Was good for Juve though.
Virgil van Dijk | Performances
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) look forward to a new life under Ruben Amorim. What system will we be playing? What players will impress? and how will it all go? We also say goodbye to Ruud Van Nistelrooy and review United's 3-0 win at home against Leicester City.
Was good for Juve though.
In a 3CB system where Chiellini and Barzagli would mop up for him. He only stood out because he can play ball a bit.
Rio was already well established as a top defender when we signed him though. I mean this was after he'd been probably THE stand out defender for any team at the world cup.
I didn't even know VVD was a thing until Liverpool wanted him. The only thing I've learnt about him since is that he likes to sulk on social media and is prone to chasing shadows. He looks imposing and has something about him on the ball, but that doesn't make you on it's own a top class defender.
I suspect the reason he's gone for £75m is simply because there are no top class defenders on the market and he's about the closest you can get.
I do think he'll improve Liverpool's defence, but the main reason why is actually because it means Lovren will play less. THey'll still concede daft set piece goals and be caught too open whenever the opposition can get at them though...the later will actually work against VVD due to his tendanncy to goo for the ball in situations where he just isn't going to get to it.
Gomez should be in the team, I don't get why he is in and out. And Robertson is their best left back but Moreno still gets games. Weird.
I think VVD is a very good defender, but is he worth 75M? Its obvioulsy debatable like every other big signing is.
Its too early to judge VVD just yet. He is very good in air, and very good in passing and coming out with the ball. So he has characters that attacking teams want from their Center half without having to compromise in strength/aerial capacity. Matip and VVD is a good CB pair tbh, but Liverpool's defensive problem is deeper than just CB. They do not defend as a team, and they have Moreno at LB who make mistakes almost every game.
Its too early to judge VVD just yet. He is very good in air, and very good in passing and coming out with the ball. So he has characters that attacking teams want from their Center half without having to compromise in strength/aerial capacity. Matip and VVD is a good CB pair tbh, but Liverpool's defensive problem is deeper than just CB. They do not defend as a team, and they have Moreno at LB who make mistakes almost every game.
They cannot play 3 CM and a defensive full back like Gomez. That's why its horses for courses. TAA should rightly play against the bottom teams as he has a good cross on him.
Agree about Robertson, would have thought he would be their first choice LB.
Moreno played due to rotation I think
They should be using the Coutinho money to strengthen. It’s like they enjoy being shit.
A goalkeeper
- Doesn’t have to be Oblak or Leno or Handanovic. What about Begovic, Schmeichel, Butland or Frasier Forster since they love their Southampton players so much? Any of those names would be a massive improvement on what they’re currently working with and the funny thing is, some of those keepers aren’t even in the top bracket. That’s how bad Mignolet and Karius are.
A CB and a LB
- Someone like Digne would suit them perfectly. As for a CB, I’d take a punt on Nathan Ake if I were them. He’s quality.
A CAM
- If they’re keeping Can, then somebody like Draxler would be good for them. A direct replacement for Coutinho. Keita/Can/Draxler looks like a quality midfield to me.
If they sort these problems out, they could be a quality side. But Klopp is defensively inept and has no idea how to break down teams. If you ask me, I think it’s time they look for a new manager if they want to win trophies.
A goalkeeper
- Doesn’t have to be Oblak or Leno or Handanovic. What about Begovic, Schmeichel, Butland or Frasier Forster since they love their Southampton players so much? Any of those names would be a massive improvement on what they’re currently working with and the funny thing is, some of those keepers aren’t even in the top bracket. That’s how bad Mignolet and Karius are.
A CB and a LB
- Someone like Digne would suit them perfectly. As for a CB, I’d take a punt on Nathan Ake if I were them. He’s quality.
A CAM
- If they’re keeping Can, then somebody like Draxler would be good for them. A direct replacement for Coutinho. Keita/Can/Draxler looks like a quality midfield to me.
If they sort these problems out, they could be a quality side. But Klopp is defensively inept and has no idea how to break down teams. If you ask me, I think it’s time they look for a new manager if they want to win trophies.
Moreno played all the games when he was fit, Robertson played when Moreno was injured. At least that's according to transfermarkt.
Smalling would've been slaughtered for weeks after a performance like that, and here we're talking about the most expensive defender in the world. Serves that bleached toothed bastard right after talking shit when we signed Pogba.
Has he tried going three at the back?
Don't think they can go with 3 at the back with their personnel. Their midfield is just too wank. 3 men midfield in 3 at the back formation is a waste as it would cost them a forward which is the life force of this team who can't defend for shite. They don't have a forward with imposing presence, so it's hard to go too direct. Again they can't take chance with 2 men midfield in back 3 formation, as even with 3 men midfield they don't provide enough stabilization for the team.
It's clear 3 attackers and 3 men midfield give them the best balance to get the best out of Klopp tactic. Trying to patch the defense without upgrading personnel in midfield and defense, then we're looking at Klopp going full Brendan Rodger: trying to patch the defense by stifling the team attack with more cautious tactic. Then going out buying for target man up front so he can go direct.
Agree about giving TAA games but Gomez has looked good at CB, often better than Lovren or Klavan.
GK: Begovic would be an upgrade; but how much of an upgrade over Mignolet or Karius? Mignolet should have played the last game of his career for LFC.
CB: Gomez needs to start playing at CB.
MF: Emre can go to Juve. His last few performances have been terrible. Maybe his mind isn't in it a 100% and now that Klopp expects him to run down his contract, we should really just start giving some game time to others in our squad.
Which manager do you think would want to come and work with our American owners? Yes they have backed managers, but most of that backing has been with player sales.
TAA has a good cross and Gomez should start playing at CB. I think he will do good playing in a central role.
Dropped already?
No VAR tonight so Klopp had to make adjustments to shore up his backline.
Is he injured?
Next year is their year.
Is that what he's really saying though?
Honest question to you all:
If you ignore the transfer fee for a moment, what are your thoughts on VvD? I know once you put on the glasses that say 75m, the opinions change quite a bit.
Also seeing that you have a thread called "Center back... Who do we go for?" - What would your view be on VvD if he was on the market (again ignoring the fact that he's a 75m liverpool player currently).
He's fine. I think he's a good player for certain teams, I wouldn't want him at United. Have said so since he was at Celtic, even if it means family members ribbing about saying he wasn't good enough at the time. But basically, if we needed a centre back and he was the only one available, sure. But I wouldn't see him as first choice transfer target.
He's shite even if you ignore the fee, but he if he has a proper pre-season maybe he will change my mind.
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Positives: Very good in the air and decent on the ball. Premier League experience.
Negatives: Prone to lapses in concentration and untested at a big club. It's been about a year since he actually played well (injured for half that period). Unclear if his poor form at Saints was a result of the injury (pace and physicality, his main assets, have looked somewhat diminished) or sulking at missing out on his move. If the latter, he should be fine.
We need a player with similar assets to partner Bailly on the left side of central defence. Assuming Lindelof doesn't make it, Koulibaly would be my first pick (he'd probably cost similar(ish) to Van Dijk). Hopefully Victor can make the step up.
I don't think Van Dijk will start this weekend either; players take a while to adapt to Klopp's system and physical demands if they don't get a full pre-season. Chamberlain is a good example.
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Liverpool 2:2 Spurs
How many millions?
That was brainless. 
His awareness is terrible. No intelligence whatsoever.
Second league match for Liverpool I think? Second mistake. Well done.
Complete lack of awareness for that at the end. Ruined what was a solid performance from him.
He’s great. Love him.
It's contraversial but I don't think it was a pen. Specsavers?
Because of the fee the expectations of him will never be reasonable.
Yes.
Has he won a Liverpool game yet?
The few times I've seen him at Southampton he was the same. Can be dominant with height, power, and pace while being comfortable on the ball but has a mistake in him.
Liverpool got mugged, he’s worth about a third of what they paid.
Every CB as a mistake in him. If they were CBs who didn't no goals would be scored.
Cost them 2 points today
He literally won his first game for us, as in he scored the winning goal.
Wait...what?
That was so poor.