Who would you buy?

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

For the point of this exercise, assuming our best 11 is Alisson, TAA, Matip, VVD, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Firmino and Mané, if you then had put together an 11 from the remaining squad, what would it look like and what would be your top 4 positional priorities for improving that second 11?

Prefer to look at it position by position as some positions require more rotation than others. Also depending on the age and quality of the other options depends on what you need in main back up roles.

Goalkeeper; You'd be thinking a starter, a back up and an emergency option. Alisson is the perfect starter for our style of play. Mignolet is a good back up but poor style fit. Either Kelleher or Grabara make a fine emergency option. I'd let Mignolet move on for first team football. With the age of Alisson and the 3rd choice I'd look at an older, experienced keeper who plays the right way. Reina or Muslera would be my choices.

Centre Back; For a team involved in as many competitions as us next season I think you need at least 3 top quality CBs. They'll still likely get 40+ starts each if they are fit enough. A good, robust 4th in case of injuries. Some emergency options too. VvD, Gomez and Matip with Lovren as 4th is fantastic on paper but even ignoring Gomez injury history having both Matip and Lovren as injury prone as they are is almost asking for trouble. Luckily Hoever seems nearly ready and special whilst Fabinho fits very well in emergency situations. If we need to go with what we have next season so be it but Lovren moving on and a robust, younger, CB coming in would probably be best option. Obviously the dream would be De Ligt with how highly he is rated but I think, failing that, someone like Lascelles or Tah (who may not seem that exciting but tick all the boxes for a Klopp CB) would be ok.

Wingback; Straight off the bat I think we have the best starting Fullbacks in the world right now. Might argue they aren't perfect but both are still young and will improve and I doubt the "perfect" fullbacks are out there. I think we have some promising young players in the academy (especially on the left) but not sure any are ready to be second name on the list. Milner offers some cover. Fabinho and Gomez offer some too. One real good or promising full back who can play both sides would be ideal. Achraf Hakimi would have been perfect if he wasn't already on loan at Dortmund from Madrid. Maybe a loan to buy for Benjamin Henrichs from Monaco wouldn't be too outrageous an idea? They loaned Tielemans out. See if the kid is any good before purchasing him.

Central Midfield; For what Klopp is having the CMs do in 433 I think we are set. Fabinho is an amazing choice as the 6/anchor and Henderson and Wijnaldum are both better than they are usually given credit for in this role. In the roles of the 2 number 8s having Henderson, Keita, Oxlade Chamberlain and Wijnaldum fighting for 2 spots is great depth. Good mix of skills whilst all able to fill Klopps unglamorous demands. Milner, Lallana, Curtis Jones, Wilson, Woodburn, Grujic more options for cover than we really need and likely to see a few of them move on or go on loan.

Wing; Strange position for us. World class starters and lots of emergency cover. No real back up or competition though. Salah and Mane need to be here for years. From the likes of Ox, Shaqiri, Wilson, Kent, Origi and Brewster we have lots of half options to play here and there or come off the bench. So many options I'm not convinced they'll all be in the squad with us next season, probably couple of loan or perm departures. We need to add a real strong choice here, ideally a left forward although it wont harm if they can cover both sides. We just seem to have more right options than left. When deciding who to buy its worth remembering that these roles really play more like strikers than wingers. Need someone young, fast, good now, potential to be great, able to threaten opposition defences. Dream signing would be Mbappe who I think would be unstoppable on our left in same way Salah can be on the right. Mane would get a full seasons playing time competing with both of them and covering up top. Failing that wishful signing Dembele or Sancho look like they could be options who knows?

CF/false 9; No point labouring the point I think we are covered. Firmino and Mane both do really good playing as a false 9 style facilitator role. Origi, Salah and Brewster are all options when you want something more direct here for some games or to change games.

So dream style "who would I buy"? Would be Reina, De Ligt, Henrichs (loan) and Mbappe. More realistic would be De Ligt swapped for Tah or Lascelles and Mbappe swapped for Sancho or Dembele.

 

[red arizona scott]

Our midfield is a different animal completely from City's. They aren't comparable because they don't function in the same way. Ox and Keita will be like new signings considering time on pitch last season and they provide significantly more drive going forward. Also Henderson moving forward from the DM role (don't like him there at all) to the more penetrative role (as demonstrated against Barca for example) adds a further dimension.
Our midfield process is far more direct and aggressive and we have more than enough skill, dynamism and physicality for it. No more needed!

Ok lets of think of it this way. Do you not think Klopp would find a places and roles for Bernardo Silva or KDB in our midfield. Now which of our midfielders would be an automatic starter for City?

IMO we were not as good as City last year because their midfielders are better. Our midfield arguably got outplayed by the Spurs bums in the final--but our back 4 and Alisson were better and we won that way. Had we faced City the way we looked in the final in would have been against us to win it--not that I am complaining we didn't have to.

But I don't want a false narrative our starting 11 couldn't possibly be better, nor that we have a lot of the best midfield talent in the world there. We have lots of good players but not really breathtaking players that are close to flawless in their control or geniuses in helping cracking open a set up defense on top of doing roles Klopp demands. Our back line and goalie combination IS WITHOUT QUESTION the best in the world. The starting forward may well be the best in the world. Between them, good quantity but different level of quality.

 

[Drubas]

Ok lets of think of it this way. Do you not think Klopp would find a places and roles for Bernardo Silva or KDB in our midfield. Now which of our midfielders would be an automatic starter for City?

IMO we were not as good as City last year because their midfielders are better. Our midfield arguably got outplayed by the Spurs bums in the final--but our back 4 and Alisson were better and we won that way. Had we faced City the way we looked in the final in would have been against us to win it--not that I am complaining we didn't have to.

But I don't want a false narrative our starting 11 couldn't possibly be better, nor that we have a lot of the best midfield talent in the world there. We have lots of good players but not really breathtaking players that are close to flawless in their control or geniuses in helping cracking open a set up defense on top of doing roles Klopp demands. Our back line and goalie combination IS WITHOUT QUESTION the best in the world. The starting forward may well be the best in the world. Between them, good quantity but different level of quality.

Their midfield are built to play triangles, all over the pitch. Henderson, Milner and Wijnaldum wouldn't get anyway near a starting lineup.

Some of city's midfield players would struggle initially, if they played for Liverpool. But given time, I think that both KDB and Bernardo Silva would be regular starters.

I just don't see any players that are given upgrades on our current midfield.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

Ok lets of think of it this way. Do you not think Klopp would find a places and roles for Bernardo Silva or KDB in our midfield. Now which of our midfielders would be an automatic starter for City?

IMO we were not as good as City last year because their midfielders are better. Our midfield arguably got outplayed by the Spurs bums in the final--but our back 4 and Alisson were better and we won that way. Had we faced City the way we looked in the final in would have been against us to win it--not that I am complaining we didn't have to.

But I don't want a false narrative our starting 11 couldn't possibly be better, nor that we have a lot of the best midfield talent in the world there. We have lots of good players but not really breathtaking players that are close to flawless in their control or geniuses in helping cracking open a set up defense on top of doing roles Klopp demands. Our back line and goalie combination IS WITHOUT QUESTION the best in the world. The starting forward may well be the best in the world. Between them, good quantity but different level of quality.

If he had them he'd find roles for them like he did with Coutinho. But like when he had Coutinho if Klopp were to use a pure attacking midfielder like them who couldn't play as a Klopp CM we'd have to switch to 4231 with that player joining our front 3 or rest one of those 4 players and the attacking mid play wide, like with Coutinho when he was here. It's so frustrating our own fans cant realise we have some of the best box to box CMs around and play 2 of them in our 433. They keep getting slated, almost exclusively by our own fans, because they don't perform the actions of attacking mids. Something they're not set up to perform. If Klopp wanted to play an attacking mid he would. But he uses a combination of winning the ball back high up the pitch, the wing backs getting forward (those guys who set assist records) and Firmino dropping deep to replicate the work a playmaker or attacking mid would create in that area.

 

[ILLOK]

De Brunye and B.Silva work hard, they'd easily slot into our midfield.

I do think a lot of the '#10s' that get posted in these threads are unsuitable but those two definitely aren't.

 

[Nikola]

Bernardo Silva is one of the hardest working players I've seen, let alone an attacking one! Man City's recruitment has been virtually faultless since Guardiola's appointment but De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva stand out for me as they are unique players, at least in my opinion. That skill set coupled with such work rate, it's incredible, I don't think I've seen it before. I agree with @ILLOK, both would walk into Liverpool's starting XI.

I never understood these links with Bruno Fernandes or other attacking midfielders - a great player he might be but Klopp has been "waiting" for both Keita and AOC for about a year or so and will most likely give them every chance to prove themselves worthy of starting spots.

 

[Anfield rd Dreamer]

De Brunye and B.Silva work hard, they'd easily slot into our midfield.

I do think a lot of the '#10s' that get posted in these threads are unsuitable but those two definitely aren't.

Fair enough, I'm maybe lazy stereotyping with those two.

 

[Iluvatar]

Bernardo Silva is one of the hardest working players I've seen, let alone an attacking one! Man City's recruitment has been virtually faultless since Guardiola's appointment but De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva stand out for me as they are unique players, at least in my opinion. That skill set coupled with such work rate, it's incredible, I don't think I've seen it before. I agree with @ILLOK, both would walk into Liverpool's starting XI.

I never understood these links with Bruno Fernandes or other attacking midfielders - a great player he might be but Klopp has been "waiting" for both Keita and AOC for about a year or so and will most likely give them every chance to prove themselves worthy of starting spots.

Isn't it the manager more than anything? Look at how many players come here with the "oo he doesn't fit a Klopp team, doesn't work hard, doesn't track" Yet here we are within one of the hardest collective units in world football.

Of course the underlying personality needs to be there and the drive to want to put it all on the line, but the right manager enhances that to super human levels.

It's what sets apart this new wave of the "worldclass" talents in my opinion, the combination of athleticism, technical ability and work ethic.. Robbo/Trent are perfect examples of the evolution of the new age fullback.

 

[GaryBarlow99]

Didn't this argument raise its head a few weeks ago?

 

[Flobs]

Didn't this argument raise its head a few weeks ago?

Do you have to ask?
This is transfer window reguritation. The only thing that will stop it is if/when a transfer is confirmed then we will have a few days of confused discussion/arguement over the qualities of said transfer. Then we will go back to type.
I'm only following all this because I got, and still have, such a buzz from the CL win that I just had to linger around. Normally this time of year I make myself scarce until a transfer is confirmed (then I come on to get a feeling of what others opinions are).

 

[GaryC]

I have always thought the great Liverpool teams of the 70’s were renowned for being hardworking besides being talented. Looks like Jurgen is shaping the current team in that direction. Unfortunately so is Pep with City!

 

[jgw_geneseo]

This one is for @Kopstar

Inter keen to sign Romelu Lukaku but need to sell Mauro Icardi first

Inter would like to sign the Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku this summer but would have to offload Mauro Icardi first

www.theguardian.com

Inter hanging for sale sign on Icardi. They want 60 mil so probably settle for less.

 

[Zoran]

They would've already sold Icardi by now... if someone came in with a serious offer. That's the real question, why no reaction from the big clubs?

 

[Kopstar]

They would've already sold Icardi by now... if someone came in with a serious offer. That's the real question, why no reaction from the big clubs?

;-)

Because the only Wanda people like is the Metropolitano

 

[RedForever2014]

As we sit here today, the senior outfield squad (those who've played first team football in a good league and who we could use next season) is 7 defenders (TAA, Clyne, Lovren, Gomez, VVD, Matip, Robertson), 8 midfielders (Gini, Hendo, Milner, Fab, Keita, Lallana, Oxlade, Grujic), 5 forwards (Bobby, Mo, Mane, Origi, Shaqiri).

Seven competitions next season necessitates we keep the senior squad at this sort of number (20 outfield players). I've long said that I wouldn't be counting Wilson or Brewster in the 20 until they prove themselves, though they're welcome as squad boosters.

Personally I think you always need to build/improve/invest to stay ahead of ever improving rivals and max out your trophy haul.

There are clear areas we could improve on and I'd be hugely disappointed if we don't.

For me you can't be going to less than 7 defenders, so if Clyne goes on top of Moreno we need a new defender, ideally a versatile full back.

We've probably a midfielder too many, but really need 7 if we're playing three a match in that intense department and covering defence from within its numbers. The obvious move for me is to sell the injury prone Lallana and loan Grujic, signing a quality player to keep evolving the department.

There is a chasm in quality between the front three and Origi/Shaqiri, no matter how well they did at times last season, plus we're a player short in that department. Yes Brewster might become as good as those two quickly, but we still need a quality 4th option until he proves himself and arguably regardless.

For my money, progression would be upgrading Clyne to a versatile full back, upgrading Grujic/Lallana to a quality midfielder, and adding a 4th quality forward. Let Wilson and Brewster prove themselves then use them to replace Shaqiri/Origi in due course.

 

[Mascot88]

For the point of this exercise, assuming our best 11 is Alisson, TAA, Matip, VVD, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Firmino and Mané, if you then had put together an 11 from the remaining squad, what would it look like and what would be your top 4 positional priorities for improving that second 11?

Mignolet
Hoever Gomez Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum
OxChamb Lallana
Shaqiri Brewster Origi
​

Not that bad for a second eleven. I’d like to do something in the full back positions and add a better option to the forward line.

 

[Iluvatar]

Mignolet
Hoever Gomez Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum
OxChamb Lallana
Shaqiri Brewster Origi
​

Not that bad for a second eleven. I’d like to do something in the full back positions and add a better option to the forward line.

That's a mid-table 11 imo. Which is certainly what you need from your back-ups. Full backs I think is the obvious place for proper depth though.

 

[Nikola]

If Klopp replaces Lovren with a more reliable option, I'm sure that we'll see Gomez playing right back more often and Hoever getting promoted over the course of the next year or so. After that, Klopp adding a left back and another forward would be great to see, looking at that team (Milner at CM, Lallana at another club).

 

[Chewbazza]

Mignolet
Hoever Gomez Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum
OxChamb Lallana
Shaqiri Brewster Origi
​

Not that bad for a second eleven. I’d like to do something in the full back positions and add a better option to the forward line.

I'd agree with the team and the assessment. I think all of us would like to see Brewster and Hoever succeed and integrate into the squad fully.

Happy to have Milner cover LB but doubt he wants to be the go to back up option for extended periods, so new player there.

If Lovren and Mignolet want to leave then I wouldn't stand in their way, but equally don't mind them here for another year.

I'd also prefer a better option for the forward line, ideally someone who can play either side.

So LB cover, versatile wide forward and potentially GK and CB depending on Migs & Lovren would be my focus.

 

[Bonus]

Arsenal have had a 15M bid rejected by Celtic for LB Teirney,
and they are expected to return with another bid.

As I have already written, he would provide good competition and cover for Robertson,
plus I would rather spend 20M on him, rather than 30 odd million on Junior Firpo,
to provide the same cover!

 

[Koon]

Hi. This is Everton:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1142519414757187585

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1139876853357993985

We should 100% buy him. Only £40m, totally worth it.

 

[GermanRed]

Arsenal have had a 15M bid rejected by Celtic for LB Teirney,
and they are expected to return with another bid.

As I have already written, he would provide good competition and cover for Robertson,
plus I would rather spend 20M on him, rather than 30 odd million on Junior Firpo,
to provide the same cover!

We brought in Robertson for under £10m and it would look strange to buy a backup for double the price.

Just my opinion.

 

[Bonus]

We brought in Robertson for under £10m and it would look strange to buy a backup for double the price.

Just my opinion.

I agree,
so i think its strange we are linked with Junior Firpo, with a 45M release clause!

 

[William Clarke]

Hi. This is Everton:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1142519414757187585

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1139876853357993985

We should 100% buy him. Only £40m, totally worth it.

How good would that be, Everton playing against Everton. It would cause a lot of Bitterness.

 

[SirBillShankly]

We brought in Robertson for under £10m and it would look strange to buy a backup for double the price.

Just my opinion.

Robertson would cost £60-£70m you would think these days. So £20m for his back-up is about right.

 

[gasband]

Why would we be fixated that it has to be "cover" that we are seeking? While Robertson is probably top 3 LB in the world, if not the best, we would not want any player to think they are irreplaceable. If we ever spend 40mil, even if that is the norm now, its not going to be just "cover". It has to be Klopp thinking that this player can challenge and can be as good or even better. If it is just for cover, there would be plenty of players out there to choose from who are just good enough, at a low price and don't mind sitting on the bench most of the time. LB would probably be my number 2 priority after getting in at least one competent challenger to the front trio. And I don't think in that position, Klopp will be looking for just "cover", i think he would rather depend on current options like Milner if he cannot get the player he wants.

 

[SirBillShankly]

I really like the idea of Tierney.

Quality player, think he has played CB to. Think he would be a wise choice.

 

[Zinedine Biscan]

I really like the idea of Tierney.

Quality player, think he has played CB to. Think he would be a wise choice.

Sounds like Arsenal are after him to replace Monreal. First choice for them would be a better move for him than backup for us, in fairness.

 

[cynicaloldgit]

First choice for them would be a better move for him than backup for us...

Erm.... no.

 

[SirBillShankly]

Sounds like Arsenal are after him to replace Monreal. First choice for them would be a better move for him than backup for us, in fairness.

I see your point, however, he'll have more chance of winning some medals with us though.