The Liverpool Thread

[RhQQ]

Must say, I have always seen something in him too, but he has divided a lot of opinions (including Liverpool fans). Don't see why, has always looked a high potential, out & out #9 for me.

Have to take Firmino out of my Fantasy, which will be a pity considering his value has really shot up since I initially put him in back in August/September, but he's went really off the boil lately (at least in terms of being directly involved in goals). How has he been performing generally? Was quiet against West Ham, but how about yesterday? Would you advise me to hang in there with him?

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

..... Have to take Firmino out of my Fantasy, which will be a pity considering his value has really shot up since I initially put him in back in August/September, but he's went really off the boil lately (at least in terms of being directly involved in goals). How has he been performing generally? Was quiet against West Ham, but how about yesterday? Would you advise me to hang in there with him?

He was back to completely taking the **** out of his opponents yesterday after having his two worst games of the season back-to-back the previous two games. I'd always have him in my fantasy side as he's such a threat. (Same with Mané who's been real quiet to all intents and purposes for a month or so now but still a serious threat with his constant work rate, movement and rapid pace.). Amazes me how he goes so under the radar Nationaly too. I don't think there's much more a complete forward the PL. The fella' does it all and loves to work his **** off and defend and tackle like nobody since Rushie. Certainly in Red. Far better all round player than Coutinho, as technically brilliant as Phil is. But any opposition fan seems to think we're all about Phil and never mention his bezzie. Weird how this has been going on so long the better Bobby's gotten.

I'd persevere personally. His points will increase sooner rather than later.

Second half yesterday was the best we've played all year for me. Completely controlled the game and took Middlesbrough to the cleaners for the first time since their return the PL. Klopp tweaked it half time and we went long initially to completely nullify their midfield press that they'd worked so hard at first half. Then when they dropped deeper, we just completely dominated with possession and ripped them.

So off that the mini blip appears well over and I'd fancy any of the usual L'pool high scoring suspects in fantasy over Christmas.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

You know, thinking about it in a wider context, if it came down to it and we lost one to a massive money move, I'd rather it be Coutinho than Firmino. Naturally you hope it's a good few years before this is even a prospect. And the level Coutinho has been playing at this year has been ridiculous. But he's an easier player to replace than what Firmino brings to the team and system of play.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Arnautovic got a straight red yesterday?

That's a bonus for the 27th to not have his threat for Stoke. Very dangerous little player.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

There was a very interesting discussion going on at work today about the Karius/ goalkeeping situation and a blue put forth an interesting theory on Klopp.

Although he fully believes what the manager had to say yesterday on his reasoning why he pulled him, he also think's, if there was still any doubt left with anyone, that that's a massively clear signal that Klopp believes in his mind he's going to win the league. As he said, if you just wanted top 4, the way your attack is, you ride out a developing young 'keeper now. And going to Middlesbrough who'd scored the fewest goals the league, whilst also having the fewest shots on goal, away from the TV spotlight, you could of rode out Karius and hoped he regained some confidence. But if you genuinely believe you've a massive chance of the title, you're looking at Middlesbrough and Everton before Christmas as must win games not wanting to risk the 6 point gap to Chelsea getting any bigger. So you eliminate any risks. Of which Karius has been a major one of late. In his words looking from the outside in, 'NOTHING is going to stand in Klopp's way of winning that league championship.'

Now make of that what you will. I don't know if there's an element of that or not behind the Karius decision. It is an interesting theory and wouldn't surprise you in the least. He's shown in no uncertain terms how ruthless he can be if you get in the way of the ultimate goal and upset the camp. (How's life looking for you these days Sakho lid?). But I am **** sure, even if the managers not saying it publicly, that he's right that in Klopp's mind, he's winning this league and it's now well and truly 'Game ON!' If it wasn't already.

It's gonna' be one heck of a fun, tense 5 months or so. I believe as strongly now as I have from the first day of pre-season along with these Reds that they're the ones who'll finally bring it back home.

I just hope my heart and my sanity can last through another 22 of these.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Notts County sell 15-year-old midfielder Jack Bearne to Liverpool - for rumoured £150,000 fee | Nottingham Post

Liverpool sign highly rated Notts County teenager for £150,000 - This Is Anfield

I just love the way a frigging 15 year old child is described as 'highly rated.' SMH.

Might turn out to be something in 5 years. Might never hear from him again. But it's a signing and Notts County have a little much needed financial wiggle room to what sounds desperate times for the Worlds oldest pro club. Sad times indeed.

 

[PatrickLFC]

Notts County sell 15-year-old midfielder Jack Bearne to Liverpool - for rumoured £150,000 fee | Nottingham Post

Liverpool sign highly rated Notts County teenager for £150,000 - This Is Anfield

I just love the way a frigging 15 year old child is described as 'highly rated.' SMH.

Might turn out to be something in 5 years. Might never hear from him again. But it's a signing and Notts County have a little much needed financial wiggle room to what sounds desperate times for the Worlds oldest pro club. Sad times indeed.

Another supposedly talented young guy coming in at some point in 2017, not sure when. Edvard Tagseth I think his name was, hyped almost as much as Odegaard in Norway, hopefully he lives up to it, although the more he stays out of the spotlight to begin with, the better.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Another supposedly talented young guy coming in at some point in 2017, not sure when. Edvard Tagseth I think his name was, hyped almost as much as Odegaard in Norway, hopefully he lives up to it, although the more he stays out of the spotlight to begin with, the better.

The Norwegian 'super kid.' I'd forgotten all about him. Everton had him over at 14, and both City and Utd offered him and his family considerably better incentives than L'pool by all accounts but they're all massive L'pool fans so for him and them there was only one place he was ever taking the next step.

Another one into the terrifically exciting mix going on out at Kirkby when he's 16.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Talking the juniors, L'pool- City the next round the Youth Cup.

A game that would befit the final in the fourth round is NOT good.

*Edit* At City. My bad. Soz.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Real strange to be sat the eve of Everton's Cup Final and not be worried at all. Which even given the bitters are utter ***** is still an unusual feeling. This is THE game you want to win more than any other each season after all. There's still NO game the World over bigger than L'pool-Utd, but for those of us from/ still in the City who have to encounter Evertonian delusions and bile on a daily basis, the Derby is still the game you want to win more than any other. NOTHING like beating the blue *****. Beating them there is unparalleled.

So to not have the usual nervousness, instead feeling L'pool will comfortably lick them, is a novel new feeling.

Time will soon out whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

 

[epic terrorist]

Real strange to be sat the eve of Everton's Cup Final and not be worried at all. Which even given the bitters are utter ***** is still an unusual feeling. This is THE game you want to win more than any other each season after all. There's still NO game the World over bigger than L'pool-Utd, but for those of us from/ still in the City who have to encounter Evertonian delusions and bile on a daily basis, the Derby is still the game you want to win more than any other. NOTHING like beating the blue *****. Beating them there is unparalleled.

So to not have the usual nervousness, instead feeling L'pool will comfortably lick them, is a novel new feeling.

Time will soon out whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

You see Koeman say it was bigger than El Clasico? Not sure on the context of the quote like, just saw it doing the rounds on twitter

 

[damola3]

My thoughts on L'Pool:
1) Could do with a wide playmaker with quality. Draxler in January?

2) A press resistant central midfield pivot i.e. the get out pass. These are very expensive.

3) A left back

4) Karius is a quality keeper and will come good. Embarrassed himself with the Neville debacle forcing Klopp to defend him and placing unneeded pressure on his side.

5) Liverpool's attack has been best in the league so far.

5) Liverpool haven't defended terribly considering personnel. Karius is made to look worse than he is because personnel aren't good enough and the press isn't perfect. When the first line press is beaten, you end up conceding high quality chances.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

You see Koeman say it was bigger than El Clasico? Not sure on the context of the quote like, just saw it doing the rounds on twitter

Just playing to the gallery.

L'pool are literally ALL they have. Most all Evertonian's wouldn't deny the Derby is their Cup Final.

After some of the, let's say, 'questionable' things Koeman has come out with (Tipping L'pool for the league/ advising Lukakau to move to a 'bigger' club et all); he BADLY needs to get back in their favour. The Derby and all the blue rhetoric surrounding it would do that e

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

My thoughts on L'Pool:
1) Could do with a wide playmaker with quality. Draxler in January.

My French friend tell's me he's all but done to the 'Evil Empire' as everyone not a PSG fan calls them.

We have Sheyi Ojo well on the way back (4 games <2 Full games + 65/60 mins> the past 18 days after his spinal problems have curtailed his season before it even got started. He's a massive part of the first team squad so there is that to compliment Mané. (Cover for him whilst he's away the few weeks January at the AFCON.).

If there's a guy available (we'll definitely be testing BVB's resolve HARD on Pulisic for one) that he'd want in the summer we'll act. But it has to be someone that fits the long term project. Or else he'll just roll with what we have which has served us pretty darn good to date.

2) A press resistant central midfield pivot i.e. the get out pass. These are very expensive.

To be fair, nobody's doing that role, in this system that Klopp demands, better than Henderson who's had a completely new lease of life this year in his new role.

3) A left back.

Again, all relative to a long term guy being there that he wants. I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Clyne flipped to LB maybe next year or the year after with Trent Alexander-Arnold in at RB. But this year, Milner has proved more than adequate. He's been one of our players of the year which is impressive going giving the attacking talent.

Could we upgrade there? Yup. But it's far from a pressing issue.

4) Karius is a quality keeper and will come good. Embarrassed himself with the Neville debacle forcing Klopp to defend him and placing unneeded pressure on his side.

How exactly did he do that? He had a pre-planned interview arranged before Bournemouth. Which he followed through on. Now whether you agree or disagree at him having a little dig at Neville after Neville had ripped him, he has to have the right to say what he wants regardless. If you're going to criticise, expect it back as you would in any walk of life.

Don't see how anyone can think Karius was off there.

6) Liverpool haven't defended terribly considering personnel. Karius is made to look worse than he is because personnel aren't good enough and the press isn't perfect. When the first line press is beaten, you end up conceding high quality chances.

Always going to be the way regardless of personnel. We gamble and take chances. We're a flair team. Now that's not to say we aren't solid defensively. We are. But you're going to concede the chance of a break on your back line playing that way if possession breaks down. It just is what it is.

But when you're running at a goals per game ration of 2.6- 1.05 through 20 games it's working.

You need to view this without statistical analysis in a traditional sense mate. We are never going to be the traditional model. It's not the Klopp way.

 

[damola3]

I was thinking about it the Klopp way. I was explaining that your system leads to a low quantity of high quality chances conceded. Different players fit different systems. The press isn't 100% perfect and Liverpool can improve (especially with Klopp). James Milner is doing well although not athletic enough beyond this season. Your squad depth isn't good enough out wide and I think that Klopp has to start someone there. Lastly, the midfield isn't for messing around. Henderson has been good simply because Klopp has made him do the basics. He isn't quite Xabi Alonso. Top teams need a great midfield pivot or deep ball carrier. The only player like this is Lallana who's completely press resistant due to great close control, ambidexterity, agility and awareness.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

You're doing Henderson a massive disservice IMHO but it's all about perceptions.

But as every time you've brought this up this year, it really is fruitless because we're never going to play with the traditional DM you're continually obsessed with. We play with too much fluidity to rely on one that isn't an all round box-to-box controller. And when he see's an opportunity to stride forward, then someone else drops in.

 

[epic terrorist]

You're doing Henderson a massive disservice IMHO but it's all about perceptions.

But as every time you've brought this up this year, it really is fruitless because we're never going to play with the traditional DM you're continually obsessed with. We play with too much fluidity to rely on one that isn't an all round box-to-box controller. And when he see's an opportunity to stride forward, then someone else drops in.

It actually kind of reminds me of how I set up on the new FM the way you play because I dont use a DM, Deep Lying Playmaker is literally my deepest player. But then it is FM haha

 

[Tezzz]

Real strange to be sat the eve of Everton's Cup Final and not be worried at all. Which even given the bitters are utter ***** is still an unusual feeling. This is THE game you want to win more than any other each season after all. There's still NO game the World over bigger than L'pool-Utd, but for those of us from/ still in the City who have to encounter Evertonian delusions and bile on a daily basis, the Derby is still the game you want to win more than any other. NOTHING like beating the blue *****. Beating them there is unparalleled.

So to not have the usual nervousness, instead feeling L'pool will comfortably lick them, is a novel new feeling.

Time will soon out whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

All the blue noses are on a high after their Istanbul against Arsenal mate.

 

[damola3]

You're doing Henderson a massive disservice IMHO but it's all about perceptions.

But as every time you've brought this up this year, it really is fruitless because we're never going to play with the traditional DM you're continually obsessed with. We play with too much fluidity to rely on one that isn't an all round box-to-box controller. And when he see's an opportunity to stride forward, then someone else drops in.

It's frustrating for me to see him making 2 year passes when you're losing to West Ham in the latter stages. It's more of Klopp's tactical nous than his ability. I like Henderson but he's an old-fashioned workhorse. I'm not talking about a traditional DM. I'm talking of a great DM pivot or Regista to be more accurate. All great sides need one. Someone as ice cool as Sergi Busquets. Guardiola's first move was to get one (Gundogan). I guarantee that Klopp's looking for one. If you want long-term success on the big stage, it's a vital role in the modern game. Unfortunately, you couldn't afford a Marco Verratti or Julian Weigl.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

West Ham was part of a two game blip when everyone was off from 1 to 11.

Nottin' more, nottin less. We got that out of our system Wednesday with our most complete 45 minute spell of the season second half.

*Edit* Kinda' cool that opposition fans perceive all these problems with L'pool who will return second with a win tomorrow amidst a serious title battle. How unstoppable would we be if all these 'ills' were fixed huh? .