The transfers just keep on coming. After the £29m capture of Brazil star Roberto Firmino, 'impressive' Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne is set to become Liverpool's sixth signing of the summer (and the transfer window hasn't even opened yet).
According to The Guardian today:
* Liverpool have 'agreed a £12.5m' transfer fee for 24-year old Clyne.
* The right-back will now 'undergo a medical' at Liverpool and finalise personal terms.
* Clyne will reportedly sign a 5-year deal with the Reds.
Liverpool signed three of Southampton's players last summer for a combined £50m (!), but:
* Lallana, Lovren, and Lambert failed to make any kind of consistent impact at the club.
* With that overpriced trio in the squad, Liverpool regressed badly, whilst Southampton actually improved without them (in terms of Premier League points total).
* It should've been the other way round: Southampton should've regressed after losing 3 of their alleged star players (four if Luke Shaw is included), and Liverpool should've progressed (or at least maintained a top-four points average)
Despite that transfer catastrophe, £12.5m for Clyne - an England international with no significant injury history - is arguably good business, and it makes a refreshing change to see Liverpool finally paying a palatable price for a British player.
Ex-Red Jamie Redknapp is a fan of Clyne, and in a recent column for Sky Sports, he enthused:
"I’ve been really impressed with him [Clyne]. He’s athletic, technically good and he’s showing plenty of promise. He’ll learn an awful lot from Ronald Koeman".
Koeman claims that Clyne is 'one of the best right full-backs' he's managed 'in the last 15 years', so it's surprising he's allowing the player to leave.
The only explanation is that Clyne wants out, and with only a year left on his contract, selling now makes sense as it means Southampton won't lose him for free next summer.
With the acquisition of Clyne, the new-look Liverpool team is slowly taking shape, and with the players in the squad right now, the following is (IMO) the club's best line-up:
-------------------- Mignolet
Clyne ------- Skrtel ------ Sakho -------- Moreno
---------------- Lucas - Hendo
------ Ibe ------- Coutinho ---- Firmino
------------------ Sturridge/Ings
* Can and Milner are not dedicated DMs, and I see no benefit in trying to shoehorn them into the role. A fully-fit Lucas is better than both in that position, and if no other DM is signed, he should (IMO) be in the team.
* If Milner is to play as a central midfielder, he should be competing with Henderson. Ditto Can.
* Lallana is a £26m busted flush - For me, he should be a squad player, and the same goes for Markovic (and Lovren)
* Reinforcements still needed at left-back, central midfield (to replace Gerrard), up-front, and possibly another wide player (Konoplyanka?)
Looking at the transfers-in so far, it seems that Brendan Rodgers is getting his way when it comes to signing (slightly) more experienced players. Bogdan, Firmino, Milner, and Clyne are all mid-to-late 20s, which is far preferable to signing teenagers/20-year olds.
A note of caution, though: Last summer, Liverpool did a Spurs and signed a raft of players, and transition was less than smooth (!). The same thing is happening again this summer, so Rodgers needs to integrate his signings in a more effective manner or history may repeat itself.
The manager doesn't have time for another 'transition' season; his signings need to hit the ground running, and if that doesn't happen, Rodgers may still be gone by Christmas.
Author: Jaimie K
According to The Guardian today:
* Liverpool have 'agreed a £12.5m' transfer fee for 24-year old Clyne.
* The right-back will now 'undergo a medical' at Liverpool and finalise personal terms.
* Clyne will reportedly sign a 5-year deal with the Reds.
Liverpool signed three of Southampton's players last summer for a combined £50m (!), but:
* Lallana, Lovren, and Lambert failed to make any kind of consistent impact at the club.
* With that overpriced trio in the squad, Liverpool regressed badly, whilst Southampton actually improved without them (in terms of Premier League points total).
* It should've been the other way round: Southampton should've regressed after losing 3 of their alleged star players (four if Luke Shaw is included), and Liverpool should've progressed (or at least maintained a top-four points average)
Despite that transfer catastrophe, £12.5m for Clyne - an England international with no significant injury history - is arguably good business, and it makes a refreshing change to see Liverpool finally paying a palatable price for a British player.
Ex-Red Jamie Redknapp is a fan of Clyne, and in a recent column for Sky Sports, he enthused:
"I’ve been really impressed with him [Clyne]. He’s athletic, technically good and he’s showing plenty of promise. He’ll learn an awful lot from Ronald Koeman".
Koeman claims that Clyne is 'one of the best right full-backs' he's managed 'in the last 15 years', so it's surprising he's allowing the player to leave.
The only explanation is that Clyne wants out, and with only a year left on his contract, selling now makes sense as it means Southampton won't lose him for free next summer.
With the acquisition of Clyne, the new-look Liverpool team is slowly taking shape, and with the players in the squad right now, the following is (IMO) the club's best line-up:
-------------------- Mignolet
Clyne ------- Skrtel ------ Sakho -------- Moreno
---------------- Lucas - Hendo
------ Ibe ------- Coutinho ---- Firmino
------------------ Sturridge/Ings
* Can and Milner are not dedicated DMs, and I see no benefit in trying to shoehorn them into the role. A fully-fit Lucas is better than both in that position, and if no other DM is signed, he should (IMO) be in the team.
* If Milner is to play as a central midfielder, he should be competing with Henderson. Ditto Can.
* Lallana is a £26m busted flush - For me, he should be a squad player, and the same goes for Markovic (and Lovren)
* Reinforcements still needed at left-back, central midfield (to replace Gerrard), up-front, and possibly another wide player (Konoplyanka?)
Looking at the transfers-in so far, it seems that Brendan Rodgers is getting his way when it comes to signing (slightly) more experienced players. Bogdan, Firmino, Milner, and Clyne are all mid-to-late 20s, which is far preferable to signing teenagers/20-year olds.
A note of caution, though: Last summer, Liverpool did a Spurs and signed a raft of players, and transition was less than smooth (!). The same thing is happening again this summer, so Rodgers needs to integrate his signings in a more effective manner or history may repeat itself.
The manager doesn't have time for another 'transition' season; his signings need to hit the ground running, and if that doesn't happen, Rodgers may still be gone by Christmas.
Author: Jaimie K
so unless Rodgers players it smart, there's a danger of history won't repeat itself.
ReplyDelete.
Two mistakes here?
I like how this transfer window is taking shape for the first time in years all we need now is bacca and illara
ReplyDeleteClyne deal apparently 10,5 + 2 on add ons. and Firmino. 21M +8M addons which most are claimed to be Performance related. Clyne was cheap, Firmino wasnt too expensive either, and if he earns the performance cash for hoffe, i think he might have been bargain =)
ReplyDeleteYAY! Him, and Illarramendi before the window opens, and all we need to look for is a good striker!
ReplyDeleteI still think Liverpool need another attacking midfielder, preferably right-sided. Ibe is too young; Markovic isn't reliable enough. Ditto Lallana.
ReplyDeleteAfter berating Ian Ayre for the last couple of years I have to eat humble pie and give praise where praise is due. He has turned from a stumbling bumbler into a suave slick operator in the space of a couple of days. Two great signings in the bag and the architect and of those two signings has to be I
ReplyDeleteAnother AM? how do you fit Cout and Firmino then?
ReplyDeleteLallana is a very good player who was unfortunate to be hit with a few injuries. Lumping him in with Lambert and Lovren is unfair.
ReplyDeleteOverall thats a decent lineup Jaimie
ReplyDeleteWith clyne coming to the club it's safe to predict we will go with 4 at the back and it will look like this next season:
-------------------- Mignolet
Clyne ------- Skrtel ------ Sakho -------- Moreno
However I think BR will deploy Can as a DM and give him the nod over Lucas.
In a 4 2 3 1 Hendo and Milner will compete with each other, in 4 3 3 they would both play.
So the 2 possibilities are:
4-2-3-1
----------- Can/Lucas - Hendo/Milner
------ Ibe ------- Coutinho ---- Firmino
----------- Sturridge/Ings/ new Stiker
4-3-3
--------------------- Can/Lucas
-------- Henderson ----------- Milner
Firmino/Ibe ----------------------------Coutinho
------------Sturridge/Ings/ new Stiker
Another possibilty to play Firmino as a 'false nine' if we need some more pace on the wing, so Ibe/Origi/Markovic can play.
If we get Illaramendi, I fully expect Lucas to leave.
With so many new players coming in right now, how many more do expect to be signed this summer Jaimie? What position do we need to strengthen most and what players would you guys sign?
Very happy with Clyne in isolation and a more than reasonable price but worry that if we don't address our other defensive players/woes he will not be able to continue his good form from Soton.
ReplyDeleteLB, DM, ST
ReplyDeleteOne big deal in the last three years? I want to see more before I eat any of that pie! :-)
ReplyDeleteYe but we can put Milner in there for now I would just like them to concentrate on a great striker and dm at the minute
ReplyDeleteEasy: play 4231, with Coutinho, Firmino and another AM behind the striker.
ReplyDeletecan't see any more offensive midfielders coming in. however it seems like we lack a bit of pace on the wings, with firmino and coutinho in the team, both tending to drop deep
ReplyDeleteGood signing and I agree with the Line up.
ReplyDeleteSevilla will sell Bacca if the buy out clause is met (reportedly £25mil) I would say buy snap him up! then call it a day. We don't need to overhaul the squad again, it just disrupts the team too much and makes it harder for everyone to gel.
Also I would like to add, Ian Arye is showing great character this summer.
Maybe shaqiri
ReplyDeleteExactly. It's like arguing a player who has one good game in 30 is suddenly a world-beater.
ReplyDeletei still don't get why u don't rate Can highly.... but that said we are shaping up nicely atm just need a striker and maybe a CDM (as we have toooooo many CMs atm) and that should be it business done ibe/markovic as wingers we're ok..... i hope.... BR don't mess this up
ReplyDelete4231 hasn't worked out to well this season though.
ReplyDeleteI think hendo is wasted as DM
With all our midfielders I can see Rodgers reverting to the diamond.
ReplyDeleteMy preferred formation with players currently available:
--------------------------Mignolet
---Clyne-------Skrtel--------Sakho-------Moreno
-------------------------Lucas
---------------Can---------------Hendo
--------------------- Coutinho
-------Sturridge/Ings----------Firmino
Delighted with how this summer is shaping up. Like the look of that starting 11 JK :) Clyne will be a great addition at RB. I would just like to see us go after a DM (Illara?), a striker (Bacca?) and a LB. Thinking for LB why not go after Garbutt at Everton as far as I know he wasn't signing a new contract and he looks a decent player. Other than that maybe a winger if we have the cash or maybe a freebie (Kono?). Then its time to do some serious offloading, if we sign players in the above positions I would like to sell:-
ReplyDeleteCoates (4-5M)
Enrique (2-3M)
Lucas (8-10M) personally would rather see Allen go but not going to happen
Sterling (40-50M)
Borini (8-10M)
Lambert (2-3M)
Balotelli (anything we can get)
Thus recouping around 75M. Happy days.
Yarmolenko would be superb:
ReplyDeleteYarmolenko --- Coutinho ---- Firmino
----------------- Sturridge
Mouth-watering.
With Lucas as a DM, not Hendo.
ReplyDeleteSacrificing 3 CMs at the expense of another unnecessary AM,Slick.
ReplyDeleteyep, i'm a huge fan of yarmolenko too.
ReplyDeleteWhy does the team need 3 CMs? Historically, Liverpool have never played like that; the club's historical success is built on two CMs, and top-notch attacking mids (especially out wide).
ReplyDeleteam i the only one who is not too pleased with signing clyne.. ? he is solid at best but 12 million for a player who is in the last year of his contract seems steep especially when southampton sign someone like soares for 4 million..
ReplyDeletei suppose he also got a wake call from fsg
ReplyDeleteBased on current links, I'd like to see Bacca and Yarmolenko. I doubt Liverpool will sign another centre-mid as Rodgers has probably earmarked Milner and Can for that role.
ReplyDeleteRodgers doesn't seem to rate Lucas at all, my guess is this formation with Can DM (probably why he's been played in defense all year) and Milner the 3rd MF.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Ings so i'd rather see Origi in front of him (apparently his U21 performances would prove that it'd be the wise decision)
Fine, but only if Rodgers buys a dedicated wide man. If he's planning to do that by shunting Cot out wide it's a non-starter IMO.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, will get Soares for 20mn next season.
ReplyDeletewhat about the Illaramendi rumors?
ReplyDeleteReliable sources say we'd go after Cheryshev if/when Sterling leaves.
ReplyDeleteIf Rodgers plans to utilise Milner at CM, I don't see how he can accommodate Illara, Can, Milner, and Hendo. Too much competition.
ReplyDeleteoh right... forgot why i was so worried :)
ReplyDeleteI think our signings are shaping up nicely for the coming season. I was disappointed to see the BR haters still finding something to moan about after the Firmino announcement. One particular BR hater suggested that he (Firmino) will be played out of position; talk about having your glass half empty, I sometimes think some of the posters on this site are Man Utd trolls. Instead of dwelling on the negative about our new signings I think these people should try and find some reasonable cause to be optimistic about the coming season.
ReplyDeletePeople are getting excited but we should be cautious, last year we did our business quite early too and some of our signing seems similar to what we bought last year.
ReplyDeleteFirmino could be a new Lallana for what we know (he seems to have more in his locker though)
Clyne-Moreno (people were excited about him but he has been awful)
Ings is no better than Lambert-Borini imho
Bogdan is just as useful as Jones
Not a fan of Milner but he work hard, so hopefully he'll bring what we lacked last year in MF.
All in all i won't get ahead of myself, wait to see who are our coaches and what team we're gonna field.
If the Clyne deal is confirmed then that makes two excellent signings, coupled with JFM and DI I think that is more than one good game!
ReplyDeleteFirmino could be a new Lallana? polar opposites
ReplyDeletethats 4 players for 3 positions in a 4 3 3
ReplyDeleteI can only judge from what I've see for LFC and Leverkusen, and in my view, Can is merely average at CM. He had a few opportunities for LFC last season, and looked out of his depth. He has power, but decision-making, and ability to consistently influence the game from midfield are questionable.
ReplyDeletePlaying two box-to-box midfielders in the team is a recipe for disaster, which is why Can and Hendo shouldn't play together.
It should be one or the other, and Henderson is a far superior option as he has the abilitity to score/create 20+ goals a season; I don't believe Can will achieve that at CM.
Okay, two good games.
ReplyDeleteLallana wouldn't be anywhere near Brazil's starting XI, even though I like him.
ReplyDeleteLallana was unfortunate. The lad played well whenever he was fit and on a run of games. If he's a busted flush, all the signings from last season are also. Emre Can is definitely a DM with excellent touch, sometimes too many. 4-3-3 is the way to go for all these signings to hit the ground running. As long as Rodgers play them in their natural positions
ReplyDeletewhat was Lallana's creative return before joining us ? what was firmino's one last season ?
ReplyDeletei still have belief in Can and from watching the U21's he has been doing a great job for the team think its 3 goals/assists at the moment.... your right two box to box midfielders may be a recipe for disaster though.... hoping Can becomes the Toni Kroos of LFC though that deep lying CM that controls play
ReplyDeleteContrary to the views of our esteemed author, I can't help but worry, no maybe that's a bit strong, wonder, where Lallana fits into the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteSGMM's formation and team looks like being close to the mark and it just seems that Lallana may end up as an impact sub at best and a bit part player at worst, I had higher hopes for him and thought that he would really excel this season.
Having said that, the team comes first so naturally I'll be happy when we start winning games no matter who's playing, but BR is going to have to work hard to keep our Midfield Broth going with all of these cooks knocking about.
So much negativity from you JK. I don't really know what's your point in all of this. If you want clicks than OK but if you think you are analising anything than happy to tell you that you are not anywhere near to being a good analist.
ReplyDeleteLallana actually got injured and BR coudn't know that will happen. His only mistake last year was Balotelli. Same can be said for Falcao, Di Maria and many others but as they say 'shit happens'
We all know that with a fit Sturridge we would have been playing CHL Football this year too.
Markovic (he's 20 and he can become great. I mean it)
Lambert was brought as a squad player.
Moreno will become an integral part of LFC this season and for years to come (until Barca or Madrid snap him)
Lovren : we haven't seen the best of him last season because he coudnt adapt but very promising.
Origi: well you'll start telling us after 2 games he was a mistake and bla bla bla.
One last thing yesterday you were telling us we cannot sign Firmino right? He is our new n.11.
i won't be blind by Brazil team just because Coutinho's in it, they are just awful.
ReplyDeletePoor defensive organisation and team selection, that will probably cost them.
Agree. Firmino looks to be a great signing, but nothing is certain, and he could end up failing to deliver. I hope that's not the case, but it's a possibility.
ReplyDeleteI don't see that Can is the DM everyone seems to think he is. For me he plays higher up the pitch and will never be a specialist DM more likely to play infront of the DM with either Hendo or Milner.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely take Luke Garbutt, he looks decent. I'm glad someone calculated how much we might re-coop in sales because I couldn't be bother haha
ReplyDeleteIf we bought Bacca (£25mil), we have firmino and clyne for a combined total of around £40mil plus whatever we end up paying for Ings we will be in the black or slightly spend more than we have got back! whilst making some great additions to the starting 11. This summer has got drastically better this week!
I didn't question his output or creativity.
ReplyDeleteBut, Lallana is nowhere near Firmino's work rate and he has one catastrophic downside to his game, slowing down the build-up play.
Good News Everyday? I can't stand much more!!!!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree mate think with the signing of Firmino Lallana has pretty much just been resigned to the bench for the majority of the season barring injuries/loss of form. Its a pretty big middle finger to Lallana if I'm honest but then again he didn't exactly rip up any trees last season but you could say that about the whole team.
ReplyDeleteany transfer can fail, just look at falcao. big money brings big expectations.
ReplyDeleteand again you have no proof to back this up, we can't possibly know this until firmino actually plays in a LFC kit
Lambert is not as good as Ings. Ings has pace and better movement in behind defenders which I'm sure Coutinho will love. Though Ings will not be a starter. Clyne is a better defender than Moreno. Moreno is awful defending. Have some faith brother but I understand you
ReplyDeleteThat's true for any signing in the world to be honest. Some weren't sure Suarez would succeed at Barcelona, others thought Özil, Di Maria and Falcao would set the world alight at Arsenal and Man Utd...
ReplyDeleteWhat is the point of this comment? Fans speculate, and they don't need you giving them grief for doing so. Siavash doesn't need 'proof' - it's called having an *opinion*, so stick to discussing the issues and not trying to Police what people post.
ReplyDeleteAgree, that's why i said firmino has more in his locker, but that could end up the same way.
ReplyDeleteLallana had some decent performance but no enough goal/assist, could end up like that with Firmino.
He's still only 23 though and seems to have more than Lallana but he has to accomodate to PL, once again we bought A LOT of players and that could be counter productive.(we have to get rid of quite a few players too)
I could be Lucas/Can and Can/Milner.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised to see Can split more with lucas and have Milner and Hendo running there socks off to help cover and quick outlets for Countinho and Lucas.
You have a point mate. However Clyne's age is ro be taken into consideration. Remember Liverpool paid 18 million for Glen Johnson
ReplyDeleteGetting rid of Allen and Borini makes more and more sense with each passing day...
ReplyDeleteWe should sign kovacic and mat ryan, as well as another LB( Digne,Amavi,Alex Sandro, Filipe luis?)
ReplyDeleteBest XI:
Ryan
Clyne Ilori sakho Moreno
Can
Kovacic Coutinho
Ibe. Markovic
Firmino
With a bench of mignolet or bogdan, another LB, manquillo, Toure, lovren, rossiter, Henderson, Milner, ojo, sturridge, ings and origi, would be unbelievable.
Wow - Like Mathew says - good news everyday. I think we might be selling a few players and some might suprise us all - e g Lovren or evem Lallana
ReplyDeletei won't debate on ings has pace because i already have but can you honestly say you'd be happy with Ings on the bench in the CL ? because that's our goals, getting back in the CL and win trophies.
ReplyDeletePeople were as overjoyed about Moreno last year as they are for Clyne this year, i'll wait to see him in a red shirt before getting excited.
your the one that says we need to proof
ReplyDeleteYes, when people make specific factual claims.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree mate although do think we need to look at DM especially if Lucas goes. Personally don't think Can is a DM (might be proved wrong) think he is more likely to play in the 2 in front a DM with either Hendo or Milner.
ReplyDeleteYarmolenko is nowhere near as good as use all seem to think, very skilful and a great shot yes, but loses the ball far too much, and attempts trick when he shouldn't. He's the type of player that looks like a world beater on highlight reels, but is not great consistently.
ReplyDeleteNice to have all these options, I suppose the way we play and the 'intensity' involved will require plenty of cover and obviously we know that when other teams can't handle the likes of Coutinho and Firmino they resort to kicking lumps out of them, so I guess they'll always be use for Lallana, also he can cover in central midfield.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you though, maybe not directly with the Firmino signing but we do seem to be slowly indicating to Lallana that he does not have a permanent place in the starting eleven. Of course no player should expect such but I do think we will struggle to get the best out of him without giving him a decent run of games and that does make me start to question his fee a little.
Honestly if it were up to me i'd get rid of Lambortelli, Coates, ilori (he just keep getting injured so there's no point keeping him), and maybe Manquillo.
ReplyDeleteI'd play youngster in the cups and just focus on EL, PL (the most important is to qualify for CL)
It could easily be that too, but when I see what Can is capable of further up the pitch I say we should leave him there.
ReplyDeleteAs JK deletes comments that he doesn't like I won't be reading his stupid articles anymore. That what tw**s do actually
ReplyDelete* 95 goals/64 assists (159 G/A total) in 260 games for Kiev.
ReplyDelete* Goal/assist every 1.6 games.
* Last season: 19 goals/21 assists (40 G/A total) in 42 apps.
* Basically 1 goal/assist every single game.
I couldn't care less how often he loses the ball. End product is what matters, and Yarmolenko has been delivering consistently for years.
I agree that any transfer can fail but its all about odds and the probability that Firmino will replicate his form in PL looks high.
ReplyDeleteAnd BTW, please stop calling for proofs for everything that comes out of my mouth, detector. It's pointless and not suited to a opinion-based discussion. I merely expressed my opinion, you expressed yours let's just move on.
I'm sorry who is Coates
ReplyDeleteI'm not disagreeing with that. I don't know, Can has that "big man" presence and is pretty good defensively, with Lucas getting injured i just see him being more of an ideal replacement there.
ReplyDeleteIf he manages to sign robust and prolific striker, wanted by Man City and Chelsea I will forget the past :-)
ReplyDeleteIs that NOT what a good scouting team should be doing .
ReplyDeleteGreat in product in Ukraine. Mkitarian( not sure how that's spelt) has struggled in Dortmund since his move. The quality is far lower. And in terms of losing the ball, how is he going to fit a possession system if he loses the ball all the time
ReplyDeletethat was actually a pretty specific and emphatic NON-factual claim, i expressed my opinion on the matter and proved FACTUAL evidence to support my claim. I could provide more if you would like.
ReplyDeleteShaqiri want to move to lFC now ?
ReplyDeleteUruguayan CB who was loaned to Sunderland last year, it's looking likely that he'll be sold to sunderland but for now he has come back and is still one of our player.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if BR would put Clyne at left back, once Flanagen comes back. Moreno at left back needs competition, he appears shaky and / or goes invisible at times.Good pace though.
ReplyDeleteWho else do y'all think LFC is going to sign? I read Ayre is staying back in South America....
Really conflicting story's at the moment about this deal .
ReplyDeleteRodgers would be wise to keep Lucas with him being our longest serving player now, but yes totally agree if he leaves we need cover. I think both Can and Hendo like to roam more like a box to box midfielder rather than a DM but i reckon both have the physique and enough of a footballing brain to do a job there if beeded.
ReplyDeleteLallana had a great season in the same league in the same culture. if the transfer were to happen in the same year prbability of success at LFC would actually favour Lallana.
ReplyDeleteI know, I was being sarcastic its been awhile since he was in the matchday squad;)
ReplyDeleteGood shout pretty sure Clyne has played LB before albeit I always prefer to see a natural left footer at LB. I wouldn't mind us trying to take Garbutt from Everton, know there were issues about him signing a new contract so would be cheap.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Sunderland are more interested in Ilori
ReplyDeleteNo chance, Clyne is far better than Flanagan. Flanagan will be backup to Clyne when he returns. We will hopefully sign a new LB as competition. I'd love Alex Sandro, should be available for a low fee as his contract expires next summer.
ReplyDeleteIt's all well and good saying Yarmolenko loses the ball alot, but the stats say otherwise. According to OPTA, Yarmolenko is dispossed 1.5 times per game.
ReplyDeleteCoutinho is dispossessed 1.6 times per game, so it's clearly not as big an issue as you make out.
To sign up Bacca ?
ReplyDeletei don't rate this guy at all, hope it's just paper talk.
ReplyDeletethe only positive is that Sevilla is in CL so he probably wouldn't come.
AL:Premier League: 95 played; 17 goals; age 27
ReplyDeleteRF: Bundesliga: 140 played, 38 goals, age 23
Don't think so mate. enough 'proof'?
In that case we will attract better strikers. But he has proven himself in the premier playing with a relegated team. Sturridge will get fit and Liverpool will sign another striker Ings is a good addition. He 22 year old striker trying to get better. Sturridge was young n scoring goals n City and Chelsea let him go and he proved to be a top class striker. Please be patient with Ings
ReplyDeleteI'd say << Coutinho Firmino Lallana >> as a front three is a likely combination. Ibe has the resources to be an impact sub. Lallana can always be shifted back into the midfield 3 as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree they could probably do a job there but the best teams always have a specialist DM and being honest neither of them are that. The key attribute for a DM is positioning something Lucas is actually quite good a but the problem is he is so slow and not the best at timing a tackle which is a bit of an issue. I would rather lose Allen but we know that ain't gonna happen.
ReplyDeletehe seems really injury prone (apparently he got injured once again in the u21) might try to sell them both, i actually like the lad but enough with player on the books who can't stay fit.
ReplyDeleteJust don't think he'd work, we don't need another attacking midfielder/ winger anyway. I think Firmino will be turned into a striker, but then behind him in a 433 we have ibe, markovic, coutinho, lallana, milner. We also have ojo, Harry Wilson, ryan Kent and sergi canoes who could all break through.
ReplyDeleteHe plays for Villareal... agreed though think there are better players out there.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for those 20m+ pay ups on every player in the Portuguese league, I'd get Alex Sandro, but it just seems too costly. Considering Danilo went for 30m I doubt we would get Sandro for anything less than 20m
ReplyDeleteI really hope that doesn't happen. Couts needs to play centrally that is where he is at his best. Lallana doesn't have the legs to play out wide and is pretty ineffective. The more I think about it the more I can't see a place for Lallana in this team especially if we bring in another winger.
ReplyDeleteHaha yes this is very true! Would illaramendi be a good fit then? I don't know much about him
ReplyDeleteone seson is hardly being proven, and the pressure of HAVING to score constantly has seen quite a few player fail.
ReplyDeletePeople will see it as an honest reaction but the way he choose a random number to get less pressure make me think that he can't handle it.
Coutinho has always played well for us coming in off the left. With an attacking full back who is given a platform to get forward it's more like inside left anyway, especially as Rodgers sets up the 4-3-3.
ReplyDeleteGot to say the more I read the different ideas we have on where these new players will all fit in, I'm starting to agree with Jamie that there may be a slight cause for concern regarding settling in, transition, finding our best formation/s etc. Call it what you will but we all know how small our squad was during 2013/14 and that the team and players (SAS) virtually picked themselves.
ReplyDeleteOne thing is for sure, if we get those two or three more players we now need, Brendan will have more options than you can shake a stick at and there surely won't be any cause for argument when he either succeeds or fails in using them.
I'm still verging on being quietly confident though - confident that BR has a grand plan to return us to that Brendan-esque style of Football that all the other teams fear so much :)
In all honesty I'm not so sure... He's a good player but I would rather we had gone all out for Kondogbia if we were gonna sign a DM. Think he would be much more suited to what we need. Shame as that ship has sailed but considering we keep being linked with Kovacic (really like him but just don't see where he can fit in now) seems odd we didn't have a look at Kondogbia for a similar fee.
ReplyDeleteokay, have not seen a lot of him to be honest (won't lie about it)
ReplyDeleteYeah I suppose, but I think he's be an upgrade on Moreno, as he is a natural defender, unlike Moreno, who started of as a winger.
ReplyDeleteWith Hendo, Can and now Milner in CM, I think we should be alright in that position for this window... We risk ramming in too many players into the squad this season like we did last season... Especially with the obvious extras we still need.... LB and Striker(s)....
ReplyDeleteAre you happier these days Jamie...
IMO I think he's aware of the pressure some of these numbers comes with so he's trying to get the respect from the fans before he change the number to a more iconic one
ReplyDeletehow many of those goals came in the epl for firmino? none. there is no saying he can actually replicate that form in the EPL. Its a completely different league and ever single player is different. there are people that argue one league doesn't translate directly to another league but the fact is its purely based on the individual. I hope that Firmino blows Lallana's first season out of the water, Lallana was okay he really was hampered by injuries and could never really settle. But Firmino has a language barrier to deal with, not to mention completely uprooting to a completely different country. he has literally played with just one or two teammates before. then there is the price tag. Lallana just moved north, played with majority of our players in various ages, no langauge barrier. had a good season in the epl followed by growth into a great season in the the same league. the safe bet would be Lallana having a more successful first season.
ReplyDelete..the dude in the brown jacket really can move...!
ReplyDeleteI would be more inclined to agree if are going to revert to 3 at the back with wing backs. Just think playing 4 at the back in a 4-3-3 you need more width from the 2 wide(ish) men and Couts is much better up the middle for me.
ReplyDeletewe already sign a keeper and gave a contract extension to Ward so no chance of signing an other keeper
ReplyDeleteI started playing about with possible line ups and did think of that but then I wondered about central midfield, maybe Can and Lucas will be the players that have sporadic game time (assuming that Milner and Hendo are the mainstays?)
ReplyDeleteHave you been watching the U21s? Can plays right through from behind the central defenders to No. 10, almost more like an old-school libero in some ways than a box-to-box midfielder. Quite interesting.
ReplyDelete....JAIMIE: 'I'm taking the fifth...on the grounds that anything I say may incriminate me...'
ReplyDeleteI should say he played for Villareal last season but he's obviously still a Real Madrid player. Agreed I haven't seen too much of him but his stats remind me very much of a certain Serbian we signed last summer...
ReplyDeleteAgree, the small squad that season prevented too much tinkering, and as a consequence, improved the team dynamic...I think we need clearly defined league squad and cup/euro squads....
ReplyDeleteIt must meen 1 of 2 things, either rodgers doesn't see it as a priority and won't sign anyone or he has totally focused on signing attacking players and is neglecting to have a good think about the right defensive players, hopefully the former rather than the latter.
ReplyDeleteOOpps, have I just been naughty....
ReplyDeleteLaughing gas ;-)
ReplyDeletePlay Hendo next to Lucas like Xabi next to Masch...
ReplyDeleteFor me ideally- Illaramendi for DM and sell Lucas or Allen
ReplyDeletelacazette (before this week I would have said no chance, but now, well you never know)
Or Bacca as striker. One more quality LB to challenge Moreno
Happy days if we do.
All depends on who else comes in, really. Bit too soon to be writing the team sheets isn't it!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm just about to agree with you, ooooowwwwhhh!, there, done it.
ReplyDeleteGood first season, not so good this season, but in a team that struggled as a whole this season.
ReplyDeleteDon't need Kovacic now. We need a DM not a CM or AM
ReplyDeleteIllaramendi all the way or Carvalho
Ibe isn't in my 1st 11 anymore
It's also 3 positions in a 442 diamond, not too much competition to me
ReplyDeleteCan will be our DM, and we will have Jordan rossiter and Lucas if he is not sold as backup. A potential midfield three of can, kovacic and coutinho could be world class. If we had that midfield with Lucas and he do as backup and Milner RW In a 433, with Firmino as striker and ibe/ markovic as LW we'd have a great team.
ReplyDeleteYa I'd say milner has probably had some guarantees from Rodgers about regular playing time or he surely wouldn't have signed..
ReplyDeleteAgree, also the wages, he must be destined to be a fairly regular starter.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a good chance we'll revert to 3-5-1-1
ReplyDeleteMilner and Hendo will be mainstays
I'm not saying we will but we should. Ryan is an upgrade on mignolet, there both exceptional shot stopper, but ryan is confident when claiming the ball from crosses, and has excellent distribution, and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Would be available for a low fee, probably around £5M. Would honestly sell mignolet to get him, or pull out of the bogdan deal if possible.
ReplyDeleteTrue :) Getting rather exciting now though.
ReplyDeleteEasy, Tiger....
ReplyDeleteThink Xabi Alonso ( not as good, but similar style and probably better defensively, not as good offensively)
ReplyDeleteS*d that, we're gonna win the bl88dy lge! - That's what Logan told me anyway.
ReplyDeleteNot as exciting as seeing Logan's new name though :-)
ReplyDeleteYou really think we need a winger more urgently than a striker?
ReplyDeleteYarmolenko would be a fantastic signing. We need players who can score plenty of goals and he has a great record. Bacca fits this category too. I always think that if you carry a serious goal threat, the pressure on your defence reduces massively as the opposition can't commit as many attacking players. Last year it was clear we didn't have a single prolific goal scorer and once that was worked out everyone started to go for us.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not. Look at the midfield players that sides like Chelsea have available.
ReplyDeleteFabregas Oscar Matic Hazard Cuadrado Mikel Ramires Willian plus Salah and Oscar
Problem will be it takes a top manager to keep them all ahppy, will BR be up to a new problem ( lots of choices, all good)
Sterling
ReplyDelete*(Runs and hides behind sofa)*
Oscar, Cuadradro, and Mikel are all linked with moves away; Salah has already left on load, as has Atsu, so I don't see how this is keeping everyone happy.
ReplyDeleteThe fringe players are easier to keep happy as Chelsea win trophies, and regularly compete in the CL.
I said Bacca, too. A striker is also a top priority.
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy when Liverpool make good signings. The problem is that very rarely happens.
ReplyDeleteThey may well be, but there will probably also be high profile replacements for some of them. Oscar for instance is being linked with a swap bid for Pogba. So they could lose 5 players and still would have around 7 to choose from
ReplyDeleteReplace Allen and Lucas. Illa for Lucas and Can for Allen
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but it's happened twice in a week this week...
ReplyDeleteWhat about...4-4-2 with midfield diamond?
ReplyDeleteSturridge / new 20+ goal striker with Firmino as 2nd striker
Coutinho / Lallana
Henderson / Allen. JFMilner/ Can
Lucas / new DM (Illaramendi preferably)
Moreno. Sakho / Lovren. Skrtel / Ilori/ Toure. Clyne
Mignolet
Lucas is not very mobile but has excellent positional sense. Hendo & JFMilner - excellent engine room with Can & Allen as able alternatives
It could also switch to 4-3-3
Firmino / Coutinho / Lallana / Ibe / Markovic playing either side of Sturridge/ new 20+ goal striker. Ings & Origi providing cover...
Sell both Allen and Lucas ASAP. Both are injury prone and nowhere good enough. Sorry I have to say that about Lucas as he loves the club, but I have to put Liverpool first everytime. Emre must be given a role somewhere in midfield. He'sgoing to be a genius.
ReplyDeleteStill nothing from BR...
ReplyDeleteLallana was top of our distance per game stats.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention if we play Firmino central and Coutinho wide, Firmino is well known for his work rate and defensive contribution from the front. If we REALLY needed a 3rd CM during a phase of play, I don't think it would be a problem for him to step a bit deeper.
ReplyDeleteSo that's where Sterling gets his speed...
ReplyDeleteCan isn't really a DM though. Much more B2B.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't signed anyone since Aspas and Suso sales, plus Alberto is surely going. That's 10M right there.
ReplyDeleteYeh that's exactly what I mean... Not a DM!!!! DMs very rarely get in front of the play and that usually only happens when they've been caught out of position!!!!
ReplyDeletePerhaps BR has Flanno's future at LB? That would explain keeping Manquillo at RB + Clyne's addition.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy with that! I wonder if he's looking at the squad now and thinking a little differently?
ReplyDeleteI'd be fine with Ings as our #3 striker next season. If seeing him on the bench means Sturridge is injured and our 2nd choice is starting, then yes, I'd be perfectly fine with that.
ReplyDeleteYup! I agree... I also think that that fixed DM role is not as important as it was a couple of seasons ago and that this season we're going to see even more experimentation with how to free up that player and yet to cover the same problems he was put there to deal with :)
ReplyDeleteI've gone right of Illarramendi after watching as much of him as possible this week. Ultimately I think he's not got the cojones. I'm *sure* we could do better.
ReplyDeleteHe is perfect for DM. there is no other defensive midfielder we could sign who is anywhere near as good on the ball as him. Someone like William carvalho or krychowiak, although decent on the ball, are nowhere near as good a can. Can has the skillset to be a DM in the busquets mold.
ReplyDeleteI think he's like a direct replacement for Suarez.
ReplyDeleteLots of positive vibes after the last two days signings I'm already looking forward to pre season
ReplyDeleteHopefully will help fill one of Suarez's boots this season because to fill both will take something really special
ReplyDeleteAnything is possible this year ayre has signed a player worthy of a Liverpool badge
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Same kind of hunger for the ball.
ReplyDelete*Waits for Logan to counter*
Another point on this is that Firmino signed for the same wages sterling has turned down.
ReplyDeleteDoubt he'll care, but the point is out there to Sterling that we can can replace you with better, more proven players on the same wage.
£900,000 per week? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLiverpool should test his agents resolve with a £899,999 a week 5 year deal.
ReplyDeleteSquare pegs round holes
ReplyDeleteA problem of plenty a luxury we didn't have a few seasons ago
ReplyDeleteFor once we did not pay over the odds to get Clyne
ReplyDeleteI do think we should remember that we're losing a good player in Sterling - potentially a great one. I made the point yesterday that we've all perhaps been guilty of going a bit revisionist on the young mercenary, and deliberately understating his talent and potential simply because he wants out. I have the uneasy feeling it may come back to bite us one day. Still, I think right here, right now, Firmino is the better player.
ReplyDeleteI have big hopes for Firmino, he has all the right attributes to succeed. I would play Lallana AML Coutinho AMC and Firmino AMR and give them the freedom to move in and out of the flanks with Sturridge leading the line. Sturridge has great movement he would help open up channels for the trio to operate. An attacking line of Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge has skill, movement, creativity, work rate and goals written all over it. Due to Sturridge being injury prone the need for another quality striker is a must.
ReplyDeleteGK Mignolet
RB Clyne
LB Moreno
CB Skrtel
CB Sakho
CM Milner
CM Henderson
AMR Firmino
AMC Coutinho
AML Lallana
ST Sturridge
It's a starting XI that doesn't look to bad to be honest but in my opinion I feel we still need another LB, DM and ST after getting rid of some dead wood, if done properly we stand a pretty good chance of pushing our noses into the top 4 especially with Firmino and Coutinho and hopefully Bacca onboard
Is it just me or is Firmino in the Neymar mould /type of player
ReplyDeletethats a good line up, i like there are defiantely lots of possiblities hopefully we can nail a formation quickly and make a good run early. tough scheudule but think we'll com out of it sitting pretty.
ReplyDeleteFirmino great little player and we is without a doubt our biggest signing since Suarez. Only cost £4m than Lallana who is nowhere near worth what we paid for him. Smart business for a change.
ReplyDeleteFirmino is the type of player we were craving. Suarez on the other hand is on a different planet.
i know what your saying, but his career could go either way. I dont think he's as good as Rooney or Owen at his age. £45-50 is cracking business, just have to take the money
ReplyDeleteSo you are suggesting Firmino is going to lead our attack or replace Suarez's goals and assists?
ReplyDeleteFirmino supporting the striker all day long.
ReplyDeleteSterling is so overrated and even as a Liverpool fan, I can say that he is not as great as touted out to be. Jaimie talks about goals and assists but for me, it is his impact in big games that matters. He always disappears most when the team needs him. At Liverpool, he has the attention of the fans and manager - at City or any other big money club he will be just another pawn and will get lost in the dust. He is nowhere near ready to make the big step up for higher wages and importance.
ReplyDeleteYou know he's not saying that.
ReplyDeleteSimilar playing style and energy about him though. He won't have the goals in him, but I can see Firmino bagging a whole load of assists.
You know it.
ReplyDelete"direct replacement"
ReplyDeleteThat is why my question is made up out of two parts.
Yes.
ReplyDeleteSo both then.
ReplyDeleteyay
ReplyDeleteI think he could play as a direct replacement for Suarez, whether Rodgers sees him as a forward like Suarez or as a midfielder is the question though
ReplyDeleteJK's love affair with Sterling continues. "When Jaime met Raheem." Hollywood's latest room. Firmino is a great addition in the context of adding a good striker.
ReplyDeleteRaheem is a young talent that will get better, this bitterness amongst fans & the lfc establishment is getting embarrassing. The kid wants to leave, let it be!
Of course he can play as a striker but if that is what he has been signed for then we are most definitely not going to get the best out of him.
ReplyDelete"Firmino is a great addition in the context of adding a good striker."
ReplyDeleteSmack bang on the money.
Still a good player. Still bags of potential. Still only 20. He was doing pretty well shouldering a lot of responsibility in attack for the first half of the season, at least before all the contract shenanigans began. If he's overrated then to an extent *we* are probably as guilty as anyone in overrating him. Ironic that we are now the ones to call him overrated.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't argue that going to City is probably a bad move for him when what he really needs is playing time. His mistake to make I guess.