Liverpool are a mess

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I think they'll have a very good season actually.

When you look at last season Jota and Diaz were both missing over the Winter months which were big blows as Diaz can score out of little in tight games and Jota is useful chipping in at times.

Salah will score at a strong rate and then have a world class 2-3 months so you're looking at one of Gakpo/Nunez....o.k Gakpo then to have a breakout second second and that's a very formidable attack especially at Anfield where Liverpool only lost once last season for all their issues. Hungarian number 10 won't have the pressure of having to settle in straight away either with all those options.

Alexis Mac is a very good 8 replacement for Henderson aswell based on his form in last 18 months for Brighton and Argentina.

Only thing I don't get is why they've been so lax at trying to sign a DM. Fabiano was well below standard and on/off him moving to Saudi. Not conviced Lavia is the right profile for that role either.

80 + points in the league and winning one of the domestic cups I reckon.
 

bringbackbebe

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Liverpool have lost a lot of experience this year in Firmino, Milner, Henderson, Fabinho. Their new midfield will be Bajcetic, Szoboszlai, MacAllister & Thiago. They'll possibly add another but still seems thin and unbalanced. It's either genius or madness on Klopp's part to do this.
 

Murder on Zidanes Floor

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Liverpool have lost a lot of experience this year in Firmino, Milner, Henderson, Fabinho. Their new midfield will be Bajcetic, Szoboszlai, MacAllister & Thiago. They'll possibly add another but still seems thin and unbalanced. It's either genius or madness on Klopp's part to do this.
They also are really top heavy.

Gakpo, Nunez, Diaz, Jota, for two positions (CF and LW). If they really want to play Alexis and Szobo in midfield and rely on Lavia to hold the fort down, I'll be happy to play them every week.

I also think they are a CB short, given how one injury will see them relying on Gomez to cover. Robertson looked a little off last year so perhaps his form drops.

Then you have TAA who they want to play in midfield, perhaps as a 6, which will be amazing for everyone else in the league but a disaster for Liverpool. So given how they want Lavia, TAA has only the space to play at RB, which is great because he cannot defend.
 

Dumbstar

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They also are really top heavy.

Gakpo, Nunez, Diaz, Jota, for two positions (CF and LW). If they really want to play Alexis and Szobo in midfield and rely on Lavia to hold the fort down, I'll be happy to play them every week.
Not sure if serious? Or a secret Liverpool fan, uncovered? :wenger:

Cough7cough.
 

B20

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Liverpool have lost a lot of experience this year in Firmino, Milner, Henderson, Fabinho. Their new midfield will be Bajcetic, Szoboszlai, MacAllister & Thiago. They'll possibly add another but still seems thin and unbalanced. It's either genius or madness on Klopp's part to do this.
you forgot Jones and Elliott
 

padzilla

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
 

wolvored

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Liverpool will be challenging for top 5 as will Chelsea. Every now and again both have off seasons, then bounce back. We will be in a 8 team race for top 5 as it is now for Ch Lge. Utd City Arsenal Liverpool Newcastle Chelsea Brighton and either Brentford, Spurs, maybe even Villa.
 

cyberman

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
If we were in Klopps position with a DM that hasn’t moved yet and not quite sure he even will with bids not being accepted for a kid from a relegated team, this place would be in uproar. Now Chelsea are in the mix for Lavia after the second bid was refused. The meltdown in here would be molten lava .
 

sullydnl

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If they manage to get Lavia signed then I think think they'll have done excellent business from a long term perspective. Basically bringing in a new, talented, young (19, 22 and 24) midfield to replace the aging one that was clearly a big part of their struggles last season. That's big surgery with a lot of future upside.

However, it's asking a lot of those players to individually and as a unit hit the ground running. Particularly as Lavia hasn't actually been signed yet. And as it stands they've been using TAA as an actual DM in recent pre-season games, such is relative lack of depth in Lavia's position. And we talk about the perils of being overly dependent on Casemiro.....

If I was a Liverpool fan I'd be delighted with a CL place finish this season (so top five), while hoping that young midfield along with the likes of Gakpo (24), Nunez (24) and Diaz (26) develop enough across the season that the team looks like it's just another few key signings from being a side really challenging again.

How Salah holds up will also be important for them over the next couple of years. At 31 years old going into this season there's absolutely no guarantee he'll keep his level of goalscoring going.
 

Pexbo

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
Oh that’s why they didn’t by Bellingham. And that’s the reason they’re shopping around mid-table and Europa League clubs. I thought it was because they spunked all their money last season and didn’t get Champions League to replenish it.
 

padzilla

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Oh that’s why they didn’t by Bellingham. And that’s the reason they’re shopping around mid-table and Europa League clubs. I thought it was because they spunked all their money last season and didn’t get Champions League to replenish it.
Well there is a massive degree of that, they simply couldn't afford him, especially when the squad needed so much replacing as well. I don't think they'll be as strong as maybe they have been under Klopp but I would not be surprised if they were a lot better than many suspect.
It all comes down to Klopp really, he doesn't strike me as someone who gets too much wrong - as much as it annoys me.
 

marktan

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Tbh I've watched a decent amount of all 3 of their midfielders (if they sign Lavia) and I rate all three of them. Bit envious.

For once I wish we'd have a transfer window where we sign 3 players that improve us like the summer of 2007, instead of sideways players like Mount, Antony, Sancho etc. Somebody actually sanctioned VDB for £40m :(

I think what might limit Liverpool is that none of their attackers are as good as Firmino and Mane were, but having a more progressive midfield should help them.
 

Bubz27

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
No, we're not praising Klopp for missing out on Bellingham like it was his choice to not get him.
 

redcucumber

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Tbh I've watched a decent amount of all 3 of their midfielders (if they sign Lavia) and I rate all three of them. Bit envious.

For once I wish we'd have a transfer window where we sign 3 players that improve us like the summer of 2007, instead of sideways players like Mount, Antony, Sancho etc. Somebody actually sanctioned VDB for £40m :(
Bit odd to be envious of them and to deride United given they just finished 5th and we finished 3rd (and won a trophy). There's no telling if a completely new midfield will integrate seamlessly and have them back in the mix. It's a big ask in my opinion.
 

redcucumber

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Well there is a massive degree of that, they simply couldn't afford him, especially when the squad needed so much replacing as well. I don't think they'll be as strong as maybe they have been under Klopp but I would not be surprised if they were a lot better than many suspect.
It all comes down to Klopp really, he doesn't strike me as someone who gets too much wrong - as much as it annoys me.
Bellingham obviously told Liverpool to get to feck.
 

Nevilles.Wear.Prada

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Bellingham was avaliable for the short window when they won the league in empty stadium. They missed the train as reality slowly dawned on his over the past few years. By now klopp is getting the inhalers back on the menu and they will covering 25km each ever game.
 

JB08

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Tbh I've watched a decent amount of all 3 of their midfielders (if they sign Lavia) and I rate all three of them. Bit envious.

For once I wish we'd have a transfer window where we sign 3 players that improve us like the summer of 2007, instead of sideways players like Mount, Antony, Sancho etc. Somebody actually sanctioned VDB for £40m :(

I think what might limit Liverpool is that none of their attackers are as good as Firmino and Mane were, but having a more progressive midfield should help them.
You’re not wrong, they have made some decent midfield signings, but still don’t have a top class no. 6 which is really important given their style of play. They need to replace Fabinho with somebody at least as good.
 

BaggiesBoy93

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Liverpool need another 2 midfield signings, assuming Fabhino and Thiago leave.

They will also surely need a full back with TAA seemingly enjoying a new role where he doesn't have to do his main job... Defend.

They need to be busy in the market in the next 3-4 weeks
 

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I feel like they're a side that could go either way this season, and not much in between. It'll either click brilliantly, or be a stinker (by their recent standards). I really don't know what to expect from them, they've lost a lot of experience.
 

Maluco

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I think Chelsea and Newcastle could both beat them at home, especially if they have no recognized defensive midfielder for those games.

I will be very interested in how much ground they cover this season. The dropoff last season meant teams had just enough time on the ball to get their heads up and beat the press.

I wonder if that intensity will oscillate again.
 

mav_9me

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
Tbh I've watched a decent amount of all 3 of their midfielders (if they sign Lavia) and I rate all three of them. Bit envious.

For once I wish we'd have a transfer window where we sign 3 players that improve us like the summer of 2007, instead of sideways players like Mount, Antony, Sancho etc. Somebody actually sanctioned VDB for £40m :(

I think what might limit Liverpool is that none of their attackers are as good as Firmino and Mane were, but having a more progressive midfield should help them.
Wow. Precise plan and envious about their midfield.

Let's see. They have lost what 4 CMs, so getting in a minimum of 3 new CMs. Big big turnover.

Let's see their CM options. Lavia (assuming they get him) McAllister, Szoboslai, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Elliot, Stefan Bajcetic. That's 3 teenagers, and 2 x 22 y/o players with really only the 19 y/o as holding midfielder. And you guys are envious of that? Imagine this was united.

Now it might work fine at the end of the day but that's a huge gamble.
 

Murder on Zidanes Floor

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Wow. Precise plan and envious about their midfield.

Let's see. They have lost what 4 CMs, so getting in a minimum of 3 new CMs. Big big turnover.

Let's see their CM options. Lavia (assuming they get him) McAllister, Szoboslai, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Elliot, Stefan Bajcetic. That's 3 teenagers, and 2 x 22 y/o players with really only the 19 y/o as holding midfielder. And you guys are envious of that? Imagine this was united.

Now it might work fine at the end of the day but that's a huge gamble.
Yeah, lack of experience and graft in that midfield.
 

BobFromParva

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Tbh I've watched a decent amount of all 3 of their midfielders (if they sign Lavia) and I rate all three of them. Bit envious.

For once I wish we'd have a transfer window where we sign 3 players that improve us like the summer of 2007, instead of sideways players like Mount, Antony, Sancho etc. Somebody actually sanctioned VDB for £40m :(

I think what might limit Liverpool is that none of their attackers are as good as Firmino and Mane were, but having a more progressive midfield should help them.
IMO that’s a quite blinkered view and one much coloured by hindsight.
Sancho was a major purchase brought in to improve you, the clamour in this forum was loud about that at the time and it’s only in looking back that we can all see he wasn’t worth so many beans (same goes for Maguire who I think will be in your etc.).
Antony was also brought in as what was seen at that time as an improvement (and he’s still young and I think will prove himself under Ten Hag).
Mount is a solid cog for your midfield, a player lacking flair perhaps but also a player who’ll give you an 8 out of 10 most weeks - something that you’ve long needed.

My point is that, even with the best will in the world, players don’t always perform as anticipated and liverpools purchases are not immune to that so may not improve them. Look at that clown Nunez if you need an example of a player brought to improve as squad who then goes to completely underwhelm and often amuse (though the deluded still pin hope on him one day becoming great by the power of disruption and not keeping the ball).
 

erikcred

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Wow. Precise plan and envious about their midfield.

Let's see. They have lost what 4 CMs, so getting in a minimum of 3 new CMs. Big big turnover.
If they'd signed zero new midfielders, losing Henderson and Fabinho alone is great business based on the performance of these two last season. Klopp is too loyal to these players and the Saudi league taking them off his hands for good money is a big stroke of luck. I assume the other two you meant were Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain? They're made of glass, so losing them has no negative, in fact it's some salary saved. My mate pointed out that Keita is injured for his new club already.

Let's see their CM options. Lavia (assuming they get him) McAllister, Szoboslai, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Elliot, Stefan Bajcetic. That's 3 teenagers, and 2 x 22 y/o players with really only the 19 y/o as holding midfielder. And you guys are envious of that? Imagine this was united.

Now it might work fine at the end of the day but that's a huge gamble.
We also weren't envious of Firmino, Salah and Mane either before we saw how Klopp could make them play together.
 

Andersonson

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They also are really top heavy.

Gakpo, Nunez, Diaz, Jota, for two positions (CF and LW). If they really want to play Alexis and Szobo in midfield and rely on Lavia to hold the fort down, I'll be happy to play them every week.

I also think they are a CB short, given how one injury will see them relying on Gomez to cover. Robertson looked a little off last year so perhaps his form drops.

Then you have TAA who they want to play in midfield, perhaps as a 6, which will be amazing for everyone else in the league but a disaster for Liverpool. So given how they want Lavia, TAA has only the space to play at RB, which is great because he cannot defend.
They have to many options? But Fergie was a genius for having 4 strikers??
 

Murder on Zidanes Floor

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They have to many options? But Fergie was a genius for having 4 strikers??
Well you have 2 centre forward positions and 4 players.

Liverpool play a left inside forward and a centre forward, not many players can play both effectively, as say two strikers in a two.

Also he wasn't a genius because he had four strikers. He was a genius because he was the best man manager and manager the country has ever seen.
 

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While it's funny that Liverpool are playing Thursdays, and out of the cl etc, they still have a very very good manager who will know what went wrong and will try to correct it. It's a new season, they are in no more of a mess than we are.

United fans talking the high ground after being whipped 5-0, 4-0 and 7-0 in recent times feels a bit stupid. Just hope that they derail and have another bad season and we manage to go to anfield and come back with a decent 1 goal loss. Can't expect more than that.

Feck Liverpool bastards! :mad:
 

lex talionis

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Liverpool are like a fecking cat. No matter how far and high you throw them, they always land on their feet. They’ll put in a proper challenge this season but in the end it will be Citeh.
 

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As much as it pains me to say but it does seem Klopp knows what he is doing here, especially not spending it all on one player, Bellingham, when he can entirely rebuild his midfield.

There's a lot of ifs and buts and maybes with so many new faces but he does seem to have a precise plan about it at least.

Liverpool were as bad as they had been for a decade last season and were still knocking on the door of the CL up until the last week or two.
Don’t kid yourself, they would have been all in for Bellingham if they’d received encouragement
 

GlasgowCeltic

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They also are really top heavy.

Gakpo, Nunez, Diaz, Jota, for two positions (CF and LW). If they really want to play Alexis and Szobo in midfield and rely on Lavia to hold the fort down, I'll be happy to play them every week.

I also think they are a CB short, given how one injury will see them relying on Gomez to cover. Robertson looked a little off last year so perhaps his form drops.

Then you have TAA who they want to play in midfield, perhaps as a 6, which will be amazing for everyone else in the league but a disaster for Liverpool. So given how they want Lavia, TAA has only the space to play at RB, which is great because he cannot defend.
the odd one out is Jota, don’t think he’d be much loss
 

Castia

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They moved on some of the older players (Milner, Firminho etc) and needed to build a new midfield I think it's a good summer.

I think Lavia will be the signing of the season, that's one signing we shouldn't be missing out on. His talent for a 19 year old is immense, the 50m Liverpool are paying will look like a complete bargain this time next year.
 

mav_9me

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If they'd signed zero new midfielders, losing Henderson and Fabinho alone is great business based on the performance of these two last season. Klopp is too loyal to these players and the Saudi league taking them off his hands for good money is a big stroke of luck. I assume the other two you meant were Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain? They're made of glass, so losing them has no negative, in fact it's some salary saved. My mate pointed out that Keita is injured for his new club already.



We also weren't envious of Firmino, Salah and Mane either before we saw how Klopp could make them play together.
The first bolded part is nonsense. Just losing them without adding McAllister and Szoboszlai is great business?

And we rightly weren't envious of Firmino, Salah and Mane. There wasn't anything to envy before they showed they could be special.

Again as I said this new iteration of their midfield might turn out to be special, but until then why would anyone be envious of this? And I don't think it looks like a great plan at this time. Having one 19 y/o holding midfielder isn't a great plan.
 

Acquire Me

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They moved on some of the older players (Milner, Firminho etc) and needed to build a new midfield I think it's a good summer.

I think Lavia will be the signing of the season, that's one signing we shouldn't be missing out on. His talent for a 19 year old is immense, the 50m Liverpool are paying will look like a complete bargain this time next year.
We got Mainoo :devil: