10 Aug 2014

Confirmed LFC XI vs. Dortmund: BR springs big surprise; massive snub for Reds duo?

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has named a very strong side for today's Anfield clash with Borussia Dortmund, and the biggest surprise is that new signing Javier Manquillo goes straight into team, ahead of Martin Kelly, and Jose Enrique.

FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Manquillo, Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Gerrard, Can, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge

SUBS: Jones, Kelly, Toure, Sakho, Coates, Enrique, Lucas, Allen, Suso, Ibe, Lambert

DORTMUND: Langerak, Piszczek, Sokratis, Ginter, Schmelzer, Kehl, Kirch, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Jojic, Ramos

SUBS: Bonmann, Subotic, Grosskreutz, Sarr, Knystock, Bandowski, Bender, Amini, Ji, Hofmann, Immobile

Manquillo aside, this is possibly the strongest team available to Rodgers; the only downside is that Glen Johnson still makes it into the starting XI (!)

As expected, Lovren will partner Martin Skrtel in central defence, and it looks like Johnson will switch to left-back to accommodate Manquillo.

It's no surprise that Daniel Agger is not in the squad; if he's injured, that'll explain his absence, but it's also possible that the Dane is missing due to his apparent desire to quit Anfield. Probable formation:

------------------ Mignolet

Manquillo ---- Skrtel -- Lovren -- Johnson

------------------ Gerrard

--------- Hendo ------------ Can

--- Sterling --------------- Coutinho

---------------- Sturridge

Starting Manquillo is a bit harsh on Enrique and Kelly, both of whom have the right to feel royally snubbed (IMO). It must be galling for those two to work so hard in pre-season, and then be immediately dumped for a massively inexperienced 20-year old who only arrived at the club 5 minutes ago.

That said, both Kelly and Enrique are injury prone, so it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if both are suffering from niggles of some sort. Whatever the reason, it'll be good to see Manquillo in action so soon after signing, and hopefully he'll do well.

Ibe and Suso aside, the bench looks distinctly uninspiring, and right now, it's arguably no stronger than at the same point last season. Granted, Lallana and Markovic are still to return, but the Reds clearly need another couple of signings to bolster the squad before the transfer window slams shut.

Author:


321 comments:

  1. Harsh on Kelly and Enrique? How about harsh on Flanagan who did a good job last season whilst those two were on the treatment table, again.

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  2. Enrique needs games, Johnson needs selling ..

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  3. Thought Flanno was injured.

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  4. Flanagan is injured.

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  5. Ok in that case I stand corrected and it all makes perfect sense.

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  6. Need a keeper for starters with injury to mignolet we will concede more than we score

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  7. At the end of the day, this match is a friendly, Manquillo has come in, Rodgers is giving him a run to see how he goes against a top side, I honestly do not see what the issue is with this. I don't see it as a snub for Kelly or Enrique. The whole idea of pre-season friendlies is to try out different lineups and different formations to see what works, which in turn potentially adds do our flexibility.

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  8. Johnson needs giving away, I dont think anyone would buy him.he cant defend and as for his alleged strong points "going forward" don't make me laugh, he trots past the half way, turns and passes backwards! if he does occasionally play a forward pass or cross 9/10 it will his the first defender! very, very poor. I hope he is just filling a gap at left back until we get the young spanish lad in. I dont know why enrique isnt getting a game though?

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  9. I think Flanno is injured isnt he?

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  10. At least Cissokho and Moses are not there.

    I think we still need to buy a ST, let's say Lavezzi - A Gaitan or Reus, and a LB Blind or Moreno.

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  11. Enrique is a level ahead of Flanagan anyway.

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  12. Enrique not getting a game, because he dared to question Lord Buck, Reina and Agger suffered similar fates .. Buck doesn't do players over 12 years of age ..

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  13. How come you lot always seem to give Martin Kelly no negatives?
    The guy is a DONKEY and offers no offensive threat constantly passes bacl, can't beat a player and gets caught out of position all the time did you watch the Man U game in the USA?


    Martin Kelly is not Liverpool standard and he's done nothing and don't give me the he's been injured story.
    He played a most of the season under Dalglish and was terrible.


    Flanagan does however deserves his place in the squad last season he really came on as a player.
    Johnson seems to be past his best and Enrique clearly isn't going to start games this coming season.


    For me the Centre backs IF we can keep Agger somehow should be
    Lovren Skertel Sakho and Agger...with Full backs of Manquillo Flanagan Monreno and Enrique.


    My worry is the Goal Keeper I don't rate Mingonlet at all can't catch a cross, gets rumbled under pressure from a opposing striker as well.
    Brad Jones is awful, we need a better Keeper to pressure Mingolet.


    The Midfield seems there are enough options and sufficient quality.
    The area that worries me is the Strikers and I'm going to say it if no one else will ...Ricky Lambert is NOT Liverpool Quality.
    He's slow relies on the ball being played to his feet, he can't beat a player and doesn't track back or harass enough.
    Brendan's game is based on pressing the opposition, that starts at the front and Lambert doesn't do it .

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  14. Totally agree. Cech would be BRILLIANT, or either of the Madrid backups .. I'd also argue, we are unable to tackle in the middle, only Lucas is a genuine ball winner, and it looks like he's gone too .. 27, ancient for Buck

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  15. Gutted for Suso as I think he adds a lot to the team and more importantly actually deserved a start.


    No Hummels - Injured or is he going to United...Please be injured!

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  16. Snub? No, more of a realisation that both have contributed very little in past 2 years and are on their way out
    Manquillo may have only played 6 first team games but he has played many B games in Spain, and like Origi Liverpool will have reports and videos of him from his junior days onwards

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  17. At least Cissokho and Moses are not there.

    I think we still need to buy a ST, let's say Lavezzi - A Gaitan or Reus, and a LB Blind or Morenoo.

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  18. Not all that keen on Studge starting, it just seems a little risky, unless of course he's taken off early.

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  19. Not Lavezzi, he's not a striker. Alexandre Lacazette would be a better option IMO. I assume for A Gaitan you mean Nicholas Gaitan, he's overpriced 30m and 29 years with a not great scoring output. Reus would be ideal but it doesn't look like he's moving.

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  20. Johnson is only in the team until Moreno arrives next week. I am sure he is destined to be dumped anytime in the next few weeks. I can't see any other reason why we would sign Manquillo, with Flanagan and Kelly also available. If Johnson stayed until January wouldn't he be available on a free?

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  21. Lacazette good enough, Gaitan is an amazing player and we can him for less. He's not just a scorer he's an natural amzing fluent creator.

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  22. I agree with EVERYTHING you say. I'd add a need for a defensive midfielder, if/when Lucas (an experienced player) is sold

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  23. Maybe I'm missing something, but Manquillo playing isn't a snub to Enrique they are RB and LB respectively. Playing Johnson though is a huge snub to Enrique, a move that makes no sense at all to me. Manquillo going straight into RB at least means Johnson's first team days are done. If we can get Moreno signed then that will be that. Hopefully QPR come on for him. I hope what I've read about a Moreno deal involving Suso as well is bull.

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  24. Enrique is decent, he's been unlucky with injuries. But Buck clearly doesn't fancy him.

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  25. That will be the case all season, he's too injury prone to depend on I'm afraid :(

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  26. If i was LFC manager... My first buy of the summer was a staright to the first team top DM.

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  27. Big season for Coutinho, Stirling, Lallana and Markovic are all clear threats to his progression. He needs to score a lot more ..

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  28. Yeah you're right George I'm not questioning Brendan but so far I can't make out how the team are expected to play

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  29. So we will have our first chance to see Lovren and Manquillo. Would much rather have Enrique at LB. Johnson is a passenger and not sure why Rodgers is picking him. Let's see how Skrtel and Lovren do as a CB pair.


    Going to be a really good match and with a very strong starting eleven it has the feel of more than a friendly!

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  30. But whose out there if Lucas goes?

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  31. Not many, I like Vidal, but too expensive, I also like the Columbian DM at the world cup, and another Southampton player, Wanyama. De Jong short term?

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  32. My worry is always when we concede. We seem to fall apart INSTANTANEOUSLY :(

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  33. De Jong is interesting. I would have gone for Kheidira before the world cup or plash for Vidal. Otherwise if you look well enough you can find them.
    I generally liked Parejo and Firmino also.

    Henderson is my favorite midfielder in our side.

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  34. A fully fit squad would probably have Lallana starting so maybe Coutinho or Can to the bench. That would be alongside Lambert, Allen, Markovic and Sakho, the rest probably not so impressive. Of course that's an improvement over last season, and we're still looking for another striker. No question, Liverpool are still a couple of players short of where they'd want to be, Rodgers would agree with you on that, but there is already more depth there and more options off the bench.

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  35. Nigel De Jong I suspect is on his way to Manchester United with his his Dutch counterpart Danny Blind due to Van Gal..Those two would be great additions and of course a Striker like Jackson Martinez

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  36. That Vidal link seems like the Agent wants a Bidding War....what I have noticed is that Liverpool are not into Bidding wars which is good and bad

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  37. Damn.. They are loud

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  38. Raheem Sterling = the next big thing.

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  39. On another note, how awesome is it to see the entire Anfield belting out 'YNWA'? Gotta love the Borussia fans. Liverpool looking strong early on, too.

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  40. STURRIDGE! Too cool. Super finish. He deserves a single digit on his shirt.

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  41. How was that pass from Lovren??? Our most important signing of the season!

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  42. @UCK YEAH LOVREN

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  43. Lovren makes our defence look adept :-)

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  44. It's like last season never ended. Brilliant one touch pass for the goal, header from the defender on the corner ... Luis who?

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  45. It is all Gerrard's fault.


    We just need someone at the back who can take the the game by the scruff of the neck. here is hoping Lovren is the answer.

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  46. ME THINKS THEY'RE TRYING TO IMPRESS REUS!!

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  47. Did Koeman rock up to watch Lambert and Lovren thinking it was a Southampton game?

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  48. Gaitan was pretty poor last season. 4 goals in 26 games.
    We have enough creators. Coutinho Sterling Lallana Markovic even Stevie and Ibe. We need a scorer.

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  49. I am just making a point for those who are blaming Gerrard for our defensive frailties.


    I might be counting my chickens but Lovren seems to have the Hyypia feel about him.

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  50. He looks really composed in possession and can distribute very well.

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  51. Great quality for a pre-season game, incredible tempo.

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  52. Crap atmosphere at Anfield. The players' voices are louder than the crowd. Lovren looking good, but still trying to figure out what Emre Can actually brings to the team. He does't effect the game in any discernible way.

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  53. No need for constant negativity

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  54. You mean you're trying to look for negatives in the new recruits because otherwise you have nothing to whinge about. End to end quality football, it's still pre-season, and all you can do is complain.

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  55. Nevergonnacrackthecode12:54 pm, August 10, 2014

    we will give him time no one rated sterling last season

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  56. I'm not saying don't give him time; I'm just questioning what he specifically brings to the team.

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  57. Manquillo also doing very well.

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  58. Nevergonnacrackthecode12:57 pm, August 10, 2014

    in the other pre season games he was good at bringing the ball forward with sudden burst of pace , he is strong as well


    but he is not a cdm like lucas

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  59. Do you not have the same opinion about Allen though?

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  60. Nevergonnacrackthecode12:57 pm, August 10, 2014

    a flangan with pace

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  61. Give him some time to settle, he'll show you what he brings soon enough, don't worry ;)

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  62. Not sure what Rodgers told him but he's giving it a good crack. Not afraid to tackle - the locals will appreciate that.

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  63. Nevergonnacrackthecode12:59 pm, August 10, 2014

    plus the other 5 attackers are all regular last season you can see he is not yet on the same wavelength
    but that is what time will do

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  64. Looks very promising indeed.

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  65. When you are capable of engaging in proper debate without the pointless questions, then I'll respond.

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  66. On second thought - it's obvious what Rodgers told him: here's your chance to show what you've got.

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  67. And what is it Can will allegedly bring to the team?

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  68. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:03 pm, August 10, 2014

    he is good at dribbling , keeping the ball ticking , tactical positioning and very strong on the ball




    see i got this all from a few pre season games and youtube videos , so maybe i am wrong

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  69. Liking this. Stream did not work until 2nd goal. How was DS' first goal. Defense looks solid, Phillipe the magician, Sterling the master. Johnson is showing his usual colours. Moreno cannot come soon enough.

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  70. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:04 pm, August 10, 2014

    i actually thought he was okay johnson

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  71. It is like an opener for the EPL season this match and it is not like we are playing some crappy team. Our energy, pressing and build up play is something to be admired.


    Johnson is the elephant in the room. Hopefully we bring in another LB. Another forward will be needed too.

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  72. Good first half. Look solid in defence, good energy/dynamism from new players. Question is can we sustain for whole season?

    Shame Mignolet's kicking still woeful.

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  73. Where is Flanno?

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  74. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:06 pm, August 10, 2014

    one signing like that gives everyone a boost
    look at arsenal last season hen ozil came initially it was like heaven for them

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  75. such a relatively easy skill to learn too.

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  76. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:06 pm, August 10, 2014

    injured , not specified by rodgers
    but last i saw him he was walking normally

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  77. I'll rephrase that for him: You say Can has no more impact than Allen, but in your opinion, do they operate as the same type of player? If not, how are they different?

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  78. There was one place where he lost the ball and they almost countered. He is too reckless.

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  79. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:08 pm, August 10, 2014

    can't wait to see lallana and markovic with sterling and coutinho
    also give ibe a game

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  80. Did the two managers have a few words before the game? This is great football, not much being held back. Some teams would be a bit more reserved so close to the start of the season but this is a full paced workout. Hopefully there are no injuries to make them regret it.


    This will probably be our starting 11 next weekend. Must be issues with Flanagan and Enrique. Flanno will be fine but at some point Enrique might have to wonder if he'll ever get over these knee issues.

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  81. Lol the same players who have been here all summer. They have played alot. Rodgerz has seen them play. Its the last fixture to look at new players. Anyway its just a friendly.

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  82. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:08 pm, August 10, 2014

    hopefully he takes daniel off now


    give lambert a game

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  83. I wouldn't even say reckless...It's just like he doesn't care one bit. The "risks" he takes shouldn't even be risks with a normal/average player, but he messes it up somehow. He'll go on offensive "dribbles" but end up trying to run through players instead of around them :| .

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  84. The pressing is superb. Rodgers must be sweating on Moreno - I think Liverpool just need to pay a bit extra and get the deal done. There are times when you can have all the best intentions to be smart in the transfer market but when you need a player you have to do whatever you can.

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  85. It's a friendly, it's pretty hard to muster up the standard emotion that translates into atmosphere while it's a friendly. BVB fans may be singing a lot more, but away fans always have that attitude; they consist of the most hardcore fans. The fact that Arsenal fans sing a lot more away than at home is an example of this.

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  86. In Rodgers' system, yes, they play in the same position. When Allen plays, he is usually ahead of Gerrard (either on the right or the left) - so it's not about the type of players they are - Can is playing in the same position as Allen when he plays, and if he doesn't effect the game (like Allen doesn't), then what's the point?

    Liverpool's central midfielders need to have more of a creative impact this season. Rodgers has already set Henderson a 10-goal target, and Can also needs to contribute. He can't just be a passenger like Allen, running around with the ball but rarely making a specific impact.

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  87. Still three weeks left, fingers crossed!

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  88. Great open field pass from Coutinho to Sturridge. Very accurate poke from Sturridge to the only place it could go...past the keeper to the far side netting. Very suarez like.

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  89. Maybe BR wants him to do a specific job.

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  90. 'you're cooler than me'
    -'nah, you're cooler than me'
    'nah nah nah, you're cooler than me'

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  91. Surely BR and his management team should be picking this up as well.

    We can't sustain ball retention, if every time we give Migs the ball its likely to end up giving the ball back to the opposition.

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  92. As i said, he'll show you.

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  93. Good first half. Right nes the end Sturridge went down for a moment...but then he got up and I could breathe again. I hope I'm not like this all season.

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  94. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:15 pm, August 10, 2014

    we are after a big name striker
    i am sure rodgers will surprise us

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  95. Like what? I'm sure Allen has a specific job too, but that hasn't stopped him being relegated to squad player status.

    I doubt Rodgers has relinquished Can of any creative responsibility; that would be negligent.

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  96. So Lucas on - poss injury to Can?

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  97. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:16 pm, August 10, 2014

    oh no lucas is coming on
    why does rodgers keep doing this to me

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  98. So far...strength, size and speed...only one of which Allen brings to the team.

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  99. Another mis-kick from Migs

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  100. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:18 pm, August 10, 2014

    lets try to be a bit more positive

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  101. Glen Johnson was our best full-back last season, doing a job on both flanks, and though he had a dip in form and confidence he remains an accomplished player in a highly technical position which not many spectators understand, and his experience and skill ought to be more widely recognised and valued.

    Excellent performance in the friendly against Dortmund from all concerned. I think fear-mongering about our prospects this season is misplaced if understandable. We've built on a squad which proved itself capable of competing for honours last season and this friendly is proving a useful reminder of the incredible quality of the midfield and attacking options we have established at the club.

    I am looking forward to this year's competition very much. There's a part of me that thinks we are actually going to walk the league, which seems crazy, but we were still growing last season and didn't know how good we actually were. The players are starting on another level now. The more sensible part of me will be happy with another top-four finish, which I think we can legitimately expect to achieve, in what will be another tight season.

    Chelsea have spent to stand still, losing Lampard and Torres and gaining Cesc and Costa, both players whose best days are behind them in my opinion. I think the disruption to their defence in losing Terry (effectively) and Luiz, for all their failings, is going to cost them. Man City remain strong, of course, but I wonder if things will start to get stale for them: is there any room left for their key players to improve? I can't see them doing much better than last season in terms of points and performances.

    Arsenal are an enigma as ever: Sanchez would have been better coming to us, no doubt, and I can't see him improving Arsenal that much. Man Utd, Spurs, and Everton will all find it tough but will surely take points off the top group, even if they don't have the consistency and stability to break through this season.

    It seems to me that Liverpool are the club whose squad is most improved on last season, though we still have a bit of time to go before the window closes of course. I think it's going to be up to the others to match us, and if we can get momentum, and handle the European rhythm well... there's every reason for optimism!

    Right, back to the football :)

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  102. hmm.. let keep positive :-)

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  103. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:19 pm, August 10, 2014

    all out for courtois

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  104. Enrique has looked heavy to me, and even a little lazy when trying to create that extra yard of space for the cross. Needs to sort it out. Johnson is our best LB in my opinion. Plays better on the left than the right.

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  105. maybe it's just half time switching? Nothing wrong with that in the last tune-up match. As much psychological as physical...buy-in from all the players.

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  106. I love hearing all this German being shouted out on the pitch

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  107. Coutinho you little beauty!!!!!!

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  108. Great goal - Sterling /Courtinho combo

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  109. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:21 pm, August 10, 2014

    suarez leaving has opened up new partnerships
    before i dont think sturridge and sterling had much conncetion on the field

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  110. Bring on the 2nd half changes now ...

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  111. Reus and either of those LBs would be just lovely, and represent a successfull transfer window (the sale of Suarez aside).

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  112. Boss, Boss, Boss!

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  113. JK - Can you hear the crowd now :-)

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  114. Skrtel now just because new homie Lovren is next to you, it doesn't give you license to be idiotic.

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  115. Lovely football! There's no way we're making top 4 this season :-)
    Joke aside, can't wait for next sunday!

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  116. Having those three attributes means nothing if they don't combine to produce specific results. Moses had strength and speed, and did nothing.

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  117. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:23 pm, August 10, 2014

    cant wait to see the back of gerrad,lucas,johnson,agger and skrtel
    seen them for too long

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  118. Can Sterling fill that gap left by Suarez? He's showing show great touch and he can make the passes.

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  119. Henderson...this guy will walk across a battlefield scattered with razor sharp blades.

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  120. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:26 pm, August 10, 2014

    we still have not seen iloris how serious is the injury
    dean saunders said it will only take 2 weeks

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  121. 2 things I can already take out of this game.
    1. I have a man crush on Jurgen Klopp
    2. Liverpool and BVB should become sister clubs. We love eachother. Then we can share players...like Reus...

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  122. I think if he puts in the hard graft, he has to potential to be player of the year..

    He will be targeted by defenders, so can he still deliver (aka Messi like) despite all the attention..

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  123. Exquisite one touch play going forward..

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  124. Klopp wants you to go brush his hair with your fingers.

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  125. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:29 pm, August 10, 2014

    jaimie, it keeps on saying i have mail on the side of the comment section

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  126. Hair on top .. or down under.. ?

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  127. He can join me on the nudie run when we sign Reus if he likes...

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  128. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:30 pm, August 10, 2014

    lol gerarrd still learning skills from sterling and coutinho

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  129. What a piece of play.

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  130. Goallllllllllllllllllllllll !!!

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  131. Breathtaking.

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  132. OMG!!! Who needs Suarez?????

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  133. That's exactly what I was thinking. We need to associate in some way. Fan exchange programs, player trades, beer ... it'd work out great.

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  134. I beg to differ vs those who call out Sturridge to be selfish.

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  135. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:34 pm, August 10, 2014

    jaimie
    henderson and coutinho scoring just like you said they should

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  136. Haha I remember that silly debate a few days ago over here

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  137. I'd be satisfied if it were even just beer. Germany beer is tops. So is Irish, of course. Good thing that I have ancestry from both sides.

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  138. BR - bring on the subs pls..

    1. To avoid injuries
    2. Try out the subs bench in front of a full Anfield

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  139. The only reason that's not the goal of the season is because the season hasn't actually started yet. Absolutely amazing. Liverpool football at it's absolute best.

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  140. Left foot cross from Dortmund i'd have expected from Cissoko last yea ;-)

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  141. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:39 pm, August 10, 2014

    henderson is so aswesome

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  142. Future captain..

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  143. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:39 pm, August 10, 2014

    we need some proper songs now just cant get enough is gone


    for raheem sterling

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  144. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:39 pm, August 10, 2014

    or lovren one of them

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  145. Who needs 2 holding midfielders as well? Attacking football like this is the cream of the crop.


    Gerrard is not perfect but we do not have anyone adequate to fill that role as yet.

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  146. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:40 pm, August 10, 2014

    just annoyed rodgers still keeping the good players on
    will never forgive him if naything happens

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  147. Just turned on the match as it's on early in the USA. Looks like Dortmund is playing at half speed. And our boys are playing well. Obviously the 4-0 score reflects good things for us.


    A few things I've noticed:


    1. The quick passing has been really well done
    2. Lucas performing well
    3. Defense seems to be relaxed and preventing any legitimate threats.


    Granted this is in the 15 minutes or so that I'v seen in the second half.

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  148. weee allll liiiive in a yellow submariiiiiine...

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  149. Everything except the "Lucas playing well" bit. You must be still asleep.

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  150. It's OK, Lovren is cleaning up his mess.

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  151. Klopp touched the sign, and the Dortmund fans sang YNWA, my new fav European team, respect

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  152. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:45 pm, August 10, 2014

    never seen a more impressive debut
    then maniquillo

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  153. I think it is more of a case of cleaning up the leadership issues in our back four.

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  154. Why am I still seeing the name of Glen Johnson in the starting lineup???!!! Arrggghhh!!! How could GJ take away Enrique's LB spot? Another act of unmovable faithful love from LFC for GJ. Talking about LB, read somewhere that Moreno is coming under a part-exchange deal involving Suso. Why nobody rates Suso at the club? I really think he is going to be a really useful squad player. Anyway, this is the only game left before the start of the season, so this might be the reason why totally unproven Manquillo was being chosen to start the game. We are really late in getting adequate replacement for the two full backs and a decent striker. We will have a better idea about our attacking capacity in this match.

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  155. I really like the right flank combo of new RB and Hendo

    Lots of good interchange and understanding.. long may it last :-)

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  156. Lambo needs to score today.... pls pretty pls

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  157. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:48 pm, August 10, 2014

    i wanna see allen play
    lucas is not as good as him

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  158. First day of school let the lad learn something no need to rush him. Glen better watch his back this new kid is quiet impressive. Now we know why BR went for him.

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  159. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:50 pm, August 10, 2014

    ibe needs trust himself more
    it is like what sterling said last year he needs to respect his seniiors but not too much

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  160. I suspect at the end of the day, as good as Suso is, he just doesn't quite fit the kind of football Liverpool need to play. The players that Rodgers has brought in, the fact that Coutinho and Sterling will always play the 10 spot ahead of Suso and now Lallana is there too ... it's a shame but I think Suso just lacks something. I personally can't say what it is but why else would Rodgers constantly circle him and never actually use him? It might just be better for the player to find a home in Spain where the pace of the game might suit him a bit better.

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  161. Official - we now have a new RB who can take on and beat the opposing LB :-)

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  162. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:52 pm, August 10, 2014

    feel really sorry for suso
    i dont know what rodgers has againts him

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  163. Nevergonnacrackthecode1:54 pm, August 10, 2014

    i am buying manquillos shirt ice cool
    this ald

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  164. Admittedly, I am half asleep still so I can't contend your argument

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  165. The main thing he lacks is pace, isn't it? But then also that spark of brilliance that you need to get into the Liverpool first team. He's a good, journeyman footballer -- no more.

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  166. Looks quick and clever, on first viewing. Great to see Enrique back too.

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  167. He is still young and could be much much more.

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  168. Agreed. Coutinho doesn't have great pace either; the difference is, he gets chances to play and establish himself in the team. Suso scored two goals in pre-season, so it's not like he isn't performing well.

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  169. Let's not go there again pls..

    Not comparing the two.. just suggesting neither are first-team starters as they don't contribute to final third.

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  170. Very satisfying display of football for a friendly match. We totally dominated.


    Next up the community shield. Going to be interesting to see how Sanchez adapts to the EPL. Still gutted that he did chose London over LFC.

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  171. Spot on .. esp re Sanchez

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  172. Nevergonnacrackthecode2:08 pm, August 10, 2014

    him and augero are the two best players in the league
    maybe sterling can match them

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  173. excited about lovren great game

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  174. Sterling has REAL potential.. what will set him apart is whether he can still perform after being targeted this year, and have lumps kicked out of him.

    To date, it seems he can handle himself :-)

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  175. Lovren lived up the promise, he just oozed confidence and had no hesitation filling the spaces in front of him. Skrtel looked happier and there were far fewer issues with wing ba

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  176. Nevergonnacrackthecode2:11 pm, August 10, 2014

    coutinhos magic
    hendersons running
    manquillos coolness
    sterlings arrogance
    lovrens confidence


    so much to get excited about

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  177. He'll probably be a city player in a couple of seasons

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  178. I don't think so. I watched pretty much all his games last season. I didn't see anything there. He has a nice all-round game, he's a good player, but...

    Jaimie's comparison with Coutinho below is great, because it shows everything Suso doesn't have. That wild will to win, the next-level vision and awareness, the consistency on the ball. Coutinho might not have great 100-meter pace, but his 5-meter pace is great, and he uses what he has all the time. He's like a maniac, horrible to play against, never gives up, puts everything on the line. I don't think if I was an opposition defender I'd look at Suso with the same level of fear.

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  179. Now, I completely agree with the first 2 paragraphs wholeheartedly. But for whatever reason, not only have I been extremely impressed by Can so far, but

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  180. Solid performance all around . Coutinho . Raheem , Sturr looked really sharp and excellent finish by Sturr . Good quick passing moves with goals from Coutinho ( at long last ) and Hendo . Even Johnson stepped up ! Defence looked much more solid with Migno virtually redundant . What a debut from Manquillo . Shame Ricky didn't have more time but in this team his time will come !

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  181. I'm not sure how it's harsh at all...it's not like he gave Manquillo their lockers and parking spots. He's a new acquisition and this is the last chance to see him before the season begins, I would find it really strange if Kelly was at all surprised.


    Speaking of Manquillo, he was excellent in that game...I think he can and should walk right into the side if he keeps playing like that, and his arrival plus GJ's contract situation might just light a fire in Johnson to get going a little bit. Manquillo defended well and with intensity, he showed speed and athleticism going forward and was very neat on the ball. Lovren I also thought was outstanding...he broke up so many plays before they got started and generally defended very well, and I spent a lot of time watching him off the ball, his movement and anticipation is first class.


    Great performance out there - very nice to see so close to the season, goals from 4 different players and great defending, overall we were comfortable. Wonder what JK thought of it..

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  182. Nevergonnacrackthecode2:13 pm, August 10, 2014

    Manchester is not good enough for his wife

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  183. how on earth does a bit-part bench player from Atletico play that well barely a week after arriving in the country?

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  184. Nevergonnacrackthecode2:14 pm, August 10, 2014

    reminds me of coutinho
    he just came in and showed his skills

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  185. Give the kid a break players often develop their games at different rates but his skill level is above journeyman i think you need to look again.

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  186. Is that you Faith???

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  187. Nevergonnacrackthecode2:15 pm, August 10, 2014

    in three years time we will sell manquillo for 40m to real madrid

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  188. They could take Johnson off our hands....

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  189. Emre Can will take care of the tackling in the middle, and Coutinho puts in a great shift in that regard as well. He doesn't always tackle, but he does nip in and steal the ball off of people pretty effectively.

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  190. He has been lucky to have had Luis as a mentor .... if he carries on like this he will be a 50 million squid player in a season or two and he is only nnnnnnnineteen !

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  191. Yep, 27 is ancient, which is why he bought a 32 year old.

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  192. Or be the big club we once were and dominate domestic and European football so much so we sell players for big money towards the end of their careers.

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  193. Fear factor? If you're scared of an opponent you may as well pack your bags and go home. There are glimpses of David Silva in Suso's play and his treatment/management by Rodgers has been incredibly poor. He performed well in every small chunk of minutes he got. Sub after sub and who comes on? Allen and Kelly...


    The team that played tonight (possibly swap Can for someone else) is our best team. Lallana and Markovic seem like 45 Million pound squaddies. Suso deserves a go and for no good reason he got shunned tonight. The only negative, but a big one for me.

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  194. ok ok...did we do enough to convince Reus to come?

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