With two wins in two games, Liverpool are off to a flying start this season, but there are several areas of the team that still need strengthening, and with only seven days remaining of the current transfer window, Reds legend Steve Nicol has urged his old club to bring in a minimum of two more players.
Discussing Liverpool's squad last night, Nicol seemed doubtful over the possibility of any further new signings arriving at Anfield before the transfer window closes. He told ESPN:
"I certainly hope they [Liverpool] do [sign more players], and more than one, but I don’t think they will.
"They need another striker to go with Sturridge because who knows what’ll happen with Suarez. And as well as Toure did against Benteke, they still need a centre-back".
I would go one step further and argue that Liverpool actually need FOUR new players, in the following order of priority:
* Centre-Half.
* Goalscoring attacking-mid.
* Striker.
* Dedicated defensive-mid.
Granted, the chances of four new players coming in is slim, but a new central defender and a striker would be a good start, with the other positions potentially being addressed during the January transfer window.
It seems unthinkable that Liverpool will not sign, at the very least, a central defender. With Sebastian Coates injured, Martin Skrtel (also currently injured) is the only first-team back-up available, and his future is by no means guaranteed.
Kolo Toure is playing brilliantly at the moment, but he and Daniel Agger - who is always one bad tackle away from injury - cannot play every game, and they need to come in and give them a rest every now and again.
Rodgers knew about Carra's retirement a year ago, so the club has had long enough to identify potential recruits. As such, if Liverpool fail to sign a new centre-half, it will be negligence on a par with failing to replace Andy Carroll last season.
Jaimie Kanwar
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Discussing Liverpool's squad last night, Nicol seemed doubtful over the possibility of any further new signings arriving at Anfield before the transfer window closes. He told ESPN:
"I certainly hope they [Liverpool] do [sign more players], and more than one, but I don’t think they will.
"They need another striker to go with Sturridge because who knows what’ll happen with Suarez. And as well as Toure did against Benteke, they still need a centre-back".
I would go one step further and argue that Liverpool actually need FOUR new players, in the following order of priority:
* Centre-Half.
* Goalscoring attacking-mid.
* Striker.
* Dedicated defensive-mid.
Granted, the chances of four new players coming in is slim, but a new central defender and a striker would be a good start, with the other positions potentially being addressed during the January transfer window.
It seems unthinkable that Liverpool will not sign, at the very least, a central defender. With Sebastian Coates injured, Martin Skrtel (also currently injured) is the only first-team back-up available, and his future is by no means guaranteed.
Kolo Toure is playing brilliantly at the moment, but he and Daniel Agger - who is always one bad tackle away from injury - cannot play every game, and they need to come in and give them a rest every now and again.
Rodgers knew about Carra's retirement a year ago, so the club has had long enough to identify potential recruits. As such, if Liverpool fail to sign a new centre-half, it will be negligence on a par with failing to replace Andy Carroll last season.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Suarez is off to MADRID BUT BALE is joining MAN U -Just mark the words -this will be massive news tomorrow
ReplyDeleteWHAT??? I don't believe that, are you sure about it?
ReplyDeleteI think Rodgers has decided that there's no need for a DM, Stevie G seems to be earmarked for that role alongside Lucas, with Allen as backup for Lucas.
ReplyDeleteAn attacking mid/left is a must. Another clinical striker for sure is required given Sturridge's propensity for injury.
So - Papa/Sakho/Illori
Mata(loan)
Muriel
That should be within budget
go home RAY your drunk
ReplyDeleteI am t 100 per cent certain but I did break the Carroll to LFC news 48 hours before anyone else - we will see but ITS CERTAINLY VERY LIKELY
ReplyDeleteI think we will sign a CB and LW,
ReplyDeleteWe won't sell to Madrid, and spurs wouldn't sell to united,
ReplyDeleteWhy is BALE returning home from Spain - I am becoming increasingly sure HE IS NOT MADRID BOUND.
ReplyDeleteWell, quite obviously, he is signing for Liverpool.
ReplyDelete1 more Diame (similiar) then we are done ! If is good get rid for those whom dont wan to be here if u know whom i mean....
ReplyDeleteCB - Toby or Sakho or Papa
ReplyDeleteAM - Eriksen or Llajic
DM - Lars Bender or Strootman or Benat
ST/LW - Moses or Muriel or Lamela or Tello
We could sign a few of those within our budget and they'd increase the quality in the squad all over.
Spurs are trying to get a auction to drive the price up.
ReplyDeleteMy paper headline just said Barca trade him with Messi.....hahahaaa we smoke same thing uh ! heheheee
ReplyDeleteLets see whose right later this week - but weve still got BIG BREN - best manager by miles. P S not drunk but a bit daft since birth
ReplyDeleteYou have hit the nail on the had Jamie, Center half, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and striker, what are we fannying around at? We have four potential suitors a CB, Ilori, Toby, Sakho and Papa still no offers, are they out of our price range? No offers for any of the other positions either. Now Rodgers is saying it does'nt matter wether we get anyone in or not. Unbelievable! ever time he opens his mouth crap falls out. Won't get anywhere with the squad as it is.
ReplyDeleteNo he didn't. He said the current squad could do well even if nobody else joined, but the idea was to sign more 1st team players to raise the overall quality.
ReplyDeleteEventhough I don't believe you, you made me pretty excited about the next 48 hours.
ReplyDeleteI tot we are agreed for Messi in this summer and Ronaldo at winter.....Gosh now Bale screwed us up !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletespurs will try to hijack his return too :P
ReplyDeleteThat many players would be hard to integrate now the season has started. I'm hoping for two, both in midfield; need to be squad players who won't be making a stink if they don't play 30 games, because we already have established players in there. Defense we have enough cover, I don't see it as urgent really; I think Wisdom and Kelly will prove their worth this season.
ReplyDeleteI buy it.
ReplyDeleteto be honest roy its out of rogers hands he has to be careful how he words things...he probably would like 3 or 4 players but if he thinks that wont happen he will say we dont need any
ReplyDeletecan any1 plzz tell me
ReplyDeleteis suarez eligible for the cup matches or the cup mathes r also included in his 10match ban?
In other news, Global Cooling has caused Hell to freeze over.
ReplyDeleteIt will count as a game which he misses as part of his 10 game bam.
ReplyDeleteas kolo has shoiwn cb is as much about experience as anything else ...an experienced striker would lead kelly and wisdom a merry dance at cb
ReplyDeleteWe might sell to Madrid, and Madrid have got Bale, so they could move him on. Exactly why Real Madrid would do this is another question.
ReplyDeletethanks mate
ReplyDeletedoesnt matter...after his ban probably will fake his injury....dont count on player dreaming to quit anfield bro
ReplyDeleteSo YOU were the one that put that idiotic £35million transfer into LFC's heads!!!! Wouldn't gloat about it if I were you, unless you got a percentage of the fee.
ReplyDeleteHe left the gas on.
ReplyDeletei stated several days ago i feel our transfer window is over ..i cant see us signing any of the players on that list as much as i would like to at a push i think we may get moses on loan
ReplyDeleteMourhino says he wants 22 in his squad. We've got 33 players (according to LFC website http://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team .
ReplyDeleteLeft sided midfielder and another striker if Suarez goes. Otherwise, there's enough, especially if we can recall players on loan (Coady at CB, Suso up front).
So rumours are going that we are close to signing Moses on loan, to me it's a good deal and gives us more depth, and he has pace and can score goals.
ReplyDeleteI mean this window, to late to buy a replacement don't you think?
ReplyDeleteResults so far: P2, W2.
ReplyDeleteCompared with
Man City: P2, W1, L1.
Arsenal: P2, W1, L1.
Everton: P2, W0, D2.
I agree we may need depth, but the team's playing well and I think all the new signings, including Cissokho, look good.
Not complaining that League Cup match counts, but seems odd. FA doesn't run League Cup so not sure why ban would apply.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's as dire as some are making it out to seem.
ReplyDeleteBut I would like to add more quality in depth to the squad.
Eriksen just doesn't seem like someone who teams are craving right now, for whatever reason. He was supposed to have been gone two months ago. Whether that's due to teams not rating him highly enough or Ajax rating him too highly themselves (or a combo of the two), who knows.
If we get another CB to rotate in, another midfielder, and keep Suarez, I think we will be fine.
Some say four players... but I think if we got two... even if they don't start right away, it would add to the numbers of the squad.
Keep in mind though that if someone comes in, odds are someone else is going out (at least on loan).
Steve Nicol is not a person I will listen to even with his LFC record. This is a man who said Suarez was honorable by completing his part of the deal but seems LFC did without hearing the KOPs side of the story.
ReplyDeletePS of the burning presses meaning this is HOT!! Rooney and Ronaldo to LFC..watch that space
I can imagine Real might have a player or two we wouldn't refuse. How about a straight swap for Bale? :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is dwfinately grounds for concern, but not panic, just yet. If we did sign two more players (CB and ST/AM) thwn i do think we will be set up until January.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is we will secure a CB signature before deadline day, and then bid late to see if we can get something done on Sept 2nd for an offensive option. If that cant be aquired then i think we will strenghtwn up front in january. I get the impression we are not overly concerned with the perceived lack of depth in our offensive line. I think FSG would be more inclined to sanction a loan deal for this area.
I expect a CB to join, but not holding out for that gazebo signing...
Ban applies to all domestic competitions, if it was a european fixture it wouldnt, but any domestic games yes.
ReplyDeleteOzil, Modric, Di Maria, Morata
ReplyDeleteJesus! Hope we don't sign Moses :)
ReplyDeleteI see Ajax have confirmed it was Athletico that was in for Alderweireld. Offer rejected, for now.
ReplyDeleteThink he's on the way to spain somehow...
Why not?:)
ReplyDeleteTo me, we don't need a striker or an attacking mid. As Rodgers has said, it is a left winger we want, so Coutinho can play number 10. We have Suarez, Coutinho, Aspas, Henderson, even Allen or possibly Gerrard moving back into his old position that would be comfortable in attacking mid. I think we could do with pace and goals from the left as Rodgers said.
ReplyDeleteMy priorities would be (1) left winger, probably the biggest signing and possibly would be a regular starter (although maybe not quite as important if it is Victor Moses). (2) Centre back, as back up/competition. I'm impressed with the Toure/Agger partnership but not with any of our other options there at least right now. (3) Defensive mid. but ONLY as back up. Lucas is world class and so important to how we play and I don't know how some don't see that. Even then we have Allen that I would be perfectly happy playing there. He was fantastic until his injury last season, and Henderson and Gerrard could both play deeper if necessary.
Most likely, based on what has been said in Brendan Rodger's press conferences, we will only sign the first two at most. I would be happy with this and even if we don't get anyone, I'd prefer that to getting the wrong players for the sake of it. Without any signings, I'm very, very confident we'll put up a strong fight for top 4 this year, which is the minimum requirement for this season in my opinion.
Brendan is very smart - he will sign at least two this week and one will be someone none of us have guessed so far - I Guess
ReplyDeleteWe need TWO WINGERS LEFT AND RIGHT. Coutinho should play in middle and I have doubt over Aspas and Suarez. Please sign 2 wingers who can have an immediate impact. Yarmalenko and Konoplyanka comes to my mind.
ReplyDeleteWas a joke mate but actually how about the fact that he,s crap :)
ReplyDeleteIf no bids from anywhere else, they will accept it 2 days before the deadline
ReplyDeleteObviously because Jesus is better than Moses
ReplyDeleteHe is kind of crap, will add nothing more than Downing did. Are we really this poor that we have to look for loaners, Cissiko first, Moses and I believe we want Ilori on loan for a season loan with an option to buy and thats what holding that deal up.
ReplyDeleteFirst commandment: thou shall not sign Moses, he,s crap! :)
ReplyDeleteIf Moses gets signed on loan, I have a good feeling that he will play an integral part of LFC's winning revolution. Saving the club money, while identifying great players along the way, is good business. I commend Brandon Rodgers. All we really need at this point (apart from Moses) is a solid CB. The rest can wait till January...
ReplyDeleteworld of difference between 22 good players and 33 crap ones
ReplyDeleteFirst thing that I thought when I heard Chelsea were getting Willian, was not, aw ffs Chelsea are getting Willian, it was, aw ffs we are getting Moses.
ReplyDeleteSome weeks ago, we were after 3 or 4 players, top quality, first teamers, might I add. A couple of weeks ago it was 2 players (sometimes just a centre back). Now apparently, we have enough players and the right players to achieve the club's objective. So which is it? What has changed? Two 1-0 wins, really?
ReplyDeleteI don't blame Rodgers on this one, he is repeatedly being made to look the fool. FSG have not been supportive enough in the transfer market despite stating categorically that we have the financial might to compete with anyone, and Rodgers, being the voice of LFC, is the one that has repeatedly had to back track which, lets face it, isn't his strong point. He's even had to make a veiled public plea for FSG to invest in the squad. Gerrard's made the same public plea.
The next 8 days will tell us everything we need to know about FSG. If the window shuts and we're still in the black, I will be convinced of at least 2 things: FSG were never going to sanction a 'marquee' signing. The Mkhitaryan and Willian episodes, along with the 'early' transfer business, were just a smokescreen for the fans to make it look like they're serious and money is available. Furthermore, FSG still do not understand the football business and what it takes to make the top 4, because I don't understand how a couple of weeks ago we were desperately tring to add top quality players, but now we're actually OK.
When Rodgers fails to achieve the clubs objectives (which unfortunately is a great possibility), it will be inexcusable to blame him, and the players, when FSG failed to spend the money they said they had.
the owners appear content with the squad as it is. the red sox are doing well, and that's the priority. beyond that moving up the table a place is what they are aiming for; sixth looks very good, and fifth is not out of the question. hard to see this squad challenging top four without 3-4 quality signings, which these owners don't have in them.
ReplyDeletePeople said same when we signed Sturridge.... Wouldn't judge to quickly.
ReplyDeleteGames 27(16 off the bench) 10 goals from the wing. If played regularly he can become even better.
ReplyDeletedid you actually mention mata? that too on loan?
ReplyDeleteSorry mate, you can quote his stats all you like, he,s mid table stuff at best, maybe I've been spoilt over the years but i couldn't get excited over this bloke if I'd had a dozen Prozac
ReplyDeleteI can see where you're coming from and I gotta say I share the same point of view. Hope we sign Moses on loan and a CB though. Anything signed over it would be a treat for the fans. Can't figure out why we stopped at just 4 signings that we made at the start and then cooled down.
ReplyDeletea tribute to Kolo Toure (mockumentary)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyK_yq0vkTE
He a good squad player, and good impact sub. :):)
ReplyDeleteI don't have the faith that LFC would be as lucky as it has been in the first two matches and above that the teams we gonna play next are all top teams in the league.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you he's very good single handedly dragged Nigeria to ACoN victory, helped Wigan out of relegation. When given the chance for Chelski has done well & scored important goals. He's nothing like Downing, he's more versatile, more pace, more direct & scores goals. Someone like him is a real diamond in the rough!
ReplyDeleteYes, I also agree, once upon a time Sturridge was considered no good for LFC. This is why I like BR who seems to be developing a keen eye for a player!
FSG are being supportive, the difference is with this window is that Liverpool are no sticking to their valuations.
ReplyDeleteWith what happened under KD FSG are mostly likely fed with being taken to the cleaners are are being much tougher to sticking to their valuations.
As we have seen it would of taken 30mil+ to talk to Willian and he would of not come to us over Chelsea.
Mkhitaryan would not of come to us over Dortmund (lets ignore the fact that his agent would not even let us talk to him)
We met Costa's release clause but he decided to sign a new contract and stay with his club (of course that was FSG fault)
I imagine we have probably make inquiries for a few players but have decided not to pursue them do the the selling club wanting more then what we are prepared to pay, as with happened with a lot of players.
Nobody at the the club has said we don't need players, even BR has stated he would like to make more signings, but they have to be the right signings.
Over the years we have made lots of rash signings (just look at RB record) getting players for a considerable amount and they were crap.
It is about time that instead of rushing to buy anybody we could lay our hands on, we take our time and if the right player is not available then we save our money and wait until they are.
I think you're right about that DM position. I think it's a major achillies heel for us but, with Gerrard hopefully making that position his own this season, I think we'll be okay with Hendo and Allen as backups (especially since I don't see anyone who we can get who's available). CB is an glaring area of need and I think someone will be brought in (probably not anyone the fans want because BR hasn't made one purchase the fans saw coming - but still hoping its Sakho). My biggest concern though is the second half against Villa. They should have scored and we somehow escaped with the 3pts. Whether it was because we needed a quick outlet to the wings (a new winger), a playmaker who could dictate the game (new Attacking Mid), or someone up front who can lead the counter attack better (striker/Suarez) something needs to be evaluated and fixed because while we can get away with the shocking defending we were showing at times against the likes of Villa, team like cheslea and city will not be so forgiving
ReplyDeleteThe owners want to increase their profits. They know the best way to do that is to make Champions League, but they also know that if they spend and don't make Champions League, they'll be left with bloated contracts (like 2 summers ago).
ReplyDeleteIt's a chicken or the egg question and both sides have inherent risks.
Lets hope not. I wouldn't mind seing him get sold, but the owners are afraid to spend now. So the last thing the fans want is to lose a top player, to not replace him. IMO.
ReplyDeleteI think the transfer business is over. The"club" have done well, they haven't improved the squad, they have re-jigged it. They have improved the finances, though.
ReplyDeleteI would believe us selling Suarez to Real although there best be two or three sensational players coming our way or FSG can expect G&H type protests. There is no way in hell though that United will equal or go over 86 million for Bale though. My guess would be Monaco or PSG for that type of money. Citeh too but I can't see Spurs selling to another English club. So I'm biting, but not all of it :-)
ReplyDeletePeople so easily forget about wisdom, Kelly, Robinson, coast and co, always people whinging in the media about young British talent not getting a go.. Well it's time we started using them! If these players have any future at all at Liverpool then it's time a few stood up and were counted. Sterling and ibe can both play left sided attacking mid and they aren't getting any better without any game time. If we are going to spend any more money then spend it on world class talent
ReplyDeleteThere is only one DM in a 4-3-3. In our case that is Lucas. Gerrard's role is to bring the ball forward to the attacking mid or forward players the way Xavi does at Barca. A result of that role is that he doesn't go forward as much as we're used to from him. That cracks me up because you hear the MOTD lads saying that our lack of chances created at Villa is because Gerrard doesn't move forward as much anymore. They just don't understand it. It's a great show but the pundits are all british dinosaurs of football who are still stuck in the kick and rush era. Why Rodgers sticks with Lucas is beyond me though because the role of the DM in this system is to: keep posession, break up counter attacks and link between defence and midfield and Lucas is equally crap at all three of those things. He makes silly fouls all the time, is easily pushed off the ball and he takes so long to pick a pass that he then needs to rush it when he's under pressure which puts the players in front of the ball under pressure as well.
ReplyDeletePity Zouma has signed a new contract. Would have liked him at CB, instead of Sakho who isn't a bad prospect either.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will remain that positive when we miss out on Champion's League football yet again.
ReplyDeleteWell considering I am one of the more realistic Liverpool Fans it will be pretty hard as I do not expect to get 4th place.
ReplyDeleteI hope we do, but so long as we improve upon last season then I will be happy.
Disagree, Lucas is the best we've got in in that regard and he isn't "crap". We aren't playing a 4-3-3, it's actually 4-2-3-1. He is under increased pressure because he only has Gerrard as a partner. There are similarities to the Barcelona system, but we are not replicating it. Lucas is always under the pump because some teams identify him as the player to shut down in our system. Also, no one in the squad will protect the back four as well as Lucas; Allen can't do it, Gerrard can't do it, Hendo isn't suited for it. He does make some silly fouls at times but apart from that I believe every other criticism is far fetched.
ReplyDeleteCool story bro, needs more dragons and shit
ReplyDeleteIf you look at the graphs for the Stoke and Villa games you'll see that Henderson and Coutinho played as high up the pitch as Sturridge with Aspas on the same line as DS. It surprised me when I saw it because I expected Coutinho behind the striker but that's what it showed. Gerrard and Lucas were further back pretty much on the same line too. That's 4-3-3 for you. Anyway, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 it's the same system. Ajax used to play 4-3-3 with Litmanen behind the striker. That meant Seedorf and Davids had to stay behind with Davids the enforcer and Seedorf the distributor. I do agree though that Lucas is the best we've got for this role so of course "crap" is over the top. But in spite of being the best we've got, there are many better out there for that position and it's ridiculous that we never went for a DM in this window. And to make matters worse, we even got rid of Coady and Spearing to leave us completely without cover for a player who's had his share of injuries the past couple of years.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteI agree in that we could of signed a proper back up. Spearing was never fantastic but he can get the job done and I would of kept him around for back up. I don't think there are so many better options out there though to directly replace Lucas. I prefer him over Diame who wouldn't be able to be the main man in midfield, he's just a brute and ball winner, for 3m or something you can't go wrong but he's not that suited for us.
ReplyDeleteI still think it's 4-2-3-1. Henderson is playing right wing in attack but in defence he was tucking in. If it was a 4-3-3 Henderson would be closer to Gerrard and Lucas and the 3 would work in unity, 1 staying back, 2 going up...I prefer 4-3-3 and get what you're saying but the overall shape and the team on paper indicates otherwise, unless I'm missing something, but as you said they are similar systems anyway.
Wanyama? Capoué? M'Villa when he was available. Lassana Diarra currently available at Anzhi, Jucilei at Anzhi too, Seb Roder, Fernando at Porto, Gonalons, Matic - there are quite a few who are not at the biggest clubs and would come to the Premiership given the chance imo.
ReplyDeleteTime s running out and no attacking midfielder signed.Meanwhile Rodgers insists on the value of Borini and the utterly forgetsble Allen who came on against Villa and fell over the ball.this guy cost (depending who you believe 15.million.Unbelievable.he cannot pass longer than 10 15 yards..does not shoot..hence does not score.Why are not going for 1 of the few good midfielderd left????.Coates should have been sold before he got injured....To be fsir Rodgers got it right with Sturridge and Coutinho..but Borinand Alll are to mix metephors punching abov their weight
ReplyDelete