Liverpool FC Team Talk, Gossip, Rumours 2024/25

He definitely has all the attributes to be a top class midfielder but I watch him for Liverpool and I just don't know what he does or where he fits in. Average passer, suspect decision making and fluffs it in front of goal too often. He has lots of energy though, works hard, only 23 though so still a bit off from the finish article

There was a very interesting post on him during the Bologna game, along the lines of saying have we overestimated this guys level based on a few very games at the start, and his actual level is closer to the performances since then.

I had a look on fbref.com to have a look at his stats. It shows you the players they most resemble statistically which for his is Harvey Elliot, funnily enough.

He doesn't create or score a lot. Part of me wonders if he is a (better looking) replacement for Henderson, who could contribute offensively but was better at being a ball progresser than anything else, and a very impactful player when we didn't have the ball.

Maybe he will improve, and those numbers will go up, but the difference between him and Grav (and Curtis Jones to throw into the mix) is that those guys weren't getting minutes, and then improved a lot with a decent run in the team. Whereas he has always played.

Agreed that the Grav jump was sudden and unpredicted, I suppose the broader point I'm making is that he was a player who was a squad player last year, the year previously to that he was getting no time at Bayern, and this season he has been converted into a starter and trusted by the manager.

I think Diaz might be a better example (albeit a different position) - an existing starter who Slott has gotten more out of.

There's also the question of expectations - after that Leicester goal people were comparing him to Gerrard which is a ridiculously high bar.

The benchmark I tend to use is whether I think a player would make the City/Real teams. I'll add in Arsenal to that as I think Odegard is the most appropiate comparison.

Right now I don't think he would make any of those teams. I hope he'll reach that level but right now I'm not sure he will.

Diaz with Colombia's second tonight.

What a joke, newcastle away on Wed night and then playing 12.30 on saturday

I see Nunez was playing for Uruguay over the break, has he served his ban already? I thought it was longer..

jota Everton away is my guess

I always feel Chelsea are a dodgy side for us. Even when they aren't playing well there's a chance they can beat you. I know we've had some big wins against them but I'm still nervous. Tomorrow is our first real test this season IMO

Chose poorly?

Great game to go to over the years. It has the potential to be a really good game. You'll have a blast.

Saliba will be suspended for our game with them next week after his red today. Every little helps

Win tomorrow would be huge now.