Liverpool continue to be linked with a January move for 'excellent' Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph, but ex LFC boss Roy Evans has urged the Reds to steer clear of the £15m-rated midfielder.
This week, The Mirror claimed that:
* Liverpool are planning to sell Lucas and sign Delph, who was Villa's 'player of the year' last season.
* Rafa Benitez is 'hopeful' of luring £11m-rated Lucas to Napoli.
When asked today about Delph during a Twitter Q&A, Evans - who never finished outside the top-four during his stint as manager - revealed that he's not in favour of the transfer:
Evans' opinion on the matter conflicts with the view of Reds legend Jamie Carragher, who recently hailed the midfielder's 'outstanding' talent, and argued that he deserves a regular place in the England team:
"Delph is playing every week for a big club [and] he gives a side real energy and aggression. Plus, because he is left-footed, offers you nice balance in the middle of the park, while he has strike on him, too"
LFC fans got a good look at Delph on Saturday, and in my view, he put in a very good performance, particular in the second half, when Villa had Liverpool on the ropes for long periods of time.
Delph's stats for the game are creditable, and compare favourably with both Henderson and Lucas:
* Passing accuracy: FD: 79% | LL 90% | JH: 83%
* Chances created: FD: 3 | LL: 1 | JH: 3
* Shots: FD: 3 | LL: 1 | JH: 0
* Tackles won: FD: 75% | LL: 50% | JH: 100%
* Crosses: FD: 6 | LL: 0 | JH: 5
* Interceptions/blocks/clearances: FD: 4 | LL: 3 | JH: 7
* Duels won: FD: 50% | LL: 66% | JH: 50%
Stats: OPTA
In my view, for the right price (i.e. £5m tops), Delph is good January addition to the squad, and is arguably an upgrade on Lucas (especially in an attacking sense).
However, with Brazilian playing well right now, Delph is not really needed, and the Reds can afford to wait until the summer, when he's available for free.
Ultimately, though, I agree with Evans' sentiments here: the Academy is bursting at the seams with talented youngster, so why not just promote a couple of them and see what happens?
Author: Jaimie K
This week, The Mirror claimed that:
* Liverpool are planning to sell Lucas and sign Delph, who was Villa's 'player of the year' last season.
* Rafa Benitez is 'hopeful' of luring £11m-rated Lucas to Napoli.
When asked today about Delph during a Twitter Q&A, Evans - who never finished outside the top-four during his stint as manager - revealed that he's not in favour of the transfer:
“@rednewbury: @Roy_Evo would you take Delph Roy?”no rather give some of the youngsters a chance if needed
— ROY EVANS (@Roy_Evo) January 17, 2015Evans' opinion on the matter conflicts with the view of Reds legend Jamie Carragher, who recently hailed the midfielder's 'outstanding' talent, and argued that he deserves a regular place in the England team:
"Delph is playing every week for a big club [and] he gives a side real energy and aggression. Plus, because he is left-footed, offers you nice balance in the middle of the park, while he has strike on him, too"
LFC fans got a good look at Delph on Saturday, and in my view, he put in a very good performance, particular in the second half, when Villa had Liverpool on the ropes for long periods of time.
Delph's stats for the game are creditable, and compare favourably with both Henderson and Lucas:
* Passing accuracy: FD: 79% | LL 90% | JH: 83%
* Chances created: FD: 3 | LL: 1 | JH: 3
* Shots: FD: 3 | LL: 1 | JH: 0
* Tackles won: FD: 75% | LL: 50% | JH: 100%
* Crosses: FD: 6 | LL: 0 | JH: 5
* Interceptions/blocks/clearances: FD: 4 | LL: 3 | JH: 7
* Duels won: FD: 50% | LL: 66% | JH: 50%
Stats: OPTA
In my view, for the right price (i.e. £5m tops), Delph is good January addition to the squad, and is arguably an upgrade on Lucas (especially in an attacking sense).
However, with Brazilian playing well right now, Delph is not really needed, and the Reds can afford to wait until the summer, when he's available for free.
Ultimately, though, I agree with Evans' sentiments here: the Academy is bursting at the seams with talented youngster, so why not just promote a couple of them and see what happens?
Author: Jaimie K
Delph, is definitely a player that Liverpool does not need. He is too small and looses the ball far too easily. Rather keep the money and buy a far better player to replace Gerhard
ReplyDeleteWould rather give others the game time than buy delph, I would push can back into the middle rather than buy him
ReplyDeleteDon't sign Delph. We was ok but no great shakes. If we are going to add, it needs to be a first rate DM before we axe Lucas who is playing really well right now.
ReplyDeleteGoalie, striker and DM are priorities for sure. Since it appears that funds are tight, and with Lucas playing well, Can is more than capable to fill that role if Lucas stumbles a bit. As long as we don't use Gerrard in that role EVER again, we will be fine. We must get a goalie and a striker to give us consistent performance. Shoot balo, Allen, Johnson, Jones, Coates, and Enrique to help defray the purchases. We only need 2-3 proven players to bolster what we have. Clear the deadwood, promote some kids we have and we will be good to go............
All 'the stats' prove is that he's a mid-table quality player like Lucas and Henderson. Just because they're the best that we have, doesn't mean they're actually any good.
ReplyDeleteAvoid at all costs.
You'll never replace Gerrard .Only his position .
ReplyDeleteI think most fans will agree with you for many reasons including the commitment they might have and of course potential cost savings.
ReplyDeleteThe difficulty is blooding the youngsters and getting them up to speed without reducing the effectiveness of the team at least in the short term. As we have seen this season the margins between success and failure are extremely fine even with relatively experienced players and the risk and rewards are huge.
It would be great if the team could start to control matches and have them won well before the end to allow BR to introduce players without risking the match or indeed knocking a player's confidence. In the meantime loans seem to be the preferred method of developing players for the future.
I like the idea to gel up all english men and may b we can replicate aura like barca (all spanish national team). But that is long term plan and brave our self another let down.
ReplyDeletesmaller is not the matter, look at masherano !
ReplyDeleteI think get Delph for free in the summer as a replacement for Lucas.
ReplyDeleteI would also get Khedira for free in the summer too (or 8-10 million this month)
If we get 11 million for Lucas, we can get Khedira and Delph as backup together.
My point is that Lucas (or Delph) should only be squad players complemented by another quality DM for the 1st team. Therefore if we get 11 million for Lucas with Delph as a free replacement we should have extra funds for a 1st team DM. The fact Khedira is available for free too is a bonus. Should give us funds to offer a good signing on fee and big wages (we wont have Stevie's wages and Probably Glenn's too).
We sometimes play with 2 deep midfielders so Khedira, Henderson, Can, Delph, Rossiter (maybe sell Allen too)
Henderson 2 goals 6 assist
ReplyDeleteI think Liverpool only need to buy 1 player next summer, that's presuming we keep the majority of this squad, we need a midfielder after Gerrard leaves, so splash the cash on a world class talent, even if it's over paying by 10 million, get one of the best young midfielders in the world, like Barkley or Pogba, thats the only way we'll move forward, with Delph we'll just stand still!
ReplyDeleteLIverpool looks like the boss we have players in each position :
ReplyDeleteStrikers:
Sturridge,Sterling,Origi,Balotelli
Wingers:
Markovic,Lallana,Ibe
Midfielders :
Coutinho,Henderson,Can,Lucas,Allen
Full backs:
Wisdom,Manquillo,Moreno,Flanagan
Center back:
Skrtel,Sakho,Lovren,Ilori ( Wisdom can fill in if you don't believe ilori)
Goalkeepers
Mignolet , Jones
Apart from goalkeeper i don't think we need to sped that much
We dont need to replace Gerrard Henderson and Can will be starters
Gerrard is irreplaceable at the moment. There is no-one that can come in and do what he has done.
ReplyDeleteThat being said there are some talented players out there including those in our youth system. For me Delph isn't a great player - he may look good in a poor team - just like Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Allen (Swansea) etc but look lost and average at best in a good and big team. You could argue that Gerrards attacking abilities may not need replacing with the likes of Coutinho, Sterling, Markovic, Ibe etc in the team and with Henderson, Lucas and Can providing defensive cover and in Henderson and Can that energy and drive, we don't need Delph.
I would prefer to see Liverpool invest in a quality Striker and Goalkeeper!
........................................Sturridge
ReplyDeleteMarkovic........................................................Sterling
...............................................Coutinho
.................................Can..................Henderson
Moreno...................Sakho...................Skrtel.......Manquillo
............................................Mignolet
bench: Origi,Ibe,Lallana,Lucas,Lovren,Wisdom,Jones
Balotelli,Flanagan and Allen as well we could ahve
so just strengthen the goalkeeping position
2003-2010 that is the Gerrard that was irreplaceable , since then he has not hit the best levels of his best
ReplyDeleteBut as Henderson,Lucas and Can proved vs swansea and Villa we can win without Gerrard
Agree although strikers we have Sterling,Sturridge,origi
ReplyDeleteSterling isn't really a Striker although he can fill in there, his best position is on the wings. Origi isn't exactly setting the French league alight with his goals and probably one for the future. Sturridge does seem injury prone so right now I would argue we need an out and out Stiker.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a stupid piece of business, lucas is a out and out defensive midfielder, a specialist in that position, we arguably need another one in that position so why sell him and by a player similar to hendo and Can. If we do buy Delph I hope we sell Allen and if we do sell lucas it should be to make way for a better specialist defensive midfielder. One of the main reason our defence has improved recently is because we have lucas who is constantly just sitting and protecting in front of the back four.
ReplyDeleteSpot on youngster..
ReplyDeleteits not surprising that Gerrard isn't recreating the same form anymore - especially not week in week out. He is still often our best player though and also our top scorer.
ReplyDeleteJust because we won without Gerrard aganst some struggling teams, doesn't mean that they are capable of beating the likes of Man City, Chelsea etc as well as some of the European teams we could face in the Cup.
I would feel more optimistic of our chances against top teams if Gerrard is in the team. His range of passing is unrivalled and can change defence into attack in an instant. Any free kicks around the box is an opportunity - I feel more confident with Gerrard over the ball.
Small minded purchase, don't need him. BR not thinking like a 'Big' club manager again. Can could play the DM position easily and has more potential than Delph. I think we have to assume Lovren will come good and take Can's place at the back. Perhaps a more creative midfielder in the form of Pjanic to replace some of SG's approach play. A player like this would signify a more ambitious approach to transfers from BR.
ReplyDeleteI've been a long advocate of playing Lucas in the DM position, and at long last BR gets it as well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I must note, although he has definitely shored things up, Lucas is making lots of minor mistakes, slow to track back at times and not the tenacious tiger we actually require.
So, as much as he's been a tremendous servent to LFC, it is time to get an upgrade in the summer.
Upgrade and summer being key words.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
ReplyDeleteI've long argued the merits for Lucas, and before his last injury, he consistently had the best stats for any DM across Europe.
Would be emotional good bye but if it coincides with Gerrard's departure, nobody will notice...
ReplyDeleteWhich begs the questions:
ReplyDelete- How did we miss out on Valdes?
- Can we not afford to get a replacement GK in this window as our one and ONLY loan/purchase?
Valdes is no good.
ReplyDeleteJust a foot note on Gerrard. There was a stat yesterday that the top four scorers from free-kicks in the PL era were Beckham, Zola, Henry and Seb Larrson.
ReplyDeleteNo mention of Gerrard, despite his longevity in the PL.
Better than Migs?
ReplyDeleteJust for a point of clarification, simply because Delph and Lucas play in midfield, they are two different types of players.
ReplyDeleteSimply put, Lucas is a DM and Delph is not. Can we please stop the comparision between the two.
And since Delph would not be an upgrade on Henderson, we shold stay well clear.
Maybe, maybe not. Would get in the way of finding the one who really is.
ReplyDeleteIf i were getting someone reasonably cheap to replace Lucas it would be Mile Jedinak from Palace.
ReplyDeleteThat is just EPL but doesn't include cups (FA, Carling, Charity Shield and European). If you want Gerrards Stats just read this http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2014-15/jan/liverpool-steven-gerrard-bpl-career-in-numbers.html He is the 2nd highest midfield goalscorer, 3rd highest Penalty taker, 4th highest scorer from outside the box, 4th highest in assists but top in chances created.
ReplyDeleteGerrard's five Barclays Premier League goals at Old Trafford is a feat that no away player has matched, while he is also the top scorer in BPL Merseyside derbies with nine goals.
Much has been made of the importance of Gerrard's goals in cup competition's and that remains true in the Barclays Premier League too with his goals. Of his 116 goals in the competition, almost a third (36) of Gerrard's strikes have won Liverpool the match, while a further 28 earned a point for the Reds. Almost half (53) gave Liverpool the lead while a further 16 drew Liverpool level with their opponents.
Well said. Keep Lucus forget Delph and wait till the summer for additions in that position.
ReplyDeleteHe is a real underrated player and I would love him to join our team. He reads the game so well.
ReplyDeleteI would take Delph on a free or less than 5 mil as a back up to Lucas. That would be a good deal. But anything higher than that is not worth it at all.
ReplyDeleteHas great stats too Sid.
ReplyDeleteDo you know of a player called Allan from Udinese. Every season he has the most tackles in Europe and is rated highly by most real experts on transfers. I have never seen him play but do you think he is any good.
ReplyDeleteMilner would be a great addition IMO. He can play at wingback, center mid, winger or even as a false nine. On a free, it is a very good deal.
ReplyDeleteNo idea Sid i am a bit weak on Italian football can ask a friend who lives in Italy hes a great judge.
ReplyDeleteHe is supposed to be in the Matic mould and has better stats than him. Since he is so unknown, the price would not be too great. Another option would be Serey Die from Basel who ripped us apart.
ReplyDeleteHe was never our primary free kick taker. Alonso, Aurelio, Suarez and many others took the free kicks when they were here. Gerrard either took them to offer variety or the primary one was not getting any luck.
ReplyDeleteA few good games and we change our thoughts. I saw comments wanting a complete overhaul of our team. We need a keeper, DM, striker and a utility man.
ReplyDeleteSerey Die may be a bit old to be starting EPL but yeah can play alright.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear players like Jack Dunn talking about how much he had been involved in first team training before his loan to Cheltenham, where he seems to be doing well. It seems like the development process to break into the first team is fairly well balanced to give the youngsters all the right experience which takes time.
ReplyDeleteI would rather sign Lars Bender.
ReplyDeleteBender and Can at the base of our midfield = unstoppable.
We have utility men and DM's in the form of Allen, Herderson, Lucas and Can, we need a big name that sells shirts and will attract other players in the future!
ReplyDeleteI think he's off the PSG anyway, but someone in that mould, young, skilful and box to box who can do the job for the next 10 years!
ReplyDeleteProblem is coming from a no disrespect smaller club and then having to perform at LFC. We have had far too many of these players and would not like to see us taking a risk on anymore.
ReplyDeleteSo is Joe Allen
ReplyDeleteAn over haul is the worst thing could happen, it takes half a season for the players to adapt to Rodgers methods, 1 to 3 players at the most should come in!
ReplyDeleteLars Bender!
ReplyDeleteGK
ReplyDeleteIt did not win Leverkusen anything : )
ReplyDeleteWho in the academy could fill the defensive midfield role? A very specialised role, which even Steven Gerrard cannot handle?
ReplyDeleteYeah!
ReplyDeleteDelph is a good player for anything under £10m would be a decent signing
ReplyDeleteI think Delph and Henderson are pretty similar players. Delph has a bit more going forward, and slightly less good passing. You think about the improvement and impact Henderson has made, I think Delph would be similar. A very useful squad player at least.
ReplyDeleteHaha. You watch a lot of football do you?
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should think in terms of replacing Gerrard. Delph would be a good utility player for the squad. Yesterday he played left, right, middle, defensive and offensive at different times. Most of Villa's good moments came through him, and he gave the opposition a problem wherever he played. He's a good player, he'd do well for us, and I expect his wages would offer good value.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather quality over a workhorse!
ReplyDeleteMakelele...
ReplyDeleteI don't think Wisdom will go on and establish himself with us if I'm being honest. He's more a centre back than a fullback and that's where his future lies and I just think there will be too much competition for him at Liverpool. If West Brom make decent offer for him at the end of the season, I suspect it'll be accepted
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it was something he added to his game later. 2009 is the first time I remember him starting to take free kicks. A screamer, first day of the season, away at Villa I believe it was coincidentally. That's the first time I remember him scoring a free kick
ReplyDeleteForster is rubbish with the ball at his feet too, he would have exactly the same problems Mignolet is in that regard. He's better at dealing with crosses than migs tho
ReplyDeleteI did say reasonably cheap Logan im not quite sure who is reasonably cheap that fits the bill any better not only a good mid but takes a mean free kick.
ReplyDeleteWell he's very young and if he is willing to learn, in 4 competition he will get game time.
ReplyDeleteI think that is also why we should keep Balo and groom him. When Gerrard leaves - penalty taking, free kicks, Balo will be good at filling some of that void.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I wonder if we will recall Origi ... if we do I think it will be to get used to the system and the type of running up front. You may get game time elsewhere but you won't be able to learn the system if the other club doesn't play the same way.
ReplyDeletedon't take FD because he are not real player at central.
ReplyDeletefor me lucas are more good at the place because now we play in 3 defender. I think its more better we get sanchez. What he doing at cautinho and sterling.. Lucas are more accurate passed and he can pass the ball at 20 - 30 yard solid. when we get this player.. we can push hendo at mid line.
and 353 are possible system.
When defender in form.. look .. mignolet are more confident.
Now . . Liverpool must sold Lambert and call back Origi immedietly. We don't have no 9False striker ( El-nino type ) and we need no 7magic player..( El-pistore type).
Next year we will loose King 8 player.. thinking fast..
Sid my Italian mate says Allan is good but not the right type to play in England.
ReplyDeleteOr Bender Rodriguez!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAgree but, delph isnt an upgrade on lucas and doesnt even to the same job as him, that was the point of my comment. delph would be more of an upgrade on allen
ReplyDelete