http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33627800 Big signing for the Scousers. I can't say I'm too nervous about his arrival as he isn't (yet) anywhere near the level Suarez was at. I know that they're completely different players but my point is he's far from the finished article and isn't yet 'top drawer'. Also seems quite injury prone. In any event, knowing our luck he'll score against us in all possible fixtures! The other interesting part is how Brenda plans to play to Benteke's strengths. Their midfield seems far too narrow to bring the best out of a player whose greatest strengths are in the air and arriving late into the box. Time will tell I suppose and I'm a little disappointed we didn't make more of a move, but not for the money paid.
The thing with the Benteke signing is that Liverpool now have to try and find a way to get *deep breath* Benteke, Sturridge, Firminho, Coutinho, and Lallana into the same team - and that's not including Ings and Markovic, while also presuming Balotelli and Lambert are sold this summer. Meanwhile, I see Gary Cahill is helping Moron spike John Stones' drink: http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foo...-a-star-for-chelsea-and-england-10407262.html
I am amazed to see that Liverpool have signed Benteke as I could swear a few days ago I heard Brendan say "I know nothing about this deal".
The man is a professional WUM there's no doubting that. But credit to Fenwicks or whoever it is that owns liverpool; they've really stuck by him and given him a chance to put things right. That's trust that Levy by comparison hasn't ever really shown a manager since ENIC's takeover.
Personally I think that, although Liverpool do have a better side overall than last season, they haven't improved enough to get into the top 4. Honestly I reckon there's a good chance that the top 4 will stay similar to what it was last season and that Liverpool will find themselves 5th/6th again.
It will depend on how he plays and utilises all these signings I suppose. Milner should help out the defensive frailties a bit but they still seem intent on relying on Lovrens and Skrtle who have been less than impressive and maybe even Can who is a midfielder in defence. Could be looking to recreate the 2013/14 season by scoring ****-loads of goals and conceding nearly as many.
Liverpool will have to play a different way if they want to get the absolute best out of Benteke IMO. Its one of those signings where either the player will adapt to a new way of playing (rarely seems to happen) or the team will change style and it will be massive success or it will end badly.
I wonder how Danny Ings is viewing the coming season. Has to compete with Benteke, Sturridge (eventually), Ballotelli, Lambert for Centre forward and Coutinho, Firminho, Lallana, Origi, Markovic, Ibe for the withdrawn attacker roles. Surely his career will be on hold for a year or two?
What's happening with that Origi? He was on loan the first year, is he gonna feature for 'pool this? Or back out on loan? Liverpool=northern Chelsea?
Origi had a very poor season, getting voted into the worst XI in France. I think they'll assess him pre-season and probably loan him.
Nice to see so much 'Liverpool' talk on here Origi has been good so far in pre-season, hopefully he stays put and get's his chances in cup games and the EL. Lambert, Borini and Balotelli should move in (with any luck). Leaving us with Benteke and Sturridge as our 2 main strikers. With Ings and Origi as 3rd and 4th.
At the moment I'd bet on them going backwards again and I can't understand why they've spent all their money on attackers when their defence has so many issues. Clyne's a good right back but he's not the Ivanovic style fullback you'd want with all those attacking players infront of him. NSMEB mentioned Milner as someone that could help out defensively but I don't think that's true. For a start I remember him going off against the USA having made more fouls than he had touches of the ball! He's a hard worker, like Henderson, but neither are really suited to breaking up attacks, you want them on the ball, moving it forward. It doesn't look like Rodgers has learnt from last season at all! Given Benteke and Sturridge's injury problems I think the others will get plenty of game time.
I'm struggling to assess a lot of the business that clubs have done this season, as I've no idea who some of the players they're signing are. Some really obscure transfers going on, but I guess that's what the scouts get paid for.
10 man West Ham are currently playing extra-time against Birkirkaka FC, having lost 1-0 in normal time.
It's gone to penalties, with the Maltesers having a man sent off in extra-time. West Ham managed one shot on target in 120 minutes.
