Who would you buy?

[JustHitMyHead]

Hudson-Odoi would do better covering for Salah than anyone else currently in our side. Hudson-Odoi, Firmino, Mane would be better than Mane, Jovic, Firmino.

Better at what? At keeping play similar? We are comparing someone who has been among the top few elite strikers in Europe for a season and a half, with someone who has impressed in a handful of games versus cherry-picked weaker competition.

Not that Hudson-Odoi isn't going to become a great player in the future but Chelsea is going to prefer to sell abroad and he still has lots to learn about playing against better competition. For example, as the only top team he has played against, we were able to nullify his game simply by giving him less space.

Frankly, if either or both were available then we should do all we can do to get them. But I think Jovic will be off to Real Madrid / Barcelona while Hudson-Odoi will be sold outside England.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

Better at what? At keeping play similar? We are comparing someone who has been among the top few elite strikers in Europe for a season and a half, with someone who has impressed in a handful of games versus cherry-picked weaker competition.

Not that Hudson-Odoi isn't going to become a great player in the future but Chelsea is going to prefer to sell abroad and he still has lots to learn about playing against better competition. For example, as the only top team he has played against, we were able to nullify his game simply by giving him less space.

Frankly, if either or both were available then we should do all we can do to get them. But I think Jovic will be off to Real Madrid / Barcelona while Hudson-Odoi will be sold outside England.

Using Hudson-Odoi as an example but yeah. It's not just about quality it's about us playing in a very specific way. Firmino does a very specific job in the middle of our front 3, it's not just about scoring goals. It's why Mane is next choice in that position over Origi, Sturridge and even Salah. Because Mane does the closest "Firmino impression"! Likewise Firmino, as good as he is, is awful at trying to replicate the relentless speed and constant danger cutting in from wide areas that we need from Salah and Mane. Our whole starting 11 performs certain ways that mesh and fit in together. You change the roles of the front 3 and it changes what the rest of the players roles are too. They don't play in isolation.

 

[Kopstar]

Eintracht have activated the clause to sign him on permanent basis, yes. Doesn't necessarily mean he'll stay this summer, if there are no issues with that?

None for FIFA.

 

[RedForever2014]

Whilst you'd never expect to have 20 same level rotatable outfield options, we probably have 15 (including a fit Oxlade) from whom a best 11 of a similar level could be picked.

This includes TAA, Gomez, VVD, Matip, Lovren, Robertson, Fab, Gini, Hendo, Milner, Keita, Oxlade, Bobby, Mo, Mane.

Obviously Milner is cracking on and three centre backs are injury prone, but the other issues remain a lack of full back options, the lack of a creative midfielder, and the lack of any rotation up top.

The main issue is that we can't rotate the front three without a significant drop off.

It would have been handy just now to have more than Origi in this respect.

 

[lfc.8]

Alisson, Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Mane, Firmino, Salah. That's a good foundation, and for the most part all these players are fine. Alexander-Arnold is improving but is not faultless either.

The areas which need strengthening remains midfield, another forward, probably more a wide forward, plus a fullback and centre back. At the moment I look at the midfield as Fabinho plus two. Keita has talent but hasn't shown enough. Midfield collectively (first eleven wise) is probably the weakest part to our team and where we can see most improvement.

We have a good squad but whatever we achieve this season there still needs to be improvement going forward. Improved contracts for certain players won't nearly be enough. We need to see some investment in a few key players.

 

[Koon]

I think things will depend entirely on how we plan we will play next season.

We have two main formations: 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. Klopp obviously tried to play 4-2-3-1 at the start of the season and it was good for some time, but eventually we reverted back to 4-3-3.

I'd add that Werner is not Firmino's backup, he is Salah's backup. In terms of play style, he resembles Salah much more as a pacey forward. Firmino is a space creator, a very, very different kind of player.

As I said a few times, I doubt we will ever play regularly with Salah as RW in 4-2-3-1. We've never seen something like that under Klopp and the manager already said that Salah is more dangerous closer to the goal. When we play 4-2-3-1, Salah is the main striker, meaning that Werner would only be needed as a backup in 4-2-3-1.

In 4-3-3 (Klopp's main formation since he's become Liverpool manager), we play with Firmino as a false 9 and he is by far the most important piece of the puzzle. I'd argue that Werner is nowhere near the kind of player who could replicate Firmino. Werner is not very good creating space, his technique is average at best and he is not exactly a very bright playmaker. He is good at running and finding some space for him to play, with the help of Poulsen, who's very good in the air and at holding the ball. The one who create space at Leipzig is Poulsen, Werner is the main striker, usually coming from behind.

Nowadays, we've been using Mané as a false 9 when we need, and he's been very promising imo.

With that being said, the only place for Werner to play the way we've been using the 4-3-3 is in the left wing, and I think we have many better players we could bring in this position. There may be like 10~15 players who could do better than Werner in there.

So, imo, if we are playing mainly 4-2-3-1, maybe Werner could be an option as a backup player. But if we are playing 4-3-3 the same way we've been playing, Werner could only fit one place and there are many better prospects out there.

Oh, and imo, Werner is a striker. He can play in the left wing the same way as Origi can play there or Milner at RB/LB. It's not something natural, it won't bring the best out of him.

I'd love some striker/number 10 like Dybala, James Rodriguez, Griezmann, Jovic, and stuff like that, but the way we've been playing 4-3-3 makes me think that we are not looking for a "pure" number 10 anymore or another striker unless it's someone who can do what Firmino does. I think we will be looking for a number 8, a playmaker but also someone who's okay defensively. For now, Brandt is the one who comes to my mind, but we could also think about Zielinski, Eriksen, Aouar, Ndombele and so on.

And the last buy might be a pacey winger to replicate Mané and Salah, but also be comfortable as a rotation player only. Here there are so many options: Zaha, Chiesa, Son, Odoi, Everton, Thorgan Hazard (not pacey, though), Leon Bailey...

It will be interesting seeing how Klopp will aim to play next season. I think we will 100% bring in a another winger, but I have doubts about another number 10, 8 or a striker. We shall see.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

I think things will depend entirely on how we plan we will play next season.

We have two main formations: 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. Klopp obviously tried to play 4-2-3-1 at the start of the season and it was good for some time, but eventually we reverted back to 4-3-3.

I'd add that Werner is not Firmino's backup, he is Salah's backup. In terms of play style, he resembles Salah much more as a pacey forward. Firmino is a space creator, a very, very different kind of player.

As I said a few times, I doubt we will ever play regularly with Salah as RW in 4-2-3-1. We've never seen something like that under Klopp and the manager already said that Salah is more dangerous closer to the goal. When we play 4-2-3-1, Salah is the main striker, meaning that Werner would only be needed as a backup in 4-2-3-1.

In 4-3-3 (Klopp's main formation since he's become Liverpool manager), we play with Firmino as a false 9 and he is by far the most important piece of the puzzle. I'd argue that Werner is nowhere near the kind of player who could replicate Firmino. Werner is not very good creating space, his technique is average at best and he is not exactly a very bright playmaker. He is good at running and finding some space for him to play, with the help of Poulsen, who's very good in the air and at holding the ball. The one who create space at Leipzig is Poulsen, Werner is the main striker, usually coming from behind.

Nowadays, we've been using Mané as a false 9 when we need, and he's been very promising imo.

With that being said, the only place for Werner to play the way we've been using the 4-3-3 is in the left wing, and I think we have many better players we could bring in this position. There may be like 10~15 players who could do better than Werner in there.

So, imo, if we are playing mainly 4-2-3-1, maybe Werner could be an option as a backup player. But if we are playing 4-3-3 the same way we've been playing, Werner could only fit one place and there are many better prospects out there.

Oh, and imo, Werner is a striker. He can play in the left wing the same way as Origi can play there or Milner at RB/LB. It's not something natural, it won't bring the best out of him.

I'd love some striker/number 10 like Dybala, James Rodriguez, Griezmann, Jovic, and stuff like that, but the way we've been playing 4-3-3 makes me think that we are not looking for a "pure" number 10 anymore or another striker unless it's someone who can do what Firmino does. I think we will be looking for a number 8, a playmaker but also someone who's okay defensively. For now, Brandt is the one who comes to my mind, but we could also think about Zielinski, Eriksen, Aouar, Ndombele and so on.

And the last buy might be a pacey winger to replicate Mané and Salah, but also be comfortable as a rotation player only. Here there are so many options: Zaha, Chiesa, Son, Odoi, Everton, Thorgan Hazard (not pacey, though), Leon Bailey...

It will be interesting seeing how Klopp will aim to play next season. I think we will 100% bring in a another winger, but I have doubts about another number 10, 8 or a striker. We shall see.

Good summary, fully agree.

Think last summer the plan was to convert us from 433 to 4231 but for one reason or another it hasn't quite worked.

Salah was to move up top with various back up provided by Sturridge, one of Origi or Solanke (although we didn't get rid of one till winter) and, when he returned to fitness, Brewster.

In the 3 behind I think the plan was to add Fekir and Shaqiri to Mane, Firmino and Lallana whilst getting Ox back up to speed and fitness. Think we maybe used Keita here a lot when we failed to sign Fekir but think he was really viewed as part of the two man CM base.

I think we had some you with Salah up top but not with the 3 behind. Keita was a poor Fekir alternative, it's not the guys natural game he's looked a lot better since reverting to 433. Lallana hasn't been available much. Firmino has been a lot less effective, Mane is slightly better in 433 than 4231.

Think we are just that bit better in 433 so we have gone back to it. Maybe to stay.

Shame for Shaqiri who seemed to be the main one benefiting in 4231 and hasn't actually done too bad for the amount of time he's been on the pitch. But Klopp has yet to really turn to him in the 433. Maybe he'll give him a chance as most offensive 8 or wide in the 3 man attack but think it's more likely this season is a one off for Xherdan here unless Klopp recruits for 4231 again this summer.

 

[GermanRed]

I usually enjoy the transfer and squad prediction stuff but not at the moment (end of the season / fighting for two trophies). I have no idea what Klopp will do in the summer and tbh i couldn't care less atm.

'FIFA Manager fans' might disagree but - Mr. Klopp win us the double and i'd be 100% ok with not bringing in new players and filling in the squad places with our young talents.

 

[Lfcgroove]

Jovic is clinical, get him in asap

 

[Kopstar]

I usually enjoy the transfer and squad prediction stuff but not at the moment (end of the season / fighting for two trophies). I have no idea what Klopp will do in the summer and tbh i couldn't care less atm.

'FIFA Manager fans' might disagree but - Mr. Klopp win us the double and i'd be 100% ok with not bringing in new players and filling in the squad places with our young talents.

Pretty confident that the club have already sorted at least one new arrival. But you're right, far more important things for us (fans) to think about at the moment.

 

[Zinedine Biscan]

I'm barely active in this thread any more, I realised some time ago that Klopp and Edwards have this transfer lark figured out and I don't really have anything to add they won't have already thought of, and whoever is brought in I have absolute confidence they will be the right player for the chosen role.

It's taken some of the fun out of it, actually lol

 

[Kopstar]

I'm barely active in this thread any more, I realised some time ago that Klopp and Edwards have this transfer lark figured out and I don't really have anything to add they won't have already thought of, and whoever is brought in I have absolute confidence they will be the right player for the chosen role.

It's taken some of the fun out of it, actually lol

It feels sort of weird to have that sort of confidence in the club doesn't it? I wonder if this is how it felt under John Smith, Peter Robinson and Shanks, Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish?

 

[Prolix]

I'm barely active in this thread any more, I realised some time ago that Klopp and Edwards have this transfer lark figured out and I don't really have anything to add they won't have already thought of, and whoever is brought in I have absolute confidence they will be the right player for the chosen role.

It's taken some of the fun out of it, actually lol

Tbf, it's not like Klopp and Edwards were cruising this thread for ideas. lol

 

[Zinedine Biscan]

Tbf, it's not like Klopp and Edwards were cruising this thread for ideas. lol

No, but what I mean is I don't feel the need to write long posts about we should sign this or that player and analysing their performances and suitability for the team... because I know whatever business the club needs to do will already be well in hand.

It's a nice position to be in. My brain has actually got a bit lazy when it comes to available or desirable players as a result. I probably know less about non-LFC players now than at any time since I started following football.

 

[redfanman]

Pretty confident that the club have already sorted at least one new arrival. But you're right, far more important things for us (fans) to think about at the moment.

Yeah, we know Klopp likes business done early for training purposes but I think the club have also hit on a strategy to keep fans buzzing by being able to announce at least one new signing immediately after the season ends - the Fabinho deal definitely helped lessen the impact of the champions league final result. It would equally amplify feelings if we go one step further this season.

 

[cynicaloldgit]

Yeah, we know Klopp likes business done early for training purposes but I think the club have also hit on a strategy to keep fans buzzing by being able to announce at least one new signing immediately after the season ends - the Fabinho deal definitely helped lessen the impact of the champions league final result. It would equally amplify feelings if we go one step further this season.

So IF we lose out in both the league and CL, we’ll have the consolation of Mbappé being announced on 2nd June?

Like it.

 

[GermanRed]

http://instagr.am/p/BwkAcq8hRpC/
Agent Gini on the case :cheers:

 

[Scott Jones]

I'm starting to think a certain Red German is kinda sweet on Depay coming here,just a guess.

 

[lfc.eddie]

Mrs. Klopp.... that's the one I would want to convince to stay here for as long as possible. She stays, the manager stays!

 

[GermanRed]

I'm starting to think a certain Red German is kinda sweet on Depay coming here,just a guess.

At the start of the season yes. There are worse players we could go for.

Now I don’t know tbh. I‘m pretty sure we will bring in just one attacking player (AM, CF, AW) in the summer. That one has to be chosen wisely.

 

[Jimmyscase]

No-one needed in midfield. Not now with how Naby and Fab have come on and Hendo's new level and role. Ox coming back is still a wait and see. Shaqs will need to get scorer points a lot more regularly to keep his place on the subs bench even.
Replacements for squad players leaving us. Hopefully only a centre back for Dejan whose time has run. Brewster and/or a loan returner for Studge's place. Kloppo might surprise me though and it won't be such a quiet summer.
Oh yeah a second goalie. A German preferably.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

Looking like we've settled on 433 so exploring the midfield I think next season we will see;

Number 6; Fabinho, Wijnaldum cover, Henderson emergency cover.

More balanced number 8; Anyone from Henderson, Keita, Wijnaldum and even Milner if still around.

More offensive number 8; Ox is still the main man. Keita and Henderson have been showing more and more though so less reason for reinforcements. Think Wilson (hopefully), Jones/other academy kids and maybe Shaqiri could all give an option here from time to time.

Think Grujic can either stay on loan another year or move on if that's what he wants. Unless someone leaves there's likely no room for him for at least a couple of seasons. Milner, if he stays, is more likely to get game time at fullback.

 

[Iluvatar]

Looking like we've settled on 433 so exploring the midfield I think next season we will see;

Number 6; Fabinho, Wijnaldum cover, Henderson emergency cover.

More balanced number 8; Anyone from Henderson, Keita, Wijnaldum and even Milner if still around.

More offensive number 8; Ox is still the main man. Keita and Henderson have been showing more and more though so less reason for reinforcements. Think Wilson (hopefully), Jones/other academy kids and maybe Shaqiri could all give an option here from time to time.

Think Grujic can either stay on loan another year or move on if that's what he wants. Unless someone leaves there's likely no room for him for at least a couple of seasons. Milner, if he stays, is more likely to get game time at fullback.

Small sample size but you'd have to think if Oxlade continues to stay fit and have no adverse reaction from his injuries he will be a huge part of the team. Didn't seem to have lost any of his agility, pace etc. The quick feet he showed to get the chance was like him last year when he was a dominant force from center midfield driving into the box.

Still think we are nailed on to sign Sessegnon, just can't see a downside to that transfer.

 

[KMD1951]

It's difficult to know exactly what we need when we don't know who will go out the door. I think it will be difficult to bring players in who can go straight in to the first eleven.

Personally I think we need to get a full back in for cover, and two attacking players - one who can provide cover for Firmino and one who can provide cover for Mane and Salah. Getting players of the same level for those positions as the players in them will be nigh on impossible but I've every faith Klopp can do it. I think Mingolet will be on his way so we also need cover at GK.

I've been really impressed with Matip recently and so I'd be more than happy to go with VVD, Matip, Gomez and Lovren as our CBs. Think that is as good as anything in the league.

Agree with others that Fabinho and Keita are starting to show signs of the players we thought we were buying. Ox showed glimpses last night that he'll still be the player he was before he got injured. That's like a new signing. With Gini, Henderson, Shaqiri, Milner and possibly Lallana there as well we look pretty well covered in the middle of the park.

Don't think big changes are needed now, it's about buying quality and getting in the right fit.

Fingers crossed results go out way in the next few weeks but either way, it's been a brilliant season and the team has given us so much enjoyment.

This season hasn't finished yet but I can hardly wait for next season already.

 

[Nikola]

I find it interesting that neither Matip, nor Wijnaldum are getting a new contract - that said, I think only Wijnaldum made remarks about wanting to stay at Liverpool. I'm more and more convinced that Matip will leave the same way he arrived - as a free agent. That combined with Gomez' and Lovren's fitness issues makes me think that Klopp will be looking to sign a new centre back this very summer, with Lovren probably being sold while they can still get decent money for him.

 

[cynicaloldgit]

The FA.

Seems to have worked for City.

 

[ILLOK]

I find it interesting that neither Matip, nor Wijnaldum are getting a new contract

Huh?

Both of them will definitely get an offer.

 

[Nikola]

Huh?

Both of them will definitely get an offer.

I haven't read literally any rumour about them being offered new contracts - even Origi was unreliably rumoured to be getting an offer from the club. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but Klopp and Edwards usually like to tie down players earlier. Judging by their performances with respect to the role they have in this squad, I'd be surprised if these two didn't get them but I also think that Matip is more likely to run down his current contract and play regularly somewhere else. Again, it's just a feeling, we'll see.

 

[RedForever2014]

I think it's clear that Origi and Sturridge offer no real genuine rotation up front, at anywhere near the level of the first choice front three.

For all the protestations about forward players not wanting to come to be a bench player, and the front three wanting to start most matches, we simply have to ensure we aren't so heavily reliant on their fitness next season in order to challenge.

If we continue to play the front three as much as we have, they will start to experience injuries. Muscle tears and tendon/ligament strains come from not getting enough recovery and rest.

Hopefully we don't accrue a number of further injuries during that three matches in six days sequence.

City have six genuine options to rotate forwards and still field a side of an extremely high level, we need to ensure we have a situation nearer to that than we currently have.

If we do this partly by signing a quality 4th forward and partly by swapping out Lallana for a versatile midfielder come forward (Fekir type) that's fine by me.

For me the squad needs to be at least 20 senior outfield players. The squad is arguably 22 senior outfield players, including Grujic (given that he's valued at £35m apparently and a definite option to bring back) and Clyne. Ings is subject to a compulsory purchase contract, so is already gone.

You'd expect 8 of those to be defenders and 12 to be midfielders/forwards.

Sturridge and Moreno should be certain departures, they are very little use, whilst Origi and Lallana should also really be on their way. You also can't see Clyne staying, as he wouldn't play much ahead of TAA and Gomez (or even Milner). It seems that the club will cash in on Grujic, which is a shame as he looks like a perfect versatile midfielder in the making. Midfield is a little overloaded though, so you can make sense of his departure.

I doubt we'll sell Shaqiri after just one season, and I think Milner should be kept for the final year of his contract due to his experience and versatility.

Then of course there's the centre back issue to consider, given the overreliance on VVD and the injury prone nature of three of them.

If the six aforementioned players leave (Sturridge, Moreno, Origi, Lallana, Clyne, Grujic), that leaves a senior outfield squad of 16 - TAA, Gomez, Matip, Lovren, VVD, Robertson, Hendo, Fab, Gini, Milner, Keita, Shaqiri, Oxlade, Bobby, Mo, Mane.

To me that looks a couple of defenders short, a forward short and a versatile midfielder come forward short.

Perhaps those positions can be filled by a left sided defender who can play left centre back and left back, an attacking midfielder who can play as a forward, a 4th quality forward, and a left sided player who can play full back or left forward.

I'm not sure if Fekir or Sessignon fit the bill for two of those slots, but I'd love to see players like them arrive along with a left sided defender proper (don't know of any myself) and whatever quality 4th forward the club has identified.

 

[ILLOK]

I haven't read literally any rumour about them being offered new contracts - even Origi was unreliably rumoured to be getting an offer from the club. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but Klopp and Edwards usually like to tie down players earlier. Judging by their performances with respect to the role they have in this squad, I'd be surprised if these two didn't get them but I also think that Matip is more likely to run down his current contract and play regularly somewhere else. Again, it's just a feeling, we'll see.

Gini has two years left to run and has played 42 times this season, it is inconceivable that he doesn't get offered a new deal but there's no rush.

Matip may choose to run his contract down but he'll get offered a deal for sure, his performances have warranted it and it makes financial sense if nothing else.

Even Moreno was offered an extension...