Who would you buy?

[Sweeting]

One year yes. One that he doesn't have to take up. Theres probably an option to negotiate a whole new deal. Or he can just leave and go where he wants.

The option is Man Utd's not Martial's. They put it on all their contracts.

 

[SithBaare]

Paco alcacer, Barca were Hawking him to all concerned the last few years. People have really missed a bargain

 

[vjcpatriot]

Keep your eye on emerging young star, Luka Jovic. He scored a historic 5 goals in 1 Bundesliga match at the tender age of 20 for Frankfurt.

Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future. He currently leads the Bundesliga with 7 goals in 6 matches. If he tallys 30 or more goals by the end of the season, I say why not be aggressive and try to bid for him next summer?

 

[big noyd]

was going to suggest masuaku, but wasn't sure he'd leave to come here and be second choice

so then i thought, why not cresswell, since he's now the second choice there? little bit older, but could be a bridge to adam lewis, and can play in a back 3

 

[GaryBarlow99]

If we want a young winger to develop I would rather go for Sancho than Pulisic. Lad is some player and I don't think he would look out of place in our side. Think he would get plenty of game time next season as well. Being home grown is always a bonus.

 

[Claymenza]

If we want a young winger to develop I would rather go for Sancho than Pulisic. Lad is some player and I don't think he would look out of place in our side. Think he would get plenty of game time next season as well. Being home grown is always a bonus.

How does dortmund do such a good job developing their players?

Pulisic would have been snapped by now, but he has total faith in the club he's at.

 

[red_scott]

Keep your eye on emerging young star, Luka Jovic. He scored a historic 5 goals in 1 Bundesliga match at the tender age of 20 for Frankfurt.

Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future. He currently leads the Bundesliga with 7 goals in 6 matches. If he tallys 30 or more goals by the end of the season, I say why not be aggressive and try to bid for him next summer?

I saw a piece on him, scored a world class volley. He's on a 2 year loan from Benefica, with Frankfurt expected to buy him at the end of it.
I was wondering what are German posters had to say. One to definitely keep an eye on.

 

[Limiescouse]

How does dortmund do such a good job developing their players?

Im pretty sure Goetze is the only player there they developed from the youth level.

 

[GermanRed]

Im pretty sure Goetze is the only player there they developed from the youth level.

Dortmund always had a very good academy / very good youth teams. From their current squad Schmelzer, Götze, Reus (left Dortmund in 2004 and came back 8 years later), Weigl, Burnic, Pulisic and Jacob Bruun Larsen (very interesting player) all represented Dortmund at youth level.

But I would also say that they still benefit from the scouting Klopp introduced to the Club. Akanji, Diallo, Zagadou, Dahoud, Guerreiro, Hakimi and Sancho could have joined bigger / other clubs but they knew Dortmund is a good place for young players to have a breakthrough.

 

[Limiescouse]

Dortmund always had a very good academy / very good youth teams. From their current squad Schmelzer, Götze, Reus (left Dortmund in 2004 and came back 8 years later), Weigl, Burnic, Pulisic and Jacob Bruun Larsen (very interesting player) all represented Dortmund at youth level.

But I would also say that they still benefit from the scouting Klopp introduced to the Club. Akanji, Diallo, Zagadou, Dahoud, Guerreiro, Hakimi and Sancho could have joined bigger / other clubs but they knew Dortmund is a good place for young players to have a breakthrough.

Weigl is no more a product of their youth team than Danny Ings is of ours. Even Pulisic is only if you have a very generous definition seeing as he was in the first team squad almost immediately upon being signed by them.

If we want to talk about development, I think what they have shown is that they are good at that final stage of turning promise into first team talent, but with rare exceptions these are not kids who have been produced by their academy.

 

[GermanRed]

Weigl is no more a product of their youth team than Danny Ings is of ours. Even Pulisic is only if you have a very generous definition seeing as he was in the first team squad almost immediately upon being signed by them.

If we want to talk about development, I think what they have shown is that they are good at that final stage of turning promise into first team talent, but with rare exceptions these are not kids who have been produced by their academy.

You’re right with Weigl.

Pulisic played 25 games for their youth teams. I wouldn’t say he is a 'academy product' - he probably needed these games to get used to the style/tactics in Europe.

 

[PaulRoJo]

Not a fan of Lallana. There always seemed to be something a bit sickly about him. It's not just the heart problems but it's his pasty complexion, his slightly drawn features, even when 'fit' he didn't exactly exude vibrant well-being. Then there's his less than explosive style, the sense that despite his endeavour he takes slightly too long to recover from bursts of exertion, he's better at sustaining a regular output than varying his pace, he lacks pace, could never maintain energetic bursts and would rarely be able to complete 90 minutes.

He's technically very good, genuinely two-footed, but often tries to do too much on the ball. It can slow our play down just when it needs a quick one or two touch interaction. His pressing is massively overrated (AOC, for example, has been shown to be more than twice as effective) and his good games infrequent. He struggles to influence the bigger games.

He's also now showing increasing injury issues that were largely predictable and won't improve. He'll be 31 by the end of the season, 2 years older than the superfit and reliable Milner was when he joined. He'll still have a year to run on his contract but finding a buyer will now be difficult if we want to recover any value. We should have sold him two years ago.

As for whether he's a good bloke or not, I don't know. He comes across to me as a bit of a prick. Certainly Clattenburg thought so but then he's a bit of a knob as well.

Anyway, never warmed to him.

My thoughts exactly - have you got a portal into my mind?

 

[Danny_]

Not a fan of Lallana. There always seemed to be something a bit sickly about him. It's not just the heart problems but it's his pasty complexion, his slightly drawn features, even when 'fit' he didn't exactly exude vibrant well-being. Then there's his less than explosive style, the sense that despite his endeavour he takes slightly too long to recover from bursts of exertion, he's better at sustaining a regular output than varying his pace, he lacks pace, could never maintain energetic bursts and would rarely be able to complete 90 minutes.

He's technically very good, genuinely two-footed, but often tries to do too much on the ball. It can slow our play down just when it needs a quick one or two touch interaction. His pressing is massively overrated (AOC, for example, has been shown to be more than twice as effective) and his good games infrequent. He struggles to influence the bigger games.

He's also now showing increasing injury issues that were largely predictable and won't improve. He'll be 31 by the end of the season, 2 years older than the superfit and reliable Milner was when he joined. He'll still have a year to run on his contract but finding a buyer will now be difficult if we want to recover any value. We should have sold him two years ago.

As for whether he's a good bloke or not, I don't know. He comes across to me as a bit of a prick. Certainly Clattenburg thought so but then he's a bit of a knob as well.

Anyway, never warmed to him.

Agree except about the complexion bit. He is a decent squad player, nothing more. He does show flashes of brillance but has never been consistent really. My biggest gripe with him is the way he slows down play and lately, his inability to make a simple pass (although he may be rusty from injury). He will probably get better as he gets more games but right now, there is no way that he should be starting ahead of Shaq or any of the other midfielders.

 

[Nate90]

I'm not too sure who we need in January. No complaints about the team this season. Do you think it would be worth adding a few more players to add depth in the second part of the season and if so then who?

 

[Perth Red]

Personally I think Wilson will be retained in the squad next season, he seems to have laid down a marker at Derby to become the back-up to the back-up (Super Shaq-Attack!). If Studge stays (here's hoping!) and Origi goes then maybe Brewester will become understudy for Bobby - Solanki just not good enough unfortunately.
Lallana clearly looks like a square peg now and surely has to be moved on. Hopefully replaced by someone more in the Fekir mould, though my knowledge of players is far too limited to guess at who. Otherwise the only movements I can see will be like for likes. If Moreno departs then either Lewis steps up or we chase someone to fight the Scotland Captain for left back. Clyney most likely departing means another door opens, but hardly likely to displace TAA.
Such a pleasure to realise how strong the squad is for a change, can't really think of any desperate needs!

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

I'm not too sure who we need in January. No complaints about the team this season. Do you think it would be worth adding a few more players to add depth in the second part of the season and if so then who?

One more top class attacker in Jan if poss but not end of the world to wait till summer. We are strong enough to cope but can always improve. At the moment I'm not sure exactly what type of attacker we should get. Use Shaqiri more as a wide option and bring a Fekir style player who is more of a central option. Or use Shaqiri more central and bring in an option that's more fitted to our wide roles like maybe Dembele.

 

[The Elusive 19th]

One more top class attacker in Jan if poss but not end of the world to wait till summer. We are strong enough to cope but can always improve. At the moment I'm not sure exactly what type of attacker we should get. Use Shaqiri more as a wide option and bring a Fekir style player who is more of a central option. Or use Shaqiri more central and bring in an option that's more fitted to our wide roles like maybe Dembele.

Dembele is in Sakholand. Don't think Klopp will go for him.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

Dembele is in Sakholand. Don't think Klopp will go for him.

Or it'll be like people said about Lovren, VvD, Keita, Shaqiri and Mane amongst others before coming here to work under Klopp anx being fine.

 

[The Elusive 19th]

Assuming DS signs, Milner stays, Shaq plays both 10/RW, Ox recovers fully and Wilson gets integrated into the squad, we need 5 players.
1. Mignolet replacement
2. Moreno replacement
3. Clyne replacement
4. Lallana replacement
5. Backup winger for Mane, Salah.

But the cost to bring 5 players can be huge. So I think we should keep Clyne.

Bobby, Mo, Mane, DS, Shaq and new winger. Supported by Solanke, Brewster and Wilson.

Fab, Gini, Shaq, Keita, Ox, Hendo, Milner and new midfielder.

Robo, new LB with TAA and Clyne.

VVD, Gomez, Lovren, Matip.

Alison and new GK.

 

[lfc.eddie]

Assuming DS signs, Milner stays, Shaq plays both 10/RW, Ox recovers fully and Wilson gets integrated into the squad, we need 5 players.
1. Mignolet replacement
2. Moreno replacement
3. Clyne replacement
4. Lallana replacement
5. Backup winger for Mane, Salah.

But the cost to bring 5 players can be huge. So I think we should keep Clyne.

Bobby, Mo, Mane, DS, Shaq and new winger. Supported by Solanke, Brewster and Wilson.

Fab, Gini, Shaq, Keita, Ox, Hendo, Milner and new midfielder.

Robo, new LB with TAA and Clyne.

VVD, Gomez, Lovren, Matip.

Alison and new GK.

Way too many signings, we will promote from within for sure, especially since all are backups.

 

[lillypad_33]

Dembele is in Sakholand. Don't think Klopp will go for him.

It's risk/reward..... Klopp will weigh the costs of squad disruption, price, and potential benefits....

 

[Mascot88]

Klopp will see what he has at the club first.

Would Lewis come in rather than buy a left back?

Can Camacho back up Trent, or would it be better to use Lovren and release Gomez to play there?

Can Lallana be played back into form?

Is Curtis Jones ready to contribute? Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn? Rhian Brewster?

I suspect Klopp will fancy having a look at a Fekir type player, but I honestly don’t see us doing much, providing we can keep the squad together.

 

[The Elusive 19th]

Way too many signings, we will promote from within for sure, especially since all are backups.

Yes if possible we should promote from within. But I don't see where a LB, GK and midfielder are going to come from our young ones. Winger - we need to get a player who can give some rest to Mo, Salah and Shaq. For that backup we have Wilson. 4 players is not too much though - I will go for Handanovic/Reina, Chilwell, Rabiot and Julian Brandt/Jadon Sancho.

 

[Zoran]

Can Camacho back up Trent, or would it be better to use Lovren and release Gomez to play there?

Trent is still only 20, that would be too young of a combination at RB if we're a club aspiring to compete and win. Camacho looks like an all-rounder, but midfielder first and foremost at the moment. He's playing in one of the attacking positions (in the left half space behind the striker with Adekanye off the right) in a 3 at the back too. We'll see how his development continues.

 

[RedForever2014]

We currently have 21 senior outfield players and two keepers. This includes Solanke, who played enough last season to be considered as such, even if his quality is debatable. Origi too for similar reasons.

You wouldn't want your senior squad to go much shallower than this, ideally you'd have a 25 man squad including two keepers, but 20 senior outfield players plus three young outfield players, who wouldn't let you down if they found themselves on the bench and came on, is probably enough.

In Jan and next summer, there could be a need for some like for like replacements to the back ups in goal and defence. Two or three of Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren and Moreno could leave and will need replacing. You can't have a defensive squad of less than eight, or an unproven kid as backup keeper.

In terms of planning central midfield personnel, for me the players you consider as central midfielders need to be able to play in a two man department. Hendo, Gini, Milner and Fabinho are the four players we have who you see us using as a two. I see Keita more as an attacking midfielder who can play as a third central midfielder, but maybe not in a two.

So that leaves eight squad positions for attacking midfield and attack. Currently we have Keita, Lallana, Shaqiri, Bobby, Salah, Mane, Sturridge, plus Origi and Solanke.

Presuming all our best players stay, and Mane's contract situation is starting to be a concern, whilst Bobby and Salah have been rumoured to be targets for the Spanish giants, and assuming Oxlade returns next season, I see a few issues to consider in respect of attacking midfield and attack.

Firstly, we need more genuine rotation options in attacking midfield/attack, as we clearly suffered in the intense run recently from limited rotation. City's depth in this area of the pitch is the difference between them and us.

Secondly, we are clearly better as a 4231 with two central midfielders and a more attack minded one. The system worked against lesser sides, the question is whether we have the attacking midfielder to make it work against the better sides.

Shaqiri has shown promise as an attacking midfielder, we have yet to see his ceiling in that position. He does offer a similar style forward alternative to Salah though. Lallana's not a first choice attacking midfielder at our new level and Oxlade probably won't be what he was, when actually we were expecting him to develop further before his injury, into a world class attacking midfielder. Keita may become that man.

Also, it's clear from recent matches that our performances suffer when Mane is out or tired. We have no similar style player to him. I have high hopes for Wilson, but expect he'll need another season on loan, or will come back as a usable young player beyond the 20 senior outfield players, at least at first.

Finally, we don't have a similar style alternative to Bobby. Maybe Solanke could be that player, but he'll not get the game time to prove it. Sturridge is quality, if he stays fit, but not like for like.

So, in terms of taking the nine attacking midfielders/forwards we have this season, plus Oxlade, and turning it into the right mix of eight players next season, a radical plan would be to sell Lallana and Origi, let Sturridge go, loan out Solanke and sign two players.

This could include a player who can deputise for Bobby and hopefully do another job too, plus a winger of Mane's type.

Next season's squad - Bobby, Mane and Salah as the first choice forwards, Fekir type/Shaqiri/Keita/Oxlade as the attacking midfield options, plus a Mane style winger.

The Fekir type would be able to cover Bobby at 9 like for like and Shaqiri able to cover Salah. Oxlade would replace Lallana in the squad as a minimum (hopefully more).

So I see a need to sign two quality forwards, a back up keeper if Migs goes, however many defenders are required to replace departures, and then to let three or four squad forwards go.

We've a chance this season, but those changes would increase our chances on all fronts.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

We currently have 21 senior outfield players and two keepers. This includes Solanke, who played enough last season to be considered as such, even if his quality is debatable. Origi too for similar reasons.

You wouldn't want your senior squad to go much shallower than this, ideally you'd have a 25 man squad including two keepers, but 20 senior outfield players plus three young outfield players, who wouldn't let you down if they found themselves on the bench and came on, is probably enough.

In Jan and next summer, there could be a need for some like for like replacements to the back ups in goal and defence. Two or three of Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren and Moreno could leave and will need replacing. You can't have a defensive squad of less than eight, or an unproven kid as backup keeper.

In terms of planning central midfield personnel, for me the players you consider as central midfielders need to be able to play in a two man department. Hendo, Gini, Milner and Fabinho are the four players we have who you see us using as a two. I see Keita more as an attacking midfielder who can play as a third central midfielder, but maybe not in a two.

So that leaves eight squad positions for attacking midfield and attack. Currently we have Keita, Lallana, Shaqiri, Bobby, Salah, Mane, Sturridge, plus Origi and Solanke.

Presuming all our best players stay, and Mane's contract situation is starting to be a concern, whilst Bobby and Salah have been rumoured to be targets for the Spanish giants, and assuming Oxlade returns next season, I see a few issues to consider in respect of attacking midfield and attack.

Firstly, we need more genuine rotation options in attacking midfield/attack, as we clearly suffered in the intense run recently from limited rotation. City's depth in this area of the pitch is the difference between them and us.

Secondly, we are clearly better as a 4231 with two central midfielders and a more attack minded one. The system worked against lesser sides, the question is whether we have the attacking midfielder to make it work against the better sides.

Shaqiri has shown promise as an attacking midfielder, we have yet to see his ceiling in that position. He does offer a similar style forward alternative to Salah though. Lallana's not a first choice attacking midfielder at our new level and Oxlade probably won't be what he was, when actually we were expecting him to develop further before his injury, into a world class attacking midfielder. Keita may become that man.

Also, it's clear from recent matches that our performances suffer when Mane is out or tired. We have no similar style player to him. I have high hopes for Wilson, but expect he'll need another season on loan, or will come back as a usable young player beyond the 20 senior outfield players, at least at first.

Finally, we don't have a similar style alternative to Bobby. Maybe Solanke could be that player, but he'll not get the game time to prove it. Sturridge is quality, if he stays fit, but not like for like.

So, in terms of taking the nine attacking midfielders/forwards we have this season, plus Oxlade, and turning it into the right mix of eight players next season, a radical plan would be to sell Lallana and Origi, let Sturridge go, loan out Solanke and sign two players.

This could include a player who can deputise for Bobby and hopefully do another job too, plus a winger of Mane's type.

Next season's squad - Bobby, Mane and Salah as the first choice forwards, Fekir type/Shaqiri/Keita/Oxlade as the attacking midfield options, plus a Mane style winger.

The Fekir type would be able to cover Bobby at 9 like for like and Shaqiri able to cover Salah. Oxlade would replace Lallana in the squad as a minimum (hopefully more).

So I see a need to sign two quality forwards, a back up keeper if Migs goes, however many defenders are required to replace departures, and then to let three or four squad forwards go.

We've a chance this season, but those changes would increase our chances on all fronts.

Mostly agree but id delay the Sturridge departure and signing a Firmino back up for another 6/12 months if possible and concentrate on getting the other attacker for now. Get the best possible player for that role. That gives 18 months to 2 years for Brewster or one of our other lads to set themselves up as our back up to Firmino. Wouldn't make Sturridge leave at this time.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

Assuming DS signs, Milner stays, Shaq plays both 10/RW, Ox recovers fully and Wilson gets integrated into the squad, we need 5 players.
1. Mignolet replacement
2. Moreno replacement
3. Clyne replacement
4. Lallana replacement
5. Backup winger for Mane, Salah.

But the cost to bring 5 players can be huge. So I think we should keep Clyne.

Bobby, Mo, Mane, DS, Shaq and new winger. Supported by Solanke, Brewster and Wilson.

Fab, Gini, Shaq, Keita, Ox, Hendo, Milner and new midfielder.

Robo, new LB with TAA and Clyne.

VVD, Gomez, Lovren, Matip.

Alison and new GK.

I'd only be getting one player instead of two when looking on replacing Lallana and back up on the wings. And hold off on the Clyne situation for now if possible.

 

[The Elusive 19th]

I'd only be getting one player instead of two when looking on replacing Lallana and back up on the wings. And hold off on the Clyne situation for now if possible.

Having same thoughts on Clyne. And thought for a while about getting 1 player for midfield who can play on wings - but as Rabiot is coming available, decided to go for 2 players anyway. Rabiot and Brandt/Sancho.

 

[Dave-D]

Assuming DS signs, Milner stays, Shaq plays both 10/RW, Ox recovers fully and Wilson gets integrated into the squad, we need 5 players.
1. Mignolet replacement
2. Moreno replacement
3. Clyne replacement
4. Lallana replacement
5. Backup winger for Mane, Salah.

If and it’s a big if the rumours that Barcelona have told Dembele to find a new club there’s the rotation for Mane and Salah. I ain’t followed his carter closely but could he also be used in the position Lallana plays which would be a bonus. Then he could be purchased in January so would be integrated in to the team come the summer.

 

[JustHitMyHead]

I've got absolutely no interest in Dembele or Rabiot. Why ruin a good thing, where we seem to have pretty good team spirit and a club-first ethos?

We've seen first-hand how Klopp handles undisciplined players (e.g., Sakho, Balotelli) so why would people be interested in seeing Dembele here? Rabiot's ego and his mom is also a handful...