Our Rivals Squad's next year - Liverpool 2015/2016

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At the end od the day it's all about points. And i believe liverpool would get more points investing in a solid cb rather than spunking fifty million on a new strikeforce.

Much smaller teams have done alright with a solid (not worldclass) pl proven defender, and with a bit of flair from sturidge and coutinho thy can still make it decent at midtable. Having the likes of ings benteke and sturidge wont make thwm better by much if they still have lovren at the back
 
Sky1981 said:
At the end od the day it's all about points. And i believe liverpool would get more points investing in a solid cb rather than spunking fifty million on a new strikeforce.

Much smaller teams have done alright with a solid (not worldclass) pl proven defender, and with a bit of flair from sturidge and coutinho thy can still make it decent at midtable. Having the likes of ings benteke and sturidge wont make thwm better by much if they still have lovren at the back
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I think it's the opposite actually. Having a goal scorer can often paper over cracks in a team. Spurs were shit last season in defence but Kane took them to fifth. Similarly city last year with aguero Suarez with pool rvp with us. All thrived even though defence was poor. A CB can at max get you a draw whereas a striker can get you three points.

Only thing though is it remains to be seen is whether the forwards they have are going to link up
 
prath92 said:
I think it's the opposite actually. Having a goal scorer can often paper over cracks in a team. Spurs were shit last season in defence but Kane took them to fifth. Similarly city last year with aguero Suarez with pool rvp with us. All thrived even though defence was poor. A CB can at max get you a draw whereas a striker can get you three points.
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And Liverpool almost won the title whilst conceding 51 goals.
 
So, let me get this straight. One of Rodgers' most important decisions, after he became the manager of Liverpool, was to show Andy Carroll the door. A few months later, when he was on his high horse, he even spoke some famous words about the role of the target man in a team:

"My thinking was that, when you play with a target man, he becomes the focal point of your team, so everything has to be set up around the big guy. Sometimes you get sucked into doing it more direct, and clearly, with my history as a coach, I don’t work that way.
Removing that means you have to connect your game better through the lines, through the thirds. Possession is not good enough on its own, you have to penetrate. That’s what Luis does. He is always on the move, in spaces and in behind defenders."

And now he splashes 30+ million to sign a target man and make him the second most expensive transfer in the history of the club (guess who's number one). Interesting... but i feel that if he fails this season, Liverpool fans will have every right to say enough's enough.
 
TheRedDevil'sAdvocate said:
So, let me get this straight. One of Rodgers' most important decisions, after he became the manager of Liverpool, was to show Andy Carroll the door. A few months later, when he was on his high horse, he even spoke some famous words about the role of the target man in a team:

"My thinking was that, when you play with a target man, he becomes the focal point of your team, so everything has to be set up around the big guy. Sometimes you get sucked into doing it more direct, and clearly, with my history as a coach, I don’t work that way.
Removing that means you have to connect your game better through the lines, through the thirds. Possession is not good enough on its own, you have to penetrate. That’s what Luis does. He is always on the move, in spaces and in behind defenders."

And now he splashes 30+ million to sign a target man and make him the second most expensive transfer in the history of the club (guess who's number one). Interesting... but i feel that if he fails this season, Liverpool fans will have every right to say enough's enough.
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Its clear the man hasn't got a plan.
 
It`s a big test for Brendan this coming season as his starting eleven looks extremely average with a lot of dross to come in if there is any injuries or suspensions . I can`t see any serious challenge coming from them for top four with the Europa league games added to their fixture list . I `ve a feeling it could well be his last season . He missed his big chance in the year of slip when United , City and Chelsea all had a change of manager and because of that season the expectancy of the club has risen to unrealistic levels with the kind of player they attract to the club .
 
This is two seasons in a row now where he and Liverpool have had a really good run where they lead all teams in points collected over two or three months, but were so far behind from the other 2/3rds of the season that it's not enough.

Finishing 5-6 should be that difficult for them, they managed it last season with so many issues. But getting 4th looks like a huge ask, and not terribly likely.
 
gooDevil said:
This is two seasons in a row now where he and Liverpool have had a really good run where they lead all teams in points collected over two or three months, but were so far behind from the other 2/3rds of the season that it's not enough.

Finishing 5-6 should be that difficult for them, they managed it last season with so many issues. But getting 4th looks like a huge ask, and not terribly likely.
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But surely you've made the point that Liverpool and Rodgers ARE capable of outscoring every other team for a third of a season. Most managers would give their right arm for that, no?

So the real issue? Improving the 2/3rds where the shortfall is so, so crippling that any attempts at addressing it will result in a much better total outcome. That's the positive outlook anyway. Can Rodgers achieve it? Well he did spectacularly with Suarez on form.
 
Firminho is 3 years older than Sterling and only a little bit better so I'm not getting the comparisons, Sterling will be twice the player Firminho is at 23, that I'm convinced of.
 
AltiUn said:
Firminho is 3 years older than Sterling and only a little bit better so I'm not getting the comparisons, Sterling will be twice the player Firminho is at 23, that I'm convinced of.
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If there is one think that I'm certain of it's that nothing is certain in football. Sterling could easily pick up a couple of injuries and not reach his potential. Firmino is 23 and an established Brazilian international but still approaching his physical peak. I would hope both players would develop and fulfil their potential but who knows.
 
It's all about goals for me. Score around 80+ and you're more or less guaranteed to hit top four (if not top two). Man Utd were bang average for large parts of last season but goalscorers won you points.

Ferguson maintained an elite strike force which consistently won him the league - even when other parts of the side weren't up to the same level. Liverpool had goals flying in from all angles in 13/14 (even Skrtel got 7 ffs) and nearly won the league. We put 5 past Arsenal with Cissokho, Flanagan and Toure at the back.

I'd have us splash our whole budget on attackers and play Andre Wisdom at CB. Rather that than sign another Lovren. The main focus this season should be having an elite attack.
 
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ShadesOfTomato said:
It's all about goals for me. Score around 80+ and you're more or less guaranteed to hit top four (if not top two). Man Utd were bang average for large parts of last season but goalscorers won you points.

Ferguson maintained an elite strike force which consistently won him the league - even when other parts of the side weren't up to the same level. Liverpool had goals flying in from all angles in 13/14 (even Skrtel got 7 ffs) and nearly won the league. We put 5 past Arsenal with Cissokho, Flanagan and Toure at the back.

I'd have us splash our whole budget on attackers and play Andre Wisdom at CB. Rather that than sign another Lovren. The main focus this season should be having an elite attack.
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A student of the Anfield Wrap? A great podcast.
 
AltiUn said:
Firminho is 3 years older than Sterling and only a little bit better so I'm not getting the comparisons, Sterling will be twice the player Firminho is at 23, that I'm convinced of.
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Probably safer to see how Firmino does in the English league first. Not sure how conclusions about comparisons can really be made at this point.
 
Rafateria said:
Sterling-Firmino-infographic1.jpg
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But didn't Liverpool fans say Sterling was shite last season? Firmino doesn't look so much better.
Also, only the stats you want to see are there. Maybe Sterling wins all the other ones.
 
marukomu said:
But didn't Liverpool fans say Sterling was shite last season? Firmino doesn't look so much better.
Also, only the stats you want to see are there. Maybe Sterling wins all the other ones.
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I also doubt Fermino had to contend with being played at wing back as Sterling was by the 'tactical genius'. Like against us for instance.
 
marukomu said:
But didn't Liverpool fans say Sterling was shite last season? Firmino doesn't look so much better.
Also, only the stats you want to see are there. Maybe Sterling wins all the other ones.
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Sterling was average most of last season, partly due to Sturridge being injured, Suarez leaving and the replacements being not up to the job. Playing in a different position didn't help and maybe even then his eyes were on the Etihad.

For the record I never wanted him to leave but....he didn't want to be here.

It's daft anyone making any comparisons with Firmino who hasn't actually kicked a ball for us yet.

AltiUn said:
Firminho is 3 years older than Sterling and only a little bit better so I'm not getting the comparisons, Sterling will be twice the player Firminho is at 23, that I'm convinced of.
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Are you the one on Blackpool beach with a crystal ball?

ShadesOfTomato said:
It's all about goals for me. Score around 80+ and you're more or less guaranteed to hit top four (if not top two). Man Utd were bang average for large parts of last season but goalscorers won you points.

Ferguson maintained an elite strike force which consistently won him the league - even when other parts of the side weren't up to the same level. Liverpool had goals flying in from all angles in 13/14 (even Skrtel got 7 ffs) and nearly won the league. We put 5 past Arsenal with Cissokho, Flanagan and Toure at the back.

I'd have us splash our whole budget on attackers and play Andre Wisdom at CB. Rather that than sign another Lovren. The main focus this season should be having an elite attack.
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Yep. Good post mate.
 
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AltiUn said:
Firminho is 3 years older than Sterling and only a little bit better so I'm not getting the comparisons, Sterling will be twice the player Firminho is at 23, that I'm convinced of.
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I am in the tiny minority here but I think Sterling is horribly over rated. A one trick pony who is hyped up because there is so little English talent around. Sterling wont get any better, he has peaked already.
 
Stack said:
Watching Liverpool v Adelaide, Origi, simply isnt good enough.
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He certainly looks raw to put it politely. Good thing for us that he's probably going to be fourth choice, there's not going to be any real pressure on him, and he'll probably have the year to acclimatise. It would be have been idiotic to bring him in last January like was mooted and put some actual pressure to perform on him.

On the other side, Charlton fans weren't kidding about Joe Gomez. Guy looks like a class act, playing on his wrong side he looks totally composed, good physical attributes, and actually seems to have a bit of an attacking brain. Very encouraging.
 
Stack said:
Watching Liverpool v Adelaide, Origi, simply isnt good enough.
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He will need some time to adjust, you can see he is strong on the ball, has good technical skills and some pace and is not afraid to shoot. However he used to runs the channels and push out to the wings for Lille and thats what he looks to be doing here .. abdicating the centre which Lallana is having to cover, to his detriment too.
 
DoubleDinhos said:
He certainly looks raw to put it politely. Good thing for us that he's probably going to be fourth choice, there's not going to be any real pressure on him, and he'll probably have the year to acclimatise. It would be have been idiotic to bring him in last January like was mooted and put some actual pressure to perform on him.

On the other side, Charlton fans weren't kidding about Joe Gomez. Guy looks like a class act, playing on his wrong side he looks totally composed, good physical attributes, and actually seems to have a bit of an attacking brain. Very encouraging.
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Well he may improve, technically fine but skill level isnt good enough. He will need to improve that side of things a lot to make it at liverpool.
 
DoubleDinhos said:
On the other side, Charlton fans weren't kidding about Joe Gomez. Guy looks like a class act, playing on his wrong side he looks totally composed, good physical attributes, and actually seems to have a bit of an attacking brain. Very encouraging.
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Had never heard of him, but from what I have seen he looks a good young player, be interesting to see how much game time he gets.

Nice to see Ings get his goal too.
 
marukomu said:
But didn't Liverpool fans say Sterling was shite last season? Firmino doesn't look so much better.
Also, only the stats you want to see are there. Maybe Sterling wins all the other ones.
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Sterling was our second best player - Ignore the RAWK posters who can't say anything positive about a former player :lol:

I think Sterling would've looked a lot more impressive if he actually played more than 3 straight games in his natural position, but who am I to question the tactics of Rodgers :wenger:
 
Been reading that Clyne apparently had a very good game. Also another goal from Milner, he's definitely composed isn't he? Finally a midfielder that knows where the goal is and how to connect Bolt A into Slot B.
 
Dumbstar said:
Been reading that Clyne apparently had a very good game. Also another goal from Milner, he's definitely composed isn't he? Finally a midfielder that knows where the goal is and how to connect Bolt A into Slot B.
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He did indeed. Not sure what was happening on our (Adelaide's) left hand side of defence... we were just giving him free reign all night
 
With a midfield trio of (I assume) Henderson, Milner and Can/Lucas, and with Benteke up front and Ings playing backup, I wonder whether Rodgers is moving away from the vision of the team that he seemed to have for them in the past? Doesn't really seem like a team set up to dominate possession, or to have loads of movement between the lines, or players running at defenders constantly and making runs in behind. Coutinho & Firmino are the exceptions of course, perhaps Ibe if he's ready, but still it feels like the squad is moving in a different direction.
 
bishblaize said:
With a midfield trio of (I assume) Henderson, Milner and Can/Lucas, and with Benteke up front and Ings playing backup, I wonder whether Rodgers is moving away from the vision of the team that he seemed to have for them in the past? Doesn't really seem like a team set up to dominate possession, or to have loads of movement between the lines, or players running at defenders constantly and making runs in behind. Coutinho & Firmino are the exceptions of course, perhaps Ibe if he's ready, but still it feels like the squad is moving in a different direction.
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Sturridge hasn't left us yet as far as I know ;)
 
bishblaize said:
After splurging £30m each on Benteke and Firmino, and with Coutinho your POTY, not sure Sturridge is in your first team any more.
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Benteke Sturridge
Firminho Coutinho Lallana

I know that wouldn't work, but still, it would be funny to field a team that aggressive.
 
bishblaize said:
After splurging £30m each on Benteke and Firmino, and with Coutinho your POTY, not sure Sturridge is in your first team any more.
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Of course he is. Firmino isn't a real striker and when fit, Sturridge is better than Benteke. The only question about him remains the same as always: will he ever get back to his 2013/2014 level and stay healthy for a change.
 
It's taken a while for someone to say it, but according to Toure, this year is their year.

"The club has done some unbelievable business this summer and it's going to be a big season for us.

"If we are strong mentally then I don't think anyone can beat us with the team the manager has built."
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Ole's_toe_poke said:
It's taken a while for someone to say it, but according to Toure, this year is their year.
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LOL! Pre-season. Since they pay such close attention to us they should know how little it means after last season.

Still, it's a classic mantra of Liverpool and I hope they never stop using it.
 
How is their business "unbelievable"? The players they signed they had no competition for, triggered their release clauses and signed them for free. Well done Toure, thicko.
 
Ings, Milner, Bogdan, Benteke, Gomez, Firmino and Clyne - unbelievable business. Only someone associated with Liverpool could think that's the case.
 
AltiUn said:
How is their business "unbelievable"? The players they signed they had no competition for, triggered their release clauses and signed them for free. Well done Toure, thicko.
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His comments are a bit over the top but our business has been good. Why spend money when you can sign a quality player like Milner for nothing?
Other clubs wanted and were linked with Firmino - a bit early to comment when he hasn't kicked a ball for us yet?
Clyne is one of the best right backs in the league.
Ings scored goals for Burnley, why not for us?
Gomez I had never heard of - however, he has already been told he won't be going on loan and has been added to the first team squad. He has looked very good so far in what are admittedly friendlies
Bogdan replaces Jones
Benteke hasn't officially signed yet.

Unbelievable is over stating it but let's give them a chance and let them actually play for us properly before judging.

Given the pressure on the manager and failed signings of the past - Liverpool fans will be quick to point out any failings!
 
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They'll be better next season but don't think they would be good enough for a top 4 finish. They still lack quality in midfield and defence. As things stand it would require a bottle job from one of the top 4 teams for Liverpool to finish in top 4.

As much as we laughed at Gerrard was last season , he was still their top scorer. Benteke will add goals but he can be hit and miss. Firmino is a good signing but nothing to write home about. Even with all the signings they've made I still think their top four hopes would rely on Sturridge.
 
Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert nearing Liverpool FC exit door

05:50, 23 JULY 2015 BY JAMES PEARCE

Borini is interesting Fiorentina, while Lambert could move to either Norwich or West Brom

Strikers Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are both expected to part company with Liverpool FC over the next fortnight.
 
johnny boy said:
Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert nearing Liverpool FC exit door

05:50, 23 JULY 2015 BY JAMES PEARCE

Borini is interesting Fiorentina, while Lambert could move to either Norwich or West Brom

Strikers Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are both expected to part company with Liverpool FC over the next fortnight.
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Lambert seemed like a sensible signing at the time, but sadly it just wasn't to be. Hopefully he can get some joy at West Brom :)

Borini... Sigh. £14m Sunderland offered us. FOURTEEN MILLION GREAT BRITISH POUNDS!
 
Tommy said:
Lambert seemed like a sensible signing at the time, but sadly it just wasn't to be. Hopefully he can get some joy at West Brom :)

Borini... Sigh. £14m Sunderland offered us. FOURTEEN MILLION GREAT BRITISH POUNDS!
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I totally forgot they offered that. Borini rejected didn't he?
 
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