Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours 2018

MarkY91

Dipping into the united thread reminds me of the depressing stuff that would have been said here the past decade or so.

I'm loving it!

internelligent

MarkY91 wrote: »

Dipping into the united thread reminds me of the depressing stuff that would have been said here the past decade or so.

I'm loving it!

It's exactly what we'd be saying here. I love how there's optimism about the club now. Years have gone by where I'd hope we'd challenge for a cup somewhere but now there's real optimism for something bigger. I still think we'll finish 2nd to City but there's hope of better. The Crystal Palace match showed us on a poor day up front by the standards we're used to. No chance we'd have won that last year. Blown away by Van Dijk's ability and how stable the defence appears. I feel Alisson hasn't really been tested yet but again that free kick hits the back of the net last year and I'd be trying to convince myself no keeper would've saved it.
Set pieces meant we'd concede a goal not so long ago too. It's just so calming to not have conceded a goal yet and for it not to be down to luck.
One game at a time though. Looking forward to Brighton now. Hopefully our attack will be back in form.

SlickRic

Morzadec wrote: »

I was thinking this last night.

When it was Lovren and Matip this time last year, Lovren was tasked with the physichal battle. He would have been the one yesterday challenging Benteke.

He also fancied himself as the organiser, and the man who could be a bit of a ball player.

VVD kind of takes all these roles.

What Gomez offers is pure pace and athleticism. There's a strong argument that this compliments VVD better, and is more suited to how we play with our back line often high up.

Another poster rightly pointed out that the interception Gomez made at full stretch on Zaha was absolutely crucial, and Lovren wouldn't have made it.

Could be a case of different player for different situations. Gomez was essential to stop Zaha last night and did superbly.

also, it's easier to lead Gomez and than Lovren. VVD can take on the responsiblity, barging everyone out the way, and just clear something if he sees fit, and Gomez will be happy to go on the cover.

Lovren will not do that, and can't do that, because his pride and his 'i'm one of the best in the world' brain won't allow him.

Gbear

SlickRic wrote: »

also, it's easier to lead Gomez and than Lovren. VVD can take on the responsiblity, barging everyone out the way, and just clear something if he sees fit, and Gomez will be happy to go on the cover.

Lovren will not do that, and can't do that, because his pride and his 'i'm one of the best in the world' brain won't allow him.

There was nothing wrong with their partnership last season.

At this point there's still little question that Lovren should be straight back in once he's fit. Ideally he shouldn't be playing for Croatia, although they've called him up, and he should get maybe an early cup game to help him find his feet.

Still, he should be back in business by October.

Mr.H

Mushy wrote: »

That could work, although it's on this weekend. Cheers

Did you get sorted? I have a few knocking about. Medium size. Where are you based/going to the stag.

Mushy

Mr.H wrote: »

Mushy wrote: »

That could work, although it's on this weekend. Cheers

Did you get sorted? I have a few knocking about. Medium size. Where are you based/going to the stag.

I was gonna call some Sports Direct shops. Based in Cork, heading to Westport, so limerick/Galway suit either

Mr.H

Mushy wrote: »

I was gonna call some Sports Direct shops. Based in Cork, heading to Westport, so limerick/Galway suit either

Well I am in Limerick. Heading to Liverpool late Friday night (leaving here 2am-ish for a Dublin flight). If you are passing this way before then you can have one of my old ones no charge.

But if that doesnt suit for whatever reason definitely call the sports direct shops. Even try calling other sports stores and ask them directly if they have any old Liverpool jerseys for sale. They might have them "on sale" as old stock.

Mushy

Mr.H wrote: »

Mushy wrote: »

I was gonna call some Sports Direct shops. Based in Cork, heading to Westport, so limerick/Galway suit either

Well I am in Limerick. Heading to Liverpool late Friday night (leaving here 2am-ish for a Dublin flight). If you are passing this way before then you can have one of my old ones no charge.

But if that doesnt suit for whatever reason definitely call the sports direct shops. Even try calling other sports stores and ask them directly if they have any old Liverpool jerseys for sale. They might have them "on sale" as old stock.

Where in limerick are you based? I'm heading up late Friday morning so can pick it up easily.

Mr.H

Mushy wrote: »

Where in limerick are you based? I'm heading up late Friday morning so can pick it up easily.

Just sent you a PM

Knex*

Gbear wrote: »

There was nothing wrong with their partnership last season.

At this point there's still little question that Lovren should be straight back in once he's fit. Ideally he shouldn't be playing for Croatia, although they've called him up, and he should get maybe an early cup game to help him find his feet.

Still, he should be back in business by October.

I wouldn't be rushing to take Gomez out of the team tbh.

He's our future and has played quite well, especially vs Palace. I think he'll remain first choice with Lovren getting rotation games until such time Lovren out performs him.

That would follow the Klopp MO that we've seen with other player positions anyway. One example being Moreno.

I'd be pretty surprised if Lovern isn't 1st choice when fit.

What an oppurtunity for Gomez though. He needs to make himself undroppable. Brillian mentor beside him too.

Mr.H

Knex. wrote: »

I wouldn't be rushing to take Gomez out of the team tbh.

He's our future and has played quite well, especially vs Palace. I think he'll remain first choice with Lovren getting rotation games until such time Lovren out performs him.

That would follow the Klopp MO that we've seen with other player positions anyway. One example being Moreno.

You could even use Trent as an example of that.

I hope Gomez stays in the team for now. He has looked good against some tough opposition. Ben and Zaha are a good test for any defence. His height does worry me a little but only because I prefer the Sami's and VVD's of this world at center back. But I suppose Carra wasnt bad either :rolleyes:

MD1990

Lovren is a long way off from getting back into the team.

Cannot train atm & will need 2-3 weeks before being considered since he missed pre season & his fitness would be gone from the WC.
Don't think we will see him until the end of September/Early October.

Iused2likebusts

Iused2likebusts wrote: »

Karius would probably have done his no dive trick and then people would say nothing he could do about it.

Or blame JOHN ACHTERBERG

Knex*

Mr.H wrote: »

You could even use Trent as an example of that.

I hope Gomez stays in the team for now. He has looked good against some tough opposition. Ben and Zaha are a good test for any defence. His height does worry me a little but only because I prefer the Sami's and VVD's of this world at center back. But I suppose Carra wasnt bad either :rolleyes:

He's 6ft2" though!

He's actually the same height as Lovren. He looks a bit bigger to me this year as well. I actually noticed it when he was walking out from the tunnel the past two games. Only VVD was bigger than him, although we do have a relatively small team.

But consider he's still only 21 and is lightening fast, I think he's a few years away from really filling out and being at his peak weight/size.

TitianGerm

On our back line the future doesn't look to bad at all

Allison - 26
Robertson - 24
VVD - 27
Gomez - 21
TAA - 20

Then looking at the midfield

Fabhino - 25
Nabby - 23
Ox - 25

And the front line

Mane - 26
Bobby - 27
Salah - 26

That's a very young team overall. Even bringing Lovren(29) and Henderson(28) or Milly(32) doesn't increase the average age by much.

If the team can stay together it'll be a serious squad in two years.

Alonso77

TitianGerm wrote: »

On our back line the future doesn't look to bad at all

Allison - 26
Robertson - 24
VVD - 27
Gomez - 21
TAA - 20

Then looking at the midfield

Fabhino - 25
Nabby - 23
Ox - 25

And the front line

Mane - 26
Bobby - 27
Salah - 26

That's a very young team overall. Even bringing Lovren(29) and Henderson(28) or Milly(32) doesn't increase the average age by much.

If the team can stay together it'll be a serious squad in two years.

Its a serious squad now!

bennyineire

TitianGerm wrote: »

On our back line the future doesn't look to bad at all

Allison - 26
Robertson - 24
VVD - 27
Gomez - 21
TAA - 20

Then looking at the midfield

Fabhino - 25
Nabby - 23
Ox - 25

And the front line

Mane - 26
Bobby - 27
Salah - 26

That's a very young team overall. Even bringing Lovren(29) and Henderson(28) or Milly(32) doesn't increase the average age by much.

If the team can stay together it'll be a serious squad in two years.

It's a serious squad now, now is this teams time. We got to stop talking about the future prospects of this team. This team is ready now

TitianGerm

Alonso77 wrote: »

Its a serious squad now!

I mean they'll develop with more experience.

Dickerty

Mushy wrote: »

Where in limerick are you based? I'm heading up late Friday morning so can pick it up easily.

:sniff: BEST FANS IN THE WORLD! :sniff:

Gbear

Knex. wrote: »

I wouldn't be rushing to take Gomez out of the team tbh.

He's our future and has played quite well, especially vs Palace. I think he'll remain first choice with Lovren getting rotation games until such time Lovren out performs him.

That would follow the Klopp MO that we've seen with other player positions anyway. One example being Moreno.

I don't really think that's the same situation. Robertson was brought in to replace Moreno and he was slowly integrated for both our and his long term sakes, but it was pretty clear what the plan was, even if we were grumbling about the patience shown in implementing it.

Lovren's last game for us was a CL final where he was our best player.

Even from a squad management POV I don't think you want to be in a case where we're reliant on Gomez yet. You don't want to have a normal dip in form that you might expect for any player, but particularly a young CB, forcing him out of the team.

This little sojourn at CB will be good for Gomez long term and will give him belief that he can pin it down again over time, as he develops. This is all credit in the bank.

If Gomez really shines between now and Lovren coming back in by, for example, standing out in the games against City and Chelsea around early October, then that might change, but I don't think his current form is enough to lock it down ahead of a guy who is definitely our 2nd CB as things stand.

As with Henderson, I don't think a lot of fans opinions are in sync with the way Klopp thinks about Lovren.

Mr.H

Knex. wrote: »

He's 6ft2" though!

He's actually the same height as Lovren. He looks a bit bigger to me this year as well. I actually noticed it when he was walking out from the tunnel the past two games. Only VVD was bigger than him, although we do have a relatively small team.

But consider he's still only 21 and is lightening fast, I think he's a few years away from really filling out and being at his peak weight/size.

Ok then ignore what I said before:D

I thought he was 5ft 8ish which was always my fear of him being center back

Dickerty

Henderson will always divide opinion. We immediately looked better when he came on, we were struggling a little. But we cannot build the midfield around him, that has to be Keita. Either Fabinho/Hendo plays deep to allow Keita to push on, or Ox/Shaq play higher with Keita at 6. But Keita is the only constant.

But isn't it great to have options? Even with Ox injured, we have 7 options. Fab not even in the squad, and Hendo/Lallana/Shaq on the bench...

ebbsy

I think with regard to the penalty and the red card, the ref was in a very good position for both, and did not hesitate in either case also.

There are people out there who suggested that for the red card the ball was running away from Salah.

I pity those people.

Riesen_Meal

I'm normally one of Henderson's biggest critics but he was great the other night when he came on I thought...

marklazarcovic

Hope we don't cack the bed in here f we have a brutal game ..

There's enough negativity around in the other threads already.

Alonso77

Draws were a killer last season especially at home , dropped 8 pts to WBrom, Everton, Burnley and Charlie Adams.

Would be hoping to improve on that this season.

TitianGerm

Nice write up on TAA here

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45187181

A Champions League final and a World Cup appearance at 19 years old - Trent Alexander-Arnold is doing big things at a young age.

So what is it about the Liverpool teenager that has got everyone excited?

The boy who grew up just minutes away from Liverpool's training ground and has been at the club since the age of six has already made 47 first-team appearances, as well as representing England at every age group from under-16s upwards.

His promising talent was on display in Liverpool's first two Premier League games against West Ham and Crystal Palace this season - but can he become one of the best players the club has produced?

A fear of failure, a growing maturity and a strong understanding of the game are among the qualities that have helped him become Jurgen Klopp's right-back in the Liverpool manager's first-choice team.

Here, BBC Sport takes a closer look at his attributes and mentality with insight from his former academy coach Neil Critchley.

Moving on from the player who 'kicks off'

It didn't always go Alexander-Arnold's way. He was prone to bursts of frustration as a young player and was "quite hard on himself", such was his desire to win.

"He could be difficult at times," Critchley told BBC Sport. "He would get frustrated and sulk, get his head down.

"He showed immaturity at times if he wasn't performing the way he wanted or the team weren't - if they were losing for example."

These fits of frustration threatened to hold Alexander-Arnold back.

One of the most stark examples occurred in 2016 when, after playing "very well" against Nottingham Forest for Liverpool's under-18s in 2016, he had a "disastrous game" against Manchester City just a few days later for the under-23s as he adapted to a new role as a right-back.

"It was probably the worst game he has ever had," said Critchley. "I went to watch him and he kicked off. It was a car crash. That summed up where he was at in that moment. It was about him needing to become more consistent."

Last season could have gone the same way. He struggled against Marcus Rashford away at Manchester United in March and was given a hard time by Crystal Palace just over a week later.

But two months after that he was starting in the Champions League final and kept Cristiano Ronaldo at bay, having dealt with Manchester City's Leroy Sane in the quarter-finals. Was that a sign he had tempered the temper?

"By the end of last season he had matured and learned from his mistakes," said Critchley. "But that was because he was allowed to develop and gain consistency.

"He had those games where he kept Sane relatively quiet over the 180 minutes and I thought he played exceptionally well. He then got his World Cup call on the back of that.

"He will want to play for Liverpool for the next 10-15 years and you have to strive to get better."

'The fear that drives him'

Part of Alexander-Arnold's mental strength comes from a "hungry" attitude and a fear of being replaced in the side.

There is now real competition for places at Liverpool - their summer spending of almost £170m is proof the club can attract some of the world's best talent - and team-mates Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne are other strong options at right-back.

"He had an inner drive that he kept well hidden," said Critchley. "He had that 'I'll show you and I will prove you wrong' attitude. He was a really focused and driven boy.

"Obviously he has the ability but he gets his head down and does his work. He will always have that fear that someone will come and take his place. That fear drives him to be better."

Alexander-Arnold still lives with his parents so is constantly reminded of his upbringing as he followed in the footsteps of his idol Steven Gerrard as a born and bred Liverpudlian "living the dream".

"His parents, his upbringing - it all goes into the pot. He has been developed in a really good environment. It is great for him to give younger players of the future some hope there is a pathway into Liverpool's first team. He was a local boy, playing in the city and he had those dreams. They can come true.

"He should thank his parents daily. Being the person he is makes him the footballer he is," added Critchley.

Understanding of the game

Gerrard wrote in his autobiography that Alexander-Arnold had "all the attributes you need" after seeing him captain Liverpool's under-18s.

He has since evolved into one of the Premier League's most promising right-backs, with a passing range few 19-year-olds share thanks to his background as a midfielder.

Alexander-Arnold completed 17 successful crosses from open play in last season's Premier League and created 25 goalscoring chances - more than Liverpool's opposite full-back Andrew Robertson.

He also made 53 interceptions in the last campaign - displaying a strong understanding of the game - and is entrusted with many of Liverpool's set-pieces after producing a number of dangerous deliveries.

The biggest stage appears to be no problem either - achieving an 89% pass accuracy on his World Cup debut against Belgium and being handed the same set-piece responsibility by England manager Gareth Southgate in only his second cap.

"Whatever position he plays, that is another string to his bow. He sees the game when he is on the pitch. He could end up playing in midfield but why not be the best right-back that Liverpool has ever produced?" said Critchley.

"Or go on to play for your country in so many games and be known as one of the best right-backs in the world. That is what he will be trying to do."

citytillidie

Alonso77 wrote: »

Draws were a killer last season especially at home , dropped 8 pts to WBrom, Everton, Burnley and Charlie Adams.

Would be hoping to improve on that this season.

I would not count to much on the league season last year since Liverpool basically gave up in March as they had some bigger mid week games which people are happy to ignore, it nearly cost them top 4 but i say with out that distraction they would have finished 2nd

Alonso77

citytillidie wrote: »

I would not count to much on the league season last year since Liverpool basically gave up in March as they had some bigger mid week games which people are happy to ignore, it nearly cost them top 4 but i say with out that distraction they would have finished 2nd

3 of those 4 home draws were pre xmas!

citytillidie

Alonso77 wrote: »

3 of those 4 home draws were pre xmas!

From QF of the Champions League last season Liverpool only won 2 games out of 6.

Beating Bournemouth and Brighton
Drawing with Everton, West Brom and Stoke
Losing to Chelsea.

Beating Everton, West Brom and Stoke would have been expected if no distractions which would have left Liverpool in 2nd

Alonso77

citytillidie wrote: »

From QF of the Champions League last season Liverpool only won 2 games out of 6.

Beating Bournemouth and Brighton
Drawing with Everton, West Brom and Stoke
Losing to Chelsea.

Beating Everton, West Brom and Stoke would have been expected if no distractions which would have left Liverpool in 2nd

Its the early to mid season home draws I've highlighted

Alonso77

In particular these 3 results were disappointing:

16-09-17 Liverpool 1 - 1 Burnley

10-12-17 Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton

13-12-17 Liverpool 0 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

You'd be expecting with the stronger squad this yr that we would gain maximum pts from the equivalent fixtures (insert promoted team for relegated W Brom)

5starpool

We're always going to have a few disappointing results through the season, but hopefully we can reduce them.

If we have a decent season then it'll be interesting to see where Klopp thinks we might need upgrades next summer. CB is a possibility, but Gomez and Lovren could mean we are well stocked there. Squad depth mostly it perhaps? If the season goes poorly it's a different conversation though.

Gbear

Alonso77 wrote: »

Draws were a killer last season especially at home , dropped 8 pts to WBrom, Everton, Burnley and Charlie Adams.

Would be hoping to improve on that this season.

You can see how you could find quite a few more points - say turn 3 of those into wins, and we left a lot of points on the field against the top 6, either because we didn't turn up, were too naive or had a depleted squad, so another couple of wins and draws there and you can start to see where we get an extra 15 points from.

Gbear

Gbear wrote: »

..............so another couple of wins and draws there and you can start to see where we get an extra 15 points from.

If Mo continues on last season's goalscoring exploits .......... we did well last year. Adding 15 pts to last season's total would be an incredible achievement IMO.

Utopia Parkway

Knex. wrote: »

He's 6ft2" though!

He's actually the same height as Lovren. He looks a bit bigger to me this year as well. I actually noticed it when he was walking out from the tunnel the past two games. Only VVD was bigger than him, although we do have a relatively small team.

Liverpool have the smallest team in the league I believe. Man City are second so just goes to show you size isn't everything.

dogbert27

Augeo wrote: »

Or blame JOHN ACHTERBERG

I do blame JOHN ACTHERBERG!!! :pac:

Utopia Parkway

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Liverpool have the smallest team in the league I believe. Man City are second so just goes to show you size isn't everything.

MD1990

Knex. wrote: »

He's 6ft2" though!

He's actually the same height as Lovren. He looks a bit bigger to me this year as well. I actually noticed it when he was walking out from the tunnel the past two games. Only VVD was bigger than him, although we do have a relatively small team.

But consider he's still only 21 and is lightening fast, I think he's a few years away from really filling out and being at his peak weight/size.

Gomez has lost weight since Klopp arrived.

He won't be gaining weight in the future I hope.

Just needs more experience.
He is brillant prospect has all the attributes needed. I remember some on here wrote him off after a poor game when he played injured. Ridiculous stuff.

He will be a better defender than Maquire.

Agent Coulson

Reds welcome @LEVIS as official partner. ����

The long-term partnership will focus on supporting local communities and giving back to fans through football, lifestyle and music.

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1032177362962718720

x43r0

Agent Coulson wrote: »

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1032177362962718720

All-denim suits if we make a cup final!

Spice boys 2.0

citytillidie

Some will have seen this posted over the fence



Figures lifted from transfer market and in sterling tell a different story

Liverpool Man Utd Man City Arsenal Chelsea Spurs
18-19 163.98 74.43 64.07 71.1 123.3 0
17-18 151.23 147.96 285.75 106.97 234.54 109.35
16-17 71.91 166.5 192.15 96.3 119.52 75.24
15-16 112.86 140.4 187.47 23.85 81.45 63.9
14-15 136.29 175.82 79.47 107.08 123.93 43.62
13-14 52.29 69.42 104.4 44.33 117.32 109.69
12-13 63.54 68.81 55.76 50.4 98.73 65.93
11-12 59.87 56.07 81.95 58.93 86.81 8.51
10-11 87.35 26.37 165.24 20.7 109.35 23.94
09-10 39.15 24.66 132.57 10.8 27 36.27
938.47 950.44 1348.83 590.46 1121.95 536.45

Potential Underachiever

x43r0 wrote: »

All-denim suits if we make a cup final!

Spice boys 2.0

Double denim suits a.k.a Canadian Tuxedos.

fyfe79

Agent Coulson wrote: »

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1032177362962718720

We're chasing Man City on the pitch and chasing Man Utd off it! Good sponsorship deal for the club there, I'm sure.

marklazarcovic

Loads seem to think of cash when it comes to their clubs,like they are bringing their footie manager experience into real life..

See quotes like .. "be great if we sold him on for profit"

"Wouldn't sell for less than x amount""

"Let him sit in the reserves for the season,show him who's boss"

Even the manager hasn't a clue about the financial side these days.. but on here (boards.ie) .. financial experts aplenty .. people actually argue over it when they haven't a clue.

5starpool

citytillidie wrote: »

Some will have seen this posted over the fence



Figures lifted from transfer market and in sterling tell a different story

Liverpool Man Utd Man City Arsenal Chelsea Spurs
18-19 163.98 74.43 64.07 71.1 123.3 0
17-18 151.23 147.96 285.75 106.97 234.54 109.35
16-17 71.91 166.5 192.15 96.3 119.52 75.24
15-16 112.86 140.4 187.47 23.85 81.45 63.9
14-15 136.29 175.82 79.47 107.08 123.93 43.62
13-14 52.29 69.42 104.4 44.33 117.32 109.69
12-13 63.54 68.81 55.76 50.4 98.73 65.93
11-12 59.87 56.07 81.95 58.93 86.81 8.51
10-11 87.35 26.37 165.24 20.7 109.35 23.94
09-10 39.15 24.66 132.57 10.8 27 36.27
938.47 950.44 1348.83 590.46 1121.95 536.45

I thought we were the ones who lived in the past?

Gbear

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Liverpool have the smallest team in the league I believe. Man City are second so just goes to show you size isn't everything.

Dunno is that still the case with VVD, Becker, Fabinho. I'd say TAA and Robbo are bigger than Clyne and Moreno as well.

citytillidie wrote: »

Some will have seen this posted over the fence

It's also worthless unless it's net spend and if it ignores wages.

Widdensushi

Gbear wrote: »

Dunno is that still the case with VVD, Becker, Fabinho. I'd say TAA and Robbo are bigger than Clyne and Moreno as well.





It's also worthless unless it's net spend and if it ignores wages.

Exactly,we would never have bought carroll if we didnt lose torres late in the window.Joe cole would never have been one of the highest earners at the club if his signing fee wasnt factored in to annual payments.Spend is a very limited picture.

When Charity Shields are added in to a trophy count you know that person meant business.