On Sunday, Liverpool were sabotaged yet again by utterly shambolic defending, and the team's defensive incompetence is now beginning to define Brendan Rodgers' tenure at Anfield. Despite spending almost £70m in the last two years, Liverpool do not have a single (consistently) reliable defender, and the club is reportedly set to take drastic action to improve things at the back.
According to The Telegraph today:
"Brendan Rodgers' search for a reliable back four could spell bad news for 10 outfield players and his two senior goalkeepers..who face an Anfield exit."
The following players are allegedly on LFC's transfer hit-list:
* Toure, Johnson, Flanagan, Jones, Mignolet, Coates, Wisdom, Ilori, Manquillo, Skrtel, Sakho, and Enrique.
I personally don't have a problem with any of these players being dumped this summer.
- None of the 12 are absolutely integral to LFC's forward progress.
- Barely any of them have made a consistent positive impact on the team.
- Liverpool will not miss any of these players if/when they leave.
That said, several may deserve a stay of execution. On a player-by-player basis:
* Toure: A solid squad player, but it'll be difficult for him to maintain a regular first-team place over the next couple of years. His experience and leadership ability can still be important, though. Verdict: KEEP
* Johnson (Value: £10m): A relic of the Benitez era, and a regular defensive liability. LFC should've scrapped him two years ago. Verdict: SELL
* Flanagan (Value: £7m): A solid, no-frills defender who did well last season, but not good enough (attacking-wise) to be LFC's long-term solution at right back. A great back-up option. Verdict: KEEP
* Jones (Value: £1m): Perpetual back-up man. A decent option, but will never be LFC's number one. Better goals conceded/clean sheet stats than Mignolet, but not strong enough to challenge to a top goalkeeper. Indeed, part of the reason for Mignolet's stagnation is lack of credible competition. Verdict: SELL
* Mignolet (Value: £11m): Concedes too many goals; not commanding enough in the box; poor communication; flaps at crosses; poor distribution. There's a reason he's been dropped for Jones, and as Tim Howard suggested recently, there's probably no way back. Verdict: SELL
* Coates (Value: £5m): Will never make it at Liverpool. Too slow for the Prem, and after almost 3 years at the club, he's still no closer to breaking into the first team. Verdict: SELL
* Wisdom (Value: £3.5m): Versatile, and clearly has potential, but for some reason, Rodgers doesn't seem to rate him. Perhaps he'd a viable option under a different manager, but right now, it's not looking good. Will Liverpool suffer without him? No, so it's no great loss. Verdict: SELL
* Ilori (Cost: £7m): Utterly pointless transfer, and a total waste of £7m. That's not his fault, of course, but if Ilori was good enough, he'd be playing for LFC right now. As a comparison: Sterling and Flanagan are younger, and play/played regularly for the Reds. Verdict: SELL
* Sakho (Cost: £18m): Has potential, but just isn't suited to the Premier League (IMO). Superb passing ability, but often creates uncertainty in defence. Seems to lack the confidence to take control of the back-four and be a real leader, which is what I'd like to see from Sakho. Again, will not be missed if he goes. Verdict: SELL
* Manquillo (Value: £5m): Fallen out of favour with Rodgers after what appeared to be a promising start. Hasn't done much wrong, and I don't recall a single goal-creating mistake. Solid, if unspectacular, and will make a decent squad player. Verdict: KEEP
* Skrtel (Value: £12m): Arguably Liverpool's most consistent defender, but as the Arsenal game showed, he is still prone to costly concentration lapses. I'd take Skrtel ahead of any other central defender at the club, but his time is coming to and end, and if a good offer comes in, LFC should take it. That said, if LFC offer him a new deal, then I have no problem with him staying. Verdict: KEEP
* Enrique (Value: £9m): A busted flush. Due to his injury history, he'll never be able to play two games a week, and it's difficult to see what he offers the team these days. Verdict: SELL
Which of the 12 (if any) should stay, and who should be scrapped?
Author: Jaimie K
According to The Telegraph today:
"Brendan Rodgers' search for a reliable back four could spell bad news for 10 outfield players and his two senior goalkeepers..who face an Anfield exit."
The following players are allegedly on LFC's transfer hit-list:
* Toure, Johnson, Flanagan, Jones, Mignolet, Coates, Wisdom, Ilori, Manquillo, Skrtel, Sakho, and Enrique.
I personally don't have a problem with any of these players being dumped this summer.
- None of the 12 are absolutely integral to LFC's forward progress.
- Barely any of them have made a consistent positive impact on the team.
- Liverpool will not miss any of these players if/when they leave.
That said, several may deserve a stay of execution. On a player-by-player basis:
* Toure: A solid squad player, but it'll be difficult for him to maintain a regular first-team place over the next couple of years. His experience and leadership ability can still be important, though. Verdict: KEEP
* Johnson (Value: £10m): A relic of the Benitez era, and a regular defensive liability. LFC should've scrapped him two years ago. Verdict: SELL
* Flanagan (Value: £7m): A solid, no-frills defender who did well last season, but not good enough (attacking-wise) to be LFC's long-term solution at right back. A great back-up option. Verdict: KEEP
* Jones (Value: £1m): Perpetual back-up man. A decent option, but will never be LFC's number one. Better goals conceded/clean sheet stats than Mignolet, but not strong enough to challenge to a top goalkeeper. Indeed, part of the reason for Mignolet's stagnation is lack of credible competition. Verdict: SELL
* Mignolet (Value: £11m): Concedes too many goals; not commanding enough in the box; poor communication; flaps at crosses; poor distribution. There's a reason he's been dropped for Jones, and as Tim Howard suggested recently, there's probably no way back. Verdict: SELL
* Coates (Value: £5m): Will never make it at Liverpool. Too slow for the Prem, and after almost 3 years at the club, he's still no closer to breaking into the first team. Verdict: SELL
* Wisdom (Value: £3.5m): Versatile, and clearly has potential, but for some reason, Rodgers doesn't seem to rate him. Perhaps he'd a viable option under a different manager, but right now, it's not looking good. Will Liverpool suffer without him? No, so it's no great loss. Verdict: SELL
* Ilori (Cost: £7m): Utterly pointless transfer, and a total waste of £7m. That's not his fault, of course, but if Ilori was good enough, he'd be playing for LFC right now. As a comparison: Sterling and Flanagan are younger, and play/played regularly for the Reds. Verdict: SELL
* Sakho (Cost: £18m): Has potential, but just isn't suited to the Premier League (IMO). Superb passing ability, but often creates uncertainty in defence. Seems to lack the confidence to take control of the back-four and be a real leader, which is what I'd like to see from Sakho. Again, will not be missed if he goes. Verdict: SELL
* Manquillo (Value: £5m): Fallen out of favour with Rodgers after what appeared to be a promising start. Hasn't done much wrong, and I don't recall a single goal-creating mistake. Solid, if unspectacular, and will make a decent squad player. Verdict: KEEP
* Skrtel (Value: £12m): Arguably Liverpool's most consistent defender, but as the Arsenal game showed, he is still prone to costly concentration lapses. I'd take Skrtel ahead of any other central defender at the club, but his time is coming to and end, and if a good offer comes in, LFC should take it. That said, if LFC offer him a new deal, then I have no problem with him staying. Verdict: KEEP
* Enrique (Value: £9m): A busted flush. Due to his injury history, he'll never be able to play two games a week, and it's difficult to see what he offers the team these days. Verdict: SELL
Which of the 12 (if any) should stay, and who should be scrapped?
Author: Jaimie K
You could stick ANY defenders and keepers in there, the real problem is the coaching and management!.
ReplyDeleteI like Sakho even though I was against signing him, and Flanagan did enough last year to keep his place in the squad. Of the rest I would stick with Skrtel, and sign a decent DM to protect the back 3/4. If that doesn't work then let them all go, but I think they need a fair chance because Gerrard is pretty useless in that particular role...
ReplyDeleteNothing original in my post I know...
In my opinion:
ReplyDeleteGKs: Both are incredibly error prone and generally don't assert themselves on their defense or against the opposition. I think Mignolet could serve as a good backup, but unless that is the case, sell both.
Toure: Solid defender, despite his aging years. He shouldn't be one of our starters, but time and time again he has proven that he can come in as cover in an injury crisis and serve as a great leader and mentor for the other CBs. I as keep.
Flanagan and Manquillo: Both are very solid defensively and have made good early impressions. Both also tend to lack on the offensive side. However, if nurtured the right way, I see huge potential in them. I would keep both.
(Side note: I see the future of our FBs to be 2 options on each side, one more defensive and one more offensive. We can use Moreno and Flanno on the Left, and Manquillo and a more attack minded signing on the right)
Enrique and Johnson: Both seem past their prime, neither seem close to finding their form again. No doubt. Sell both.
Coates and Ilori: Careers have stalled, and doesn't seem even close to getting on track, certainly not for LFC. Feel sorry for Ilori since he seemed a real gem before his transfer. Sell both.
Wisdom: He's shown plenty of promise, but BR seems to not rate him since he got loaned out the first time. He also seemed to have some future at CB, but he's been moved out to RB for awhile now. I don't want to keep players that won't be played, or congest the RB spot, but even with West Brom he's been playing solid. I'll be boring and say either way.
Sakho: I really like Sakho. I understand he has some flaws, but he seems to be our most capable defender at the moment. If we can find a true vocal leader on the right side, then I say keep. However, with Lovren not being on this list, he might end up being sold.
Skrtel: He's been ever present in our defense despite his individual problems. I might get some stick for this, but I think it's time for Skrtel to go. He's been solid, but he's nothing that we can't replace with someone younger and, frankly, with a more commanding presence. This is our last chance to get some money for him. I say sell, but only if we get a decent price to go towards a younger, more potential version.
Sell:
ReplyDeleteJones, Mignolet (6m), Johnson (3m), Toure (250k), Enrique (3m), Coates (3m), Lucas (6m), Allen (7m), Aspas (4m), Alberto (3m), Assaidi (4m), Borini (7m), & Baloteli (9m). = 55m
Buy: Bernd Leno, Mateo De Scigli, Bernard Malanda, Lucas Romero, Mateo Kovacic, Roberto Firmino & Cristian Benteke.
We could buy the above players by selling the above and putting some money in, and bring in a experienced goalkeeper for back up.
Agree with the author on almost each of these 12 players ...except for sakho n
ReplyDeletetoure as Fsg wont provide funds to bring defensive recruitments...top priority must be to bring a goal scoring/ creating player( like suarez)
Hope lfc bring someone like yarmelonko of Ukraine... Consistent is the word when i see his stats... Really hoped to see tadic or firmino last summer at anfield.
.but never mind....
And tbh wont see this mass clear out
Borini lucas enrique johnson and may be balotelli
I dont think any1 else will be shown the door
Rodgers should try n bring pedro of Barcelona or shaqiri of
bayern On loan
Or try bringing lacazette or mitrovic permanently....
One positive thing is that the recent 3-5-2 formation worked well
Even thoughbwecdidnt win but we completely dominated the game
Rodgers for god sakes dont change this formation every now n then
Anyway let this january transfer window be successful...
Missing the magic of suarez n
sturridge
And the midfield driving runs n long rangers of Gerrard
Hope for the best
#jf96 #ynwa
Jaimie, is there a reason most of my comments need to be reviewed? (not sarcasm) If I did something wrong, I'd like to be notified :D
ReplyDeleteThere's no reason - the word filter just catches legit posts sometimes. it's very sensitive, and is often triggered by seemingly innocuous words. My posts get caught it in too. It's a necessary evil; without it, the site would be overrun with spammers, saboteurs, and snipers.
ReplyDeleteChange in defensive players 'll not change our fortune - BR doesn't know how to build defense, neither knows what he is looking for. For example, can't be that someone a regular starter for France is on "Sell" list, for not making is at LFC. Or Lovren, how can he forget playing, when he was one of the defenders last year?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am sure our problem isn't defense only - there is no combination between GK & back 4, Migo is a great shot stopper, but he is a great GK for 80s. Biggest problem, BR doesn't know how to use a DM - he is trying multiple options with that position & nothing is working. With same players, someone like Rafa would have made a solid back line, linking a quality DM with the back 5.
Flanno, skrtel, wisdom, manquillo, ilori and mignolet should stay
ReplyDeleteis manquillo ours to sell ?
ReplyDeleteI remember there been a list like this in the summer and all of them went on loan. With exception of Pepe and Agger!
ReplyDeleteYup.. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteget rid of rodgers and his landlord gerrard... bring back benitez if he can win champions league with djimi traore he can do wonders with this bunch of krust the clowns!!!!!
ReplyDeleteilori keep skirtel keep toura keep manquili keep sakho keep wisdom keep rest get rid
ReplyDeleteand buy nkoulo un jan
ReplyDeleteI say we keep Sakho, Flanagan and Manquillo and buy:
ReplyDeleteRomero, Cech, Varane if possible (Or Papy Mison Djilobodji), and just try to sign Schneiderlin for as much as possible
oww sak the scouts and transfer comity too
ReplyDeleteI agree on all of those except Wisdom and Manquillo. I'd keep Wisdom and see how he does at right back. Has done well during both loans so far and I dont see enough in Manquillo to justify spending any money on him if we can have Wisdom without spending a penny. I dont recall Wisdom ever putting a foot wrong anyway.
ReplyDeleteYep, he's rock solid as a right back. I'd be gutted if we sell him
ReplyDeleteI would agree with most of the above. However, I wouldn't sell Sakho until he's had a consistent run of games. Indeed, at times, you feel he has a mistake in him, but at his best, he is our most dominant central defender. I would like to see IIori get his chance. How can you scout a player, pay £7M for him, then sell him before he's had a chance to prove himself. In this day and age of so-called advanced player analysis, that's sheer incompetence. .
ReplyDeleteThis brings me nicely to my next point. The only transfer dealing that's an absolute must is: transfer committee out, defensive coach in. When is Rodgers going to learn that buying defender after defender does not solve the problem. Even Carragher admits that the defence was never a focus for Rodgers. That is not the way title winning teams are built. They are generally built from the foundation (defence) upwards.
I think it would be harsh on Sakho, he's had injuries and deserves a run of games. Think if you got better players including keeper alongside him, he could become the main leader in the backline. Also think he'll prove to be handy in oppo box and will start chipping in with goals/assists from set pieces.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
ReplyDeleteSecond that, I think he is so focused on attacking passing style of play he neglects the basic drills with the defense. Of course no way of knowing that is the case, but the assistance of a defensive focused coach would help. Big Sami available....just a thought.
ReplyDeleteBig Sam might be having too much fun at West Ham. Another Sam, however, might be a good shout. Wouldn't it be interesting if Sami Hyppia felt a step back from the limelight would suit him right about now. Also, a successful stint as a defensive coach would do no harm to his chances of becoming a future Liverpool manager.
ReplyDeletehaha that's obviously who i meant....clue is in my spelling. Would not have that other one anywhere near our club, despite how well he doing at moment
ReplyDeleteWe need a new keeper more than anything, how can any of the defenders expect to play well when they know there's nothing behind them. It breeds errors. New keeper, have a go with the new fullbacks and flanaghan again, buy one world class centre half, give sakho a chance to play next to a quality defender and keep toure and skrtel as back up. Dump Johnson on the bench and get him to work on his game, if he breaks back in to the side then great if not then no great loss. It's not worth making 10m on a player who we know on form is good just so we can buy an unproven player for the same amount who'll undoubtedly turn out useless without a decent keeper behind him. Or play glen johnson on the right wing, that's always been his best position anyway.
ReplyDeleteMy abiding memory of Wisdom was, when he had the ball at the other teams corner flag, and somehow worked all the way back into his own half, and passed it to our keeper.
ReplyDeleteJaimie whoever put the values on these players has been celebrating Christmas a tad too early, E:G GJ value £10m, on what planet. ??
Phew, that's a relief! Sorry, I neglected the 'i'. too much focus on the'big'. Hyppia's a great shout, though!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Wisdom so strong. He will become the new Carragher and end up playing CB. He has a bigger presence and intelligence than that provided by Skrtel. I expect Sakho to end the season as first choice CB.
ReplyDeleteManquillo Is on loan, not ours to sell
ReplyDeleteI call this list bullshit.
ReplyDeletesturridge came from chelsea too...
ReplyDeletewas he a legnd
ReplyDeletehe hates chelsea
Trust me, players don't have the energy or time to move to clubs just so they can undermine them.
ReplyDeleteGet rid of Rodgers he is not good enough for LFC. Also the
ReplyDeletethe scouts and transfer committee. After 200 million spent
we should have a great team but we don't.
Wisdom, Flanno, Sakho,Toure, Manquillo and Mignolet as backup to regular first team keeper. I know that is a lot of no frills right backs but Flanno can play both side as Wisdom cam do too as well as full back. That back.five would be pretty sturdy but wouldn't offer much going forward. Sometimes closing up shop is necessary though.
ReplyDeleteGood point.
ReplyDeleteIf lfc ever sign one of theese players:
ReplyDelete* Berahino
*Austin
*Ings
taht has to eb the last step not only with rodgers but with fsg we will riot
We won't. English premium and non are worth it.
ReplyDeleteAndy Carroll
ReplyDeleteRicky Lambert
Charlie Adam (Scottish but same)
Emile Heskey
Stan Collymore (never watched him but apaprently he was bad)
Liverpool have past that suggest they will
I agree. You don't become a full French international without having something to your game. The man captained PSG before he was 20. There's leadership quality there but Rodgers has a glass-eye for nurturing it.
ReplyDeleteHe's built a Liverpool team that will be completely bereft of leaders once Gerrard is gone. Hendo is NOT a leader. Allen? Not even close. Agger had it in spades. Maybe Lovren does too, provided he improves enough to start dominating games and warranting his place in the team.
Plus he has a quality keeper behind him when playing for France. If we get one, plus perhaps another class cb or an existing one improves, we might find a sold base to build from. Sakho is a confidence player for me once he knows manager has trust in him think he can become leader at the back,
ReplyDeleteWhy is Lovren not in the list? SELL him.
ReplyDeleteImo Collymore was class, had everything pace, skill, heading, rocket of a shot & could put a decent cross in! Fowler benifited immensely from him! His downfall was his private life.
ReplyDeleteWell I reckon bringing in Hyypia as a defensieve coach couldnt hurt
ReplyDeleteCollymore was an awesome player. Watch him before you add him to silly lists.
ReplyDeleteManquillo isn't ours to sell
ReplyDeleteSell Sakho and keep Lovren i dont think this list has any credibility what so ever.
ReplyDeleteSo i am led to believe Alberto and Aspas and Assaidi are staying too, yeah right!!!!!!!!!
Sakho, Manquillo, Flanagan, Illori should all be kept.
ReplyDeleteSakho is the only defender we have who can start an attack out of defence. He has made mistakes defensively, yes, but not more than the other defenders. He needs a long run of games before we can really judge him effectively. His strength is needed in the defense.
Manquillo has done very little wrong.
Flanagan is a scouser and knows what it is to fight for the club.
Illori has never played a game for us so he needs to be given an opportunity, plus he's still young.
Toure should be allowed to go on a free in the summer, not sell him in January. I don't rate him, period, but he came on a free and should be allowed to go the same way. Always motioning as if he's telling his defenders to settle down even when he's the one making the errors.
ReplyDeleteThe prices you've put are wrong. Johnson will be leaving on a free, Mignolet will get 10m, Lucas and Allen are both worth keeping, they add to squad depth, Aspas we could get 7m for, Alberto around the same, Borini we can get 10-15m for, Balotelli we could get 10-15 for as well.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Lovren goes, he was dreadful at Lyon as well in case you've forgotten.
ReplyDeleteNo, but we could send him back to his parent club, I say keep Toure, Sakho, Flanagan, Manquillo, Skrtel, Ilori, in fact, Ilori may be our answer for the defensive midfield position, him or Emre Can.
ReplyDeleteYou do realise the scouts are the same scouts that Man City had, we poached the scouts from Man City.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fact that Johnson is coming to within the final 6 months of his contract, which means he will leave on a free.
ReplyDeleteWe won't be making 10m on Johnson as we won't be offering him a new contract on his terms, so he will leave on a free at the end of the season.
ReplyDeleteBut ours to give back to parent club if that is what we wish, however, he is at Liverpool on a 2 year loan, I say keep him.
ReplyDeleteHow can you say the Manager of the Season last season while at Liverpool is not good enough for Liverpool? Or maybe you have a short memory. Yes we have spent a lot of money, any time you spend money on a player it's a risk and this past transfer window, the players need time to adapt, Markovic is only just starting to look settled and good.
ReplyDeleteAgree and Heskey was good as well despite all the naysayers, he was the John Toshack to Michael Owen's Kevin Keegan, Plus he scored a great individual goal against Bayern Munchen in the Euro Super Cup. Rickie Lambert was never brought in to be first choice, he is a handy plan B. Andy Carroll is a good player, just not suited to Liverpool's style of play.
ReplyDeleteAlberto and Aspas and Assaidi last time I checked weren't defenders. This article seems to be focusing on the goalkeepers and defenders.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all your recommendations except sakho: I would keep him along with flanno, Toure and manquillo, the latter of which did get beat like a rented mule in one game I think perhaps Man U..............not sure
ReplyDeleteWhy if you had a real list would not everyone be included.
ReplyDeleteTo everyone on the site i want to wish everyone who has supported all my thoughts a merry christmas and i hope santa brings you something very nice for the rest well santa aint comin to you but have a great christmas anyway.
ReplyDeleteAll jokes aside regardless of your religion or anything else i hope this time is special for you for one reason or another and i hope everyone and their families have a safe and prosperous new year.
Collymore scored some of the best goals you will ever see in a Liverpool shirt.
ReplyDeleteI agree Heskey was good, glad you're one of a few fans to recognise that! Ironically we could do with his bustling hard graft! For all the stick he gets I'd take Heskey over Lambert or Carrol any day of the week.
ReplyDeleteMay be they're still secretly working for Man City.
ReplyDeleteHead says no, heart says yes. My all time favourite player and I'd love to hear his song at Anfield once again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg,
ReplyDeleteAnd a very merry Christmas to you too bro,
Speaking of safe and safety is very appropriate too Greg at this time - I hope anyone caught up in the turbulence (Glasgow or anywhere else) finds their peace soon......
I'll go along with Greg on this and wish all prosperity and good will...
Ditto - YNWA
Yep sell the lot as Jaimie suggests......
ReplyDeleteAnd lets buy a job lot of breezeblocks with fantasy money from this fantasy list - build a nice semicircular wall in front of the goal and see what happens........
......or we could go recruit the four mutant ninja turtles as defenders and their 'sifu' rat thing as a goalie.....
Where can I buy my 'keep sakho' tee-shirt......?
YES BRING HIM BACK,IF WE CAN PURCHASE PAUL INCE WHY NOT TORRES.IF IAN RUSH CAN RETURN WHY NOT TORRES,WITH 50% POSSIBILITIES IS BETTER THAN LAMBERT,BORINI,BALOTTELI.
ReplyDeleteKeep manquillo, and and Moreno for first team, Keep flangan for utilities backup. he can play right and left. Enrique and Johnson can out of team.
ReplyDelete.........................................................................................................................
Skertel , Toure Lovren and shako with backup with Illori. Out coates
.........................................................................................................................
Gerrard ( 2 last season) , pair with hendo and lucas. Out - Allen,
inn eriksen and play suso
.........................................................................................................................
Attacking Roll.. - Markovic , , Cautinho , lallana - Out Assaidi and Luis Alberto
Give - , Ibe and Teixiera
......................................................................................................................
Striker - Stay - Balotelli ( Last chances next season ) , sturridge , sterling..
>>>>> Out - Aspas , lambert and Borini
<<<<< inn - Jackson Martinez and torres
....................................................................................................................
Keeper - don't sell anybody but bring on Ochoa
The only solution is to Sack Roggers
ReplyDeleteI doubt it. These are all under performing players, who we are selling at a low point, or when they are 30 years or older. How can you expect to make profits on these players. It will be a clear out, but I think we will be booking some pretty big losses on the prices we paid for most of these players, just like we did on Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam.
ReplyDeleteTheres two probems defensley first one is skrtel people forget pir defensive record last year was dreadful and whos the constant from last to this year ? Martin skrtel ! Lovren and sakho would do a decent job until he signs someone else to replace lovren . Second problem is the dm gerrard was to slow and couldnt read the game well enough from a defensive stand point. Lucas is doing better but his pace and strength lets him down although he has decent reading of the game. We missed out hugely on song he would of done wonders in the role. Finally in terms of attacking balance hes finally realised lambert is no drogba he cant do the job. Sterling upfront is the best bet atm but when balo is fit i would go two up front balo and sterling until we get sturridge back and then shift balo to the right where he made his name for inter and takes the pressure off. Also joe allen is a squad player at best hes too small nd slow to be a regular first teamer he doesnt have have the technical ability you need to play that role to make up for his height and pace eg. Iniesta modric xavi or even wilshere. Suso anyone ? I guarantee a dozen assists a season compared to joe allens grand total of 0 FACT.
ReplyDeleteThen comes the second problem - why was he bought for 20m?
ReplyDeleteIn case, if you have forgotten, we were EPL runners up, were in CL, had 100mn+ worth of transfer budget, for 20mn, we could have gone for almost any CB, unless listed by the "Big Clubs".
Why did LFC spent 20mn, astronomical figure, for someone dreadful at Lyon as well?
'Apparently he was bad'? Whoever told you that hasn't got a clue. Collymore was absolutely superb for Liverpool, and his partnership with Robbie Fowler was just as prolific as Suarez/Sturridge.
ReplyDeleteFrom 1995-97, Collymore/Fowler grabbed over 120 goals/assists between them. That is an amazing record, and anyone who disses Collymore (as a player) simply has no idea what they're talking about.
Exactly - on individual level, I don't think were lacking talent to drop in bottom half or finish 3rd behind Basel. Besides, even taking out Suarez, we had a very good, if not great team & 125mn+ to spend.
ReplyDeleteWe are missing a modern GK & a DM - in 5 windows, BR couldn't solve that & he can't complain for lack of funds.
SG is our legend, but his vaunted ego is hurting us now. He isn't a player to start anymore, neither a player for 90 min., & even at his prime, he wasn't disciplined enough to play as DM. BR has invented a new football position to accommodate him in starting XI & play full match - Point Guard.
I understand & agree with you, but partially. Stan Collymore was outstanding, in 1995-97. He played only 3 matches for England in that period (who failed to qualify for WC '94), but would have started every match had he been playing for MU.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, I am flabbergasted with British premium - Cole, Johnson, Downing, Lallana, Concheski ... even Henderson was over priced at that time.
I thought I'd hate him together and if he had actually done well, I probably would still hate him, but there's that little bit of me that feels sorry for him, and wants him to do well, especially now he is out of the rent-boy camp.
ReplyDeleteLists like these are put out every year as if someone snuck into BR's house (I suppose it's really Stevie's house) and took a photo of the front of his fridge. Right next to the shopping list is the 'players i'm going to axe' list... It's basically some guy at the Telegraph going "Hmmmm Liverpool look like they need to change their squad, lets compile a list of players that BR is "definitely" listing for transfer, now who have the fans been calling out to see fired....?"
ReplyDeleteUgh, I hate the leadup to silly season.
Anyway, to all JK's readers, wishing you a very merry Christmas, and if you don't celebrate Christmas, please insert non-religious or cultural holiday greeting here.
Peace, YNWA
because Ian didn't brag about his "new club", saying he is now with a bigger club with better players etc etc, after he went...
ReplyDeleteCoates, Illori, Manquillo, Flannagan Kolo and Sakho should stay. The rest should leave.
ReplyDeleteI dont know what Valdes you have been watching, or what Spanish league? Valdes has had to deal with aerial balls pretty much his whole career. Barca play mostly on the ground, yes, but he doesn't defend against Barca attacks, he defends against the other teams, who can't play along the floor because they'll be dominated. 3/4 of the league (probably more like 9/10) have been petrified of Barca and basically park the bus, then start attacking from the wings, where they are weakest, firing balls into the box for someone to hopefully latch on to. Valdes over the last 8 or so seasons has had to constantly command his penalty box, and follow it up with quick, attacking distribution.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes Barca have been shaky in their defensive organisation, but that owes more to the defenders themselves, many being converted midfielders (Busi, Masch, Song) or more attacking minded players (Alba, Pique, Alves, Adriano).
so true...and infact he is free right now, having resigned from his job yesterday
ReplyDeleteLets be honest guys. Torres soccer days are over. Even in the bottom league in English soccer, he would not make the grade. That injury was the last of him. Thanks we got our money for him. He helped us. Torres, himself, knows that. He should join a fitness club just to keep in shape. Time for him to sit on the stands and enjoy soccer with his family.
ReplyDeleteThe present problem on the field is: firstly Liverpool have the worst goalkeeper in the league (Do not buy goalkeepers purely on stats only - biggest mistake). Secondly is defensive midfielders must protect the defense. Here you need players with passion, speed, very high energy and aggressive. Someone who instills fear into opposition. Gerrard was that player. For now Gerrard and Lucas, in truth, the weakness.
ReplyDeleteFlanno deserves his chance when fit, as does Illori. Wisdom I like, just don't see him as being top class at RB or CB.
ReplyDeleteHe cannot attack but certainly knows how to defend
ReplyDeleteThe wrong players were brought in. We need a proper keeper and a dedicated DM. Rodgers works with the players daily, and yet he couldn't see that.
ReplyDeleteHave some respect will you. Emille put in a shift every time he put on the red shirt. He was proud to play for us and significantly contributed to trophy wins. You really are a t***.
ReplyDeleteWell, he doesn't know what he's talking about, as evidenced by many a crackpot post.
ReplyDeleteBalotelli is finished.
ReplyDeleteHere here
ReplyDeletePast being the important word. Lambert? Four million? About right.
ReplyDeletei disagree ,Cech has been a world class goalkeeper for many years
ReplyDeleteMakes about as much sense as something completely daft such as signing Balotelli. Hang on, we did, didn't we?
ReplyDeleteThe word is 'desperation'.
the players you mentioned were not world class when they signed for LFC
ReplyDeletehow can we sell manquilo when he is not our player.shame Jamie that you don't know this yet you are supposed to be the editor.so what do you tell your readers? lies always?
ReplyDeleteSo, we don't want a defence? I know we don't exactly have much of one at the moment, but at least with these players still here, the opposition has something to run around.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep, Toure - no value in selling him, decent back up.
Skrtel - When he is on form he is top class.
Manquillo - Depending on how much he might cost, he could be a good option to have around
Sakho - Still don't get all the hate for him. Ok, he looks like a baby Gazelle, but he is still a good defender.
Probably sell the rest.
Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteAre those your evaluations or the clubs?
We let Reina go for what? £4M? By that reckoning Mignolet's worth £100k at most.
Johnson wasn't worth £5M when we bought him. He's a free agent in summer, so you'd be lucky to get £2M right now.
Manquillo's on loan, so we don't get a penny for him.
You think we're in the running to sign Benzema, but a Torres return is a non-starter???
I'd love to see the world through your eyes.
agreed
ReplyDeleteso Alberto,Aspas,Assaidi has a future i guess....
ReplyDeleteBring hyppia back he couldn't get Brighton to defend what makes u think he could get us to
ReplyDeleteAlegedly by who? You?
ReplyDeleteSkrtel is the common factor in consistently awful defensive displays. He had one good season. Joe (pass sideways and backwards) Allen should be on the out list.
ReplyDeleteThe real problem is who will buy this lot? Liverpool would take a major financial hit when selling them.
This is a typical .coming up to transfer window' media speculation. The reality is that to get rid of these would weaken an already poor squad and there would not be the money to replace them even if there were the players out there
madness
ReplyDeleteWe were never a team, it was all about Suarez, Gerrard and Sturridge.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Greg. Best of the best to you and your family, too.
ReplyDeleteHis armband said he was a red, Torres Torres. You'll never walk alone it said Torres Torres, We bought the lad from sunny spain (Chelsea), he gets the ball he scores again, Fernando Torres, Liverpools (Future) number 9! Make it happen!!!!
ReplyDeleteManquillo isnt ours to keep, he is a loan deal. Flannagan and Skrtel should probably stay. I'd also keep Sakho and Toure. I'd sell the rest.
ReplyDeletetake the zero off the nine and its a more realistic value of these players worth ...i thought sako looked good v the gunners and id shift lovren and skirtel before him ......id add another half dozen players to this list out of are squad and i wouldn't renew Gerrards contact either tuff love is needed to be a top coach thats where rodgers falls down he hasnt the minerals for the big calls
ReplyDeleteFrankly, Andy Carroll was never a 35m player, nor was Stewart Downing ever a 20m player. Is Andy Carroll a 17m player? I don't think so and yet we still sold him for that amount. Stewart Downing is more of a 10m player, or at least earlier in his career. Charlie Adam, we paid 6.75m for him and sold him for 4m, hardly a monumental loss. And all three of these players were bought by Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish, who significantly overpaid. Balotelli has played for a lot of big clubs in his career, have to realise he is still only young, if and when we sell him, he will go for 10-15m and Sunderland among other clubs were willing to pay 14m for Borini.
ReplyDeleteBRING HIM BACK CARN'T be any worse than what we got now.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but that is a ridiculous statement, Suarez and Sturridge scored 50 odd goals between them last season, where did the other 50 odd goals come from? The rest of the team. To say we were never a team, we were the best side in the country and on certain nights like when we smashed Arsenal 5-1, we were the best side arguably in the world. And you know that night, neither Suarez nor Sturridge scored.
ReplyDeleteSturridge scored .. I stand by what I said, thought at the time and think now.
ReplyDeleteIs Lallana really overpriced? Especially when you consider the ridiculous fee that Man Utd paid for Luke Shaw, who is really just starting his career and Lallana is in his prime and has just come off a phenomenal season. Lallana is a player that England don't produce very often, he may not be the fastest player, but he is in the mold of a lot of Spanish players, he is technically very good, especially in close quarters, he is very canny. Name another player England has produced since say Paul Gascoigne who is similar in that regard.
ReplyDeleteA player being given the axe doesn't necessarily mean for sale. The same could be said for Glen Johnson who will be leaving on a Bosman.
ReplyDeleteYou say Sakho is the only defender who can start an attack out of defense, Toure can and has done many a time as well and you are saying we should get rid. I would keep Toure. Toure knows at this stage in his career he won't be playing every game, but he brings consistency and leadership to the table, for those reasons, he should be kept. You say you don't rate him and yet he captained Arsenal to the title and then went to Man City who again won the title, he is a proven winner. And who knows, he might convince his little brother to join us.
ReplyDeleteObviously people have short memories, anyways just to rub salt into their wounds he would choose athletico over us
ReplyDeleteWere you saying the same thing last season when we were top of the table coming down the stretch?
ReplyDeleteBy Torres, do you honestly mean Fernando Torres? You do realise in the past couple of seasons Borini has scored more goals than Torres. Torres is not the answer. Jackson Martinez may be, I personally like Seydou Doumbia, and I would also keep Joe Allen.
ReplyDeleteBrian (the guy below is right) the way they are asked to play obviously has an effect on the defensive part of the game. A defensive coach is needed and the longer Brendan refuses to admit this the more his job will be at risk. Brendan's personal philosophy is we'll score more than you, hence such a great campaign last season, but without the personnel up front this doesn't work. Get a defensive coach in NOW! Carragher would be the fans choice but Sami Hypia is also an option as he's no longer in a job. I think.. YNWA
ReplyDeletehell yes. you listening br
ReplyDeleteFlanno and Sakho?!? If this is true, BR out.
ReplyDeleteyou up for assistant coach jim?Cant agree anymore. i would like Song dor the crunch AND BONY for the bang. get a deffensive coach to sort out our problems and get a decent gk. toatally for ramos. i would keep Lucas on his current form and hell keep Susso and Illori
ReplyDeleteI have to agree overall with the exception of Sakho and maybe Wisdom, I am sure they can get better with a run of games. The important aspect for any defence is a solid commanding keeper behind them, sort that problem out first and the defence will automatically improve. Since Martin Kelly was sold for peanuts he has played every game without injury for Crystal Palace, he's still only 24 and could prove to be a mistake in letting him go.
ReplyDeleteIf he is brought for the same amount we sell Borini...
ReplyDeleteWell said....
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how this is a proper website. I haven't come across a credible article yet.
ReplyDeleteDepending on the financial part of the deal, it could be interesting... Imagine we would just have to pay like 50k a week of his salary. He can't be worse than borini and lambert. I mean how many goals did they score? They scored so few I can't even remember.
ReplyDeleteWe would not loose anything if we loan him until summer. We would buy time, so we could buy a "world class" striker in the summer (like anybod who can score some).
Last but not least, if BR sells borini we need another striker who does not score goals...
Campbell is underrated! Give him a chance and he will become a great player. Would love that transfer
ReplyDeleteNo way he has his day now. It's probably time to hang his boots for good. No way he is going to Liverpool, we need a proven goal scorer not someone who could give us goals.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't sell Sakho. It tends to be that French players need more time to settle into our league and I don't he is there yet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this list. we should also add allen, ballotelli, aspas.
ReplyDeleteSome players to consider are the following (if we can get them of course)
GK: Czech, Ochoa, Leno, koval, Zieler, Khune, Akinfeev,
LB: Alex Sandro, Dodo
CB: Alvarez Balanta, Umtiti, Subotic, Howedes, doria, Papadopolus, martins indi, Nkoulou
RB: Peruzzi, Danilo, Montoya, Sakai, Clyne, Walker, De sciglio
DM: Kondogbia, Romulo, Reyes, Sandro, Song, Lars Bender, Guilavogui
CM: Pogba, Verratti, Romero, Leitner, Kovacic, Gundogan, Pardo, Florenzi, Macarthy, Wanyama, Grenier, Garmash
AMR: Musa, Lacazette, Shaqiri, Lamelea, Lucas Moura, Macmannaman,
AML: Fischer, El Sharaawy, Draxler, Pastore, Reus, Bernard, Insigne, Vitinho, Thauvin, Muniain, Ayew
ST:Iturbe, Mitrovic, Werner, Vydra, Vietto (all youngsters 22 or under)
Beneke, Muriel, Lakakum Ljajic
These players give you the flexibility to play 4-1-2-2-1, 4 -1-1-2-2, and 4 2-2-2. Most are young and will get better as they develop,
My choice is:
--------------------GK (Czech)--------------
Montoya ------- Nkoulou-----Balanta-------Alex Sandro
---------------------Bender--------------
--------Gundogen------- Henderson-------
Shaqiri-----------------------------Reus--------
------------------Beneke---------------------
Rest od senior squad
Koval
Gerrard
Skertel
Sterling (dont want to do a Micheal Owen)
Coutinho
Markovic
Can
Lucas
Lallana
Moreno
Manquillo
My final thoughts are I guess we can only dream!!
Manquillo is a two year loan and would require the payment of a penalty to be sent back early.
ReplyDeleteDitto!! Supporter since 1976 and still ranks as my number 1 moment when he came on as a sub, I had butterfly's in my stomach and cant recall being so excited since a kid...the true second coming!!
ReplyDeleteTorres only did well at LFC because of the link up with Gerrard. Gerrard is not the same anymore so BAD IDEA. Also as a LFC fan board of being told living in the past, these type of stories are all we need!?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Orme. Glad you agree.
ReplyDeleteSame here. Sad to see a hero in the gutter. It would be a mini-redemption story. The fact that Chavski hate him redeems him a little in my eyes, as at least he didn't have the temerity to leave us AND do well for the plastics.
ReplyDeleteYip, really. Suarez thought he was bigger than the club.
ReplyDeleteAs for him leaving us with plenty of time for us to replace him, let's remember that he tried to force his way out for 40 million and one pounds, after which we promptly rewarded him with a huge raise and his dream transfer to Barcelona six months later. This was in between all the suspensions for disgusting behaviour, not to mention the diving (which he stopped in his last season with us, I must acknowledge). The fact that he left us with between 65 and 75m pounds and time to replace him was sheer dumb luck on his part. Hardly heroic.
I'm not calling the other one Saint Torres, but I still have a softer spot for him than for Suarez.
Maybe I'm subconsciously biased.
As for Torres faking injury, I'm not sure where you get that from. He's had multiple knee surgeries and played at the 2010 World Cup before he had fully recovered. If you've ever had one knee surgery you'll appreciate that it can take a lifetime to fully recover from an aggravation.
Tough decision. If we did sign him he could be a flop or he could rediscover his form like when he was with us. However it is probably not best to risk it. Anyway, why sign Torres when we could sign players like Lacazette who are scoring goals right now.
ReplyDeleteThe proof was there for anyone to see while he was at Chelski. He runs about as much as Balo does...and usually it is too late or as an afterthought. Loved him while he was with us, but he has been coasting since he left us and I don't really want him back.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Linu. Exactly my thoughts. El Niño has unfinished business at LFC and may surprise everyone, especially sugar daddy chelski, plastic tin pot football club.
ReplyDeleteMutually exclusive my friend - my comment on Suarez not being injured after said fiasco and then him resuming 2013/2014 and the connection with Torres 'faking injury' - I never meant or said that.....
ReplyDeleteJust said that Suarez never made an excuse not to play - pushed his luck with the 40 + 1 - but played extremely well when caught out nonetheless....
Tell me, which player these days plays only for loyalty of the club - forgive me if I'm wrong but Steven is also playing for a wage - surely he's made enough money from LFC to do it for free; as charity....no?
No. He doesn't, and neither does any other player.....
After the turbulent life I've led dealing with what is classified as human beings, all I'm pointing out is I'd rather know where I stand:
Torres a 'true red' who then proceeded to slate us good and proper after his move....
Suarez, who acted like a dickhead whenever the opportunity arose and never stated or came across as a 'true red'...
I've learned to accept, appreciate and love honesty...
Yep, I know who I'd rather deal with.....
My lengthy reply has gone into some kind of arbitration....!
ReplyDeleteI must have said something to annoy the norse god Jaimie....
Anyhow to summarise - my point about Torres and suarez is mutually exclusive - Suarez is a knob but doesn't hide it and Torres is a knob and does....
Injury has nothing to do with it feigned or otherwise - keep torres out of the equation when I say Suarez never made an excuse not to play by feigning injury even when his failed attempt at 40 + 1 was foiled......nothing more, nothing less....
After the life I've led I know I'd rather deal with misguided honesty than pr bull****.....
thank you and merry christmas....
Two replies have gone to arbitration....!!!!
ReplyDeleteCheck em out when they come through...if ever...!!
They're quite good ;-)
In the meantime merry christmas....
Jay Jay, I've just seen sixth sense on tele.....
ReplyDeleteOld sheikhyy baby may have a point; what if our defense see 'dead people' on the pitch and chase them while the 'real' ones score the goals.....
Only saying man.........
This has got to be Brendan trying to slit his own throat, I can't see any other reason to bring him back.. Maybe Brendan doesn't like to quit, so he's trying to get himself sacked...This whole transfer committee bull has to shoulder some of the responsibility. AC Milan have him for two years for free and they don't want him, hell chelsea have hundrfeds of millions ion him for fee and wages, they are willing to give him away for free.... More importantly, why would Torres want to come back to na club he tried desperatrely hard to get out of, nah, it don't make no sense...He can't score goals, we already have those players here..... This has to be a ruse, we are in for Eden Hazard and we don't want anyone to become wisew to it, so we go with the Torres farce..... Yep! thats what I'm sticking with......
ReplyDeleteNO NO NO NO NO NO won't happen Thank God.
ReplyDeleteThe two strikers who should be considered to come in January:
Should be strikers similar to D Sturridge(25) who will offer team the same mobility, pace, speed and threat in attack:
1: P Aubamayeng(25) Of Borussia Dortmund for £12-£17M
OR
2: L Adriano(27) Of Shakhtar Donesk for £7M in January or sign him on Pre contract to get on free in Summer.
The only GK B Rodgers should bring to Anfield in January is A Begovic(27) Of Stoke for £10-£14M
ReplyDeleteBegovic(27) is better than Cech(32) and Valdes (32) Now and whilst A Begovic(27) is going to get better and better over time the other two are Currently in DECLINE.
Good green ehh ?
ReplyDeleteWe need a top manager to attract top players not a never has been attracting has beens .If this board sanction this move it proves beyond any doubt they have no idea what they are doing .
ReplyDelete