Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

colly10 · 18-07-2008 12:16PM

Jazzy wrote: »

would much rather:
Gerrard
Mascherano
Babel
Barry
Keane
Torres

It looks great on paper but Babel was awfull any time I seen him played on the right last season

Dave! · 18-07-2008 12:20PM

I dread the notion that the Pool might get Keane

Gwan Robbie, join Sunderland!

That:

Gerrard

Mascherano

Babel

Barry

Keane

Torres

...would be quite formidable

leninbenjamin · 18-07-2008 12:23PM

Dave! wrote: »

I dread the notion that the Pool might get Keane Gwan Robbie, join Sunderland!

That:
Gerrard
Mascherano
Babel
Barry
Keane
Torres

...would be quite formidable

very vulnerable in the midfield though. Gerrard plays too high up the field to be partnered effectively with someone who sits so deep imo. leaves too much space for someone like Scholes or Fabregas to exploit. would never see this being effective against the bigger sides.

yom 1 · 18-07-2008 12:25PM

Karmafaerie wrote: »

If Barry comes, Alonso will go (IMO).

I just can't see them both here.

I can't either, but with the Juve deal dead in the water there seems to be very little else in terms of concrete reports regarding Alonso.

I would hate to see us have to sell Alonso on the cheap just for the sake of it. If we got upwards of 15m fine but anything less would just be stupid imo

Mr Alan · 18-07-2008 12:25PM

leninbenjamin wrote: »

would never see this being effective against the bigger sides.

this on the other hand:

Mascherano--Alonso

Gerrard

Keane

Barry---

Torres

would be ****ing awesome against the big sides.

with the likes of Benayoun,new young talented wide player, babel, lucas, kuyt to come on and make a difference.

jesus_thats_gre · 18-07-2008 12:27PM

Mascherano

Alonso

--Kuyt

Gerard

Keane-

Torres

This is how I expect us to be lining up at start of the season. I expect the 3 behind Torres to regularly switch position, with Keane spending alot of time in the middle.

I really do not think that Babel will be in the starting line up. If Barry is signed (unlikely now IMO), he could play on the left but I think this would be a waste.

Blackhorse Slim · 18-07-2008 12:29PM

IF Alonso goes and Barry arrives, I'd expect something more like this;

Mascherano

Gerrard Barry

Keane Torres Babel

with all 5 in front of Masch being fluid and interchanging when attacking, or dropping into this formation when defending.

astrofool · 18-07-2008 12:39PM

Mr Alan wrote: »

this on the other hand:
Mascherano--Alonso
Gerrard
Keane
Barry---
Torres

would be ****ing awesome against the big sides.

with the likes of Benayoun,new young talented wide player, babel, lucas, kuyt to come on and make a difference.

I think that would be far too narrow a formation against a big team, their centre backs will mop it up all day.

Daemonic · 18-07-2008 12:48PM

Dave! wrote: »

I dread the notion that the Pool might get Keane Gwan Robbie, join Sunderland!

That:
Gerrard
Mascherano
Babel
Barry
Keane
Torres

...would be quite formidable

Given that front 6 I'd prefer

Barry

Mascherano

Gerrard

Babel

Keane

Torres

Bounty Hunter · 18-07-2008 12:56PM

Barry is not a left winger

Jazzy · 18-07-2008 01:00PM

astrofool wrote: »

I think that would be far too narrow a formation against a big team, their centre backs will mop it up all day.

yes but ya see if u only put the front 6 down on paper thats all u have to think about....

mormank · 18-07-2008 01:02PM

PHB wrote: »

Babel is still massively inconsistant. Scores spectacular goals, but doesn't score enough of them yet. Quite like Nani actually. But I wouldn't want Nani starting out for United, not for 1-3 more years.

I don't necessarily think that Downing is much better to be honest, but if you look at it this way

United's front 4 next season:
Berbatov
-Rooney
Tevez
Ronaldo--

Chelsea:
Drogba
-Malouda
Deco
Cole----

Arsenal:
Adebayour
Van Persie
-Rosicky
Nasri---

Can you really tell me you think Babel is good enough? You might say he's as good as Malouda, maybe so, but Chelsea want to bloody replace both their wingers cause they don't think they are good enough.

Liverpool need somebody of top quality for their attack, even after Keane. Pretty much every post at the end of last season agreed you needed at least 2 more attackers.

Are you honestly saying that you think nasri is better than babel!! What makes you think this? He is untested in the premiership so is a year behind babel surely

Karmafaerie · 18-07-2008 01:15PM

colly10 wrote: »

It looks great on paper but Babel was awfull any time I seen him played on the right last season

You should try watching more often then.;)

Babel was raw, and inconsistant, but he was far from awfull.

He also scored 10 goals in all competitions, which is more than say.....Ronaldo (the best player in the world remember!:rolleyes:) scored in his first two seasons combined!!!

Babel on form is more than most defences can handle and he steadily improved as the season progressed.
He'll play a big part this season.

MementoMori · 18-07-2008 01:21PM

Assuming Keane comes, Alonso stays and Barry doesnt come.

Mascherano

Alonso

Keane

Gerrard

Babel

Torres

They might actually line out like this.

Mascherano

Alonso

Gerrard

Babel

Keane

Torres

If Barry comes he will simply replace Alonso and Alonso will be sold. I can't see a situation where having Alonso and Barry on the pitch at the same time makes any sense. Barry is clearly better as a left-sided CM as opposed to a LW or LB. He can play LW or LB but they aren't his best position - left-sided CM is. I don't understand the people who have him in a CM pairing with Masch with Masch on the left - utter lunacy.If we signed him that's where I'd expect to see him 90% of the time - alongside Masch, providing balance, as a central two in front of the back four providing cover allowing the full backs to get forward, making the sensible balls to the four out and out attacking players in front of them. Also if the chance presents itself getting forward and chipping in with the odd goal or ten. Currently with the Alonso & Masch centre two, I feel defences can almost ignore them and say - well that's not much chance of either of them getting forward and scoring, so we can concentrate the majority of our defensive efforts on the other four players. This is expecially the case with sides coming to Anfield playing defensively and hoping to nick a point.

Also I'm not sure if Keane would play as the RW perhaps a hybrid RW/FW i.e maybe narrower in and on the shoulder of Gerrard and Torres. A bit concerned about the width implications but hopefully the full backs will assist with that.

I don't think Voronin will be sold for £3m - I think Rafa is likely to keep him around another season as cover ( and hopefully only as emergency cover)

With my first choice six, Kuyt is the player it probably looks harshest on but when it's a case of Keane or Kuyt - Keane has to get the nod.

Also in terms of backup keeping the same formation we have the following players as backup . Leto and Plessis are the two that look the least experienced in this case. Fingers crossed Plessis to build on last season and get some decent game time. Also Leto gets a chance work permit allowing.

Plessis

Lucas

Kuyt

Benayoun

Leto

Keane

Also I think Babel will make a big improvement this season - sometimes I think people forget he's still only a young lad. I remember an interview he did around April when he said that only around then did he feel like he was approaching the full fitness levels necessary to perform for ninety minutes. He was saying how much of a step up the English game was in terms of physical effort from what he had been used to previously. Given his undoubted talent and ability, I'm expecting we'll see a lot more of him this season. I definately don't want to see him on the right-wing - I want him to spend the majority of the time on the LW with the odd appearance up front.

However as the man himself says it's all about the options and Keane definatley adds greatly to out attacking options.

MementoMori · 18-07-2008 01:33PM

Carson to WBA - for £3.25m rising to £4m

Very poor price tbh - not that happy:(

If it wasnt for Steve Umbrella we might have got £10m from Villa for him instead.:(

Given his age and potential WBA could have scored a major bargain. Hope to funk we have a decent sell-on clause (e.g. 40% in that contract)

Also still no word on a deal for Itandje - Have Galatasary kidnapped him or what? After doing some research the best I could find was that Gala haven't signed a new keeper this summer and they have ben linked to a few (Sorensen at one stage) so it looks like they were definately in the market.

Skysports.com can confirm West Brom have won the race to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Baggies have beaten off interest from a host of clubs to sign the England international.

Liverpool decided to let Carson leave after bringing in Brazilian Diego Cavaleri as cover for No.1 Jose Reina.

Stoke agreed a fee with Liverpool earlier this week and held talks with Carson only to pull out of the move on Thursday.

West Brom also negotiated a fee with Liverpool for Carson and the former Leeds custodian has agreed a four-year deal at The Hawthorns.

Carson's agent Colin Gordon has confirmed the deal has been done to bring Carson to West Brom.

"The deal has been done," Gordon told skysports.com.

"Scott has signed a four-year deal with West Brom.

"They will pay £3.25million which will rise to £4million for Scott."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_3834350,00.html

Karmafaerie · 18-07-2008 01:34PM

Just the TB piece quoted earlier in its entirety.

Liverpool FC close to deal for Robbie Keane
Jul 18 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will look to tie up a deal for Robbie Keane in the next 48 hours after Tottenham gave up the struggle to keep their star player at White Hart Lane.

The chances of Rafa Benitez getting his man were boosted significantly last night when Spurs boss Juande Ramos admitted for the first time he is likely to have to cash in on some of his big names in an effort to balance the books.

With boyhood Reds fan Keane desperate to move to Anfield and Benitez equally keen on signing him, the move is likely to happen sooner rather than later given the Liverpool manager's desire to be able to work with his new signings at the earliest possible opportunity.

There is now an acceptance at Tottenham that Keane will get his dream move and yesterday's comments from Ramos were a clear attempt by the manager to prepare the club's fans for the departure of their hero.

Speaking at Spurs' pre-season training camp in Spain, Ramos admitted it was possible that he would have to sell both Keane and Dimitar Berbatov to cover his own outlay on players since taking the White Hart Lane hot seat earlier this year.

He said: "We will see what happens there, but we are talking about two very important players.

"For the moment they are with us, but whatever happens the idea is to have a great squad, with the potential to allow us to aim to improve on what we managed last season.
We have to be realistic and see what we are starting with and who we are competing against.

"There are some big clubs who have spent a lot of money over many years and have a certain advantage. In fact they claim they want to sign some of our players.

"At Tottenham, we have had a clear philosophy regarding buying and selling for years. The idea is signing young players, promising and talented ones, and if important offers for older players are made, studying it to see what is the best for the club."

Keane, having turned 28 a fortnight ago and with a value estimated by his own club to be in the region of £20m, clearly falls into the category of an older player who could be sold at a significant profit, having been brought to Spurs for just £7m by then manager Glenn Hoddle in 2002.

Liverpool are hoping to get their man for lower than the price Spurs want for him but know they will have to come up with a substantial offer approaching that figure if they are to get their wish of Keane becoming their player ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Hertha Berlin.

With 169 goals in 352 career games to his name, Keane has earned a reputation as one of the Premiership's most feared forwards and his status in international football is similarly compelling given the fact that he is already the Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer with 33 goals in 80 appearances.

Having already been involved in transfers costing almost £40m, Keane's expected move to Anfield would make him one of the most costly players in the history of football.

Once Liverpool have sealed that deal they will again turn their attentions back to Gareth Barry who, like Keane, has set his heart on signing for Liverpool.

Barry returned to training with Aston Villa on Wednesday, having been exiled by manager Martin O'Neill, but the combination of his desire to quit the club and a minor ankle injury means the 27-year-old will not be part of Villa's squad for their Intertoto Cup clash with Odense in Denmark this weekend.

The England international has held clear the air talks with O'Neill - which were described as "cordial and positive” by Barry's agent Eric Black - giving Liverpool renewed hope that O'Neill might finally be willing to bring the long-running saga to a close by agreeing to a compromise deal which would suit all parties.

Meanwhile, Stoke have pulled out of the race for Scott Carson after learning that Liverpool's wantaway keeper would prefer a move to West Brom.

Karmafaerie · 18-07-2008 01:37PM

MementoMori wrote: »

Given his age and potential WBA could have scored a major bargain. Hope to funk we have a decent sell-on clause (e.g. 40% in that contract)

Supposedly it's a buy back clause we have.
As in we can buy him back for the same price, or slightly higher, at our choosing.

Rafa obviously sees him as having what it takes to be our first choice one day.

MementoMori · 18-07-2008 01:47PM

Karmafaerie wrote: »

Supposedly it's a buy back clause we have.
As in we can buy him back for the same price, or slightly higher, at our choosing.

Rafa obviously sees him as having what it takes to be our first choice one day.

That would expain the low price being received now. Makes sense in that case. Even if we don't want him as first choice keeper in the future we can control where he goes next and we get any appreciation in his value. In the meantime WBA get themselves a decent PL keeper. Suppose. Real Madrid come in with a £20m offer in three years. We go to WBA ok we'll be buying him back now for £4.5m and then sell him on to Real for £20m. Even if it's not Real at £20m even if's it someone like Newcastle at £8m. However if his value doesnt appreciate he's a WBA player and they can pay his wages. Fingers crossed we'll get confirmation of this buy-back clause.

colly10 · 18-07-2008 02:00PM

Karmafaerie wrote: »

You should try watching more often then.;)

Babel was raw, and inconsistant, but he was far from awfull.

He also scored 10 goals in all competitions, which is more than say.....Ronaldo (the best player in the world remember!:rolleyes:) scored in his first two seasons combined!!!

Babel on form is more than most defences can handle and he steadily improved as the season progressed.
He'll play a big part this season.

Im not argueing with ye, I like Babel, notice that I said ON THE RIGHT. He has been shocking anytime i've seen him play on the right wing, I just don't like the idea of playing Barry on the left if it means moving Babel to the right. Id say he'd be poor there all season. I recon he'll do well for us on the left next year

Daemonic · 18-07-2008 02:37PM

MementoMori wrote: »

That would expain the low price being received now. Makes sense in that case. Even if we don't want him as first choice keeper in the future we can control where he goes next and we get any appreciation in his value. In the meantime WBA get themselves a decent PL keeper. Suppose. Real Madrid come in with a £20m offer in three years. We go to WBA ok we'll be buying him back now for £4.5m and then sell him on to Real for £20m. Even if it's not Real at £20m even if's it someone like Newcastle at £8m. However if his value doesnt appreciate he's a WBA player and they can pay his wages. Fingers crossed we'll get confirmation of this buy-back clause.

Great plan but slightly scuppered by the "can't be registered for 3 clubs within 12 months rule"
Good clause to have though should he fulfill his potential.

Karmafaerie · 18-07-2008 02:42PM

colly10 wrote: »

Im not argueing with ye, I like Babel, notice that I said ON THE RIGHT. He has been shocking anytime i've seen him play on the right wing, I just don't like the idea of playing Barry on the left if it means moving Babel to the right. Id say he'd be poor there all season. I recon he'll do well for us on the left next year

Sorry man, completely missread you.
You're right about him playing mainly from the right.
He likes to cut inside, and has no left foot to do so from the right.

astrofool · 18-07-2008 02:45PM

A buy back clause is usually that you have first refusal if the player is to be sold, not that you can buy them back at the same price (which as noted above, would be ridiculous).

Cyrus · 18-07-2008 02:52PM

it can be at an agreed price tho (i think it usually is)

Karmafaerie · 18-07-2008 03:11PM

astrofool wrote: »

A buy back clause is usually that you have first refusal if the player is to be sold, not that you can buy them back at the same price (which as noted above, would be ridiculous).

No, a buy-back clause stipulates that price that you get to but him back at.

A first option clause, is called a.....first option clause!!!;)

Real Madrid have a buy-back clause with De La Red for something like £8,000,000.
They sold him to Getaffe, but can buy him back at any time, and if Getaffe want to sell him to somebody else, they have to accept an offer of £8,000,000 from Real, even if the other club is offering £20,000,000.

mayordenis · 18-07-2008 03:11PM

buy back clauses tend to have a price agreed during the sale,
while first refusal tends to be an agreement made without any sale ie. if we made a deal to sell alonso to valencia and part of deal gave us first refusal on silva but in this case we have no guarantees over the price.

FunkZ · 18-07-2008 03:42PM

PELLEGRINO PROUD TO BE RED AGAIN http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160575080718-1415.htm
Paul Hassall in Switzerland 18 July 2008

Mauricio Pellegrino has revealed he feels a great sense of pride to be back at Liverpool and is hoping he can now go on and play an important part in the future success of the club.
The former Reds defender returned to Anfield as a first-team coach last month and has now spoken for the first time about his new role at the team's pre-season training camp in Interlaken.

The Argentinean, who played 12 times for the Reds back in 2005, admits it was a great surprise to receive the call from the boss but he is now focused on giving his all for the Liverpool cause.

"I am really proud and pleased because for me it is a nice opportunity to work for this club again," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Rafa has shown his trust in me once again and I'll try to do the best for the club and do my best to repay him.

"It was a surprise to get the call because I was training with the youth team in Valencia and studying to finish my qualification to become a professional trainer.

"But when Rafa got in touch I knew I had to act quickly and after I had talked to my family and they told me they understood, it was a great opportunity that I could not turn down.

"I will try to do as much as I can for this club and I hope to enjoy working with the Liverpool players."

It's three years since the 36-year-old last represented the club as a player and, although he admits his role is now different, he has been pleased to have been welcomed back to Melwood by some familiar faces.

"It has changed a lot since I was last at Liverpool," he said.

"There are maybe 15 new players but the medical staff and people who work in Melwood are the same.

"There's still the likes of Gerrard, Carra, Sami, Alonso and Finnan - but the rest are new faces.

"It's a different sensation for me. My work has changed completely, my role at the club is very different and every day I am thinking about how I can improve our team; whereas before, when I was player, I would just focus on what I was doing in the session."

__________
Don't thik it's been posted yet

mayordenis · 18-07-2008 03:58PM

100% made of legend welcome back.

PHB · 18-07-2008 04:04PM

Karmafaerie wrote: »

He also scored 10 goals in all competitions, which is more than say.....Ronaldo (the best player in the world remember!:rolleyes:) scored in his first two seasons combined!!!

I'm not sure where you are getting your facts from, but in Ronaldos first season he scored 6 goals in all comps, 9 in the second.

mormank wrote: »

Are you honestly saying that you think nasri is better than babel!! What makes you think this? He is untested in the premiership so is a year behind babel surely

In terms of an attacking system, yes I do. Nasri for me, from what i've seen, has more in his locker than Babel, in terms of how the system will work out for them.

The point remains though that even Arsenal fans consider that area to be their weakness. Nasri is meant to fix it as a new signing.

Malouda and the wings are clearly Chelsea weakness, and they are fixing it.

Liverpool still have that weakness even after Keane, and they need to fix it.

eirebhoy · 18-07-2008 04:18PM

That guy Plessis certainly didn't lack any confidence against Tranmere. Demanding the ball off his teammates. Benayoun's good enough for the first team though imo and should be starting more regularly.

prendy · 18-07-2008 04:23PM

if we get keane who would you start benni instead of?

Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

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