24 Jul 2015

I love LFC: 'Irreplaceable' £29m attacker reveals he's 'fond of Liverpool'. Transfer of the summer?

After lots of high profile transfer fails in the recent past, it's still a little hard to believe that Liverpool actually managed to sign Roberto Firmino, and if he reproduces his Hoffenheim form at Anfield, Reds fans are in for an exciting season of entertaining football. Firmino seems genuinely happy to be at Liverpool, and in his first official interview today, the £29m Brazilian maestro made some revealing comments about his hopes and expectations for the future.

On his affinity for LFC:

"I've been watching Liverpool recently as I knew the club were interested in signing me. I feel very fond of Liverpool. It's the first big club I will play for."

On what fans can expect from him:

"I'm a player who works hard and who's constantly looking to support my teammates on the pitch. I'm a player with an attitude and who knows how to play a tactical role with the team"

On adapting to English football:

"German football is very similar, maybe just a little less tough than English football. I'm confident I'll be just fine here".

For me, Firmino - described as 'irreplaceable' by Hoffenheim boss Markus Gisdol - is Liverpool's best transfer of the summer, and I can't wait to see him playing alongside Coutinho and Benteke.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher doesn't seem to be that enamoured, though. In his column for the Daily Mail this week, he noted:

"Firmino could well be another Suarez; he could also be another Alberto Aquilani"

The only way Firmino can be 'another Alberto Aquilani' is if he's perpetually injured, and never fit enough to make an actual difference on the field.

Given the Brazilian's excellent transfer history (only 9 days missed in the last four seasons), the probability of that happening is slim.

Much will depend, of course, on how Rodgers utilises Firmino. It's imperative that the manager figures out Firmino's best position ASAP, and based on his recent history, wide left, or the number-10 role are his most effective positions, especially at Hoffenheim.


I personally want to see the likes of Coutinho and Firmino sticking with one position for the majority of the season. There's no need for 'versatility' in attack - Liverpool need aces in their places, and constantly chopping and changing positions is counter-productive as it disrupts momentum/rhythm.

For me, Liverpool's best line-ups (using current players) are as follows:

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

Clyne ------- Skrtel -- Sakho ----- Moreno

----------------- Lucas

---------- Milner ------ Hendo

---------------- Coutinho

---------------------------- Firmino

--------------- Benteke

OR:

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

Clyne ------- Skrtel -- Sakho ----- Moreno

---------- Milner ------ Hendo

--- Ibe ------- Coutinho --- Firmino

--------------- Benteke

Using a 343:

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

------- Can ----- Skrtel ------ Sakho

-- Clyne --- Milner -- Hendo --- Moreno

--------- Coutinho --- Firmino

--------------- Benteke

Last season, Markovic, Sterling, Ibe, and Lallana suffered from being played out position, and if Firmino ever ends up playing as a wing-back, then Rodgers should be sacked on the spot for gross negligence.

Author: Jaimie K


204 comments:

  1. if Firmino ever ends up playing as a wing-back, then Rodgers should be sacked on the spot for gross negligence ) I think we would all agree with that Jaimie, All we can ask for is that Roberto gives his all.

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  2. Rodgers preferred starting eleven for the season:
    Mignolet
    Ibe Firmino Benteke Gomez
    Allen

    Milner Henderson
    Lallana
    Skrtel Couthinho

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  3. Are you a comedian?

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  4. I like the second formation, but if Rodgers were to go with formation 1, I REALLY hope he puts in Can over Lucas.

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  5. yeah both 1 and 2 look good with Can replacing lucas for me in the first one.

    it's excites me hearing an attacking player also mentioning how he likes to work hard for the team and do a job for the team It's just reflects the kind of attitude we need.

    and the thought of firmino playing wing back makes me shiver and then i suddenly feel tears coming down. It's like i am crying but in shame and embarrassment and don't want anyone to know i am crying. Surely he won't be played at wing back...... please say you were joking.. hahaha you were joking... right? c'mon it was just you kidding with us... right?

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  6. I agree with the points only thing I would like to change is to add a more mobile defensive midfielder .

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  7. Like your first formation and team selection but I would replace Moreno with Flanagan as soon as the latter is fit.

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  8. Firmino will need time to adapt, could take a game or two, or even half a dozen, but he has class, thats undeniable, give him a fair chance, and dont blame Rodgers for his settling in period. Although I know some might do. He is the player I am the happiest we bought also.

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  9. Borini ,Balotelli ,Benteke

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  10. Have seen some rumours that Sakho has asked to leave. Could it be that he has not been guaranteed a place and that Lovren will be 1st choice LCB? Be afraid, be very afraid...

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  11. Just rumours, can't see any truth in them IMO

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  12. That is brilliant! That is exactly what he would do! You forgot to put Lucas as the tea lady and Bogdan as the shoeshine.
    But seriously, we get it, he has played players in positions that they aren't naturally suited for. These are professional footballers, they can play different positions. Every club does it, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. In the cases of Gomez as LB (never played there before), Markovic at Wingback (some good days, some bad), Ibe at Wingback (bossed it) and Coutinho at CF against Newcastle, it works. In the case of an aging Gerrard at DM, Lucas as an AM, Sterling as CF, it didnt necessarily work.
    I think BR has made it pretty clear how he's going to line up and I can't see too many players out of position.

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  13. I seriously hope not, I love laughing at his deceptively awkward gait! He's a class player, he just looks like he's never kicked a football in his life! All arms and legs going everywhere, twisting and contorting in a manner akin to some of the kids I coach, but then the ball leaves his foot and generally goes exactly where he wants it... Baffling.
    He's an intimidating sod though, I wouldnt fancy being an attacker against him, unless he hands the ball to me like he did the other night a couple times (I cant remember if it was BrisVegas or Crowtown).
    I did see that Sakho and Toure started in the little friendly in Malaysia, pointing to a Skrtel/Lovren partnership against the Malay XI, I hope thats not a sign of things to come. I want Lovren to do well, but my belief that he will seems to dwindle with each passing appearance.
    It does seem that the odds are stacking against a solid Skrtel/Sakho partnership:
    * First of all it is BR's choice, so he needs to be confident in the two of them partnering well,
    * Second Sakho has to stay fit
    * Third Sakho needs to stay at the club amongst these exit rumours
    * Fourth he needs to stay away from making silly errors like he did in the aforementioned game.

    Hope.

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  14. simon
    clyne skrtel sakho gomez


    milner henderson
    coutinio
    firmino lallana
    benteke

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  15. The formations would have some change with a fit and firing Sturridge coming into the side just thinking of possible combinations there it would change quite a bit i imagine.

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  16. Nicolas Chamberlain8:10 am, July 24, 2015

    James Pearce already tweeted that Sakho is going nowhere. Nobody is guaranteed a place. This news is also kind of old and since when are gutter British media outlets or websites than are directly linked to an Italian club reliable sources? Scaremonger;)

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  17. Hey Loges what do you think of Comollis comments on our transfer strategy you think he would have some nerve after his efforts.

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  18. Sakho will sign 5 year deal

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  19. Exactly my sentiment on seeing the line-ups. Completely agree with Jaime's point on players playing in their best role, as well as the team sticking to set formation. I'd think that will be 4-3-3.

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  20. Hey, Milner is making has appeared in all 3 of Jaime's formations, are you starting to warm up to him?

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  21. I think Borini is completely happy to lower his value by sticking around last season so he can force a move to an italian team of his choosing.
    He is rated higher in Serie A than he is in england so he would know there will be interest in him for a return to italy

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  22. Now of course we have replaced the whole Swansea team with the whole Southampton team....

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  23. Agreed Benj, I don't have a problem with Rodgers being a little flexible with playing positions- I just couldn't resist muddling them up a bit once JK suggested that BR should get sacked if he played Firmino at wing back. Firmino is very, very good at tackling so would probably be quite effective as a wing-back but I do agree he should be playing further up the field....

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  24. Nothing to do with this thread but did you see that an Arsenal director has come out and said how pleased he is that his club didn't try to sign Sterling given how he treated Liverpool? Throwing his toys out of the pram may have helped Sterling get his move but he will be saddled with a bad reputation for the rest of his career. Play really well and people will overlook that but if things don't go smoothly it could come back to haunt him.

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  25. Markovic, Sterling, Ibe, are all juniors, 20 or under. They don't have positions, beyond midfielder or forward. They are still learning the game. If they have illusions that they have a "position" then they need to adjust their attitudes.

    Lallana's tactical versatility is one of his strengths and with his endurance enables him to contribute to all phases of play. I don't see what problem anyone could legitimately have with exploiting these assets at wing-back.

    The right-sided midfield position in Rodgers 3-4-2-1 was more a winger than a wing-back. They did no more defending than would be expected of them as wingers in a conventional 4-4-2.

    Every serious coach in the last 40 years has made it an ideal to develop tactical flexibility in their players and the most advanced youth development systems have stressed the importance of giving players experience in multiple roles and positions.

    To get an edge over the other sides in a closely-fought battle for the positions 3-8 we need every edge we can get. Turning out the same 11 with the same players in the same roles is not going to get us very far. Preparation in the modern PL is *everything* and unpredictability is a *massive* strength.

    Castigating the club for (finally) following the best practise established by the world's leading development coaches and institutions doesn't make sense to me at all. Looking forward to this morning's friendly!

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  26. "Given the Brazilian's excellent transfer history (Only 9 games missed in the last 4 seasons)" didn't you mean 'injury history' instead of 'transfer history'?

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  27. I'm sure Origi doesn't rate you, either.

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  28. You forgot Sturridge as fitness coach

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  29. I'll go with jk first pick but with can over Lucas ....at the stage Lucas is a better DM than can but I'll opot for can because he can pick a through ball which benteke will need ,pity there is no room for lallana. But I wouldn't be averse to trying him in the middle 3 against teams which park the bus ,I'll be honest its hard to fit benteke and Sturbridge in the same team unless you drop tino or firmino who are both superior deeper /versatile player's, the threat oif sturriudge is negated. When plated deeper or wide

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  30. :-( #goestocornerandcries

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  31. There's a difference between being versatile and being threw in at the deep end with no arm band's, pressure and stress is a killer of careers in any profession more so with 40000 people watching you ,I'm all for versatility but young players have to comfatable in there own role before trying another if we buy a rb who isn't performing well at rb logic suggests he won't perform at cb

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  32. I'm actually quite liking the potential line ups we have this season. I think we have a much stronger team compared to last season.

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  33. I agree and disagree. The wing-backs last season didn't have to do much more defending than a winger in a 4-4-2, but there were a couple of crucial differences.

    First, the winger in the 4-4-2 knows that the primary responsibility for defending their side lies with the fullback. The winger is first mate but the fullback captains that ship. Rodgers' wing-backs held that primary responsibility instead.

    Second, wing-backs a la Rodgers are isolated down their sides. This is a huge, huge difference to 4-4-2. It means you have literally no room for an error of judgement in terms of which attacker you mark or which space you cover. It also means that you can't tag-team attackers, and are invariably defending reactively rather than proactively.

    This can be mitigated with disciplined and coy defensive midfielders who provide regular cover defence. We didn't have that last season, and when we did, it was only Lucas. Hendo, Allen at al have not shown any kind of defensive nous, besides pressing. But cover defence is completely different to pressing. That is a recipe for Moreno versus Manchester United. For a young, new player, it can cripple the confidence and cause subconscious hesitation. I say this as a former fullback and occasional wing-back and winger.

    Moreno suffered more than anyone; Markovic was actually quite good, for most of the games, at wing-back. That was a criminal lapse in either tactics, player incompetence or both. If we sort the defensive aspects of midfield in the upcoming season, then wing-backs are a feasible option. Until then, the coaching team needs to stick with two players down each wing.

    I think there was more I wanted to say but I've forgotten.

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  34. For me the squad size is irrelevant if the right players and tactics are not used,I want to have confidence in rodgers but I don't think be knoiws what he is doing atan elite level and I'll gladly eat humble pie if I'm wrong

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  35. That's a hell of a wait

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  36. On paper our strongest Line up would be something like




    Mignolet
    Clyne Skrtel Sakho Moreno (Gomez?)




    Milner Henderson Can

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  37. That is just the assumption that nobody except Sturridge will be injured. But last year we prayed for Coutinho just to stay fit with the treatment he received in some games. The season before when he got injured against Swansea and Suarez was still banned we lost from Southampton at home in that limbo with both creative talent out of the team.

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  38. Ghost of Suarez9:57 am, July 24, 2015

    Yeah but he was never really a player BR wanted tbh, he knew the player and took a punt on him being able to step up out of necessity really. When BR arrived Maxi and Bellamy had already left, Kuyt literally agreed to join Fenerbache the day before and Carroll was never going to play in a Rodgers team....so he was left really with one workable centre forward in Suarez and the window was ticking down.

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  39. Origi is a player we have scouted (along with a host of other clubs) since he was 13, and our long term plan was to purchase him this season but his unexpectedly early arrival on the international scene forced us to move a bit earlier. If you want evidence of this, Orig confirmed in his first interview that one of the reasons he chose us over other options was that we had videos of him dating back that far and he couldn't belice we had been following him so long. Hardly a knee jerk reaction to a flash in the pan. Ings may have more impact this season, but long term Origi widely viewed as a potential world star.

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  40. Not bad but I really think we should play eleven players!! ;)

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  41. It wasn't a symmetrical formation though. The right sided player pretty much just played as a winger. Can was the full-back on that side mostly, except when we were compact.

    The left sided Moreno had more room behind him, but both the wide central defenders would also be ready to come across. A midfielder would drop in to cover space. It was a very reactive formation.

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  42. outstanding lineup, even though Mignolet in goal seems to be very unrealistic, surely it's going to be Benteke and Gomez fighting it out for the GK-spot!

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  43. Moreno needs to improve a lot.

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  44. I'd rather you thought twice about posting comments about our new players like "he'll be gone next season". But I realised that your opinion is inconsequential, unless you are fortunate enough to be able to attend games, so I chose to point out how silly it is to make passing insulting remarks about the players we're meant to support.

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  45. To be truthful I wish both Borini and Lambert the very best with whoever they end up playing for next season but not Liverpool , I do feel sorry for both these players a bit as dont think that either were given a proper run at the club and that's maybe due to them not being good enough but again thats not there fault as Rogers new what he was buying and final straw for me was with Sturridge out injured we didn't actually play with any strikers up front in games which must of hurt these guys especially Lambert who's been a Liverpool Fan all his life.
    I do however feel s lot more confident to the start of this season with the players bought and at last we are actually looking like a team who could score goals and just maybe take pressure of our backs but again the reinforcements at both LB & RB with Clyne and Gomez are really good buys but another CD with pace would have been good and finally I'm hoping we get lllarramendi as that player just infront of the defence as dont think we have ever been the same side since Mascherano left leaving that gap between the Defence and Midfield.
    YNWA

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  46. I'd rather u thought twice about suggesting what I should post or shouldn't post about. If u disagree with my assessment of Origi that's fine. To actually tell me not to have an opinion is with all due respect Ridiculous. I don't rate the guy and he doesn't excite me from what I've seen in preseason especially when I consider the performances from Ings.

    To reference my post as a "passing insulting remark" is misguided aswell. Every supporter or fan has favourite players and players they want out of the team including you. 1 person liked the post aswell this indicates that my pov is shared by someone else.

    I think it's time you moved on...

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  47. As assumptions go assuming sturridge will be injured isn't actually that much if an assumption as he is currently injured or at least I assumed he was

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  48. For what its worth I'd sooner havev a fit average guy on the pitch that a superstar off it.
    I like flanno but I don't think he will cut it physically as a player the kids always injured and that a worry when he has hardly played

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  49. Sterling is looking really sharp for City. Arguably sharper than he ever was for Liverpool

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  50. Only 9 transfers in 4 years! Outstanding character!

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  51. Maybe my english grammar and vocabular are not the best but i commented on your issue about how to fit Bemteke, Firmino, Coutinho and Sturidge (when he is fit). My assumption was about other 3 players will not be injured and i gave the example of Coutinho's growing importance in recent seasons. Or you intetionally misunderstood my comment.

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  52. Who cares about that departed varment.

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  53. garment*, because he's just a fleece

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  54. Who ??? RM 3 - MC 0 Wake up call !

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  55. It's a great match to watch...Villa fans would have been pissing themselves when Delph got stretchered off

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  56. Sky Sports reporting that Sterling's every touch being booed at MCG. I shouldn't laugh but.......

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  57. They aren't lying. I've watched the whole game. And Delph got stretchered off...

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  58. They are also wrong in regards to his comparison to UTD and City, yes we have 6 players and brought 1 back from loan but only four of those are going to start. UTD have bought 4 who will all start so they have just as many players who need to hit the ground running. City will have the same. A lot of people (myself included) thought that part of the problem last season was number signed but when I looked at it we signed 7 last year but we signed 6 players the year before and it didn't seem to hurt.

    Not too worried about squad size either as we have lost 5 players so only plus two at the mo.....If Lambo and Borini go that wil even up the numbers

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  59. Why can't you give someone a three year contract to start with and then re-negotiate midway through if they're looking as good as Gomez.
    Also I think you have to factor in where the player has come from and the amount of risk that they won't make the step up, if there is one, which the transfer strategy we have means there pretty much always is.
    I think we just need to be more on the ball in not letting existing contracts run to close to finishing.
    Also a five year contract from the get go may not provide as bigger incentive to perform as a shorter one might.

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  60. I hope he doesn't go next season, it hasn't even started yet. Be nice to at least see him play a few proper games first ;-)

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  61. Suarez - a workable centre forward, like it :-)

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  62. Blimey talk about fickle - 'I love Liverpool' - it was just a few threads ago you were telling us that only life was for loving, make up your mind man ;-]

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  63. Sorry andor no offense was intended I just fooling about with my answer

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  64. Winger to wing back in the kind of
    3-4-3 formation should be a transition that any top line player can make seamlessly enough. Gerrard as a creative DM playmaker was a big part of us nearly winning the league 2013/14. Sterling played through the middle was out of necessity as, while he didn't score enough goals, his threat in behind created space for others Again most attacking players these days are versatile enough to occupy any forward positions. I would point out that when he played all these players 'out of position' we went on a storming run from Jan to March so no as if we were playing bad as a result

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  65. Hmmm, but surely in the case of Dancenever it's pretty clear from his usual postings, that he is merely making a light hearted musing, rather than engaging in an all out Brendan bashing...

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  66. ------------------------------- Mignolet -----------------------------------
    ------- Clyne ------- Skrtel -------- Lovren --------- Moreno ------
    -------------- Hendo -------- Milner -------- Lallana ----------------
    ---------------------- Coutinho ------ Firmino -------------------------
    -------------------------- Benteke or Ings ------------------------------

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  67. The difference between Borini and Sterling was Sterling was brought in as one of our up and coming youth players (apprentices), by a good Premiership Manager, ( BENITEZ ) and Borini was brought in as a first team prodigy by a Championship Manager, we all know this is true,

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  68. Are you watching the match Orme?

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  69. So Bogs is in for today's game.

    Just to clarify, that's Liverpool's Bogs, not the Bogs of 'the sisters' of Shawshank. Though if I were Migs, I'd grow eyes in the back of my head.

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  70. Totally man, I remember playing at club level, if you were a right or left winger, you were expected to be able to play fullback, right back or centre forward aswell, and youd probably play each position 3 or 4 times a season. Likewise any Centre Half had to be able to fill in on one or both fullback positions and in the midfield in a pinch.
    And yeah he'd be in a bit of trouble with Firmino at WB, Markovic wasnt offering too much going forward so it made sense to try and use his pace, Ibe was actually quite well suited to it, Hendo should be able to fill in at RB, having played on the right side of the midfield quite a bit, especially earlier.
    Sorry mate, I wasnt having a go, I did realise you were having a funny, I re-read my reply and was like 'whoa buddy, chill out'

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  71. Not a bad side, that. But keeper still a bit of a worry for me, particularly when you consider the quality of the other first choice keepers in last year's top 6

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  72. I think this is the best and strongest lineup till Sturidge is fit...

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

    ---Clyne------Skrtle-----Sakho------Moreno

    --------------Hendo ------ Milner------------

    -------------Continho---Firmino-------------

    ------------Benteke------Balotelli-----------

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  73. Was it just me or are we so good the internet couldn't handle it :)

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  74. Haha! Huh? Count them I think you'll find 11 mate! Being a smarty pants are we? Who looks a silly boy now! Ha ha! 1 Goalkeeper, 4 Defenders, 3 Midfielder and 3 in Attack get you calculator out mate and add them up! WOW!

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  75. Haha! Huh? Count them I think you'll find 11 mate! Being a smarty pants are we? Ha ha! 1 Goalkeeper, 4 Defenders, 3 Midfielder and 3 in Attack get you calculator out mate and add them up! WOW!

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  76. I think you'll find it's eleven mate! Haha

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  77. Attention all commuters normal service has resumed in defence for Liverpool sorry for the deception

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  78. Haha! Exactly my sentiments! ???????????

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  79. Bogdan looking good though, first class distribution so far ;)

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  80. Still think we are missing a midfielder that dictates the pace of a game. With what we have, I think the build up is still too slow. Gives teams time too set up for our attack. I know coutinho and firmino have the ability to unlock defenses but I would like a bit more speed in midfield.

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  81. we're happy to announce that lovren and skrtel are back to their usual business

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  82. Clyne's going to be a great signing.

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  83. Some goal Ibe.

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  84. OMW that goal from IBE! WOW

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  85. Nicolas Chamberlain2:17 pm, July 24, 2015

    Ibe, class act.

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  86. I'll give Ibe his due he's a bit greedy but at least he has a go and will try something

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  87. Milner is gonna be a very good signing, may with possession v hardly seen him dispossessed or miss a pass

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  88. Greedy and hungry !

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  89. Ibe is a class act indeed big things to come from this guy...

    Origi on the other hand #sigh

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  90. Don't recall ever seeing RS make that sort of finish :)

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  91. Moreno is a horror show trying to defend

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  92. Nicolas Chamberlain2:22 pm, July 24, 2015

    Norwich away, to be fair.

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  93. Don't recall him taking the fullback on as much as Ibe either

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  94. Ibe current value at least £59million ;-)

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  95. you know there's some sick people who actually love watching horror?

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  96. what a brilliant goal :-D

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  97. Big Ben would have had that !

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  98. and probably this one too!

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  99. Agree, putting aside any Benteke related concerns, I think keeper and defence are the two areas we're still lagging behind in.

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  100. Ah that's the problem .... the players are on Bang Cock time ;-)

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  101. Bored of Lambert, Borini and Balotelli. Just get rid.

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  102. for me Sakho over Lovren.
    It's going to be interesting how Benteke can fit with Coutinho and Firmino

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  103. Completely OT but Suzi Perry wasn't on Hungarian GP qualifying this am .... hope it's cos she's got the Top Gear gig ? Just might carry on watching it now ....

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  104. More pace and a higher game needed SH

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  105. She's the reason I started watching the Moto GP, top bird ;)

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  106. Defensive coach maybe?

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  107. I was thinking more of bringing in better players.
    Didn't someone point out a while ago that very few teams actually employ a specific Defensive coach, could be wrong though :)
    Improvements still needed that's for sure.

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  108. Well we clearly need one.

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  109. More knowledgeable and better looking than Chris Evans that's for sure ...

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  110. Why when we have the master ;-)

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  111. Yes, I chucked Lovren in there more in hope than anything else, 45minutes later I'm already regretting it ;)
    Re Benteke and Couts etc - in my mind they will all have the license to shift positions in game and interchange until they find the right solution for that particular game.
    So it could be Benteke playing Couts in on goal as much as the other way round perhaps.

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  112. Can see why Jamie rates Lallana so highly, pretty blooming good.

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  113. What's Carra's problem, though? What has Firmino got to do with Aquilani? Just because he's got a bit of skill about him, seems to be reason enough for Carra to view him with suspicion. I would have thought that increase his chance of success at a football club.

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  114. Fear that's what you've got to come in the prem son

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  115. Everytime I watch Lovren he finds a new way to disappoint me

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  116. Agreed; it wasn't symmetrical. The right side worked better than the left side once all was tallied, I felt, whether it was Marko or Ibe.

    In theory, that would have happened on the left, and did happen when Lucas and Sakho were in the team. But when they weren't playing, it went the way of the pear, and without real cover, any slight miscalculation from Moreno was magnified.

    I always think of Roberto Carlos. Which manager was it that tried to play him as a winger? Carlos hated it, saying he was much more effective as an attacker when he was able to run from deep and overlap with a wide teammate. This is Moreno's strength, too, based on his Sevilla days and some Liverpool days.

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  117. Our defence is rubbish - everytime anyone attacks us with pace we hit the panic button Lovren and Morinio not good enough = where is the Portugese lad LLoris ?? Origi is way behind Ings in pecking order way way behind

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  118. Where is HARRY WILSON ??

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  119. Congratulations on the likes (there are now two). Tens of millions support Manchester United, too. But my point is made. You are free to hold any opinion, of course. Doesn't eliminate the possibility of your opinion being silly. And I, similarly, am free to point that out. But please, continue not rating players you've barely seen play, and I'm sure your chest swelled with pride when you were able to gleefully predict failure for a kid trying to succeed at Liverpool.

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  120. you can't even spell our own players right, why should anybody take you serious?

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  121. I think he is quite right about our defence. EPL awaits.

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  122. BR's Italian inspired 3-5-2 and whatever variants were tactical disasters. I was amazed last season that he only ever once tried the 4-4-2 diamond, against Spurs.


    I completely agree about tactical flexibility. But I'd like to remind you about Emre Can's error and subsequently conceded goal against Stoke in the 6-1 game. As a centre back he headed it straight into the danger area when he should have cleared, or returned the ball back to where it came from. I Learnt that as a 7 or 8 year old and the constant errors the team, particularly defenders, came up with last season highlights some fundamental issues. Flexibility is all well and good, but very rarely was it to any benefit last season.


    Rodgers also tends to go with the flow which indirectly renders some sense of flexibility, when in reality I don't imagine he's fully thought things through. For instance, Ibe played as a wing back, and although you highlighted the responsibilities of that role within the team, why would you put a young player there who up until he was 15 was playing as a striker? When did he ever learn the fundamentals of defending? Just like Can, Hendo, Markovic etc.

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  123. Well on the strength of todays game, I would say that Lovren needs to undergo some overnight transformation because it's heads still a long way from being in the right place, literally.

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  124. Well I'm fcuked if I can see any improvement !

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  125. As long as we don't play against any more bin men post men or pizza delivery guys we will be just fine

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  126. I don't think we can completely blame our defense(back 4) for our defensive fragility. Our midfield should also take the blame. When you look at the top teams you see atleast one dedicated defensive midfielder in their starting 11(except for Real Madrid, this contributed for their failure last season IMO). Our midfield is weak, can't defend, there is no balance in the midfield but they sure as hell can run but it doesn't help when going gets even slightly tough, then the defence gets exposed. Getting a top defensive midfielder should be the 2nd highest priority this window.

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  127. His mouth was foaming when we bought Lallana. Lallana never even had a good goal/assist record, but he has a problem us getting firmino who is clearly a better player.

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  128. I just don't get it :-/

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  129. Must say Bogdan looked promising ... probably Simon ought to be watching his back !

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  130. Ibe and clyn look good as a partnership ,its actually hard to not pick Ibe for a start on today's performance as for the rest they where all average poor.

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  131. That's got nothing to do with what he's saying tho. I fully agree.

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  132. What's also worrying is the lack of chances created for origi I counted 2 .....let's hope benteke can pull rabbits out of tophats

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  133. Smoking his pipe somewhere

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  134. And lest we forget ...... It's Stoke up first !

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  135. I didn't watch it but it's not sounding good, against really poor opposition, I'm not sure about origi but maybe having him and benteke together will work, I can see ings, couts and firmino linking up well when they get used to each other and couts and firmino just got a good head start. Lovren definitely needs to be benched with sakho in instead. The four teams above us seem to have better players, it's gonna be a real test for Rodgers to get us in there.

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  136. Moreno and Lovren MUST BE SOLD = HOPELESS

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  137. Lets not forget people this is what.. our 4th game in 7 days or something.

    Also it is a friendly.



    I mean lets be honest, these games are mainly for fitness.


    We could win every friendly 10 nil and lose our opening game of the season.


    Last season I think we won all of our friendlies and look how the season panned out.

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  138. I like the business weve done BUT still think Stoke will beat us CAUSE Defence lools DODGY. Stoke 3 Pool 1

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  139. I have not watched the preseason matches as yet but have recorded them. Preseason results are meaningless in the end, it is mainly for fitness and getting used to those around you but saying that, the LFC squad was probably worth 100 times more than the opposition so you would think we can thrash them.

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  140. So is my ticker - don't think I can stand another season like the last two !

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  141. In an ironic plot twist, 5 years from now Firmino is the greatest RB to ever have graced the sport ;)

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  142. Bogdan is better. ;)

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  143. given the complete lack of defensive options this window, I'm glad we went after other targets instead though. I mean, Bartra was there for a time, but he dispelled the rumors. I'm not completely convinced that Abdennour would be the answer either. Alderwiereld could have been good, but he moved to Tottenham.

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  144. I have at least 3 off the top of my head, and I know there were more... There was the cross he reacted late to get into positon for when Clyne won the ball, there was another which he did excellent to get into position for, but it was just over his head. And there was the miss from close range.

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  145. RAY don't answer it's a rhetorical question:-)

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  146. Simon ought to be watching his back, yes for a lot of reasons!

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  147. Brendan on Benteke


    “He is a boy that is still improving his game so I don’t think there is any doubt he will fit our tactical idea of the game. He can be a huge player for us.”


    So there you have it, if Brendan fails to get the best out of Benteke then there is no doubt who the finger needs to be pointed at.

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  148. Ghost of Suarez7:45 pm, July 24, 2015

    How we perform or not in these games has zero bearing on how well or otherwise we will play this season....last year we won every game including thumping Dortmund and look what happened....the year before we looked shaky in preseason and nearly won the league.

    The players are told to treat these games as fitness exercises and the managers try different combinations of play etc to try stuff out.

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  149. Ghost of Suarez7:48 pm, July 24, 2015

    These games mean nothing and they are almost never an indicator of how we will do when the real stuff kicks off, in fact it's often the opposite(look at preseason results for the last two years and compare how we did in the league)

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  150. Ghost of Suarez7:50 pm, July 24, 2015

    Oh you were so close....I almost agreed with something you said. Almost. ;-)

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  151. Ghost of Suarez7:57 pm, July 24, 2015

    The quote from Carragher is mildly out of context....he was making a general comment about the risk you take when you buy any foreign player rather than saying he couldn't draw any conclusion about him being a success based on a specific analysis of Firmino's attributes.

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  152. Ghost of Suarez7:59 pm, July 24, 2015

    I would expect that to be the case as soon as he signed him, irrespective of any statement

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  153. adekunle adeyemo8:02 pm, July 24, 2015

    All these players you stated should not be in a team seeking top four football. Allen and Borini are just too substandard for a great Liverpool!

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  154. That damn edit button!!

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  155. Of all our strikers Inge looks the most dangerous so far pre season but its unlikely he will start

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  156. I thought Alderweireld was worth our attention before Soton got him but although good, I'm not sure if he's at that 'next level' that would instantly improve us.
    No point in me trying to kid my way through the others you mention as I really haven't seen them play much, if at all.
    Not meaning to generalise but I'd think one of those Germans could be the ticket. Hummels springs to mind too, but I imagine the trouble would be the same as with other established players - affordability and attracting them, if any of the ones you mention are looking like following in his footsteps though, yes please.

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  157. adekunle adeyemo8:25 pm, July 24, 2015

    Mick you said it succinctly! Borini, Skirtel and Allen were and are never good enough for Liverpool as well as their buyer Rodgers. For truth sake, how would a rookie coach compete with world class Arsene Wenger, Maurinho and Van Gaal? Suarez helped him two seasons back but once he left, Rodgers was terribly exposed. I think he'll do better this time around but he needs a good defensive midfielder and a solid central midfielder at least. Perhaps if he does well to convince Reus, his job will be secured and who knows, premiership could be within his grasp.

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  158. I agree that you shouldn't read to much into preseason but I alsoi think great players want to play well regardless of it being on a park or a cup final,if I was a new or fringe player I would be busting a gut to impress

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  159. It wasn't just chances the way we played meant that origi just couldn't get involved ,if Ibe doiesnt start we will have no width what I don't want is the team to get bogged down in the middle going no where

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  160. The Germans I listed are all solid, but young. Ginter in particular earned his move to Dortmund, but it goes without saying this past season didn't quite go as planned. If he does well next season but Dortmund doesn't recover as much as they would hope, we could have a good chance. I've seen less of Tah and Sule, but they are considered the other main young German defenders.


    As for Laporte, he's the premier defensive talent at the moment for Bilbao, but he has a big release clause on him. You never know though. As for Gimenez, very unlikely since he's already one of the best defenders for Atletico, but again, you never know.

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  161. You're having a giraffe Raymondo, we will absolutely hammer Stoke.

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  162. Just like to say I thought todays game was ok really. We're obviously doing a fair amount of experimenting at the moment but I think it's already very clear, that we now have significantly more strings to our bow than last season; it does also seem fair to say though, that we will have to accept it taking a little time to work out how to use them all.
    All of our new signings though - top notch, improvements we wanted and in most areas of the pitch, that's what we've got.
    Looking forward to seeing some more pre-season games where we start to get a closer look at a few versions of our 'full strength' first team, including the likes of Firmino and Benteke :)

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  163. After twice seeing Origi squander a shed load of opportunities now, I sense a real case of the yips might develop for the lad. Maybe he should play with the U21s for a bit to get some stability. I really think we should go with two strikers to start the season: Benteke and Ings. Ings seems to always be in the right place and is much calmer at the strike than Origi is right now.

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  164. Benteke AND Ings and drop Lallana. And that's only if Firmino and Couts get some game time prior to Stoke. If they don't I would start Ibe and Lallana because both look good right now and we need to start strong.

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  165. Yes, I was interested to get a closer look at Origi after reading others concerns recently and I could see that he was not the finished article yet but on the flip side he does seem to have something about him. He worked hard to adjust throughout the game I thought and to be fair he got closer and closer to getting on the score sheet. I'm really hoping that a goal or two settles him and he starts to kick on a bit.
    I agree 100% that the two obvious starters are Benteke and Ings. I think there's certainly a place for Origi though, perhaps U21's could be helpful. I certainly think he has the right attitude and will come good and when he does, could be a bit special.
    On a different note, you have to wonder how much the voice in BR's head is screaming - 'stick Ibe up front' :) I know he started out as a striker and he's making a good case IMO to have another go.

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  166. Cafu himself comes to pay his respects...

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  167. Ibe with Benteke and Ings on the wing with PC or Firmino...hmmmm. I like it.

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  168. They seem to be the cream of the current crop then but does appear (Clyne withstanding) likely, that this window's going to pass our defence by and I suppose by the next one, anything could have happened with our team; which may have a considerable bearing on what happens next. Especially pertaining to Ginter by the sounds of it.

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  169. New Top Gear presenters: If Suzi Perry gets the job, she gets a thumbs up, but Chris Evans is a turn off.The viewing figures will nosedive!

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  170. I cannot see any reason Origi cant be loaned out to a championship club for 6 months.

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  171. Begovic should've come to us to fight it out with mignolet for the no1 spot rather than going to sit on Chelsea's bench

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  172. Ghost of Suarez9:55 pm, July 24, 2015

    The quote has been taken a bit out of context. Carra was talking about the fact that we all seem more excited by Firmino than Benteke, about how it was to do with the mystique of buying a highly rated foreign player and how that excites the fans. He then made a general statement about the risk involved with foreign players, and that its impossible to be sure if he would be Suarez or Aquilani until he plays and settles. He wasn't analysing Firmino's attributes specifically and saying he thought he could be an Aquilani.

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  173. Alexander Clayton11:37 pm, July 24, 2015

    Think it will be hard for Rodgers as he won't have time to or room to chop and change the team to find a formation that works as his job is relying on the first few games all in all tho it's the first time in a long time that I feel we have a good squad and not scared of who will cover if so and so gets injured

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  174. Nope never touched it there was always eleven mate

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  175. Ah. Thanks for that. I would add that it's probably impossible to be sure whether any player will settle - Downing, Lovren and Alonso are cases in point. But fair dos. Context is key.

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  176. It is not about wanting him to fail. Every single striker Rodgers has signed bar Sturridge have flopped and when Rodgers is criticised for that it is seemingly only the fault of the players?


    So if Benteke had to fall the same way (you even admitted that he could fail) then it will be Benteke who did not show up.


    I am not expecting us to win the league this coming season and also do not believe we will finish 4th. Not under Rodgers.

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  177. I would not rule out a loan again for Origi. Not sure if he is ready yet for the EPL. Also cannot see us going two up top that would mean either Coutinho or Firmino sitting out.


    We will know whether Ings is up for it once competitive football has started. I said the other day he was going to struggle and it is for him to prove me wrong. Playing in a friendly on the other side of the world vs playing at a packed Anfield where you are expected to deliver are completely different situations. And as history goes where we have signed players from smaller teams, they just do not have a big club mentality.


    I would have preferred if we gave Sinclair a chance who has worked his behind off to break into the first team and IMO is has more potential.

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  178. Ghost of Suarez1:25 am, July 25, 2015

    It about the pool of player he has had the funds to sign and then what players were available. Aspas, Lambert, even Sturridge are players picked up out of the bargain bucket in top premier league terms...every now and then you get a gem but there is a higher risk of getting burned. Balo was over the £15m mark so into what I would class a middle of the road fee for a player....He has ability but only good in a two when the other can run in behind, Studges injury robbed Rodgers of the option of playing him as intended, and we knew he had baggage....this is the store we shop in generally particularly whilst not in CL. Studge cost the same fee Southampton paid for Shane Long. It's only when we have a windfall that we can go out and spend big, but that windfall comes at the expense of top players going... leaving a hole the team, and still even the we are outspent by ManU, City, Chelsea.

    Our net spend this year will be £18m assuming Lambert and Borini leave for the expected fees. What will Utd's be? City's? An Arsenal board member came out today and said Wenger can afford any player save Ronaldo and Messi? This is what we are up against....

    Now in time the gap can close, you can build a team, the revenues are growing and the extended stadium will help to catch Arsenal, maybe get close to Utd even, but we are never going to be as rich as city or Chelsea so we have to grow a team gradually (hence the average age of our squad being so much lower than the rest).These disadvantages have been there since Benitez really, before that it was only its who could outspend us really.
    So if we finish 5th this season it will be because we are not quite there yet but changing manager will not be the answer, because anyone new who comes in will have to start again under the same conditions. Do you really not see any of this?

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  179. Ings scored more PL goals than anybody on our team last year. He'll be just fine. With 4-4-2 both Couts and Firmino can play.

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  180. On 343. IMO there are 2 inherent weaknesses in this formation.

    Firstly, it is dependent on WBs providing width. This is a very demanding job bombing up AND down the length of pitch many times over 90 minutes. Eventually they get tired and get caught out of position. Also they are often caught in 2 on 1 situations facing both FB and winger. We saw this in 90s under Evans. Initially it caught teams by surprise with extra midfielder but once teams adapted, weaknesses were exposed. Eventually Evans abandoned 3 at back.

    Secondly, CBs are normally 6'2" or so. Built to defend aerial attacks not tricky pacey attackers. In 343 they are expected to come out wide. This is not their natural game. Sakho and Skrtel, for example, have shown their vulnerability when doing so. In essence, not playing to their strengths but to their weaknesses.

    If you go back and watch the last few games before BR eventually abandoned 343 completely, you will notice a pattern repeating. BR starts 343 then after 20-25 minutes he would switch to 4 at the back. Why? Because teams had figured how to play against 343. This happened in previous season too. BR dropped 343 after conceding 4 against Arsenal. If you don't agree, why do you think BR eventually abandoned 343? This happened in last 2 seasons.

    IMO there were 2 major advantages of 343 (the way we played it).

    85% of all goals scored are from the space in front of goal the width of the 6 yard box and extending a few yards beyond the 18 yard line. By parking 3 CBS and 2 holding midfielders protecting that area, made us difficult to score against. That's why the outstanding defensive record during that 343 period. But it also made us ultra defensive.

    Most teams have adopted some form of 433 as the high press has become more popular. The means most teams have a single holding CM. In our 343 we had 2 #10s. In essence, we created a 2 on 1 in a key area ie 2 #10 vs 1 holding CM 'in between the lines'. Repeatedly we had a #10, unmarked in key area, with time and space to pick his pass to pacey striker (Sterling). So in just 2 quick passes, we opened up opposing defences. We exploited this key tactical advantage repeatedly, until teams switched to a standard 2 CM midfield partnership and this eliminated the vulnerability in a key area.

    I am not sure why you still list 3 at the back as a formation option. If BR has abandoned it in 2 successive seasons and it is not a widely used system, does that not imply it is not very good except in certain circumstances? German clubs used to favour 352 until England trounced their national team at home 5-1 and exposed the vulnerability of slow CBs Vs pacey wide men and FBS. Maybe you have a different take on this.

    Oh BTW. BR likes the high press and prefers 433 with 1 holding midfielder. In fact sometimes we look very much like 4141. Notice the huge amount of space 'in between the lines' on either side of the holding CM that can be exploited? We also concede a huge number of goals per season under BR. Do you think there is a correlation?

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  181. Ghost of Suarez9:01 am, July 25, 2015

    Just to my lengthy response below. I am not saying Rodgers should not be sacked under any circumstances. 5th he should survive as comfortably above the rest of the pack is where we should sit given our wage bill and net spend, it's treading water if you like....anything above that is Rodgers doing a great job given the finance situation...any less than that he should go. I expect him to do well with this team and I would predict 3rd or 4th.

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  182. Benj, your reply was totally fine and I didn't think you were having a go. Absolutely no offence taken and your point about player adaptability is a very good one, I think.

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  183. Ghost of Suarez9:52 am, July 25, 2015

    A fair point, similar age too, but Benteke had one prolific season for Genk, Borini was an Italian international who had been Roma's top scorer the previous year....obviously you can see now who was the better buy but what would you have said at the time had he picked Benteke? Also there is no guarantee Benteke would have done what he did at Villa, he would have been under a lot more pressure and was a lot younger.

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  184. To be fair to Lovren, that Ronaldhino can make any player look bad.

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  185. No wuckers mate. Pity about the draw against the malay xi, i did get 8 to 1 odds though :)

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  186. Maybe Greg, I'd like to see a bit more of him first though. He looks desperate to get on the score sheet which is understandable and maybe a goal or two will settle him down.
    Think all new strikers can flatter to deceive a little at first and also if he went on loan, I'd worry about what would happen if Benteke or Ings picked up an injury (assuming Studge wasn't fit)
    Think I'd like us to keep Origi available at least until Christmas and then access things again then.

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  187. Seems like you know your onions Ish, how would you set our team up at present?

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