***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Saw Antonio Valencia wandering on the street outside my place last night. I'm walking home with my wife and I see a guy in a Man U training top and numbered sweatpants. And I'm thinking, "that's taking full kit wankery a bit too far." And then I remember they're playing Inter here tonight and sure enough, it's Tony V.!

 

[The Gator]

I forgot to mention something I saw in the Milan-City game Sunday. After the last City score, Balotelli took a shot right from the ensuing kickoff in the center circle. I told my friend I'd never seen somebody try that before but then yesterday ESPNFC's weekend top goals featured a guy from Liga MX, I think, actually scoring on it, a 55-yard screamer into the corner. Is that something a player will try every once in a while?

This just happened this weekend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ln_OZ_ix0

Seems to happen about once a season

I think this is the one ESPN showed. Balotelli's shot was more like this one.

Oh, you're talking about right from the start. Yeah, that's more rare.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Seattle, wait

That got out of hand quickly. The first Galaxy goal was great. The pass to spring Donovan was fantastic. Great match from the Galaxy.

Spacing and shape was perfect from them- they picked up every 2nd ball and seemed to always have a man open. Seattle looked like they were playing a man down all game, only able to counter- and even then just through the middle. LA did a great job containing Yedlin's probes forward and then exploiting the space he left.

Zardoz looks legit. Some solid hold up play from him, even when LA was essentially pumping the ball clear. I forget- citizenship?

eta: LA's spine- in particular their MF, was really dominant. Not sure who the 2 or 3 guys in the middle were for them, but they were the key on both sides of the ball, IMO.

LA has played Juninho and Sarvas at CM for most of the season. Juninho is a guy who seems to always play well if I'm watching him, which makes it weird to me that Sao Paolo thought so little of him that they never really gave him a chance. I guess they just don't want a 5' 6" defensive midfielder.

 

[El Floppo]

Saw Antonio Valencia wandering on the street outside my place last night. I'm walking home with my wife and I see a guy in a Man U training top and numbered sweatpants. And I'm thinking, "that's taking full kit wankery a bit too far." And then I remember they're playing Inter here tonight and sure enough, it's Tony V.!

Did you rape him? Or vice versa?

 

[El Floppo]

I forgot to mention something I saw in the Milan-City game Sunday. After the last City score, Balotelli took a shot right from the ensuing kickoff in the center circle. I told my friend I'd never seen somebody try that before but then yesterday ESPNFC's weekend top goals featured a guy from Liga MX, I think, actually scoring on it, a 55-yard screamer into the corner. Is that something a player will try every once in a while?

This just happened this weekend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ln_OZ_ix0

Seems to happen about once a season

I think this is the one ESPN showed. Balotelli's shot was more like this one.

Oh, you're talking about right from the start. Yeah, that's more rare.

Definitely more rare. I remember seeing it occasionally in HS or College games- especially girls, where having somebody who could kick that far was a supreme rarity (aided by having GKs who are short and can't jump). I can't remember seeing t straight from kick off like that in the pros.

I know I tried it a couple of times in HS. Never worked. I went through a period where I'd hit at least one long range shot- around the center circle- a game. Scored a few, but mostly pissed off my team-mates.

 

[El Floppo]

Seattle, wait

That got out of hand quickly. The first Galaxy goal was great. The pass to spring Donovan was fantastic. Great match from the Galaxy.

Spacing and shape was perfect from them- they picked up every 2nd ball and seemed to always have a man open. Seattle looked like they were playing a man down all game, only able to counter- and even then just through the middle. LA did a great job containing Yedlin's probes forward and then exploiting the space he left.

Zardoz looks legit. Some solid hold up play from him, even when LA was essentially pumping the ball clear. I forget- citizenship?

eta: LA's spine- in particular their MF, was really dominant. Not sure who the 2 or 3 guys in the middle were for them, but they were the key on both sides of the ball, IMO.

LA has played Juninho and Sarvas at CM for most of the season. Juninho is a guy who seems to always play well if I'm watching him, which makes it weird to me that Sao Paolo thought so little of him that they never really gave him a chance. I guess they just don't want a 5' 6" defensive midfielder.

wow- he's still there. such an under-rated player... and totally agree with you that he's always played well when I watch him too.

but Sarvas, I guess, was the guy that caught my eye (taller, right?) as always being there to win and distribute the ball. And always filling the gap behind the break to keep the attack flowing.

Speaking of... Zardoz worked his ### off- until the final whistle, even though they had the game in hand. Tough to say being limited to only what's on the screen- but that kid forced his way onto the screen (and the play/ball), even when the play didn't seem to be his. Something I haven't seen much of any from Jozy since his MetroBull days.

 

[El Floppo]

Zardoz looks legit. Some solid hold up play from him, even when LA was essentially pumping the ball clear. I forget- citizenship?.

Gyasi Zardes is American. Born in California.

He was signed as homegrown player for LA (I think he was their very first if memory serves).

Nice. I would definitely buy a Zardoz US jersey.

andy- I've seen him play a handful of times, and he's registered more and more with me each time. How has he seemed to you? Has been involved with any of the US programs? How old is he?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Zardoz looks legit. Some solid hold up play from him, even when LA was essentially pumping the ball clear. I forget- citizenship?.

Gyasi Zardes is American. Born in California.He was signed as homegrown player for LA (I think he was their very first if memory serves).

Nice. I would definitely buy a Zardoz US jersey.

andy- I've seen him play a handful of times, and he's registered more and more with me each time. How has he seemed to you? Has been involved with any of the US programs? How old is he?

Scooby did a nice write up on Zardes in the Nats thread that you might want to read.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=708312&page=15#entry17005042

He will be 23 this fall.

He has never played for a youth national team from my recollection.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Check the @SwissRamble twitter feed for some info on the FC Barcelona (just-released) financials for 2013/14 --

https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/494125279078805505/photo/1

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I love this transfer window conspiracy stuff -- Cavani replaced by Cabaye in PSG's shirt promo

 

[Sinn Fein]

Now Soton starting to roll up their sleeves in the negotiations with Levy, and declare that Schneiderlin and Rodriguez will not be sold this summer...your move, oh great bald man.

 

[B Maverick]

A lot of reports today involving Vidal to United. Papers in Chile reporting they have agreed to terms of 120,000/wk, four year deal with a fee of 47m pounds. Yet reports from Italy are no official bid has been received.

I'll believe it if/when its official but way too much noise today to ignore....

Reports of Fellaini being sent packing (possibly to Napoli, maybe even on loan)

Kagawa maybe back to Dortmund (this has been an ongoing rumor).

Nani to Juventus still alive

Anderson to whoever will take him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ronaldinho is a free agent this summer. I saw highlights of him last season and he can still flat out ball. I wonder if any MLS side (that means Red Bull) will try and sign him?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tim Howard signs multi-year deal to serve as English Premier League TV analyst for NBC Sports

After shining both on the field and in the media this summer, US national team goalkeeper Tim Howard will return to the broadcasting booth for the upcoming English Premier League season.

NBC Sports announced on Tuesday that Howard, who made seven appearances as a guest commentator on games last season, has signed a multi-year contract to serve as an analyst for the network's EPL broadcasts.

The World Cup star will cover as many as 10 games for NBC – and will feature on what the network dubs “top-tier games” – as he remains focused on his full-time job as Everton FC's No. 1 shotstopper.

“Tim had an impressive debut on our telecasts last season and we are excited to have him join our Premier League team on a more extensive basis,” said Pierre Moossa, coordinating producer of NBC Sports Group’s Premier League coverage, in a statement. “As an active Premier League player, he contributes unique perspective and insight to our broadcasts.”

NBC takes care to note that Howard's broadcasting duties will be built around his Everton schedule, pointing out that his club enjoyed a 6-1 record in matches played just before his television appearances last season.

The New Jersey native and MLS product was the brightest standout in the USMNT's campaign in Brazil and experienced a massive rise in visibility as a result, particularly after his record-setting performance in the USA's extratime loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. His EPL coverage for NBC will include on-site analysis in the broadcasting booth as well as studio work.

 

[jonessed]

Now Soton starting to roll up their sleeves in the negotiations with Levy, and declare that Schneiderlin and Rodriguez will not be sold this summer...your move, oh great bald man.

It's always up to the players. Teams can't keep players that want to leave. Not if they are prepared to sit anyway.I really don't see much need for Schneiderlin unless they plan on selling some players and Rodriguez isn't exactly a world-beater.

I understand why a new manager would want to bring in some of his old players, but I hope Southsmpton keeps them. They can still be pretty decent right now. If they lose these two they may not be able to recover.

 

[Eephus]

Ronaldinho is a free agent this summer. I saw highlights of him last season and he can still flat out ball. I wonder if any MLS side (that means Red Bull) will try and sign him?

He's also been linked with QPR but so has everybody else

 

[Sinn Fein]

Now Soton starting to roll up their sleeves in the negotiations with Levy, and declare that Schneiderlin and Rodriguez will not be sold this summer...your move, oh great bald man.

It's always up to the players.

I really don't see much need for Schneiderlin unless they plan on selling some players and Rodriguez isn't exactly a world-beater.

I understand why a new manager would want to bring in some of his old players, but I hope Southsmpton keeps them. They can still be pretty decent right now. If they lose these two they may not be able to recover.

Schneiderlin is more important to Spurs than Rodriguez - Spurs have a glut of CMs, and probably need to sell 2-3, but none offer the same skill set as Schneiderlin - namely the ability to be strong in defense and attack. I think that attribute is critical to Pochettino's tactics - and it obviously does not hurt that Schniederlin is very familiar with the tactics.

 

[charvik]

Liverpool IN/OUT this offseason:

IN:

Adam Lallana, Southampton, £25m

Emre Can, Bayern Leverkusen, £10m

Rickie Lambert, Southampton, £4m

Lazar Markovic, Benfica, £20m

Dejan Lovren, Southampton, £20mDivock Origi, Lille, £6m - £9.8m (loan-back)


Rumour/not completed:

Loic Remy, QPR, £8m (failed medical)

Zakaria Bakkali, PSV Eindhoven, £6.5m

Marco Reus, Dortmund, £44m (Inquiry in after Barca move fell through)

Isco, Real Madrid, ? (Inquiry so far)

Dele Alli, MK Don's, ? (Inquiry)

Ben Davies, Swansea, £8m (Spurs)

Xherdan Shaqiri, Bayern Munich, £15m (talks are stalled per reports)

OUT:

Jakub Sokolik, Yeovil, Free

Luis Alberto, Malaga, Loan

Luis Suarez, Barcelona, £75m (cost £22.5m)

Iago Aspas, Sevilla, Loan for one year, Sevilla option for £5m after year is complete. (cost £7m)

Andrew Wisdom, WBA, Loan

Brad Smith, Swindon Town, Loan

Rumour/Not completed:

Fabio Borini, Sunderland, initial £10m that could get up to £14m (Apparently the clubs have agreed, but the player hasn't)

Oussama Assaidi, Stoke City, £7m (talks have stalled due to player demands?)

Lucas Leiva, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Pepe Reina, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Kolo Toure, Qatar or Trabzonspor, ? (would be nice to get his £105,000/wk salary off the books)

Daniel Agger, Barcelona, ? (rumors in Spanish press)

Rumored transfer budget: £40m (£50m) + 100% of sales

Spending: £89m

Returns: £75m

Remaining (estimate):£115m-£89m= £26m left

latest update...

Per what I read, there might be more than 26m left for Rodgers. I would expect that they need to push some of the outgoing transfers through though.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Liverpool IN/OUT this offseason:

IN:

Adam Lallana, Southampton, £25m

Emre Can, Bayern Leverkusen, £10m

Rickie Lambert, Southampton, £4m

Lazar Markovic, Benfica, £20m

Dejan Lovren, Southampton, £20mDivock Origi, Lille, £6m - £9.8m (loan-back)


Rumour/not completed:

Loic Remy, QPR, £8m (failed medical)

Zakaria Bakkali, PSV Eindhoven, £6.5m

Marco Reus, Dortmund, £44m (Inquiry in after Barca move fell through)

Isco, Real Madrid, ? (Inquiry so far)

Dele Alli, MK Don's, ? (Inquiry)

Ben Davies, Swansea, £8m (Spurs)

Xherdan Shaqiri, Bayern Munich, £15m (talks are stalled per reports)

OUT:

Jakub Sokolik, Yeovil, Free

Luis Alberto, Malaga, Loan

Luis Suarez, Barcelona, £75m (cost £22.5m)

Iago Aspas, Sevilla, Loan for one year, Sevilla option for £5m after year is complete. (cost £7m)

Andrew Wisdom, WBA, Loan

Brad Smith, Swindon Town, Loan

Rumour/Not completed:

Fabio Borini, Sunderland, initial £10m that could get up to £14m (Apparently the clubs have agreed, but the player hasn't)

Oussama Assaidi, Stoke City, £7m (talks have stalled due to player demands?)

Lucas Leiva, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Pepe Reina, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Kolo Toure, Qatar or Trabzonspor, ? (would be nice to get his £105,000/wk salary off the books)

Daniel Agger, Barcelona, ? (rumors in Spanish press)

Rumored transfer budget: £40m (£50m) + 100% of sales

Spending: £89m

Returns: £75m

Remaining (estimate):£115m-£89m= £26m left

latest update...

Per what I read, there might be more than 26m left for Rodgers. I would expect that they need to push some of the outgoing transfers through though.

Pool were linked today with Nico Gaitan from Benfica. No idea how feasible that is. He'd cost pretty much the remainder of the available budget. That would be a lot of money invested in guys I think of as left-sided AMs.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Bad move, American Arsenal fan.

 

[The Gator]

Liverpool IN/OUT this offseason:

IN:

Adam Lallana, Southampton, £25m

Emre Can, Bayern Leverkusen, £10m

Rickie Lambert, Southampton, £4m

Lazar Markovic, Benfica, £20mDejan Lovren, Southampton, £20m

Divock Origi, Lille, £6m - £9.8m (loan-back)

Rumour/not completed:

Loic Remy, QPR, £8m (failed medical)

Zakaria Bakkali, PSV Eindhoven, £6.5m

Marco Reus, Dortmund, £44m (Inquiry in after Barca move fell through)

Isco, Real Madrid, ? (Inquiry so far)

Dele Alli, MK Don's, ? (Inquiry)

Ben Davies, Swansea, £8m (Spurs)

Xherdan Shaqiri, Bayern Munich, £15m (talks are stalled per reports)

OUT:

Jakub Sokolik, Yeovil, Free

Luis Alberto, Malaga, Loan

Luis Suarez, Barcelona, £75m (cost £22.5m)

Iago Aspas, Sevilla, Loan for one year, Sevilla option for £5m after year is complete. (cost £7m)

Andrew Wisdom, WBA, Loan

Brad Smith, Swindon Town, Loan

Rumour/Not completed:

Fabio Borini, Sunderland, initial £10m that could get up to £14m (Apparently the clubs have agreed, but the player hasn't)

Oussama Assaidi, Stoke City, £7m (talks have stalled due to player demands?)

Lucas Leiva, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Pepe Reina, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Kolo Toure, Qatar or Trabzonspor, ? (would be nice to get his £105,000/wk salary off the books)

Daniel Agger, Barcelona, ? (rumors in Spanish press)

Rumored transfer budget: £40m (£50m) + 100% of sales

Spending: £89m

Returns: £75m

Remaining (estimate):£115m-£89m= £26m left

latest update...Per what I read, there might be more than 26m left for Rodgers. I would expect that they need to push some of the outgoing transfers through though.

Pool were linked today with Nico Gaitan from Benfica. No idea how feasible that is. He'd cost pretty much the remainder of the available budget. That would be a lot of money invested in guys I think of as left-sided AMs.

Fluid..their is no left side right side. /matrix

 

[charvik]

Echo ran a survey among fans on who to keep/sell:

GK:

Simon Mignolet 95/5

Pepe Reina 48/52

Brad Jones 38/62

DEF:

Glen Johnson 51/49

Martin Skrtel 88/12

Kolo Toure 18/82

Tiago Ilori 86/14

Mamadou Sakho 93/7

Jose Enrique 84/16

Daniel Agger 83/17

Sebastian Coates 20/80

Andre Wisdom 73/27

Jon Flanagan 98/2

Martin Kelly 61/39

MID:

Lucas Leiva 39/61

Jordan Henderson 98/2

Steven Gerrard 99/1

Joao Carlos Teixeira 44/56

Conor Coady 44/56

Joe Allen 74/26

Phillipe Coutinho 100/0

Jordon Ibe 96/4

Suso 77/23

FWD:

Daniel Sturridge 100/0

Raheem Sterling 100/0

Samed Yesil 42/58

Fabio Borini 41/59

Oussama Assaidi 9/91

I found it interesting that Glen Johnson isn't very highly regarded, maybe due to his lackluster form with the national team, but he's also had some stinkers for the Reds. I have been encouraged by Coates return, but apparently that isn't shared with many, as most want him gone.

I think it's overall pretty indicative of my feelings of the team as it stands right now. Sell all with a rating less than 60% if possible, and replace.

A defense rotation with:

Martin Skrtel 88/12

Mamadou Sakho 93/7

Jose Enrique 84/16

Daniel Agger 83/17

Jon Flanagan 98/2

Dejan Lovren

Loan/Backup/Future:
Tiago Ilori 86/14

Andre Wisdom 73/27

Martin Kelly 61/39


and a Midfield of:
MID:

Jordan Henderson 98/2

Steven Gerrard 99/1

Phillipe Coutinho 100/0

Adam Lallana

Emre Can

Lazar Markovic

Raheem Sterling 100/0


Loan/Backup/Future:
Joe Allen 74/26
Jordon Ibe 96/4

Suso 77/23


and a FWD group of:

Daniel Sturridge 100/0

Rickie Lambert

Loan/Backup/Future:
Divock Origi

I think this looks like a good team, built for the long term, and should be able to compete for top 4, and knockout stage play in the CL (with the right draw). I think the league title will require more, but one can hope and dream.

I'm still worried about the defensive breakdowns, and that part has to improve. I would like to see another young player added to the midfield, and preferably a good FWD pairing for Sturridge, but the team isn't that far away from being very competitive IMO.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Ugh. Tevez's father has apparently been kidnapped and is being held for ransom in Argentina. People suck.

 

[charvik]

Liverpool IN/OUT this offseason:

IN:

Adam Lallana, Southampton, £25m

Emre Can, Bayern Leverkusen, £10m

Rickie Lambert, Southampton, £4m

Lazar Markovic, Benfica, £20m

Dejan Lovren, Southampton, £20mDivock Origi, Lille, £6m - £9.8m (loan-back)


Rumour/not completed:

Loic Remy, QPR, £8m (failed medical)

Zakaria Bakkali, PSV Eindhoven, £6.5m

Marco Reus, Dortmund, £44m (Inquiry in after Barca move fell through)

Isco, Real Madrid, ? (Inquiry so far)

Dele Alli, MK Don's, ? (Inquiry)

Ben Davies, Swansea, £8m (Spurs)

Xherdan Shaqiri, Bayern Munich, £15m (talks are stalled per reports)

OUT:

Jakub Sokolik, Yeovil, Free

Luis Alberto, Malaga, Loan

Luis Suarez, Barcelona, £75m (cost £22.5m)

Iago Aspas, Sevilla, Loan for one year, Sevilla option for £5m after year is complete. (cost £7m)

Andrew Wisdom, WBA, Loan

Brad Smith, Swindon Town, Loan

Rumour/Not completed:

Fabio Borini, Sunderland, initial £10m that could get up to £14m (Apparently the clubs have agreed, but the player hasn't)

Oussama Assaidi, Stoke City, £7m (talks have stalled due to player demands?)

Lucas Leiva, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Pepe Reina, ?, ? (Napoli, Loan, etc)

Kolo Toure, Qatar or Trabzonspor, ? (would be nice to get his £105,000/wk salary off the books)

Daniel Agger, Barcelona, ? (rumors in Spanish press)

Rumored transfer budget: £40m (£50m) + 100% of sales

Spending: £89m

Returns: £75m

Remaining (estimate):£115m-£89m= £26m left

latest update...

Per what I read, there might be more than 26m left for Rodgers. I would expect that they need to push some of the outgoing transfers through though.

Pool were linked today with Nico Gaitan from Benfica. No idea how feasible that is. He'd cost pretty much the remainder of the available budget. That would be a lot of money invested in guys I think of as left-sided AMs.

Those are very early rumors, so I wouldn't put much weight in it yet...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Per what I read, there might be more than 26m left for Rodgers. I would expect that they need to push some of the outgoing transfers through though.

The Agger to Barca thing is starting to feel a little more solid. So maybe 38-48m? Not sure who's left as a legit target though.

 

[The Gator]

Johnson has been bad for two years. Liverpool scored, what, 102 goals and a very attacking wing back only had two assists?

Come on Glenn

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Lavezzi is also rumored for Liverpool. I'm pretty sure we're in the "Team X has money to spend and Player Y looks to move" stage of transfer rumors where people just make up crap that sounds somewhat plausible.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Lavezzi is also rumored for Liverpool. I'm pretty sure we're in the "Team X has money to spend and Player Y looks to move" stage of transfer rumors where people just make up crap that sounds somewhat plausible.

Right... nothing else out there right now feels especially reasonable.

With Charvik's keep/sell list up there it seems like they still need a forward -- but no idea who might be out there this late.

 

[The Gator]

PSG need to move someone to bring in Di Maria. I'd ring them up and ask for the Brazilian WC reject Lucas.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Qatar is still just the worst: http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/video/2014/jul/28/qatar-world-cup-workers-video

-QG

 

[charvik]

Lavezzi is also rumored for Liverpool. I'm pretty sure we're in the "Team X has money to spend and Player Y looks to move" stage of transfer rumors where people just make up crap that sounds somewhat plausible.

Right... nothing else out there right now feels especially reasonable.

With Charvik's keep/sell list up there it seems like they still need a forward -- but no idea who might be out there this late.

Cavani? PSG needs to move someone, and The Zlatan won't leave. Ship them Lucas as a partial payment too...

 

[The Gator]

Lavezzi is also rumored for Liverpool. I'm pretty sure we're in the "Team X has money to spend and Player Y looks to move" stage of transfer rumors where people just make up crap that sounds somewhat plausible.

Right... nothing else out there right now feels especially reasonable.With Charvik's keep/sell list up there it seems like they still need a forward -- but no idea who might be out there this late.

Cavani? PSG needs to move someone, and The Zlatan won't leave. Ship them Lucas as a partial payment too...

Lucas for Lucas imo

 

[charvik]

Johnson has been bad for two years. Liverpool scored, what, 102 goals and a very attacking wing back only had two assists?

Come on Glenn

Yeah, I wouldn't be sad to see him go. Scouser Cafu is a much better option IMO.

We need a LWB with speed too, Enrique may be solid defensively, but no one can accuse him of having speed.

 

[gianmarco]

Echo ran a survey among fans on who to keep/sell:

GK:

Simon Mignolet 95/5

Pepe Reina 48/52

Brad Jones 38/62

DEF:

Glen Johnson 51/49

Martin Skrtel 88/12

Kolo Toure 18/82

Tiago Ilori 86/14

Mamadou Sakho 93/7

Jose Enrique 84/16

Daniel Agger 83/17

Sebastian Coates 20/80

Andre Wisdom 73/27

Jon Flanagan 98/2

Martin Kelly 61/39

MID:

Lucas Leiva 39/61

Jordan Henderson 98/2

Steven Gerrard 99/1

Joao Carlos Teixeira 44/56

Conor Coady 44/56

Joe Allen 74/26

Phillipe Coutinho 100/0

Jordon Ibe 96/4

Suso 77/23

FWD:

Daniel Sturridge 100/0

Raheem Sterling 100/0

Samed Yesil 42/58

Fabio Borini 41/59

Oussama Assaidi 9/91

I found it interesting that Glen Johnson isn't very highly regarded, maybe due to his lackluster form with the national team, but he's also had some stinkers for the Reds. I have been encouraged by Coates return, but apparently that isn't shared with many, as most want him gone.

I think it's overall pretty indicative of my feelings of the team as it stands right now. Sell all with a rating less than 60% if possible, and replace.

A defense rotation with:

Martin Skrtel 88/12

Mamadou Sakho 93/7

Jose Enrique 84/16

Daniel Agger 83/17

Jon Flanagan 98/2

Dejan Lovren

Loan/Backup/Future:
Tiago Ilori 86/14

Andre Wisdom 73/27

Martin Kelly 61/39


and a Midfield of:
MID:

Jordan Henderson 98/2

Steven Gerrard 99/1

Phillipe Coutinho 100/0

Adam Lallana

Emre Can

Lazar Markovic

Raheem Sterling 100/0


Loan/Backup/Future:
Joe Allen 74/26
Jordon Ibe 96/4

Suso 77/23


and a FWD group of:

Daniel Sturridge 100/0

Rickie Lambert

Loan/Backup/Future:
Divock Origi

I think this looks like a good team, built for the long term, and should be able to compete for top 4, and knockout stage play in the CL (with the right draw). I think the league title will require more, but one can hope and dream.

I'm still worried about the defensive breakdowns, and that part has to improve. I would like to see another young player added to the midfield, and preferably a good FWD pairing for Sturridge, but the team isn't that far away from being very competitive IMO.

@ Coutinho

Did Gator spam the voting?

 

[charvik]

@ Coutinho

Did Gator spam the voting?

I'm not really surprised people want to keep him around. He's still young, and seems to have a lot of upside still waiting to be exploited.

 

[The Gator]

@ Coutinho

Did Gator spam the voting?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Morgan Schneiderlin @SchneiderlinMo4


6 years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I mean, over 3/4s of respondents want to keep Andre Wisdom and Suso around too. Its hard to imagine who would have come in under 50%.

Well, not THAT hard to imagine.

 

[The Gator]

I mean, over 3/4s of respondents want to keep Andre Wisdom and Suso around too. Its hard to imagine who would have come in under 50%.

Well, not THAT hard to imagine.

yes

 

[charvik]

on the other side of Mersey, Ross Barkley signs a 4 yr deal with the toffees.

 

[The Gator]

Morgan Schneiderlin @SchneiderlinMo4
6 years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!

@SchneiderlinMo4 you sold to Spurs mate? fully understand your feelings, bro!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Morgan Schneiderlin @SchneiderlinMo4
6 years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!

I didn't particularly care for the LOST finale either.

 

[gianmarco]

I mean, over 3/4s of respondents want to keep Andre Wisdom and Suso around too. Its hard to imagine who would have come in under 50%.

Well, not THAT hard to imagine.

yes

Still so funny.

 

[charvik]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-player-you-most-7346217

Gator will be getting Coutinho?

 

[gianmarco]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-player-you-most-7346217

Gator will be getting Coutinho?

Luis Suarez

An off-the-cuff genius who is capable of anything, good and bad. Just work hard to stay on the straight and narrow

 

[The Gator]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-player-you-most-7346217

Gator will be getting Coutinho?

Steven Gerrard

A natural leader and inspiration to all around you, you lead by example and never take a backward step

 

[Sinn Fein]

I mean, over 3/4s of respondents want to keep Andre Wisdom and Suso around too. Its hard to imagine who would have come in under 50%.

Well, not THAT hard to imagine.

yes

never gets old

 

[charvik]

I mean, over 3/4s of respondents want to keep Andre Wisdom and Suso around too. Its hard to imagine who would have come in under 50%.

Well, not THAT hard to imagine.

yes

Still so funny.

still funny!

I also tried to search youtube for Torres' last missed header this week, and typed in "Torres miss open goal" only to find 383,000+ results... I love the internet.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-player-you-most-7346217

Gator will be getting Coutinho?

Steven Gerrard

A natural leader and inspiration to all around you, you lead by example and never take a backward step

So you've been out beating up innocent bystanders at nightclubs again?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-player-you-most-7346217

Gator will be getting Coutinho?

Steven Gerrard

A natural leader and inspiration to all around you, you lead by example and never take a backward step

So you've been out beating up innocent bystanders at nightclubs again?

I was disappointed that the quiz didn't ask me about my feelings about Phil Collins.

I got Jordan Henderson, BTW.