18 Jul 2015

'Could I replace Sterling?': €20m playmaker responds to Liverpool rumours and confirms he's staying at Inter

Earlier this week, German newspaper Bild claimed that Inter Milan playmaker Mateo Kovacic is available for a cut-price €20m [£14m], which is a significant discount on the £20m fee bandied about for much of the summer. Liverpool continue to be linked with Kovacic, and the Croatian star has now responded to rumours of a transfer to Anfield.

When asked this week about a possible move to Liverpool, Kovacic - who has 'incredible potential' according to Croatia legend Zvonimir Boban - told Gazzetta dello Sport:

"Could I replace Sterling? We have two different roles. It's not for me to say whether there have been any offers from the Reds or not, hopefully that's down to my agent".

Kovacic also emphatically reiterated that he wants to stay at Inter:

"Inter have never said they want to sell me. I want to stay. I will not leave. That's what my renewal until 2019 shows. There will be a long relationship between myself and Inter."

Well, that seems to slam the final nail into the coffin of this particular transfer rumour.

Of course, public pronouncements by players (about transfers) can rarely be taken at face value, and if Liverpool - or some other club - makes the right offer, Inter will almost certainly sell.

It's probably a good idea to steer clear of this deal, though, as there's arguably no space for Kovacic, who - like Joe Allen - is very much a man without a position.

During his career, he's been utilised as a deep-lying midfielder; a number 10 (just behind the striker); a central-midfielder, and a wide-man, and he's (arguably) failed to excel in any one position.

As such, there's no point signing Kovacic unless he has a specific, well-defined role in the team, otherwise he'll end as an Emre Can-style utility man, which will be no good for his development. Additionally:


* Henderson/Milner is Rodgers' first-choice central midfield partnership, and unless one or both of those two are injured (unlikely), they'll probably play most games.

* Ditto Coutinho and Firminho, who will be amongst the first names on the team-sheet.

The leaves precious little room for Kovacic to consistently play in central midfield, or as a number-10, so it's probably for the best that he stays at Inter.

The only type of central midfielder worth pursuing right now is (arguably) a dedicated DM.

Author: Jaimie K


189 comments:

  1. As much as I would like to see Mateo donning LFC shirt, he is just not needed at the moment- ever since Milner signed... Onwards for quality DMC then

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  2. He is a better player than all those names mentioned and far younger than them - bottom line HE DOES NOT WANT LIVERPOOL! !!!

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  3. Why do you persist with this argument that playing a number of roles and positions is bad for a player's development? It's not true, and it's not a matter of opinion. Read some coaching manuals!

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  4. Completely agree - we don't need him right now. As for a CDM, I think Can has to make this position is own. Naturally, he's a box to box midfielder, but if he wants to play in midfield this season I don't think he has much choice. I've barely seen him feature in any supporters starting XI, but this role is his if he has the discipline for it.

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  5. I smell a rat. It seems that none of the reputable UK based reporters have ever been able to dig up any evidence of interest in Kovacic at all. Some have cited sources at the club who say we have no interest in him whatsoever.


    Good player. But I have a feeling he's going to turn out to be one of those names that we are perpetually linked to ad nauseam, like Ardo Turan.

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  6. He is a great player at 21 - would you want to leave a City like Milan to play for BR?

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  7. What is the point of even talking about Kovacic replacing Sterling? They are completely different players. The only player that plays a similar role to Sterling, but is much more explosive and can shoot and finish is Firmino. He can be moved around from attacking midfield to winger to striker. He is on another level than Sterling though.. Go watch some clips and you will understand. He can strike the ball, finish and has more creative zeal.

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  8. Like Coutinho you mean?


    It's irrelevant how good he is or where he lives. The evidence (or lack of it) suggests the club aren't interested in buying him and never were i.e. it's a made-up transfer rumour.

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  9. Milan has its crap areas too, just like any city.

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  10. Uh Coutinho couldn't catch a game for Inter hence being told to go - didn't have the ability to unlock defences in a tough defensive league at the time - Kovacic starts majority of games.

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  11. Agreed Jaimie, defensive midfielder and then I think our work is done for this summer. Sign Illaramendi from Madrid and I'll be chuffed to bits with this transfer window.

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  12. Guys as much as I like Liverpool above other "championship contenders" in England I can't see this squad finishing above 5th.Top 4 clubs wouldn't look at half the players Liverpool are buying.

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  13. Echo reported last day that Benteke will be the last incoming of the summer. Time for you to analyze how the transfer window has gone?

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  14. Man Utd wanted Clyne, Firmino, Benteke and Ings, Man city wanted to keep Milner, Arsenal wanted Gomez. The only one I'd agree with is Bogdan and he's come to be a second choice keeper.

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  15. You have to look at the whole player

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  16. I think it was that secret trip BR took to seal the deal that did it. I would give you all the details of that trip (and others) to back up this transfer story but unfortunately it's a secret so I can't.

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  17. Now you need to realize that both Sakho and Skrtel are currently better than Lovren and you're there...

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  18. You don't sound like you are really trying to see us above those teams, or any team... Kovacic is better than Couts, Firminho, Hendo and Milner? Black tinted glasses?

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  19. Talking of that secret trip it seems it didn't bear any fruits in terms of signings so perhaps it was just merely a holiday.

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  20. You can have not just Couts, but Messi too and still no trophy with Brendan Rodgers. He would lose the final even if all the opponent team is in the hospital.

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  21. Far better - just keep buying 8- 10 new players every season and Liverpool gonna be waiting another 25 years for the league

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  22. Believe it or not this is the season we go back to CL to stay, and we won't have to wait more than 3 years.

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  23. Finish above United possibly - finish above Chelsea ,Arsenal and City??? Come on let's be objective here...

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  24. Sad is that i mean it. I would like very much Bredan to win the Premier League, to celebrate with him on Liverpool's streets. Than to wait for the 20th title. But this is impossible, i am afraid. What bigger chance can offer God than to play a 0:0 with Chelsea, full with players who stayed all season on the bench, Mourinho wantes us champions, for everybody was ok the draw. And what is doing our "outstanding" manager? He would like to win the game, because is not Liverpool's style the 0:0. After 24 years. You can't buy brain.

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  25. the same one you've evidently escaped from

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  26. For Christ sake, we were NOT attacking too much, the goal came after a SLOW possession when we were trying just to keep the ball, not to score. He fcuking slipped, sh!t happens.

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  27. Maybe you. I am polite. I really think that Messi with Brendan Rodgers manager .....sorry i need to laugh here.... :D .....so yes.....would never win any trophy.

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  28. No? Gerrard wanted to give the ball to Mignolet? Maybe you are right.

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  29. Hey you invented this scenario at least give it a happy ending

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  30. Happy ending? An other manager.

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  31. Being realistic

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  32. Doesn't exclude each other.

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  33. Finishing above United is possible because they even though they have bought well, they haven't strengthened in the areas they need most (Striker, Centre Back and GK- If and when De Gea leaves). Schneiderlin is a great player but what can he really offer defensively that Blind couldn't? Schweinsteiger doesn't have the stamina to play 90 mins week in week out anymore and Depay is a winger not a Striker and will spend a lot of time on the bench.

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  34. :) The truth is Chelsea looked not brilliant on that game, but the difference between the two managers is that one is world class, the other.....i better keep silence here.

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  35. This is the main problem. You say that we will be 4th this season. Back to the Champions league. I say the target should be to WIN THE LEAGUE. Than yes, on the end maybe 4th, not a big tragedy. But i do not know....we are small in everyhing, pleased with anything....sadly a small team today.

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  36. I said we will be fourth?!? I said we are surely back in the CL to stay, an that we won't wait for The trophy more than three years. Maybe this season, maybe the third, maybe all three.

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  37. If we are so small why don't you go post about iphones or something, why are you waisting time?

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  38. What's up Picasso? Feeling blue?

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  39. So you think that Rodgers will elevate the Premier League trophy. Correct?No. Think on me in 2018.

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  40. Why? Because i am not pleased with Rodgers? This means i am blue. Interesting logic.

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  41. How many players were bought? 9? All from the Sterling money.Like usually....Torres= Carroll..... Suarez, etc, etc.

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  42. Explain me somebody, please, what is the main difference between Carroll and Benteke.

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  43. Carroll has a big girly pony tail but apart from that they look almost identical.

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  44. I'd say the main difference is, there different people with different names.

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  45. Suarez was bought before Torres was sold

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  46. Pace, ball control, dribbling, build up play, mobility. Carroll might be slightly better in the air but that's marginal. Benteke is on a different level & is better as a lone striker.

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  47. Is he good for the tikitaka?

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  48. I remember Torres was not happy long before he was sold. A little similar situation with Sterling. Than Torres won everything, Premier League, Champions League, Europa League.

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  49. Whatever, but your post implied he was bought with Torres money.

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  50. Is it possible that Brendan Rodgers changed his mind, no more tikitaka, back to the Old English style, balls for the number 9...and goal?

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  51. Joe Allen is nothing like Mateo Kovacic. I'd have Kovacic over Milner any day. Kovacic is a center midfielder, it is joe allen and milner who are the ones without any position. My god, I bet you've never ever seen him play a match.

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  52. Yes ok, but it has been clear that Torres will be sold, so money for a few weeks, i mean. And i remember Suarez was very cheap. I think 22,5 if i remember correct.

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  53. Actually it looks like the sterling money will only buy benteke with about 7 million left over

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  54. Because there's nothing in between those 2 styles is there?
    Its either tiki taka or hoofball

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  55. Bet it wasn't just merely a holiday, surely it would of at least been an outstanding one :-)

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  56. Possible the owners are having more information than you. Possible Balotelli is having already an offer from an Italian side. I mean always at the end of transfer window the + and the - are nearly the same.

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  57. Not sure if everyone knows this but I heard they have the same dad...

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  58. I don't get what your trying to say..

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  59. That the owners do not spend enough.

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  60. We don't actually play tikitaka

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  61. Rodgers said he loves the tikitaka.

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  62. Couldn't really agree with you there but I don't know the figures.I do know that Rodgers has spent a lot of money since he came and I also know that our club was on the brink of extinction before the new owners took over..

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  63. Your just plain wrong. Dalglish wanted to play with 2 strikers, just been appointed, club backed him early in window & original plan was to play both.


    If it was so obvious for weeks, I don't think Carroll would be jumping in the chairmen's helicopter at 11pm

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  64. So you want to say Dalglish intended to play with an unhappy Torres?

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  65. Yeah, but this doesn't necessarily mean that we play it...

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  66. DerBaumMann took the words out of my mouth.

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  67. Pretty sure it's Darovar that has the lowdown on the new style we'll be employing with the Belgium.

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  68. I will probably be shot for this but here goes...


    AC was not that bad. In fact AC had the makings a very good striker.


    He had lots of power, was good in the air, had a fantastic shot and was a good finisher.


    Remember the final against Chelsea, when KD brought him on the impact he had?


    AC's problem was his fitness and the fact that like Balo, we never played to his strengths.

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  69. Anything's possible, utd have reverted back to long ball tactics.

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  70. Ahem brother.


    I am so sick of people trying to claim we were going guns blazing against Chelsea when Gerrard made the slip.

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  71. No.. the difference between the two teams was Chelsea were content to sit back and we were happy attacking but in a control manner.


    If Gerrard hadn't slipped then I suspect the game would of ended 0 - 0 as we neer looked like scoring and Chelsea were more then happy to sit back.

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  72. Has anyone seen Jamie play, because I'm finding it hard to answer this question. I don't think he'd get on with Brendan though if I'm honest.

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  73. I agree with you, the key is fitness. He never makes any runs, there's the infamous clip I think with Hendo when Carroll wad through on goal but never looked like he wanted to run. Too static to play that lone role effectively. Benteke will pull out wide, working the flanks & is an overall better athletic specimen. Carroll doesn't live that pro athlete life which is his downfall!

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  74. If KD promised him a case of Newcastle Brown Ale for ever goal he scored I suspect AC would of won the Golden Boot

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  75. One to avoid he makes Sturridge look robust - bit of a sick note - though on his day i have heard he can be described as outstanding and world class

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  76. I think your right to remind us that AC was/is, actually a lot better than he's commonly and perhaps unfairly, labelled.
    Just trawling the tube for Benteke footage though and have to say IMO, he is definitely a fair few levels above Andy C and I'm really starting to warm to his signing.
    I'm thinking of how it could of been if we'd continued last season along the lines of the Spurs game and if we get Benteke in place of Balo (who yes, I think on a good day is as good as Benteke but as was pointed out to me on here recently, regrettably he just doesn't have many good days) then also, with Ings, Origi and hopefully a 'fit for as long as possible' Studge - we can make 'that' Spurs game a weekly occurrence.

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  77. There are as of yet unsubstantiated reports of him being referred to as the "Scottish Messi"


    I hope the overpraise and the pressure doesn't make him a mercenary

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  78. Right, I can't contain this any longer so I'm just going to go ahead and say it like it is - I've made a complete and in all probability, highly illegal, U-turn and I now rate Benteke extremely highly and very much hope we *do* sign him, even at the £32.5million.
    I think for me a lot of the previously dissuading factor, came from watching him play in a Villa shirt, which by default, was telling my brain he was simply awful but when I re-watch all the clips imagining it's Real v Barca or a greater team like ours, I'm suddenly wondering what all the fuss was about - he really does look an exceptionally good player and think alongside our other top strikers he'll fit our style just fine.

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  79. Whatever you're having, I want a double

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  80. I think Benteke is a good player, I have said this a few times.


    However I do not see him fitting in with our style of play no matter how hard I try and 32.5mil is a hell of a risk to take.

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  81. Only tea and quite strong coffee so far, in all seriousness though - the Spurs game - could that not become a goer with Benteke's inclusion?

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  82. I hope you're right though i do remember saying AC has a good touch for a big man in an attempt to convince myself so I am wary of saying anything about Benteke just yet.

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  83. Don't get me wrong - I'm very much at the hope stage, just changed a bit from 'hope we don't sign him at all'
    Also, I know your not making a direct player comparison as such but wow - Benteke doesn't just have a good touch but is exceptionally good IMO.*
    *The wow may have been slightly over-egging things :)

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  84. Ilija my dear balkan friend, that may currently be the case but it is a new season and a clean slate so let's play the waiting game

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  85. OK, but just don't go the way of hoping our team fails...

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  86. Nema sanse frende... Cak mislim da ce se ove godine sve poslozit- ko god igrao u obrani :)

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  87. I would hate to think JK would be that sloppy right?

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  88. Last season he started 26 of 35 league games. So actually yes, he does.

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  89. Stuart, please don't compare him to Carroll. You have more wits than that.

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  90. JK would walk out on the team if BR called him outstanding. He's legit walked out on a team before!

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  91. Definitely thinking (and a bit like I may have been guilty of doing with Sakho) perhaps some of us have allowed Benteke's physical stature to hinder a truly accurate view of his footballing talents and the more I see, the more I'm wondering: what exactly is it that we think he can't do, because I'd be willing to bet (not with real money) that he can.

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  92. It was a reference to the artist who's name you're referring to yourself as

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  93. Have a look on you tube, its easier.

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  94. Has Benteke cut his ponytail off?

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  95. He also said he loved his ex wife.

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  96. I think we all agree that Benteke is a more talented player than Andy Carroll.


    But I also think we agree that Benteke is of a similar mold to Big Andy, but with better footwork on the ball.


    They are both relatively injury prone. They both score in waves and disappear in waves.


    The biggest difference is that Benteke is simply better than AC.


    But I'm still not sold that's he's the right player right now.


    Higuain would be my choice. Though it sounds like the rumors have cooled over the past couple of weeks for whatever reason.

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  97. Pearls before swine

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  98. New stand is in the process of being built...

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  99. Darovar doesn't rate Benteke. We had a good debate a while back and I'm just waiting for the Belgiun to prove me right. :)

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  100. I am trying not to - honest;-)

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  101. He's like a Sherman tank- strong and mobile, with a lot of pace. TIA and such were selling the idea of Benteke being a one-trick pony when it cannot be farther than the truth... He scores all sorts of goals, imperious in the air, and will give top class centrebacks a run for their money! So in a nutshell, the paranoia surrounding Benteke's quality and lack of diversity is completely unfounded

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  102. Wait wait I still got it- Margaritas ante porcos.
    That latin sure payed off...

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  103. Indeed, but he does have a vision of the way we may play if we get the Belgium and I didn't want to steal his thunder ;-)

    I'm with yourself re Benteke by the sounds of it, I'm seeing him in a different light of late and if it happens, will be looking forward to watching him in an LFC shirt :)

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  104. Have you seen average-Joe's new beard though? I wouldn't doubt a man with a beard.

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  105. Reply been eaten by the automatic comment incinerator - in short I agree on both counts - Darovar does have a good phrase re the Belgium though ;-)
    With you on Benteke too :)

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  106. Yes. The only reason why the club sold Torres was because Chelsea made such a high offer.


    The club has come out and stated so, that the intention was to pair Suarez with Torres, and that Chelsea asked Liverpool for their Torres price and matched it.

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  107. Torres had about to do with those titles as the backup goalkeeper.

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  108. "Do not give what is holy to the dogs"
    Amazing what a varied and interesting education one can glean from a footie forum :)

    What with Robos' full Guernica mention the other day and Ash's Blues I'm learning way more than I ever did at school :)

    I just need to someone to tell me how to correctly use apostrophes now and then I can stop winging it.

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  109. I don't think anybody thinks he's a bad player ,but its a combination of injury record and system suitability that that concerns most,at times under Rodgers we seem to want to walk it into the net and bentke is a more direct player ,what I can't get my he round is a lot of players we are signing are nailed on 442 system players

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  110. Am I out on my own in thinking Carroll is a good player,fully fit in the right system he's as good a forward as most ,the problem Carroll has is like Mr glass his body cannot take top level sport so you will never see the best of him .…...

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  111. I think that's exactly where we're heading - the old diamanté.

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  112. I think these last two games have been good examples of what to expect. Especially the second half of the Thai game, despite the water on the pitch, we still put in quite a few (quality) crosses, and Origi almost scored a few times aside from the corners. Miner got in off a long ball from Hendo, and Ibe/Clyne were really working that right side. Now, it was hardly hoofball and still closer to a possession based attack sprinkled with counters, but the crosses were still quite prominent.

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  113. First, I didn't compare Allen to Kovacic in terms of playing style, so what are you on about? I compared them in the sense that neither has a clearly defined position in their respective teams.

    Second, it's clearly *you* who has never watched Kovacic play. He does not operate as standard 'central midfielder' - in fact, he rarely plays that role for Inter. He's played wide left, as a standard AM, and as a number 10.


    When he first arrived at Inter, he played as a CM; Mazzarri moved him further up the field into an attacking mid role, and then Mancini moved him higher still, and utilised him behind the strikers.


    Under both managers, Kovacic has played wide on the left, too.

    Kovacic is repeatedly moved around to different positions (just as Allen has been, hence the comparison).


    I don't say anything unless I can back it up. Like many fans, I don't just watch English football - I watch several different leagues, and specifically watch games featuring alleged Liverpool targets.

    So again, it is clearly you who has no clue what they're talking about.

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  114. I hope to see a return of the diamanté this season. However, looking at the games in pre season so far he has been reverting to the old 433 for the most part. He played the diamanté for a half against the Thais but against the Roar it was mostly 433. Have to say I'm not convinced at all when we play 433 just doesn't seem to suit our players even though Rodgers keeps reverting to it as it does seem to be his favoured formation.

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  115. Steven Gerrard:


    "I'm starting to feel a little bit sharper, I'm very close to full fitness. (Head coach) Bruce (Arena) was shouting 'how you doing?' from about 60 (minutes) but I was pretending I couldn't hear him and kept looking away.

    "I felt like a kid out there again. I don't want to come off - I want to play as much football as I can. One of the reasons why I've come to this team was to start all the games and play as many minutes as possible.



    If I believed him, and I must, that's just wow...

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  116. Case, in case you are wondering- poslozit means fit in..

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  117. Think there's a case, time and a place for both systems, it will be very interesting to see what he does for the rest of pre-season if/when Benteke joins the team.

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  118. Apostrophes are used when abbreviating two words into one - There is = There's. Was not = Wasn't.
    There, *you're* education is complete

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  119. I'd Google translated it ;-)

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  120. I think he's maybe just a big fan of the Citreon...

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  121. Many thanks :) It was more the knowing when to use one before the 's' - to show possession is it? but also I believe you can sometimes dispense with the 's' and just use the apostrophe on it's own. Brendans' - rather than Brendan's for example.
    Never been too sure though so tend to just mix it up a bit and hope for the best and also I know it's incredibly lazy not to just Google it but wondered if one of you good chaps may show me the way forward :)

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  122. I assumed so I entered the text there myself and poslozit didn't translate...

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  123. Ghost of Suarez4:32 pm, July 18, 2015

    I agree about the kicking mate there are lots of keepers out there better at that. Unfortunately its not something I have seen keepers really improve on as there careers go on (I am not sure why that should be - you practice you get better right?) It seems they are either good with the ball at feet or not, May have something to do with how much they played outfield as kids?? With Migs it it not so much first touch and controlling the ball (he likes a risky drag back when being closed down -not a fan) but it's his aim with the long kicks. I take a little heart in the fact that if you ask most Chelski fans they will tell you Cech's long kicking is awful too and he has got away with it by being excellent in every other department. So I am still hopefully for him....he has all the tools but it's the composure that's key.

    I would be perfectly happy with those three as CM , Can being the more defensive one I think last season should have prepared him for that kind of role a bit more.

    Can't wait to see Firmino....I have been watching him for a couple of seasons and he got 22 goals in 37 matches in 2013/14 not bad for a number 10/split striker in a middle of the road team.

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  124. I believe you only do that if the persons name ends in 'S' such as Rodgers' rather than Rodgers's

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  125. That makes perfect sense, thanks, very much appreciated :-)

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  126. He went through a blue period and was known as a leader of the plastic arts - so a Chelsea fan then ;-)

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  127. Yes to avoid any confusion

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  128. One too many letters there?

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  129. AC' s biggest weakness was his woolly-footed plodding that masqueraded as running. This skill doesn't get better with experience or age. Any opening he had was quickly covered. Benteke is faster and quicker. He's 6' 3" but looks very lean and fit. As long as he stays lean he will be what we want.

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  130. Yep.. One of the things I heard 756 times in the school...

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  131. Maybe he just likes being a train ride from family. Football isn't all there is.

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  132. I am sure he meant every word of it and the huge piles of cash he will earn has nothing to do with it :)


    Just want to say that he deserves every cent and dollar he earns over there...

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  133. No I am with you

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  134. Yet here is the thing.. AC was appluded for the goals he scored at Newcastle and rightly so but he couldn't make the move better club were people are less forgiving.


    AC when fit will do a very good job at West Ham.


    We will have to see if Benteke can make the move up

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  135. One learns something new every day :)

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  136. Is the above even close?

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  137. Completely- although I just found out that my croatian comments don't go into moderation (cue evil laughter)..

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  138. Hahhahahaha... Wouldn't recognize it if I wasn't here all the time, but good enough...

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  139. Too high brow? Usually I just go for the fart and/or kn@b jokes

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  140. I think if I googled klinovi and rupa it would take me to some pretty undecent websites :)

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  141. But I feel so freeee... Do you have a good forum on any of our languages? I've tried a few but it was awful...

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  142. Surprising to hear you use the word 'good' - I'm just glad it hasn't made such a pig's ear of it to cause any offense.
    Just 'Google translate' I use occasionally and like you said earlier it perhaps does a good enough job to get the general meaning.

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  143. Surprising your new found technique can circumnavigate the word filter but my reply was eaten, it went something like:

    Surprising to hear you use the word 'good' - I'm just glad it hasn't made such a pig's ear of it.

    Just 'Google translate' I use occasionally and like you said earlier it perhaps does a good enough job to get the general meaning.

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  144. Hhahaha pripazi Ilija XO

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  145. Ajmo mi oformit neki- Liverpool FC Club Balkans- has a nice ring to it too :)

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  146. Third attempt:

    Surprising your new found technique can circumnavigate the word filter but my two replies were eaten, it went something like:

    Surprising to hear you use the word 'good' - I'm just glad it didn't make a complete pig's ear of it and was just about legible.

    Just 'G$$gle translate' I use occasionally and like you said earlier it perhaps does a good enough job to get the general meaning.

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  147. When Henderson first came to Liverpool he was( and still is) a center midfielder, but Daglish played him on the wings. Did that make him a player with no position?? Or what about Markovic he was played at right wing back and several other positions? Why is that? And my point was that Kovacic is a better midfield player than any midfielder we currently have and we shouldn't leave this opportunity as he is available for 14m.

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  148. Wow, I mean this is days old, so I'm not sure this can be called "news" anymore.
    Still I'm personally glad we're not picking up Kovacic.

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  149. It was for Picasso but then so would fart and kn@b jokes...;-)

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  150. I think in his learning process, Rdgers will try Benteke too. Not ok? No problem.

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  151. Picasso is blue?

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  152. I think he is having no idea. Learning process. Maybe one day.

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  153. This is BS.....There is no way he's even thinking coming her and I am not sure we need him...

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  154. Or further.....he is a waste of funds which could be used for better....

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  155. i think it's you who's having no idea.

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  156. You are free to think what you like. Not i am the man who said will make Liverpool the most successful English team in 5 years.

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  157. Please post me a link in which rodgers said that

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  158. Rodger was their choice.
    Read: "Mr Henry and Mr Werner added:

    "We are eager to commence with our plan, spend time with the organisation, its leadership, its supporters, and the local communities. We will take these steps alongside the club's executives with a shared objective of stabilising the club and ultimately returning Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successful and competing for trophies."
    15.10.2010

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  159. Rodgers is just a toy. Fsg said this in 2010. The five years plan. It's over. And they said something about trophies too. Just read what they said in 2010. I sent for you something. A big lie everything. There are no trophies and nobody cares.

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  160. He had a great run for Newcastle before he was injured and then transferred.

    There's no denying that.


    But as you said, the transition didn't work.

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  161. BR is not at fault for what FSG said FIVE! years ago. Back then FSG knew nothing about football, they thought it's going to be easy and after a few investments the club will pay back everything with CL-money. Unfortunately for them and for us that didn't happen. FSG were disillusioned back then.

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  162. Benteke is not injury prone. His achilles was f***ed because of a bad tackle, not because he stepped on a skittle, like Sturridge would have done.

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  163. He might be a similar mould physically, but is a better physical specimen. I don't like the comparisons to Carroll because he has more to his game than what Carroll does. Being good at the target man role shouldn't instantly make you likened to Carroll. Carroll is lumbersome. Could Carroll score Benteke's goal against Palace? No way.

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  164. Did wonder if that was the case: and did eventually assume that you'd done just that and after double checking that word on it's own, I subsequently saw the light and appreciated the heads up.
    That's why I changed my reply so as not to sound flippant :)

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  165. Ha.


    All the same, here are his prem games played since he's come to Villa:


    2012 - 32
    2013 - 24
    2014 - 26


    I understand that there is some overlap from the achilles season to season, but he's still missed about 4-6 other games per season not related to that.


    Granted, I didn't go into a deep dive here, but on the surface, we can possibly expect him to miss at least 10-15% of the prem season.


    Now that may not come back to bite us because we should have the depth in place, but 32.5m is just sticking out like a sore thumb.

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  166. I believe he's better than Carroll, absolutely.


    I just don't think that the value is going to be there for us. We're signing a good player for at least 10m more than he's probably worth.


    Though that's better than Carroll, who we overpaid for by about 20m.

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  167. Okay, don't doubt a footballer with a beard!

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  168. I think diferently. I think Fsg knew very well the things, it is simple maths. 45000x 60 Pounds =... + Sky+ Liverpool shop+average from selling players=...... Etc, etc.+ manager(salary) At this point they said WE WILL GROW A YOUNG TALENT, WE WILL MAKE HIM THE NEW SHANKLY...you know...people from USA, Holywood. On the end Brendan Rodgers...yes not his fault that Fsg said what they said FIVE! years ago, he has no column because he was not pleased with the strategy to buy just young players, but what we expect from a yesman. How would have been correct? Fsg to buy a lower team and to learn slowly how is the English football, than with experience to buy a bigger Club. But not to start with the best and to be confused. Liverpool FC like things are today is an experiment for them, they try this and this and this...mostly they spend the money after unhappy players like Torres, Suarez, Sterling. And think it is not fair the learning process because they (Fsg and i think somehow enough brain for BR too for this) knew very well how desperate are Liverpool fans for trophies.

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  169. The FIVE! Is intersting here. I think you wanted to put the accent that it was long time ago, so not important today. But i think it is very sad that already 5 years are gone and no trophy.

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  170. Thank you. This injury prone stuff is completely rubbish.

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  171. To be honest we have had one good season under Brendan Bodgers, and only for Luis Suarez and a Mostly fit Daniel Sturridge that most probably would never have happened. Bodgers imo is a championship manager, he`s not good enough for a top four team, would Chelsea, Man U, Man City or Arsenal have employed him has their Manager? That`s the only Question that needs to be asked, so why would he have ever been good enough for LFC, I`m just stating facts, we has Liverpool supporters should demand only the best for our club, and unfortunately we have become a second rate club in transfers, management and most of the backroom staff. The season we sold Suarez to Barca we should have made it quite plain that the conditions of the Transfer would be either Sanchez or Pedro come the opposite way, we had a bargaining tool so why did we not put the pressure on them? I think most LFC supporters would have been quite happy with Pedro coming to Anfield, but yet again I felt we had been let down once again by our incompetent head of transfer negotiations and our poor scouting team. Benteke could be hit or miss in my eyes, that all depends on how our manager sets the formation of the team, I hope FSG are taking note now of how other big clubs are truly successful, from top to bottom only Quality will bring you success, Barca, Real M, even Chelsea have it, because of who their owners put at the helm of thier respected clubs.

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  172. So you drifted from blaming Rodgers not knowing his tactics to bashing FSG.

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  173. I say a manager with column would not accept anything from the owners. This is why Mourinho will never come. Klopp the same. Because they want their way, not to be told them which young player to buy. It is a joke, Aspas, Bellamy, than the Chelsea rejects Joe Cole, Strurridge, this is why i said buy Hazard if you have balls. You said me i am drunk. So this is, i will not answer you anymore, enjoy how you can the football.

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  174. You're aus deluded as some other guy, who couldn't stop posting braindead shit (just like the hazard thing)

    Sorry but i won't stop officially disagreeing with you, as long as you post BS like this

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  175. They've all got the money to do it though. I think we are slowly re-building and I think FSG are doing a very good job in that respect.
    As our finances improve then hopefully our team will too and eventually if management and the others you mention need replacing as well, then so be it.

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