few years ago they sustained playing the world's best football on offer for several seasons. They aren't push overs, so I think that adds some more credit to Gomez.


    We know he's only been at the club a couple weeks but it was nice for once to not see a defender panic and be a complete shambles (Sakho and Skrtel once more on show tonight) or receive the ball on the touch line pass backwards straight away (Moreno).

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  105. 32.5m is awfully expensive on its own, let alone for a Plan B.


    Also, I imagine this does eliminate any other immediate striker purchases.


    Assume Bentek comes in. That leaves us with:


    Benteke
    Sturridge
    Origi
    Ings
    Lambert
    Balotelli
    Borini


    Even if we went out and offloaded the bottom 3, we are too heavy at striker to the point where it's going to become an issue with playing time considering we would have then brought in 4 of 5 players this season.

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  106. Origi keeps him out of the Belgium team, so... Sigh. If he finalises the move then I'll wish him success, of course, but until then, I'm not excited at the prospect.

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  107. When I say plan B, I do mean having that flexibility within a game to change the tempo from an all out attack to 'oh sh8t that's five they've scored we need to change our style a bit' rather than as a completely separate, mainly stay on the bench until needed option.
    Yes though when you list them like that and considering the price it does seem likely that this, if it happens, will likely be our sole striking marquee.
    Unless perhaps the Club are going to really shock us all and sell Sturridge.

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  108. I really don't see Benteke working.

    BR sold AC as he didn't feel he would fit with the way he wanted the team to play which was fair enough, both Balo and Lambert have failed as neither fit the style of our play so why all of sudden should Benteke work

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  109. Me neither really, more at a level approaching acceptance and trying to gee myself up a bit :)

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  110. I really don't see Benteke working.

    BR sold AC as he didn't feel he would fit with the way he wanted the team to play which was fair enough, both Balo and Lambert have failed as neither fit the style of our play so why all of sudden should Benteke work?

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  111. I kind of agree but at some point I have to 'transition' into blind faith and support or I'm just going to be miserable.
    If we all try really hard can we not find a workable vision of a Benteke fronted Liverpool team?

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  112. With a bit of warm drink and a few blankets (it's winter down south) I'll hopefully soon be edging towards that kind of acceptance :)

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  113. To be brutally frank, the club can't sell Sturridge at the moment.


    And I don't want them to because I think that when he is healthy, he's a top 5 striker in the league. Obviously the key words there are "when he is healthy"

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  114. It boggles my mind a bit. Granted, BR did use a biggish 9 at Swansea - forgotten his name, sigh - but Benteke is just so unexceptional a player. One could argue that Ibra is a big striker, but is so awesome skilled that he'll fit in easily.

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  115. BR confirmed that Gomez will not go on loan and will "stay here and compete for a place."

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  116. Uefa will over rule it because he's so good.

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  117. Agreed and it would be a ruthless approach but we know FSG have that in their locker, the *only* way I would even consider remotely accepting that, would be if we brought in Laca as a replacement and even then, I'd still prefer him alongside Studge rather than instead of.
    I'm just trying to think on my feet and adjust to this Benteke situation that now seems very likely to be forced upon us and much like yourself don't really want to accept that this is it - the final summer striking solution and it would be an easier pill to swallow if I can believe that more is still to come, alas though as you say, it probably isn't :)

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  118. I still think you and me will make good friends- just look at me and Jay Jay arguing about Sakho ;)

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  119. Wish Jay Jay would come back. He used to get too annoyed by JK... trick is not to read the article in the first place, I find... just kidding ;)

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  120. I'm reluctantly accepting it, although I still believe Balo should be given a 2nd season to prove himself. are Balo and Benteke much different in terms of how many goals they bring to the team based on their former clubs stats? I see the Balo problem is as much BRs fault as it is Balos. imo we need to give him another chance rather than spending an absurd amount on Benteke - it looks like it too late now in any case... (no pun intended)

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  121. Yeah I really miss him- used to argue about Lovren and Sakho on an article for a week until JK closed it for comments- ahhh those were the days ;)

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  122. I wish he'd copy Martinez and sign John Stones, too. He'd be ideal for us.

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  123. Completely agree. Off the top of my head I think Balo had reasonable stats before joining us although if I remember correctly a fair number of his goals came from pens.
    Definitely rather keep Balo though and the £32million, as you say - for either of them to work really requires BR to get us playing to 'their' strengths and not the other way around. Can he do that being the big question, many will say no he can't and perhaps he would say he can, but for whatever reason not with Balo. Who knows...
    It's not going to make for a restful and content summer waiting to find out though :)

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  124. he also used Borini at swansea :S

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  125. well, he failed with andy, borini, balo, lambert and aspa. 4 of them where 'target men', so stats would suggest that benteke will too be a failure before he's even signed! *i even think i missed a few...

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  126. I was like that when we signed Balo as he is a fantastic talented player.. if you can motivate him.

    Both Mourinho and Mancini as well as numerous World Class Players have said that Balo could be on of the best strikers in the world as he has that ability.. it just well, he is a nutter.

    So I get why BR took the risk but it has failed.

    Now he is going to a even bigger risk by spending twice as much on a player who is not as good as Balo.


    Yes he is a good player that as far as I would go.

    I just can't see it working no matter how hard I try

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  127. Nice idea, but that will never happen at Liverpool. It's never happened before (at centre-back), and I can't see that changing any time soon. Plus, Rodgers won't be at Liverpool long enough to implement it.

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  128. there must be something fundamentally wrong with either his striker training methods or tactics. with luis and daniel being the exceptions (but both had a very maverik style and oozing with natural talent), everyone else he tried has failed and been sent to the wastes...

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  129. Typical Rodgers MO: Promising young attacker grabs two assists = dropped.

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  130. Can't argue with the facts your absolutely right. I do think Benteke is a massive jump up in overall talent over all of those bar Balo though and Balo only escapes the lower group during very brief moments.

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  131. on the pens; i beleive (no stats to prove it and cant be arsed either) we over the last several season hold the highest (or one of the top) amount of pens received. the way we play through the middle is largely with the ball on the ground, running at defenders, is to thank, and therefore Balo would be the ideal person to have on the pitch now sg8 has gone...

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  132. Agree again! Don't think we need stats to remember all those pens we got 2013/14 - not so many last season though, bl88dy refs not playing the game how we'd like them to.
    We also know how 'keen' Balo is to take the pens ;)

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  133. i think Balo is just a very sensitive type, and if he's not feeling the love, he finds it hard to motivate himself. i don't think honestly, that BR is the one to help him through that and bring the best out of him, however, i really hope he does it this term (provided we havent loaned him to an italian club * insert name.......

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  134. and Joe was 'outstanding' in the match against Brisbane this morning - cringe...

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  135. Yep, strangely for someone who you'd imagine visits each corner flag after the match to tell them all individually, what an outstanding game they had, Brendan seems to have made a point of going the complete opposite way with Balo. That to me clearly demonstrated his immaturity as a manager, seemingly more worried about not being seen to be 'soft' than actually doing what was best.
    Also am sure he intentionally dropped him when he was playing well a few times just to try and keep his feet on the ground and if Balo does stay I hope he finds a better way of working with him.

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  136. I love Balo.. not sure why but there is just something about him.


    I really want him to do well this season but for that to happen we would have to change how we play.


    That is why I see no point in spending 32.5mil on Benteke.


    He is not twice the player Balo is and we would still have to change how we play. IF BR is willing to change for Benteke why not for Balo?

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  137. Same, like Balo a lot, don't know why really as he is a bit of a buffoon, actually maybe that's it. Bottom line - very good footballer though... potentially.
    Thing is, if you (and I agree and can see it too) can see why BR took the risk with Balo then we perhaps could flip our view into seeing why, as that hasn't worked out, he would want to pay a bit more to get what he sees as the 'Prem proven Balo, which will work out'

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  138. They see me trolling... ;-)

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  139. my main concern is, as i've stated before somewhere, is; if we have money, then why didn't why buy him before we sold sterling and have him on the pre-season tour so we could integrate him fully before the season begins? since we are only bidding now, for me, it looks like we needed the sterling sale to fund it and therefore, im genuinely worried that we wont have anything left for other important areas that we need to strengthen. i would still be saying the same if it was someone else in that bracket of cost and ability. players like lacazette are a tier above imo, and we would be justified spending that kind of money on them. when you take away qprs 20%, we are essentially spending the same on benteke as man city have on sterling. i don't think benteke is half the player sterling is (potential wise), so we shouldn't be spending more than half the value of sterling.
    anyway -thats enough b*tching from me on that for today :P:

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  140. I'm pretty sure he may already be back amongst us(no doubt it's plainly obvious to everyone else and I've only just cottoned on)
    Won't mention user names though as I'm sure identities have been changed to protect the innocent :)

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  141. i think the main issue there is (and this is purely speculation), Brendon didnt sign him or want him. i think transfer committee perhaps overruled brendon on it...


    and now BR acts like a child and alienates Balo...

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  142. Well, I would of bet somebody else's house on that right up until the Benteke thing has gathered this overbearing pace thus seemingly suggesting that Brendan really did/does want that kind of player.

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  143. either way, he's not leading by example. he hires players or inherits them, gives them one, maybe two games to prove themselves, then if they don't immediately impress, they are outcasted! (of course not with every player -and that in itself show that he favours players on non-footballing reasons, again showing his immaturity as a top manager -just ask agger, reina, etc etc....)

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  144. actually; i wonder now, with gary mac and the other appointments, if BR will spend less time with the players now, and that perhaps resulting in better player management and coaching. gary mac seems the ideal candidate to instil some confidence in balo!

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  145. i dont know if im allowed to post links here but this was just hilarious! :http://talksport.com/football/brendan-rodgers-mash-sterlings-love-money-shows-great-character-150717157897?

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  146. Outcasted you say, well, all I can think of in this case and I'm going to pick a subject completely at random as an analogy to explain it, is this:
    If you went fishing... your ultimate goal would be to catch a fish/win the league (this is going to be ridiculous but that won't prevent me from continuing) So,...no this is too daft.
    Basically, you might need to make quite a lot of casts, with quite a lot of different baits until you get it just right and land the big trophy your after.
    Or, if your a manager with lesser aspirations you could kid yourself that you have a very good chance of catching from within the tree where your rig is, safe in the knowledge it will be a nice relaxing afternoon.
    Hope that clears things up for you.

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  147. Hopefully we will see a better all-round effort :)

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  148. *ed haha, sorry; they will be outcast. i should stop trying to invent new words! :P


    but seriously, so many of BRs signing rarely got a chance if they didn't perform immediately. some players can do something special in their first few matches and are then are given a legendary status.


    great analogy by the way ;)

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  149. That wasn't a pop at your word by the way, I'm not one of these 'spelling police' types, I just saw a dangling related opportunity and went for it :)
    Do agree, many players don't seem to get a fair crack at it, I do kind of think that maybe that's the same at most Clubs though and always assume there could be reasons we don't get to hear about why things don't always work out or players only get limited chances. You just never know what's going on behind the scenes.
    Don't think we're the only ones who would love to see Balo get another shot at it though :)

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  150. For real?! Could we been arguing without me knowing it?

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  151. I'm not too sure and thought from your above posts it was a cryptic suggestion of such. I'm completely confused now.
    I did notice a vote from him not too long ago so don't think he's b8nned or anything, I wasn't party to the thread where the milk turned sour though so don't know how untenable a return would be.

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  152. Well now I'm even more confused- haven't heard from him since he had a go at JK as per Robo Lazars. Dunno what the reason was but I expected him back-don't think an expert like him can keep away from the game for too long. Jay Jay u old dog where r u? :)

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  153. no need to apologise -i thought it was funny. i do like to be a little facetious myself where possible!

    you make a very good point though. we just don't know what goes on behind closed doors. for example, today firmino said that he signed for us as we had spoken to him a year ago and have showed intent. that was well under the radar! -point is; it's good for the club that we and the media dont know, or otherwise we may have missed out on firmino... on the other hand, if we could know what happens, we wouldn't be BS'd to on all this raheem cr*p! -actually i've waffled on and haven't really made a point at all (well certainly not elegantly or articulately anyway)

    the part you mentioned about other clubs doing the same; well, i know under rafa we had a few similar situations, but definitely not to the extent we see under rodgers, and as for the other clubs, i haven't seen too many examples of this at all.

    i still think its largely due to inexperience. i get the impression that, apart from his usual narcissistic tendencies, he tries to relate to the players as if they are his friends (i could be way off the mark, but its my opinion anyways :P ), and if x player doesn't reciprocate that advance, the they will again be ostracised.

    :)

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  154. i think that for Benteke even standing a remote chance of succeeding, we would have to play two up top and adapt our style back to the suarez era and use firmino in the suarez type mold. i think that Benteke should be occupying defenders, whilst firmino, coutinho and lallana/another winger (reus would be nice ;) )taking advantage of the extra space. there would be less goals from Benteke, but more team goals...

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  155. Luca Mattiacci ‏@LucaMattiacci Jul 15

    Luca Mattiacci retweeted Faris Jamal

    Liverpool has offered 65M€ for Reus (15M€ more than Real). Borussia have said to Real that they have to overcome it.







    -please, please be true!!!

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