In what is sure to be welcome news to a lot of Reds fans, Liverpool are reportedly former Chelsea defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic, and the club is considering making a bid during the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola today:
"Befica's Nemanja Matic is on the radar of Liverpool, who may attempt to sign the Serbian star during the January transfer window.
"Liverpool scouts have watched Matic on several occasions, but the only concerned may be the price tag, which stands at €35m".
Liverpool were linked with Matic in the months leading up to the last January transfer window, but at the time, the midfielder's Agent, Dejan Mitrovic, dismissed any possibility of a move. He told O Jogo:
"He wants to play at least two seasons at the highest level at Benfica before considering other scenarios"
In August, fellow Serb Mateja Kezman heaped praise on Matic, claiming that he's one of the best players in the world. He told A Bola:
"If Gareth Bale is worth €100 million, then Matic is worth €50m or more. There are not many like him. He's one of the world's best defensive midfielders. He is tall, strong, has technical ability and all the qualities that make him a top player, and he's ready to play in the best leagues in Europe. He's fantastic"
Like Kezman, Matic spent some time at Chelsea earlier in his career, and when asked recently about the possibility of a return to Stamford bridge, the 6'4 star suggested that he'd consider it. He told reporters:
"Someone like Mourinho wanting me to go back to London would be a chance to prove I can play in the Premier League, but I want to achieve more at Benfica.”
If Liverpool have genuinely scouted Matic, then it appears that Rodgers is aware that Lucas needs some genuine competition, and that in and of itself is a good thing. The Brazilian is a quality player for the Reds, but the club is desperately crying out for a more physical, athletic presence in the centre of the field, and Matic certainly fits the bill.
Lucas's recovery time continues to be an issue: when a player goes past him in midfield, he doesn't have the speed or the mobility to track effectively, and I=instead of chasing someone down over 10-15 yards and snapping at heels, he often gets left behind, which opens up space. Basically, once you're past Lucas, he's out of the game.
I'm not suggesting LFC should dump Lucas, but (IMO) he needs to be replaced in the first team for a while. Liverpool's midfield is often overrun in games, and the gap between defence and midfield is sometimes so big that opposition players have all the time in the world on the ball, especially in the second half of games.
€35m, though? It's probably safe to predict that LFC will not spend that kind of money on a defensive midfielder (!), but that extortionate fee is probably wishful thinking on Benfica's part.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola today:
"Befica's Nemanja Matic is on the radar of Liverpool, who may attempt to sign the Serbian star during the January transfer window.
"Liverpool scouts have watched Matic on several occasions, but the only concerned may be the price tag, which stands at €35m".
Liverpool were linked with Matic in the months leading up to the last January transfer window, but at the time, the midfielder's Agent, Dejan Mitrovic, dismissed any possibility of a move. He told O Jogo:
"He wants to play at least two seasons at the highest level at Benfica before considering other scenarios"
In August, fellow Serb Mateja Kezman heaped praise on Matic, claiming that he's one of the best players in the world. He told A Bola:
"If Gareth Bale is worth €100 million, then Matic is worth €50m or more. There are not many like him. He's one of the world's best defensive midfielders. He is tall, strong, has technical ability and all the qualities that make him a top player, and he's ready to play in the best leagues in Europe. He's fantastic"
Like Kezman, Matic spent some time at Chelsea earlier in his career, and when asked recently about the possibility of a return to Stamford bridge, the 6'4 star suggested that he'd consider it. He told reporters:
"Someone like Mourinho wanting me to go back to London would be a chance to prove I can play in the Premier League, but I want to achieve more at Benfica.”
If Liverpool have genuinely scouted Matic, then it appears that Rodgers is aware that Lucas needs some genuine competition, and that in and of itself is a good thing. The Brazilian is a quality player for the Reds, but the club is desperately crying out for a more physical, athletic presence in the centre of the field, and Matic certainly fits the bill.
Lucas's recovery time continues to be an issue: when a player goes past him in midfield, he doesn't have the speed or the mobility to track effectively, and I=instead of chasing someone down over 10-15 yards and snapping at heels, he often gets left behind, which opens up space. Basically, once you're past Lucas, he's out of the game.
I'm not suggesting LFC should dump Lucas, but (IMO) he needs to be replaced in the first team for a while. Liverpool's midfield is often overrun in games, and the gap between defence and midfield is sometimes so big that opposition players have all the time in the world on the ball, especially in the second half of games.
€35m, though? It's probably safe to predict that LFC will not spend that kind of money on a defensive midfielder (!), but that extortionate fee is probably wishful thinking on Benfica's part.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Fantastic news if we get him!
ReplyDeleteAnyone is good enough to replace Lucas..
ReplyDeleteOf course they are, that's why he has been recalled to the Brazilian squad....!!! Don't forget to take your meds tomorrow before accessing your computer.
ReplyDeletelets sign pogba instead
ReplyDeleteBeast of a player, would love to see him at anfield :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jaime, I have been thinking about this 3-5-2 formation over and over and in my opinion, it really does suit the current squad(or fully fit first 11) better than any other formation. I mean, we have got enough QUALITY centre backs to be a solid defense and, on the day, Enrique and Johnson are fantastic wing backs.
ReplyDeleteAlso consider how up-front, Suarez and Sturridge with Countinho playing the number 10 role. Thats a WOW for me. Gerrard can be fantastic in and around Countinho but unfortunately, I dont think Lucas is good enough for this formation. We need a younger Masch or a younger Hamann here. Although a Veira would be amazing.
Dont get me wrong, Lucas is a very good player but for this formation? I dont think he is. So, for me, if we can replace Lucas with a top class player suited to this formation, I believe we can be serious contenders for the top 2.
Imagine, only one player short of being contenders? Rogers deserves a pat on the back IMHO.
Lucas has quickly become one of the most underrated players on our team.
ReplyDeleteIt seems some people here want to provide competition (which is fine)... but I get the impression more people want him replaced.
In my opinion, this would be a mistake. While he picks up too many yellow cards, he's also the only physical presence we have in midfield and I feel he does a very good job of protecting the back line.
The lack of goals scored against us is good proof of that.
The worst was when he was underrated at the time he was at his best.
ReplyDeleteHenderson did an immense job covering for our defence against Palace. I think Rodgers should persist with Hendo in central midfield. He has the energy and engine to perform for the full 90 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI have been a huge fan of Lucas but it is now time for an upgrade. There are better players out there.
Exactly... and then he got hurt and the team went in the tank.
ReplyDeleteNo coincidence there.
D I A M E!!!!!!!!! About 10 x cheaper than this price. Has premier league experierence, box to box .
ReplyDeleteCrazy spending by clubs like Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea, PSG and Monaco etc are certainly destroying certain aspect of the game. Just because Nemanja Matic won that Primeira Liga poty award, his price tag became 35 mil euro??? EPL experience? 2 games for Chelsea since he arrived in a 1.5 mil pounds deal from Kosice.
ReplyDeleteAny decent footballers today are priced 20+ mil pounds upwards and their weekly wages are almost 3-4 years an average worker would need to slog for. Fans from many parts of the world are indirectly supporting this murderous act by paying exorbitant fees for soccer channels to watch the game. Judging purely by the amount of money involved in the soccer world, Europe certainly looks like it is having a fasting booming economy in the entire world.
I want Lucas replaced by a better player, in fact I want every single player on the team replaced by better players, thats what we should be aspiring to, continuous improvement in every position, only then can we compete fully with the billion dollar teams,
ReplyDeleteOne of our priorities in January also, has to be an upgrade on Brad Jones, he is just not at the level required, if Mig gets injured or suspended I dread the thoughts of Bradser being our last line of defence.
That's the problem. He picks up so many yellow cards because he actually lacks the physical presence.
ReplyDeleteRafael Scheidt was also called up for the Brazil squad...
ReplyDeleteJO !!
ReplyDeleteJO was also called up.
Matic is better.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Adam had PL experience, Ozil doesn't. Diame is nowhere near this guy.
ReplyDeleteNot going happen.
ReplyDeleteCome on pal, put a stronge case forward, I can understand if you referred to the Brazilian team of the past, but currently the are not even a shadow of their past, hence they are ranked 8th in world and still he can only make the SQUAD....does not mean he will play a part!!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Igor Biscan (ex LFC player - nicknamed the walking sleeping bag) was also called by Croatia in 2001......
Jamie, you know my views on this as I have been saying this for ages -
ReplyDelete2 years now. We need a roy keane type player, who for me had everything like Gerrard. Yes he had a very aggressive streak, but it made him what he is....a winner. Even last night on ITV during England's match, you can still see he's tough and no nonsense mentality and expects players to give 150%. Kolo Toure has similar work ethics and credit to him especially at his age to come to LFC and force his authority in defence and set an example for others to follow. We have a great opportunity to get top 4 this season and if we can add and provide serious competition for Lucas in Jan, we may, just may have a chance of finishing higher in the league and progress in the FA Cup.
Just look at what we have achieved so far this season without downing.
Really. shambles of a team. Yeah they're the only tan of recent time to completely humble Spain. World rankings my arse. due to the previous ten years or so but the current squad is as good as any.That enough of a case for you. Ps Liverpool were absolutely flying under dalglish, lucas got inju and then everything went to crap. numbnuts like you can't appreciate a player like lucas because you don't understand his job and how good he is at it.
ReplyDeleteTalk stats, don't live on emotion and remember to take off your rose tinted glasses you got for xmas from Dalglish. People like u have no standards hence why we have not ever lifted the premier league. Happy to get by and big up a player a average player just to make yourself feel better.
ReplyDeleteI would not use such style, but your response forced me to step out of my comfort zone and come down to your level.
And I'm old school who watched Liverpool since the 80's and still don't live in a fish bowl like you.
DELUDED!!
Lfc were flying under Dalglish until lucas got injured....please now I've heard it all.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget your appointment next week with the shrink!! You've defo made my day with that statement.....cannot stop laughing!!
Dont see it happening at that price no way there is some good D.M. a lot cheaper that can add quality to the side.
ReplyDeleteclearly laughing and dribbling due to your IQ being in single figures. Liverpool were comfortably inside the top 4 when lucas got injured after Christmas it all went South. You don't seem to be interested in facts. especially when they make you look foolish. This will be my last reply to you after that pathetic attempt of a comeback. prior to injury lucas was the top tackler across Europe not just the pl. As well as that he had completed passing well over 85% for the season. It is clear to any Liverpool fan worth their salt that a Liverpool team without lucas is a wide open team. palace could of been three all at half time we were that open. You don't need stats for that. Is brutally obvious. Keep your Rose tinted glasses for the 80's because with lucas back in the team and fully fit surprise surprise they are back playing comfortably within the top four. which suits me grand.
ReplyDeleteYour comeback was nearly as good as Dalglish's 2nd spell.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, if lucas was so effective for the team than how is it Gerrard's having to play so deep to bale him out.......hence not playing in his favoured advanced position. The man is draining our resources and our captain. We beat palace last week, by scoring 3 goals and without lucas, so how have we missed him.
Sakho or Henderson would be able to do a better job than lucas and that's just for starters.
I was right about downing from day one when fans like you were banging on about he is great for Liverpool and all.....not heard from them since his departure.
I have your number and look forward to what you have to say when lucas is out of team and out of town, if you have not changed your name by then!!
You really do have a single figure iQ. Gerrard has to drop deep to Bale out lucas. Gerrard is playing deep because of the system and nothing to do with lucas. He no longer has the legs to get up and down regularly hence having to pay a deeper role. add to that the two wing backs bomb on leaving you exposed at the back you need two deep lying Midfielders. It's not rocket science. But seemingly very hard for you to grasp. so much so you believe s Centre half would do better in a defensive midfield position. Well done on your downing proclamation seems like you're living off that and that makes everything you say as gospel. The majority of Liverpool fans know how good lucas is and what is value to the team is. Unfortunately there are a few morons out there, these are the people who originally booed him and are still hoping he falls host to prove them right. Thank god he is clearly proving them very much wrong and thank god brendan rogers is the one in control and not you.
ReplyDeleteRo and Coliemac - please stop the bickering/insults. Debate in a civil manner. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat's right ro I am wrong. lucas is out of the team The results got dramatically worse. lucas gets back to fitness and the results improve. The proof is in the pudding. I accept your apology.
ReplyDeleteYou dont need to keep my using my one liners, you're beginning to sound like my pet. Lets continue this at the end of the season and it will give u plenty of time to think on your feet!!
ReplyDeleteAdios.....
Are you for real. using your one liners. Are you twelve or something. You have a talking pet.... you should go on tour. Also the continuing at the end of the season.... does it not suit you now... seeing as the facts back up my point. The bickering began because your view differed to mine. You asked for facts and you got them. The only problem was you couldn't refute them. Now your asking for time till the end of the season in the hope your proven right. I think I'll be accepting another apology off you then. .. apologies for using your one liners I know you copyrighted and patented them so I won't do that again in the future. see you later sweet cheeks.
ReplyDelete