Liverpool 2014-15: Now Is Time On Merseyside When We Dance

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SoxFanInCali

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For all the well-deserved criticism of Mignolet last year, he saved the 3 points today.
 
Really liked what I saw out of Lovren and Manquillo.  Moreno can't get into the team at Johnson's expense fast enough.  Need to see more movement without the ball, there was a lot of standing around while Southampton was pressing.  Sturridge was invisible for long stretches but took his chance and scored the winner.
 
Vital 3 points there, given that the next 2 games are at City and at Spurs.
 

Auger34

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At this point do you expect Liverpool to add anything more to the team during the transfer window? Also what positions should they be looking to bolster? It seems with the additions of Lovren, Manquillo, and Moreno that the defense is pretty much set. Also the rumors I read at Liverpool Offside seem to have them connected to a bunch of strikers and attacking midfielders (Falcao, Cavani, Reus, etc.). Is that the current area of weakness? I basically just got into following the EPL so I am a little behind all of you.
 
Now I see that Rodgers himself says they need another striker. I will leave the original post up for discussion on who this striker might be.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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From an outsider's perspective, you still need quality depth in attack.  The ideal first XI has enough class if the young players keep improving but take out either Sturridge or Sterling - which is going to happen on a bunch of occasions, due to injury or just the inability of those guys to play three games in eight days when European fixtures arise - and you've got problems.  And Rickie Lambert or a 20-year-old Lazar Markovic are unlikely to be solution.
 

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I actually think it is cover for Gerrard and Henderson. Arguably, the slip was not nearly as as bad as the loss of Henderson for multiple games. And while Gerrard remains as smart and skilled a player as there is, his physical skills are slipping. Certainly Can could that guy and perhaps the academy is ready to spit out the midfield version of Sterling but Ibe ain't covering for SG.
 
Is there a veteran DM who would want to play for a CL team? I see that Cambiasso is rumored to be headed to the EPL; that would be perfect. What is RM doing with Xabi Alonso this season?
 

Auger34

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So it seems like there is need for depth at the attack, but not really a starter. Does that limit the pool of who they would go after/who would want to come here? I know that all the players I listed are well thought of, would they hold out in hopes of going to a team with more minutes available or is the lure of Liverpool/Champions League good enough? (I know that that last question is more up to the individual, I am just asking in general)
 

SoxFanInCali

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Yeah, I think we could use another striker and possibly one more midfielder.
 
Center of defense looks like it will always be 2 of Lovren/Skrtel/Sakho, with Coates getting some time in cups and against lesser teams.  Agger is likely out the door soon, and probably Toure as well.  At fullback you've got Moreno, Manquillo, Johnson, Enrique, and Flanagan, so they seem to be in pretty good shape there.
 
If they want to play the 4-2-3-1 that probably means Gerrard and Can as the 2 deep guys, but they could use some depth in that spot. It wouldn't surprise me if Lucas' start yesterday was his swan song and he heads to Napoli to reunite with Rafa. If that's the case, we definitely need some more depth.
 
Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson, Lallana, Markovic, and Allen (with Jordon Ibe getting some time in the domestic cups) covers the 3 forward spots pretty well. You can also move a couple of them forward in a 4-3-3 if you want to attack more.
 
Pure center forwards are Sturridge and Lambert.  Definitely need another body here.  I don't know if it needs to be one of the huge names being thrown around, but a solid guy with some EPL experience would be nice.
 
So overall, I'd expect to see Agger, Borini, and Assaidi (along with possibly Toure and Lucas) leave over the next couple of weeks, and another 2-3 guys come in. I guess we will see what happens.
 

Auger34

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So basically they could use another defensive midfielder and a striker. Any names that make a lot of sense? (soxfanincali any possible suggestions on who a solid striker with EPL experience is. Seems like Bony fits that bill well, too bad that looks like it won't happen)
 

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Bony is still a possibility, wonder if they would be willing to take Borini in part exchange.  There was talk of Eto'o earlier, but I don't see that happening even as a last resort..
 
99% of rumors in the British press are total BS, so the chances are we don't even know who Rodgers is really looking at.
 

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I don't think Borini would work in a Bony deal.  I assume the Sunderland deal fell apart because of his wage demands (that's what "Poyet is trying to convince Borini his future lies at Sunderland" is code for, right?), so unless Swansea decide he's worth paying what Sunderland wouldn't even after agreeing a £14M fee, it wouldn't work out.  Maybe if Liverpool raised their valuation of Bony enough to cover the difference.
 

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He's still only 24. If he's begun growing up, I'd love to have him - especially at that price. And if there's anyone who can mold him into a professional, it's (hopefully) BR
 

Auger34

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The three strikers that are linked to Liverpool the most at this point are Mario Balotelli, Radamel Falcao, and Ezequial Lavezzi. Is there an order of preference here? From everything I have read Flacao is definitely my 1st choice but apparently he favors Real Madrid. I prefer Balotelli over Lavezzi because of the age gap
 

SoxFanInCali

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tbb345 said:
The three strikers that are linked to Liverpool the most at this point are Mario Balotelli, Radamel Falcao, and Ezequial Lavezzi. Is there an order of preference here? From everything I have read Flacao is definitely my 1st choice but apparently he favors Real Madrid. I prefer Balotelli over Lavezzi because of the age gap
The first thing to remember about the transfer window is that 99% of what you read is pure BS. It's possible that Liverpool signs one of these 3, but I'll believe it when I see a picture of him at Anfield holding a scarf over his head.
 

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James Horncastle is tweeting (on a phone, can't embed) that Sky Italia has multiple reports of Balotelli telling teammates that today is his last day with Milan.

Son of DLew makes a decent point over breakfast: "Now they have two players who can make penalties."
 

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SocrManiac

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I'm less inclined to believe that Rodgers is necessarily going to have more control over him than anybody else would. Suarez still bit Ivanovic with the same coach on the sideline. I do think that Mario is slowly growing up and getting him away from the racism in Milan won't be a bad thing. Conte's appointment to the national team might be a further calming and disciplining force in his life.
 
I'm also a Juvé fan first and anything that gets him out of Serie A is fine with me.
 
For Liverpool, I love the idea of another target in the air, further stretching smaller sides. When he's motivated and disciplined, I love watching Mario play for Italy. I'll love watching him play for Liverpool, assuming he doesn't lose his goddamn mind. 
 
Will Warrior make him dye the mohawk red?
 

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This news must be huge. It caused the BBC server to crater.
 

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SocrManiac said:
I'm less inclined to believe that Rodgers is necessarily going to have more control over him than anybody else would. Suarez still bit Ivanovic with the same coach on the sideline. I do think that Mario is slowly growing up and getting him away from the racism in Milan won't be a bad thing. Conte's appointment to the national team might be a further calming and disciplining force in his life.
 
I'm also a Juvé fan first and anything that gets him out of Serie A is fine with me.
 
For Liverpool, I love the idea of another target in the air, further stretching smaller sides. When he's motivated and disciplined, I love watching Mario play for Italy. I'll love watching him play for Liverpool, assuming he doesn't lose his goddamn mind. 
 
Will Warrior make him dye the mohawk red?
 
Eh, who's to say Suarez isn't more of a head case with a different manager? It's not like he hadn't bitten someone before. Rodgers has as much experience dealing with headcases and the resulting media kerfuffles as just about anyone in the league. It's better to have him than someone who's never had to deal with it. 
 

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I still love Balotelli and I'm quite unhappy at the prospect of him at Liverpool but I really question the fit.  He's the anti-Suarez in every way except their proclivity to go off the boil.  He doesn't drop deep, doesn't work for his teammates, his movement generally sucks....He's not a striker who is going to play a super fluid interchanging front 3, or at least he hasn't shown himself capable of doing that to this point.  He's got a tremendous eye for goal and some tricks up his sleeve, but he just doesn't have that constant desire I think Liverpool's system almost dictates.  It will be incredibly interesting to watch, if it happens, but it really bums me out to think about it.
 
The best thing for him is that Liverpool generally get all kinds of calls from the refs, so maybe he won't struggle as much with the refs in the Prem as he did at City.  They were on him from the get go.
 

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Teddy makes a good point about the work rate. In a system where he's the single center forward you can probably get away with it, but I don't expect to see much of the 4-4-2 diamond with him on the pitch now.

On the other hand, you do get the trade off of having the missing Plan B from last year available in a package that can play the middle of the 4-3-3. Can/Gerrard/Henderson with Coutinho-Sterling/Balotelli/Sturridge will be interesting to watch. Or drop Gerrard and run that attacking four out against less talented squads.
 

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I wonder if Roges has plans to try and improve Balotelli, or try an get him to adapt/change his game. It'd be interesting to see what his opta stats are, how much groun dhe covers, is touch chart, stuff like that. Cos he's still young, he has room to improve. I think Liverpool have a strong dressing room. The work Rogers has done with Sterling, and getting the best out of Sturridge, getting him settled and playing his best football, they give me hope.
 
Liverpool last year thrived on pace and movement. I dunno if they can carry a guy who doesn't want to put a shift in. I like the Lambert signing cos for £4m you have a guy who will bust a gut for the shirt, who can hold up play, pass the ball and be a menace in the box...so he has a role to play, something to offer. So i will be interested to see what Rogers plans are for Mario's development. Sure he didn't cure Suarez of his biting ailment, but he got the best of him on the pitch...
 
What about the price for Balotelli? Only £4m more than Shane Long. Obviously he'll be getting much more wages than Long but even so...it's not the worst deal in the world.
 

mgoblue2

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Fletch, that Long deal was superb work by Hull and general idiocy from Southampton. It's a good deal from Liverpool's end, but Long is an outlier.

It's a good idea from Liverpool out of all the strikers that wanted to go there but I don't know about his mental capabilities. Rodgers is not a miracle worker, and when Mario's on he's on, but far too much of the time he's off. It's an interesting move so I wonder how it'll turn out.
 

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As if this thread couldn't add any more drama...BR is goiing to sign Mario Balotelli.
 
He has always had all of the potential to be a top 10 player in the world, and at 24 obviously can still harness it.  I have my doubts though.
 
 
So you guys go from worshiping a racist to supporting a player who is racially abused.  You guys are going to sound worse than born-agains.
 

Oklahoma Jones

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So racist...
 
That or you probably think Raheem is pleading for Suarez to stop as he goes in for the bite  :rolling: 

Anyways, looking forward to this season immensely. Go Super Smash Brothers (Sturridge/Sterling/Balotelli)!
 

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Zomp said:
As if this thread couldn't add any more drama...BR is goiing to sign Mario Balotelli.
 
He has always had all of the potential to be a top 10 player in the world, and at 24 obviously can still harness it.  I have my doubts though.
 
 
So you guys go from worshiping a racist to supporting a player who is racially abused.  You guys are going to sound worse than born-agains.
 
Zomp, i say this with love in my heart as i love you from afar, see them Arsenal fans, see how bitter they are, how we laugh at them...don't become as they have become...it doth not become you. Man U will rise again like a phoenix from the flames, worry not thy shiny pate...this new spikey, bitter Zomp, has to go, listen to a song like 'Chirpy Chirpy Cheap Cheap' - it will rid you of some of this bilious fog that confounds you. The higher ground is yours to take. Liverpool fans are idle dreamers, Arsenal fans, twisted with lies, City fans, living the dream, Chelsea fans...Capitalists. But Man U fans, drunk on the wine of victory so often you can still taste it's sweetness...Thon Red Devils will be back up top soon enough, regardless of what Scholes has said of late.
 

Zomp

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I don't think Fletch, for who I have the utmost love and respect for from across the pond, is a Liverpool fan...though now I'm not too sure...I thought Newcastle was his BPL team.
 
and sorry Mart, but I very much love tweaking Liverpool fans...just as they very much love tweaking me.  You should see the video chat sessions Dlew and I have  :fap:
 

soxfan121

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Now, I'm truly conflicted. Because I love Mario. LOVE Mario. The video of him jumping into the stands to hug his (adoptive) mother after the Euro 2012 game is one of the things I've got in a folder set aside for my (adoptive) son to watch someday. It is fair to say that I am more a fan of Mario than any American athlete still active (the Pedro Exception). 
 
But I do not want to be a Liverpool fan. I like watching Liverpool play but I've found myself rooting for Everton in derby games and aside from Arsenal and ManU, there isn't a team I like seeing lose to Stoke more than Liverpool. 
 
Dammit, this is gonna suck. Shove over you lot of scousers - I guess I'm on the bandwagon when I see Mario holding up (ugh) a Liverpool jersey. 
 
Fuck it, time to break out the Mount Gay. 
 

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That's actually the best part of this so far.  I know quite a few people who like Mario but really dislike Liverpool, so the squirming is fun to watch.
 

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I don't mind seeing a bit of craziness walking the corridors of Anfield - keeps everyone on their toes - and if we manage to resurrect the Borini deal to Sunderland for 14M then it's a net spend of 2M on Balotelli. A bargain.
 
Even if that doesn't happen, he will have SOME resale value, so it's not a hard deal to give some oxygen to.
 
Issues? Probably still to come but worth a try, overall.
 

soxfan121

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A couple thoughts while I try to wrap my head around this...
 
- Who (after Gerrard) is the dead ball specialist on this club? I know Suarez took some of the free kicks but I'm not sure who the other corner taker(s) would be. Mario, obviously, helps with this. 
- Getting out of Serie A's racist culture will be hugely helpful to Mario, personally. I imagine it also does not hurt that two of Liverpool's best players are Sterling and Sturridge and I really can't imagine they (or the club) will put up with BS of that sort. 
- Against teams that pack it in, Balotelli as a poacher is probably helpful. Against teams that will try to pen in Liverpool with possession, having an individual magician like Balotelli will also help. 
- Defensively, they are undoubtedly worse with Balotelli as he will not track back or put in effort. So...that might be a problem but Rodgers has to know it and I think he'll adjust tactically. Probably means less Coutinho in games where defense is important.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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I like Mario a lot and hope succeeds, as long as it doesn't help Liverpool too much.

I think the biggest issue with him is that he's kind of lazy. Beyond the lack of defensive work, his two modes in possession are basically "hang out by the center backs and see what happens" and "drop deep to pickup the ball and flash my skills, because I'm getting bored." What he doesn't do is make a run knowing he won't get the ball but angling to drag the defense out if position so somebody can exploit that space. That kind of movement seems key to Rodgers attacking vision so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

IMO, when you have a chance to buy a player with the upside of top 5-10 player in the world at this price and age, you just do it. Odds are it won't work out but still a good gamble. And fun.
 

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soxfan121 said:
A couple thoughts while I try to wrap my head around this...
 
- Who (after Gerrard) is the dead ball specialist on this club? I know Suarez took some of the free kicks but I'm not sure who the other corner taker(s) would be. Mario, obviously, helps with this. 
- Getting out of Serie A's racist culture will be hugely helpful to Mario, personally. I imagine it also does not hurt that two of Liverpool's best players are Sterling and Sturridge and I really can't imagine they (or the club) will put up with BS of that sort. 
- Against teams that pack it in, Balotelli as a poacher is probably helpful. Against teams that will try to pen in Liverpool with possession, having an individual magician like Balotelli will also help. 
- Defensively, they are undoubtedly worse with Balotelli as he will not track back or put in effort. So...that might be a problem but Rodgers has to know it and I think he'll adjust tactically. Probably means less Coutinho in games where defense is important.
 
Almost every free kick was Suarez or Gerrard last season. Suarez took most of the ones where there was a shot at goal, with Gerrard doing most of the ones from further out into the box.  Gerrard and Coutinho handle most of the corners, occasionally Henderson or Allen take one.
 

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I thought Liverpool was one of, if not, the funnest team for neutrals to watch last season. I was wondering what would happen with Suarez out of the picture. I don't think it'll be as pretty, but I don't think it will be any less interesting. If he harnesses his potential and behaves better, this is a steal of a deal.
 
Honestly, I think this deal pays for itself commercially because Balotelli has to be one of the most popular players in the world.
 
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