Liverpool FC Forum

I'm pleased with our business in the transfer window ,Ok its not full to the brim of cherry picked superstars ,but I believe Rodgers
wanted players with a driven desire to play till their collective lungs burst just for the honour of wearing the shirt .

As for posters knocking Aspas ,he's had one game were the intensity of the match had him chasing shadows ,but prior to that
performance he has acquitted himself well ,especially given the role Rodgers has utilised him in ,and when you take into account
the lads prime role was striker for Celta .

Mignolet's performances have been exemplary ,and he's already done exactly what top keepers do in being the difference between
garnering three points as opposed to one.

Toure has been positively immense at the back ,and has made the departure of Carragher seem far less painful than some proposed.

Luis Alberto looks a real find ,and I love the lads composure on the ball ,and his sublime goal against Valerenga bodes well for the
future . I'm surmising Rodgers is letting him watch a few games from the bench before he gives him a start ,but I'm sure the lads
time will come.

Cissokho before his injury looked pacy and strong ,and a player who would have afforded us his vast experience in playing high
tempo football in La Liga.

Moses is a direct player who runs at defenders for fun ,his skill and trickery was an essential part of Rafa finishing in the Champions
league with Chelsea .

Tiago Ilori is a player that was coveted by some top names in European football his calmness and composure on the ball will be perfectly
suited to the style of football Rodgers wishes his defenders to play .....High hopes for this kid ,and its the signing that excites me the
most from all our dips into the transfer market.

Mamadou Sakho has been an immovable rock in the PSG team ,and it was only when in a monetary sense they could choose from the cream
of Europe's top players he was deemed a squad player. He has an engine on him that would make Henderson green with envy ,and his
leadership qualities are well renowned across Europe.

Lets not forget the young talent we have also procured in much the same way Spurs used to do ,in Sergio Canas and  Pedro Chirivella.
Rodgers is building for the future ,and we're currently basking in the lofty position of looking down on every other fucker.

YNWA 

Fowler_E7 » Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:30 pm wrote:don't think we have done enough to bridge the gap if im honest, GK and Defence we have made some good signings and look to have improved, Sakho in particular could make a huge difference. In midfield and attack im very disappointed with our signings, Moses is a good player and a good addition to the squad but hes no world beater, Alberto was terrible signing and a complete waste of time as he wasnt needed, Suso is a much better player IMO and from what ive seen he dosnt any better than Shelvey who i didnt particuarly rate. Aspas is a squad player at best IMO, id be amazed if he scores over 10 goals, he just dosnt have enough about him to be a top player for us. Whats disappointed me the most was the failure to sign a top quality central midfield player as we are painfully weak in that department, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson and Allen are not strong enough option to get us through the season and this will be the area that lets us down in the end IMO, I think Spurs and Arsenal are still stronger than us

Can't disagree with any of that as it echoes what I have been saying all along.

Right now everyone's "favourite" Liverpool player can't come back into the fold quickly enough as we are missing creativity and goals up front.

If he puts in the same performances as last season we will challenge for 4th but definately not a certainty as Arsenal and Tottenham have strengthened.

We need another quality signing in the midfield to complement Stevie, Hendo and Lucas.

If we can sell Allen (prolly for half of what we got him for) in Jan and bring in another CM we will be up there for sure at season's end.

Besides that we probably need another winger but let's see how Moses goes for this season.

The Alberto and Aspas signings really leave every fan scratching their heads..........

If we can sell Allen (prolly for half of what we got him for) in Jan and bring in another CM we will be up there for sure at season's end.

So you don't think 4 people to cover three positions is the problem? More the quality of the 4?

I admit I have a few concerns about the midfield myself, mostly due to numbers, the bench did look a little weak on Sunday.

Arsenal are the same + Ozil, will they have the same season as last or are we closer to them remains to be seen, remember they played very well in the second half of the season and its the same squad. I'm more concerned about them that Tottenham.

Tottenham still look flat to me, a team of strangers and they may be lagging behind by the time they gel

A few days ago I was a bit concerned as we hadn't addressed what for me was the priority a commanding centre half. Thankfully in the end we got Sakho in.
Cissokho I like too and will provide good competition at left back.
Iloro I know little about but looks skilful and composed.

Moses should bring us some skill and strength in wide positions and allow Coutinho to play in that number 10 role he is obviously destined for.
We looked a little lightweight on the flanks so we needed someone in.

Mignolet looks class.
Aspas looked ok against Stoke but didn't hold the ball up that well against the mancs, but it's early days and he has shown promise.
Toure has shown what his experience will bring for us.

Obviously we wanted the lad that went to Dortmund as our main target and when Brendan switched to Willian that didn't work out either. That was a shame but other clubs have had problems getting top targets in too, even the mancs who won the league last year and can offer Champions League football.

We were also in a different situation to other clubs too, we have needed to offload a lot of players who were not good enough which to a large degree we have done. Purely because we have bought so many who have been to say the least average buys.
I am sure Coates would have gone if he hadn't have got injured.

I hope Allen improves, we need him to and that Henderson continues to get better - we need more goals from midfield.
Suarez is still here, though I think he will be off before next season starts.

Coady, Suso, Adorjan and more have gone on loan and will come back better players. Not sure on Wisdom, Kelly and Flanagan though, I just cannot see all 3 getting much game time which may hinder their progress.

Overall we have done well, our situation was different as we had many players we needed to let go. I think we are now on the path to having a better, settled squad which might mean for once we are in the position of being able to buy 1 top drawer expensive player in future windows, rather that looking at several additions.
Be interesting to see where we play all these defenders, I though Skrtel was outstanding at the weekend, but it's a nice problem to have.

Greavesie » Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:35 am wrote:

If we can sell Allen (prolly for half of what we got him for) in Jan and bring in another CM we will be up there for sure at season's end.

So you don't think 4 people to cover three positions is the problem? More the quality of the 4?

I admit I have a few concerns about the midfield myself, mostly due to numbers, the bench did look a little weak on Sunday.

Arsenal are the same + Ozil, will they have the same season as last or are we closer to them remains to be seen, remember they played very well in the second half of the season and its the same squad. I'm more concerned about them that Tottenham.

Tottenham still look flat to me, a team of strangers and they may be lagging behind by the time they gel

I think it's possibly 4/5 to cover those 3 positions if we include Coutinho and Suarez as can see them at times both playing that higher role ( no 10 ). They certainly have a lot of quality between - just think there is a couple qualities missing - power/strength and drive from the middle - plus possible goals. I think if we added a "beast" type player in there which would free Gerrard a bit to get him further forward providing the drive and possibly goals. But I'm not sure if Gerrard can do that anymore.

One of my mates at the game came up with an interesting observation about Gerrard. Before his abductor surgery and the infection etc Gerrard used to really put his foot through the ball when striking on goal - he used to hit some proper blockbusting hot shot Hamish blasters - but since the surgery he doesn't seem to do it anymore - more placement and little dinks. Didnt really take much notice of it but on Sunday he was about 30 yards out and instead if blasting it he elected to pass. If it is the case it could be effecting his drive and goalscoring from the middle - has anyone else noticed it ?

Greavesie » Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:35 am wrote:

If we can sell Allen (prolly for half of what we got him for) in Jan and bring in another CM we will be up there for sure at season's end.

So you don't think 4 people to cover three positions is the problem? More the quality of the 4?

I admit I have a few concerns about the midfield myself, mostly due to numbers, the bench did look a little weak on Sunday.

Arsenal are the same + Ozil, will they have the same season as last or are we closer to them remains to be seen, remember they played very well in the second half of the season and its the same squad. I'm more concerned about them that Tottenham.

Tottenham still look flat to me, a team of strangers and they may be lagging behind by the time they gel

It depends whether Rodgers sticks to playing 3 CMs in the midfield throughout this season.

If he does then I would have preferred to have 4 quality CMs as Allen is definately the weakest link.

Ozil will improve the Gooners but they still have real problems at the back and that could potentially come back and bite them in the a$$ this season.

Wouldn't be so quick to right off Tottenham there mate, their midfield and attack looks absolutely frightening on paper.

Once AVB gets them to gel and works out what their best XI is, the league is in for a big shake-up.

The sooner this happens the harder it will be for us to get 4th.

In saying all that, I think we are only a quality CM and winger away from having a very, very strong side.

Didnt Arsenal get a new GK ?

Vermaulen is on his way back and with Flamini added they will be a bit stronger - Ozil is a world class signing - he creates more than any other player in Europe - if Giroud etc finish the chances off then they will be a force. Wenger pulled off a masterstroke getting Ozil

Spurs will take their team gelling - not all the players will work out and some will take their time. But once Lamela and Paulinho start giving the ammunition to Soldaldo then they will score bundles.

The Mancs getting Fellani in is a good buy - but if they keep playing Cleverly instead of Kagawa then they will struggle.

Will be interesting to see the table at the end of Dec - would put us still 6th but closer to Spurs and Arsenal with the Mancs just ahead.

Benny The Noon » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:04 am wrote:Didnt Arsenal get a new GK ?

Vermaulen is on his way back and with Flamini added they will be a bit stronger - Ozil is a world class signing - he creates more than any other player in Europe - if Giroud etc finish the chances off then they will be a force. Wenger pulled off a masterstroke getting Ozil

Spurs will take their team gelling - not all the players will work out and some will take their time. But once Lamela and Paulinho start giving the ammunition to Soldaldo then they will score bundles.

The Mancs getting Fellani in is a good buy - but if they keep playing Cleverly instead of Kagawa then they will struggle.

Will be interesting to see the table at the end of Dec - would put us still 6th but closer to Spurs and Arsenal with the Mancs just ahead.

I'm not convinced by Soldado; Paulinho and Lamela didn't look interested at the weekend. Movement is the first part of the game and neither could be bothered to even do that, obviously its early doors so the jury is out on that one. Do I think they've adequately replaced Bale? No, he was a proper matchwinner, they've lost that now if you ask me. Coupled with the fact that AVB is manager

Verms is poo and if you think a keeper on loan from Palermo is an upgrade on anything they've already got then that sums up your opinion of the current Arsenal goalkeepers. As I said Arsenal are still the bigger concern for me. I'm hoping they'll faulter but they've got this knack of getting into Europe on a constant and think that mentality will see them over the line, I do think they're weak across the park tho. Ozil was amongst the most creative players in the world but he was at one of the best sides in La Liga playing olongside the likes of Benzema, Kaka, Ronaldo, Di Maria and Higuain. Now he's creating for Giroud, Walcott and Podolski

It's always going to be hard to replace Bale - same as if we needed to replace Suarez - you would need to improve the sum of all parts as opposed to just one player. Paulinho still getting used to the pace but if any player can keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet then he must have something about him. Understand the concerns with Soldaldo - at the moment they seem to be isolating him which won't help. Lamela hadnt even trained with them and only had 10 odd mins ? AvB as manager - certainly see your point there.

Vermaulen has struggled with injury over the last two seasons at seemingly is nearly sorted - he started his Arsenal career brilliantly - recapture that and he will be a great asset. The Palermo keeper is a very good shot stopper/sweeper - crosses not so much but I can see him taking the number one spot. Their midfield has a lot of creativity in it with Wilshire/Ramsey/Carzola/Ozil plus width and pace from Walcott and Oxlade . The problem could be Giroud or a lack of substitute for him if he doesn't score

Benny The Noon » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:19 am wrote:It's always going to be hard to replace Bale - same as if we needed to replace Suarez - you would need to improve the sum of all parts as opposed to just one player. Paulinho still getting used to the pace but if any player can keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet then he must have something about him. Understand the concerns with Soldaldo - at the moment they seem to be isolating him which won't help. Lamela hadnt even trained with them and only had 10 odd mins ? AvB as manager - certainly see your point there.

Vermaulen has struggled with injury over the last two seasons at seemingly is nearly sorted - he started his Arsenal career brilliantly - recapture that and he will be a great asset. The Palermo keeper is a very good shot stopper/sweeper - crosses not so much but I can see him taking the number one spot. Their midfield has a lot of creativity in it with Wilshire/Ramsey/Carzola/Ozil plus width and pace from Walcott and Oxlade . The problem could be Giroud or a lack of substitute for him if he doesn't score

Let's just hope its my thoughts that bear fruit then we'll be just fine 

When did Paulinho keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet?

Conf Cup Final mate.

Benny The Noon » Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:38 am wrote:

Greavesie » Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:35 am wrote:

If we can sell Allen (prolly for half of what we got him for) in Jan and bring in another CM we will be up there for sure at season's end.

So you don't think 4 people to cover three positions is the problem? More the quality of the 4?

I admit I have a few concerns about the midfield myself, mostly due to numbers, the bench did look a little weak on Sunday.

Arsenal are the same + Ozil, will they have the same season as last or are we closer to them remains to be seen, remember they played very well in the second half of the season and its the same squad. I'm more concerned about them that Tottenham.

Tottenham still look flat to me, a team of strangers and they may be lagging behind by the time they gel

I think it's possibly 4/5 to cover those 3 positions if we include Coutinho and Suarez as can see them at times both playing that higher role ( no 10 ). They certainly have a lot of quality between - just think there is a couple qualities missing - power/strength and drive from the middle - plus possible goals. I think if we added a "beast" type player in there which would free Gerrard a bit to get him further forward providing the drive and possibly goals. But I'm not sure if Gerrard can do that anymore.

One of my mates at the game came up with an interesting observation about Gerrard. Before his abductor surgery and the infection etc Gerrard used to really put his foot through the ball when striking on goal - he used to hit some proper blockbusting hot shot Hamish blasters - but since the surgery he doesn't seem to do it anymore - more placement and little dinks. Didnt really take much notice of it but on Sunday he was about 30 yards out and instead if blasting it he elected to pass. If it is the case it could be effecting his drive and goalscoring from the middle - has anyone else noticed it ?

You mean this cyber mate on another forum.     http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/t ... .3840.html

At least credit Swab with it instead of plagiarising it with a pretend friend at a pretend game.

ha ha ha owned!

Kenny Kan » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:34 am wrote:You mean this cyber mate on another forum.     http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,41.3840.html

At least credit Swab with it instead of plagiarising it with a pretend friend at a pretend game.

The clue that it was suspect lay in "one of my mates" suggesting not only does he have a mate but unbelievably there's more than one of them !

More seriously.

Benny if you're gonna take and post stuff that you've read in another forum please have the good grace to properly credit the source.

So it's not possible that two people have thought the same thing !

So yes a mate - yes i do have them Woof - noticed the same thing. Simple as that. Certainly not copied from any site.!