How is he behind Ibe who has had all of 3 appearances in the Premier league in his life? He played well but was hardly world-class. I know the lad is from our academy and we want him to do well but he's played 3 times. You can't compare him to Can, who played more games than that for Bayern before playing a standout season at Bayer Leverkusen. You can't compare him to Markovic who has been playing in top level competitions, senior games, since he was barely 17. He was the top player at Benfica and were it not for an incorrectly given red card would already have a Europa League final under his belt. Ibe is experiencing the first thrill of the squad and taking his chance very well. He's got a cracking eye for the run, isn't afraid to run at players, and wants to take on the world. But as good as that is, we (at least I) noticed that he often took too long on the ball, didn't pass as soon as he should have, and tried to do too much at times. With games he'll get better, but I don't think we can hype the lad up so much yet. Markovic hasn't done as well as I wanted him to be doing (because he's got defensive duties that he's never had before) and he's had off days. But at the moment I'd definitely take Markovic over Ibe. With Markovic, his rise has been documented throughout Europe for a few years. With Ibe, he's had a few excellent runs in the Prem so far. Both have no ceiling, but one of them has shown more in his career so far.
I like Markovic. He's still adapting and I doubt we'll see the best of him on a consistent basis until next year. He's 20, in a foreign league and being played in a position he doesn't know. He's shown glimpses of real quality and has that pace to get past people while has scored a few goals which are obviously always important. I'd like to see him get a run in a proper wide forward position but we don't play that way at the moment but learning a new role in the RWB position can only benefit him in the long run. I don't see how people can't be excited about our attacking players for the next few years. I know it's all ifs and but's but the potential is very exciting. Ibe, Sterling, Markovic, Coutinho all under 22, Sturridge only 25 and then Origi who has shown promise to come in and add even more pace. Pace scares teams, even if you're not the best technically, if you have pace up top it puts pressure on teams to defend and not leave space which then opens more room for others to play. Can't wait until we get all the above playing together on a regular basis along with Can, Henderson in the middle who are mobile. Team is looking exciting for the future.
I think in general Markovic is at least o nthe same level as Can. Both lads have done well in showing they have brains and adaptability. Ibe has only barely started showing this. For me the price tag is all that can be held over markovic by some and frankly thats not of his doing. thats rodgers and LFC's problem so yeah i think markoivc has shown something after many month of not showing anything. Better decisions but i feel actually I'd want him to develop himself in these roles as i don't think he's got that outright power/pace that is needed i nthe prem higher up. He's not slow certainly he is fast but he's not that fast. The best thing i'd say is i'd have markovic over lallana anyday. thats the best comparison there is. why we bought lallana i do not know.
I agree. Coutinho, Sterling, Ibe, Markovic, Sturridge. With Can, Henderson, Moreno, Flanagan/Manquillo behind. And of course Sakho, who will probably shake off his bad days and become a beast. All we need IMO is one more class midfielder and a solid defender that isn't Skrtel or Lovren.
Is Mignolet now forgiven? If we keep our current system I feel we need an alternative to Henderson, A dynamic DM or CB depending on where Can will play, a replacment or genuine competition for Mignolet and a really decent striker. We could also sign an extra CB for depth if Ilori is not ready yet. 4 or 5 signings. We could do this cheap. Free: Romero (if competition), Milner, Khedira, Schar or Vlaar. Cheap: Cech, Stegen or Trapp (if replacing Mignolet). Spend big on striker: Aubemeyang, Lacazette, Alcacera.
