The Virgil Van Dijk Stays at Southampton Thread

We haven't even bid though have we? Doesn't sound like we're interested

Howedes is going on the cheap, possibly to Inter. I'd have him in a heart beat. Also I'd throw 50mil at Koubaliy (sp?) and see what happens. Not sure what the **** our owners are things tbh.

 

I think Barca would use Coutinho as Iniesta's replacement tbh. But yeah Mane would slot right into that front 3 with Messi and Suarez.

The booing was because he got studded by a Hoff player and their fans thought he was diving, the replay showed it was a nasty tackle. Loved the way he G'd the crowd up though at that point.

Salah's positioning is excellent, he's still adjusting to our style but he's the perfect fit and will come good. He get's into the box so often which we've lacked in the past - he's already scored a few goals so promising signs.

Matip is fine, 1st choice as things stand. Lovren is a liability but Klopp seems to like him. Moreno is brilliant going forward just a really bad defender, he'd almost make a better LM, we certainly can't rely on him in the PL.

TAA the 18 year old local lad RB is brilliant, great at set pieces too and in Coutinho's absence has been on set piece duty (scored in the first leg too). But for his age he's excellent and I'd play him in front of Clyne tbh - or at least rotate more. He's still learning so will make the odd mistake, but he has everything to become a perfect all round RWB. Future England RB for sure imo. That's not kneejerk as I've followed him in the unders for years.

Hoffenheim were very naive last night and it was a big learning curve for them. Not too far away from what the top clubs tried to do against us last season in the PL, we can beat anyone toe 2 toe attacking as last season showed. Teams need to be compact and defend deep against us and they have a good chance. Try and play pressing attacking football against us 9 out 10 times you'll get battered.

The problem is even by getting a couple of new defenders I can't see too much changing due to how offensive we play, we're set up to attack so our defence will always be exposed. A world class DM is what we need more than anything.

Klopp's plan this season is to play Coutinho in a deep playmaker role pinging balls to Mane and Salah - so if he stays I expect it work very, very well.

A midfield 3 of Can, Coutinho and (new DM) would be perfect imo.

Still a week left and now we're in the CL proper, things could start happening in the window.

 

He was inconsistent in the last year because he didn't want to be here. No coincidence in my view that the games he turned up in were against the big sides. Yes he got more space but was night and day his performances against clubs he wanted to be at and against the likes of Bournemouth

 

So you need Romeu more than you need Virgil.

Can we interest you in J. Clasie esq.?

 

I think we're saving the Romeu bid for next summer, give him another year training with our reserves

Claise no thanks!!

I wanted Keita to happen more than VVD, but looks like he won't be coming. We need someone in there for sure.

Draxler's agent is in Liverpool right now, which will get people talking, we're well stocked in those areas though, so not needed unless Coutinho does go.

Surprised we haven't gone in for Carvalho tbh, West Ham look like they've landed him (I think?).

Still a bit of time left and being in the CL will help attract and also give us more money, so we'll see. I'd be very surprised if no-one joins though.

 

This truck was seen leaving Stow On The Wold today with yet another supply of straw destined for Anfield.

They must be knee deep in the stuff by now. There must be more straw in Liverpool at the moment than the whole of rural Hampshire.

Only seven more days of straw clutching to go.

 

Doubt Pellegrino is pleased?

 

and what straws would they be that we're clutching?

 

No, I'm sure he's not. But management - in any business - is about getting the best out of the people at your disposal. To do that you have to deal with often complex and challenging personalities. You have to know when to apply the arm around the shoulder, & when to apply the kick up the arse.

Of course if none of that works, then you get rid. But getting rid is always the last resort.

 

It's far more toxic then you think it is. Van Dijk went all out to get a move and didn't care about the fires he caused by it.

 

So you think he's finished at the club then?

 

It's going to take a lot to mend the bridges. I can't see him being sold this window as it would cause too much of kick back by the fans. But it is all up to how Van Dijk handles himself from now on. But for me he has acted worse then Lallana and Lovren with ease, the guy basically went full on to try and get a move. Not all the players are happy with him.

I am still at the same stance, I like that Saints are taking a stance and saying no. But I would have got rid for £70m.

 

Do you know if we've had any offers?

 

I think it's quite likely that the club felt the same but no-one bid £70m.

I don't care what anyone says, there is a price at which we'll still sell him. For proof all you have to consider is that we'd be guaranteed to reject £5m but accept £300m. Somewhere between the two is a point where even our most rabid fans wouldn't blame the board (not that I think the fans are a deciding factor).

Vin

 

According to The Star he has been negotiating with Arsenal.....next club apology expected soon

 

Maybe we'll get Ox and some cash.

 

Nope. People have been told not to talk about Van Dijk, apart from the PR pieces.

 

Or if your name is Tom 28

 

I don't know whether I believe him, time will tell

 

Same here, don't know what to believe as the other ITKs have all been quite but he has info?