Something tells me he's not leaving PSG anytime soon. Save the Salah money and spend big on central midfield. I don't think any two man midfield is going to cut it the way we play but a quality defensive midfielder is a must either way. Lars Bender is unrealistic but would be good for us, a great tackler and would add some aerial strength in the middle. I like Milan Badelj too, wins the ball a lot, through tackles and interceptions and is a good passer too.
well we had better sign someone soon or there will be cries for bringing Spearing back ffs. although it will never get that bad will it!
I was thinking the same thing, but statistically he's still one of the most effective defensive midfielders in the league. He averages the second most tackles per game in the league (3.9 per match) and is in the top ten for interceptions (2.5 p/m) as well. His pass success rate is also way higher the average DM at 91% (although he keeps it pretty simple). Just compare that with Yann M'Vila who has averaged 1.6 tackles per game and 1.6 interceptions in a less competitive league and you get an idea of how hard it's going to be replace Lucas.
its a lot of issues i feel in midfield. lucas isn't getting around though.. but gerard is really not good. it hard to say....
We should have kept Shelvey imo. I always rated the lad and I think he'll become a very good player. He's matured since going to Swansea and looks impressive these days.
I know he's not a DM. He has the energy to play box to box though - put it this way, I'd have Shelvey over Allen anyday. I realise he's not what we're after currently, but I just think we should have kept him
Our box to box mid is Hendo, best in the league. I agree, I got his name on my shirt last season so you can imagine the tears when he left for Swansea.
I really feel bad for Lucas, but his injury couldn't have come at a better time. Might finally open Rodgers' eyes to the fact that we badly need a DM, even with Lucas fit.
I liked Jonjo but he wasn't good enough nor did he suit our style. He lacks the energy and quick passing abilities not to mention the discipline. I think Joe Allen is a better option for us than Shelvey! Best in the league is without doubt Yaya Toure!
On Mata, I really wish we would bid for him at least. Still can't believe the chavs would sell to utd. Surely PSG or another big club abroad will come in for him.
Can't see them selling to an English side unless there is something to tempt them. Man Utd would have to offer Rooney. We'd probably only tempt them with Suarez.
Some rumours floating around in Italy that we're interested in Nigel De Jong. Not a huge fan but he's a decent defensive midfielder who already has premier league experience. Would be a good short term fix if the money is right.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/21/liver...valon-berisha-from-red-bull-salzburg-4271630/ cheap, and like the article says good relations between houllier and lfc.
It's the kind of signing that would be frustrating. We seem hesitant to spend big to bring in established players but all the lesser fees for youngsters/squad players add up. Look at this summer, 7M for Alberto, 7M for Illori, 8M for Aspas, 1M to loan Moses (?!?!). That's 23M on 4 players who have virtually no influence on our season so far. Can't help but feel if that money had been spent on one top class addition to the first team we'd be better off.
