Liverpool 2014/15 | WARNING: Contains strong amounts of Scouse nonsense

[Barney]

Aye Johnson was brutal (aside from one pass to Sterling). Did mention further up that I missed the Milan game though so wasn't really judging him on that, just think he's far too prone to invisible performances.

I like Allen. I think he'll be a very handy player for us this season especially in Europe.

Thoughts:

1) Sterling will be/is a brilliant player.
2) Lambert will have to do more, even just to be a decent squad player there.
3) Their defence is still quite poor.
4) Johnson is their version of Ashley Young minus the miracle career resurrection. Awful.

I think Lambert will be ok. I think he's clearly letting nerves get to him, getting a first goal will be crucial. I don't think he's good enough to perform at a high level against the top 8 though. I thought Sakho was very good. Skrtel was good in the first half too. Moreno, Manquillo and Flanagan should hopefully go some way to sorting our full back issues.

Yeah i'd agree mostly.
Sterling was very good. Jones struggled with him all night. Coutinho had some lovely passes thrown in there.
Gerrard did a good job first half, i was surprised he was taken off. Thought your midfield looked pretty poor after him and allen went off.

Lambert wasn't great but you looked better with him on the pitch than off. Just messed up your shape or something a bit.

Shaky match from us with quite a few brainfarts and some pretty terrible performances but largely speaking it was another good step forward
and a vast improvement over pretty much anything last season. Happy with that performance, onwards and upwards.

It's a friendly so I think it made sense to bring Gerrard off. Yes we wanted to win, but not at the expense of losing one of our players to injury.

I thought your wingbacks were very good (but our fullbacks probably contributed partly to that). I thought De Gea, Blackett (?) and Smalling were good too. Your midfield was poor though I felt. Herrera was kicking everything that moved and Fletcher played a few poor balls which lead to attacks for us

They're still good in possession and Sterling is already a brilliant player but if Sturridge is having an off day they'll never score in a million years.

Be back to a few seasons ago where they just couldn't score and kept hitting the post despite battering teams all over the park.

We created multiple chances we just weren't clinical enough tonight and didn't have a centre forward making runs into the box. We'll be fine once we bring in another striker to rotate with Sturridge

All they've got is penalties, it got them close last time but won't be enough this season.

Is Suso going out on loan again this year? Liverpool already have Coutinho, Lallana, and Sterling who all play as attacking midfielders.

Doesn't look like it. He's been playing on the right wing, so he might get games there for us this season.

 

[PickledRed]

All they've got is penalties, it got them close last time but won't be enough this season.

Is that right? 101 penalties last year, people.

 

[mufcwarm92]

If Johnson even gets a single game ahead if Flanagan then Rodgers needs his head checked. He's a massive weak link.

 

[PickledRed]

If Johnson even gets a single game ahead if Flanagan then Rodgers needs his head checked. He's a massive weak link.

Agreed, which is why Rodgers has taken the bold step of investing in two FBs.

 

[gasmanc]

Showed the total lack of depth upfront, not a single striker played last night.

 

[mufcwarm92]

Agreed, which is why Rodgers has taken the bold step of investing in two FBs.

It's especially bold when one's a teenager who's barely played. Is Enrique likely to be on his bike?

 

[PickledRed]

It's especially bold when one's a teenager who's barely played. Is Enrique likely to be on his bike?

Not sure. Enrique has his issues but is oddly effective much of the time. We shall see.

 

[PickledRed]

Showed the total lack of depth upfront, not a single striker played last night.

I agree about depth but Lambert is a striker.

 

[cesc's_mullet]

I agree about depth but Lambert is a striker.

You may have missed the joke mate.

 

[gasmanc]

Perhaps should have highlighted the word played.

 

[PickledRed]

Lambert is a useful foil but as Barney states he's not going to be changing matches against the top few teams. I have no issue with him in the squad but another acquisition is needed and expected.

 

[marukomu]

Always nice to have a few players that don't expect to walk into the team every week. Lambert is one.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

Sterling is really a cracking player.

 

[DoubleDinhos]

Watching bits of last night's game this morning and I can only echo what has been said: Glen Johnson has absolutely no business being in the team anymore. He used to be a player who would have months of poor form followed by months of looking fairly good and solid, but I can't remember the last time that he strung two decent games together. He's an utter liability. Hopefully Manquillo coming in pushes him to third choice at best.

Other than that, I'm a little worried about Lambert thus far, he looks out of step with team. I always think people massively oversimplify things when they say a team needs a Plan B, because in reality those players don't necessarily suit the way you want to play, and you're not changing your style for a Plan B player. However, there's still plenty of time for Lambert to adapt to things as he's not been bought to be crucial. Plus, you can never take preseason performances too seriously with new players, Iago Aspas looked brilliant last summer.

Sterling and Coutinho are the standouts. At 19 and 22 they're such talented players and should definitely be key to the team we're building. With a little more end product, we've potentially got two of the best attacking players in the league.

 

[B20]

Johnson looks like a player whose head has completely gone from football.

 

[Thisistheone]

The most impressive players for Liverpool imo were Coutinho, Sterling and Sakho.

Sakho imparticular looks solid. Why did PSG let him go? Bloody sugar daddy clubs.

 

[ZDwyr]

The most impressive players for Liverpool imo were Coutinho, Sterling and Sakho.

Sakho imparticular looks solid. Why did PSG let him go? Bloody sugar daddy clubs.

I agree. Those three impressed me most; not surprised by Sterling and Coutinho though.

 

[Nogbadthebad]

Johnson looks like a player whose head has completely gone from football.

Just as well really, because his body left it two years ago.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

The most impressive players for Liverpool imo were Coutinho, Sterling and Sakho.

Sakho imparticular looks solid. Why did PSG let him go? Bloody sugar daddy clubs.

I thought Sakho was very mediocre. PSG let him go cos they had (or could buy) better players, simple as. He'd stagnated a bit in his progress despite being precocious, with the same weaknesses not really being ironed out, and I think neither Leonardo nor Ancelotti really liked his style of play.

Agree on Coutinho and Sterling though, the latter especially.

 

[DoubleDinhos]

Sakho got a lot of criticism, from non-Liverpool fans, but I think he could be a big player for us this season. I think he's got all the ingredients of a top defender, and a lot of his faults imo came from him being unfamiliar with the team and the league. It's seems more than any other position, centre-backs take some time to bed into a new team, and with Lovren next to him, who I think, more than Skrtel, suits the front-footed defending Rodgers prefers , we could hopefully be a bit more solid.

 

[Thisistheone]

I thought Sakho was very mediocre. PSG let him go cos they had (or could buy) better players, simple as. He'd stagnated a bit in his progress despite being precocious, with the same weaknesses not really being ironed out, and I think neither Leonardo nor Ancelotti really liked his style of play.

Agree on Coutinho and Sterling though, the latter especially.

I hope you're right but i really do see a good defender in Sakho. Raw in places but all the potential to be rock solid. Seems to have improved over the last few months.

If Lovren can form a good partnership with him and organize things, communicate a lot then Liverpool could be sorted there. You've seen a lot more of him than i have though so maybe i'm misjudging him. Fingers crossed anyway

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Sakho got a lot of criticism, from non-Liverpool fans, but I think he could be a big player for us this season. I think he's got all the ingredients of a top defender, and a lot of his faults imo came from him being unfamiliar with the team and the league. It's seems more than any other position, centre-backs take some time to bed into a new team, and with Lovren next to him, who I think, more than Skrtel, suits the front-footed defending Rodgers prefers , we could hopefully be a bit more solid.

Well I doubt you'll be less solid I just believe the Lovren/Sakho partnership won't be just as good as you may think.

I hope you're right but i really do see a good defender in Sakho. Raw in places but all the potential to be rock solid. Seems to have improved over the last few months.

If Lovren can form a good partnership with him and organize things, communicate a lot then Liverpool could be sorted there. You've seen a lot more of him than i have though so maybe i'm misjudging him. Fingers crossed anyway

I dunno, I've watched him on a pretty regular basis (I mean not every game or anything, but quite frequently) with PSG, and despite being 'only' 24, he's been playing first team football for 7 years now, and I feel he's still got the same flaws, a bit too rash, prone to mistakes, not exactly brilliant on the ball. He's a beast physically though, of course, and he's capable of really excellent performances (such as with France against Ukraine), but I just don't think he's that good or will turn out consistently excellent.

 

[Rafateria]

If Johnson even gets a single game ahead if Flanagan then Rodgers needs his head checked. He's a massive weak link.

Absolutely correct. Flanno will start #1 I'm quite sure, however I really like the look of Manquillo - he didn't get many starts last year in La Liga (6) but that was because Ronaldo put him out of action for a long spell ! I can see this lad ending the season in possession of the RB slot.

 

[Rafateria]

It's especially bold when one's a teenager who's barely played. Is Enrique likely to be on his bike?

I'd be pretty certain he'll stay, he is a very strong, technically gifted and pacey LB but unfortunately injury prone too. I imagine Moreno (which seems to have taken another big step forward today) will make that position his.

 

[Rafateria]

Lambert is a useful foil but as Barney states he's not going to be changing matches against the top few teams. I have no issue with him in the squad but another acquisition is needed and expected.

Sky quoting Rodgers as saying another 4 to come in (assuming Manquillo and Moreno are two of them) if we can get them done.

 

[Rafateria]

Watching bits of last night's game this morning and I can only echo what has been said: Glen Johnson has absolutely no business being in the team anymore. He used to be a player who would have months of poor form followed by months of looking fairly good and solid, but I can't remember the last time that he strung two decent games together. He's an utter liability. Hopefully Manquillo coming in pushes him to third choice at best.

Other than that, I'm a little worried about Lambert thus far, he looks out of step with team. I always think people massively oversimplify things when they say a team needs a Plan B, because in reality those players don't necessarily suit the way you want to play, and you're not changing your style for a Plan B player. However, there's still plenty of time for Lambert to adapt to things as he's not been bought to be crucial. Plus, you can never take preseason performances too seriously with new players

On my knees praying the 'Johnson to QPR for £4m' rumour is solid and happens. Flanno, Manquillo and Toure as emergency cover should be enough.

Lambert will be fine as our #3 striker and sub. He's played just about as many minutes as any in the squad in the USA (due to Studge's injury) so not only is he knackered but he looks like he's nervous and just trying too hard. A bit fitter and get a goal and he'll relax.

 

[PickledRed]

Looking at preseason it seems Sterling may well continue his upward trajectory. Young Player of the Year, anyone?

 

[Ole's_toe_poke]

Looking at preseason it seems Sterling may well continue his upward trajectory. Young Player of the Year, anyone?

I said during the WC that unfortunately Sterling has potential to become a world class player and he's already a pretty good winger. He has the "it" factor for sure.

 

[Rafateria]

With a few players that will more than likely be part of the first team 'core' of 14-15 players missing last night (Sturridge, Lovren, Moreno (TBC), Flanno, Lallana, Markovic) I think the first half demonstrated how far we've come and how deep the squad goes now. We completely controlled that first half. In the second we couldn't really get back into the game after United's two quick goals (unlucky with the 2nd) and then the substitutions started. Fine goal for Lindegaard at the end.

I would be surprised if both managers didn't come away feeling good about their teams after that, however United look to have more work to do considering that was virtually a full strength side (missing only RvP). Whereas Liverpool need to urgently add a quality striker (or two) to back up Sturridge who will again miss more than his fair share of matches due to injury this season. Positive comments from Rodgers though saying another four to come in (assuming Manquillo and Moreno are two of them) if we can get them done.

 

[Nuts]

On my knees praying the 'Johnson to QPR for £4m' rumour is solid and happens. Flanno, Manquillo and Toure as emergency cover should be enough.

Lambert will be fine as our #3 striker and sub. He's played just about as many minutes as any in the squad in the USA (due to Studge's injury) so not only is he knackered but he looks like he's nervous and just trying too hard. A bit fitter and get a goal and he'll relax.

Gotta sign another striker or Liverpool's whole challenge is undermined. Rodger's has form for going into a season a striker short though.

Would be criminal not to spend big on another striker to complete that squad as he's addressed so many other issues in the squad and got so much right.

 

[Lynk]

Looking at preseason it seems Sterling may well continue his upward trajectory. Young Player of the Year, anyone?

Should've won it last year. Hazard is 23 and hardly a "young player"

 

[Rafateria]

Gotta sign another striker or Liverpool's whole challenge is undermined. Rodger's has form for going into a season a striker short though.

Would be criminal not to spend big on another striker to complete that squad as he's addressed so many other issues in the squad and got so much right.

Agree totally.

 

[PickledRed]

Should've won it last year. Hazard is 23 and hardly a "young player"

Possibly but it was a timing thing. Hazard was outstanding before Christmas whereas Sterling didn't get going until about January. The votes are done pretty early I think.

 

[Rafateria]

Should've won it last year. Hazard is 23 and hardly a "young player"

Agree. However you can't change the system mid-season can you !

 

[B20]

Also, Sterling is not (yet) quite at Hazard's level. He should have won it mainly because at 23 Hazard shouldn't be nominated.

 

[Red Phoenix Rising]

Johnson looks like a player whose head has completely gone from football.

Who did he give a massive gob to? I think it was Can, but not 100% sure.

 

[Thisistheone]

however United look to have more work to do considering that was virtually a full strength side (missing only RvP).

We were missing RVP, Januzaj, Welbeck, Carrick & Rafael. Plus the new centre back we'll bring in and maybe another player.

And RVP inparticular is going to make a big difference. A genuine world class striker who loves van Gaal and his system. So I think you'll see more and more improvement in our play over the coming months. Especially with LvG getting the lads on the training pitch all week between league games.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Also, Sterling is not (yet) quite at Hazard's level. He should have won it mainly because at 23 Hazard shouldn't be nominated.

I think Hazard is still eligible now

Bookies have him in their list of betting options for the award at least.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

With a few players that will more than likely be part of the first team 'core' of 14-15 players missing last night (Sturridge, Lovren, Moreno (TBC), Flanno, Lallana, Markovic) I think the first half demonstrated how far we've come and how deep the squad goes now. We completely controlled that first half.

You didn't 'control' the first half. You pressed very well and got our defenders to panick and capitalized on some shoddy defending at times. In no way did you 'control' the half. Agree that the depth of your squad is much better though.

In the second we couldn't really get back into the game after United's two quick goals (unlucky with the 2nd) and then the substitutions started. Fine goal for Lindegaard at the end.

Lingard. Would've been exceptional had Lindegaard scored!

I would be surprised if both managers didn't come away feeling good about their teams after that, however United look to have more work to do considering that was virtually a full strength side (missing only RvP).

Van Gaal didn't think it was our best performance, but can look back to others during the tour to be fully satisfied, given he's been working with the squad for like 3 weeks and has completely changed the system.

Also, it wasn't a 'virtually full strength side' given:
- on top of RvP (who many are expecting to have a hell of a season under LvG, understandably), we were missing other key players such as Welbeck, Carrick, Rafael and Januzaj.
- 'full strength side' seems to suggest this is as good as it's going to get. That would be incredibly short sighted given the progress made in so little time, the fact Van Gaal is probably going to tweek the squad a bit more (and get rid of some dead wood) and the fact we'll have ONE competition to focus on. He suggested the team would take 10 weeks to be fully competitive, let's see how they fare then before pretending that the team playing last night was as good as it's going to get for Utd.

 

[Irish-Red-7]

They seriously need another striker.. No chance could they possibly go into the season with Sturridge and Lambert, anything happens to the former injury wise or a dip in form, they will be f*cked.

Bony/Rodriguez isn't the answer either.. Someone out of the top drawer.