Liverpool 21-22: van Dijk Strikes Back

[406W30th 1,111]

Konate was bought to be a starter and will partner VVD in our first match, barring any setback for either.

 

[pied 252]

4 minutes ago, 406W30th said:

Konate was bought to be a starter if Gomez's rehab is delayed and will partner VVD in our first match, barring any setback for either.

 

fify

[406W30th 1,111]

Looks like Grujic is off to Porto for 13M. Good deal for all parties.

 

 

 

[mdmost 43,001]

That's a good deal for a guy who's been hanging around for a while without a purchase. 

We should get more news soon as preseason training begins in Austria this week. 

[mdmost 43,001]

Friendlies for July were announced

 

Tuesday July 20

Thirty-minute mini-games v FC Wacker Innsbruck (5pm) and VfB Stuttgart (5.45pm)
Behind closed doors

Friday July 23

v FSV Mainz 05 (5.15pm)
Greisbergers Betten-Arena, Grödig – 3,500 capacity

Thursday July 29

v Hertha BSC (7.20pm)
Tivoli Stadium, Innsbruck – 15,000 capacity

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by mdmost

[Firemans4Horn 18,036]

[pied 252]

😍

 

[pied 252]

ok, just throwing this out there assuming all players are good to go and not putting someone behind another player because they may be more fit at the moment.  

 

                                                                                        Alisson (Adrian/Kelleher)

Trent (Williams)                                           Gomez (Konate)                   Virgil (Matip)      (Phillips/Davies)                    Robertson (Tsimikas/Williams) 

                                                                   

                                                                                        Fabinho (Milner)

Henderson (Jones/Keita/Chamberlain)                                                                                                                              Thiago(Shaqiri)           

 

Salah(Elliott)                                                                   Firmino(Origi)                                                                             Mane(Jota)

 

 

Thoughts - pray to the CB gods.  We SHOULD be stacked.  Need cover for TAA/Robertson.  Keeper seems in a good place imo. 

Have a lot of numbers at MF, but another front line player, developed or bought is a necessity.  

Up front, we hope Mane's season was just an off one, and listing Jota as a non-starter isn't a bad thing necessarily, but we need to be looking to next year and need some young quality.

[pied 252]

Should clarify, so many of the players are versatile and can play several places so I'm not married to the backup spots per that exact player.

 

Depending on how things go, we could see Konate/Gomez offer cover for TAA/Robertson.  

Edited July 13, 2021 by pied

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

No Minamino? 

If not, I hope we sell him & Shaq, and use that money to buy a striker. Bobby is a good false 9, but his pace is gone.

 

[mdmost 43,001]

Saul probably not happening. 

 

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

Whelp, I guess we'll have to settle for Mbooopy.

[406W30th 1,111]

 

lmao Nat's gonna go for like £5M more than that.

[hobbes2702 13,029]

7 minutes ago, 406W30th said:

 

lmao Nat's gonna go for like £5M more than that.

I might take him for that price. He isn’t any good but he could be 5th choice for that price. 

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

5 minutes ago, hobbes2702 said:

I might take him for that price. He isn’t any good but he could be 5th choice for that price. 

Same. Not sure you can get a better player who knows the team/system as well. That's chump change in this market.

[406W30th 1,111]

Mateusz Musialowski signs first professional contract

Pretty easy to get excited about this kid's prospects. Probably still a year away from making some Cup appearances for us (or potentially getting loaned out to a Championship side like Harvey did last year) but this is great news and he's for sure one to keep an eye on.

 

[mdmost 43,001]

Alisson is about to get a new deal

 

[406W30th 1,111]

Lots of chatter about Hendo not signing a new deal, leaving open the possibility that he's sold this summer. That would be absolutely insane. Despite his age and pretty terrible injury record, he's an integral member of the squad and to lose him would be a major blow to our team moral imo.

 

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

38 minutes ago, 406W30th said:

That would be absolutely insane.

If we do this, I'd have a tough time supporting the club (until FSG is out) . If we don't learn from how shitty we treated Gerrard in the end, I'm lost.

We build statues for our legends, not fuck around over end of career contracts. YNWA, isn't just a fucking marketing slogan.

[mdmost 43,001]

I'm hoping that's a negotiating tactic from Hendo's camp. Selling off your captain would be a disaster for FSG, especially since Alisson is getting a new deal. 

[maninblack 7,974]

On 7/14/2021 at 11:16 AM, mdmost said:

Saul probably not happening. 

 

I don't believe that at all. 

[maninblack 7,974]

3 hours ago, Cheeseweasel said:

If we do this, I'd have a tough time supporting the club (until FSG is out) . If we don't learn from how shitty we treated Gerrard in the end, I'm lost.

We build statues for our legends, not fuck around over end of career contracts. YNWA, isn't just a fucking marketing slogan.

Henderson has two years left on his current deal. His skill are diminishing and his injury record is well known. He's slowly being marginalized in first team as well. If he wants to prolong his career and get more minutes somewhere else I'm fine with it. Signing him past his current deal on anything more than a rolling 1 year contract would be unwise. 

[maninblack 7,974]

Look like Grujic back to Porto on loan again

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

13 hours ago, maninblack said:

Look like Grujic back to Porto on loan again

Sold. Looks like 10mil (non-freedom units)

[mdmost 43,001]

Grujic nets 10.5M and Taiwo Awoniyi nets 6.5M for going to Union Berlin. Never heard of Taiwo. 

[maninblack 7,974]

At least we're starting to shed the dead weight

[mdmost 43,001]

Two 30 minute friendlies on tap today on LFC TV.  FC Wacker Innsbruck and VfB Stuttgart.

I saw the home kit in the wild last night. It's ass, my dudes. 

Edited July 20, 2021 by mdmost

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

30 minutes ago, maninblack said:

At least we're starting to shed the dead weight

[mdmost 43,001]

1-1 draws in both friendlies. 

Origi knocks in a penalty. Mane got a shot in off of a cross from Millie. Not sure who was in goal for LFC. 

[pied 252]

1 minute ago, mdmost said:

1-1 draws in both friendlies. 

Origi knocks in a penalty. Mane got a shot in off of a cross from Millie. Not sure who was in goal for LFC. 

Game 1  - Karius (internet tells me the goal he let in was poor)

Game 2 - Adrian -  no chance on the goal per the Echo

Edited July 20, 2021 by pied

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

22 minutes ago, pied said:

Game 1  - Karius (internet tells me the goal he let in was poor)

[pied 252]

PLEASE NOTE, these are not my ratings, just a copy/paste.   

 

Game 1:

 

 

Loris Karius 6

Somewhat of a forgotten man at Anfield, Karius hasn't played competitively since the Champions League final in 2018, and was largely untroubled. Should have done better with Ronivaldo's header, though.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 6

Back fit after a summer of rehabilitation, the West Derby-born defender slung in a handful of teasing deliveries from dead-balls. A gentle re-introduction to the team after his injury. A lot more to come from the England international.

Joel Matip 7

First appearance since January and looked calm and assured at the back. One of Liverpool's standout trainers so far in Austria, this was an important half hour for the centre-back.

Ben Davies 6

The lesser-spotted Davies was making his first appearance of any kind since a move from Preston in January. One excellent interception stopped Wacker getting in on the counter in a three-v-one situation. These were much needed minutes in a Liverpool shirt.

Owen Beck 6

Fresh from a new contract earlier this month, the left-back tried to get forward when he could but was left exposed in a two-v-one situation for the equaliser. Almost whipped in a late winner on his trusty left foot.

Leighton Clarkson 6

Classy, ball-playing midfielder looked like he enjoyed himself. Spoke of the need to take on responsibility pre-match and was always willing to take the ball in whatever area of the pitch demanded it.

Tyler Morton 6

Thundered into one tackle down by the touchline and showed off a wonderful pirouette to keep possession in midfield. Lovely pass to Minamino down the left almost got him in behind.

Jake Cain 7

Closed down spaces well and denied Wacker any time on the ball in midfield. One superb, goal-bound strike was blocked late on.

Kaide Gordon 8

A January arrival from Derby County, the 16-year-old played himself nicely out of trouble near the corner flag at one stage and went close with one effort. A very lively cameo from a young player with a bright future.

Divock Origi 6

Dispatched a penalty with pretty much his first touch and ran the channels gamely. Not quite as sharp as he has been in the past, however. That should come in time. A big summer awaits for the Belgian.

Takumi Minamino 7

Japan international was making his first Liverpool appearance since a mid-season loan switch to Southampton. Kept himself busy and looked sharp with the ball at his feet. Another player who needs a strong pre-season.

[pied 252]

Game 1:

Adrian 6

Did his best to prevent the goal in darting off his line at speed and didn't deserve any of the blame. Cleaned up balls over the top well.

Conor Bradley 6

Aggressive in his positioning on that right flank and always quick to press whenever Liverpool lost it down his side.

Ibrahima Konate 6

Will wish he had got a little tighter to Sasa Kalajdzic for Stuttgart's goal but did really well in holding that high defensive line to consistently catch the Germans offside.

Rhys Williams 6

Looked to win the ball high up the pitch and didn't always judge it right but enjoyed a good and important runout.

Kosta Tsimikas 8

Constantly supported attacks down the left and got his rewards with an assist for Mane. Also made a couple of eye-catching defensive contributions.

James Milner 7

Worked his socks off and set the tempo as you'd expect before picking out a beauty of a ball for Tsimikas to set up the equaliser.

Naby Keita 7

Showcased his dribbling skills and eye for a pass in picking up the ball regularly in an advanced position. Could be such an important player if he stays fit.

Harvey Elliott 8

Saw plenty of the ball in an unfamiliar midfield role and did a lot with it, too. Always has his head up looking to create and looks a good fit for a central role.

Sadio Mane 8

Evidenced his sharpness by almost catching the keeper in possession early on and was a livewire throughout. Deserved his goal, which came from as close range as it gets.

Mohamed Salah 6

Produced an uncharacteristic miss from a one-on-one but was otherwise in strong form. Like Mane, he looks to have benefited hugely from a rare summer off.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 7

Looks a really good fit for the false nine role he occupied here. Showed some Firmino-esque touches in build-up and should have had an assist for Salah early doors.

[maninblack 7,974]

 

[Jive Turkey 12,594]

hmmm.

 

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

"if that is the case, a sale may have to be considered this summer"

 

Yeah, that's smart business. We can't afford another Gini situation where we lose a 100mil + player on the free.

[maninblack 7,974]

For those wondering. From page 1. Adrian was extended by a year unfortunately.

2021:

 

Position	Player	Age
GK	Adrian	34
CM	Georginio Wijnaldum	30

2022:

 

Position	Player	Age
GK	Caoimhin Kelleher	22
GK	Loris Karius	27
CM	James Milner	35
AM	Ben Woodburn	21

2023:

 

Position	Player	Age
CB	Virgil van Dijk	29
CB	Nat Phillips	24
DM	Marko Grujic	25
DM	Fabinho	27
CM	Naby Keïta	26
CM	Jordan Henderson	30
CM	Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain	27
LW	Sadio Mané	29
RW	Sheyi Ojo	23
RW	Harry Wilson	24
RW	Mohamed Salah	28
RW	Xherdan Shaqiri	29
CF	Roberto Firmino	29
CF	Taiwo Awoniyi	23

2024:

 

Position	Player	Age
GK	Alisson Becker	28
CB	Joe Gomez	23
CB	Joel Matip	29
CB	Sepp van den Berg	19
LB	Andrew Robertson	27
RB	Trent Alexander-Arnold	22
CM	Thiago	30
LW	Takumi Minamino	26
CF	Divock Origi	26

2025:

 

Position	Player	Age
CB	Rhys Williams	20
CB	Ben Davies	25
LB	Konstantinos Tsimikas	25
RB	Neco Williams	20
CM	Curtis Jones	20
LW	Diogo Jota	24

Edited July 20, 2021 by maninblack

[mdmost 43,001]

Possible Origi/Shaqiri replacement, Jarrod Bowen from West Ham:

 

Edited July 21, 2021 by mdmost

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

Decent player, but is he a huge increase over Shaq? 

[maninblack 7,974]

37 minutes ago, Cheeseweasel said:

Decent player, but is he a huge increase over Shaq? 

I'll answer that...no

[Jive Turkey 12,594]

 

[Firemans4Horn 18,036]

WaGe Bi1L sPiRaLiNg

 

What a trash headline. We have a lot of incentives built into players contracts. Win Champions leagues and the PL and our wage bill went up as a result.

[mdmost 43,001]

Well at least we got those two titles. Jurgen's going to have to finesse what he can out of the existing squad because FSG certainly isn't going to go toe-to-toe with Chelsea or City for players. 

[Cheeseweasel 26,438]

FSG sucks donkey balls. Convince me otherwise. 

[hobbes2702 13,029]

Premier League Title 2020

Champions League Title 2019

[406W30th 1,111]

On 7/21/2021 at 7:56 AM, Cheeseweasel said:

Decent player, but is he a huge increase over Shaq? 

Bowen is five years younger and scored eight goals with five assists last year, playing in all 38 Premier League games for West Ham. Shaqiri has played in 45 PL matches for us and has scored seven goals with five assists. I realize that those numbers don't tell the whole story, and that Bowen would cost significantly more than Shaq in terms of a transfer fee, but we have to start looking toward the future and factor in the homegrown player side of the equation.

There's also Shaq's injury history:

Bowen:

 

I like Shaqiri, who seems content to be a bit player for us – and his inability to stay fit means that's all he'll ever be – but if we can move him on for even £10M we should do it. We'd get his £80K/week wages off the bill, which is more than Trent, Robbo, and Gomez, and also make room for a homegrown player. 

[maninblack 7,974]

Bowen's advanced metrics don't scale as well as Shaq's did, he'd most likely cost between 30-40M and want 90K a week. All that and he's not a first team player. Hard pass.

[406W30th 1,111]

19 minutes ago, maninblack said:

Bowen's advanced metrics don't scale as well as Shaq's did, he'd most likely cost between 30-40M and want 90K a week. All that and he's not a first team player. Hard pass.

How so?

Shaq / Jota / Bowen – age 23 season

Even if that were true, we're talking about a guy who turns 30 in October and has barely been available when he's been needed most. That's not changing any time soon. 

[mdmost 43,001]

We beat Mainz 1-0 on an own goal in today's friendly. 

[mdmost 43,001]

Harry Wilson is off to Fulham for 12M. 30M in sold players so far.