We're not going to find anyone to replace TAA. It would be nice to have someone better than Neco for RB, but honestly, I don't think he's been that bad. We could certainly do better, but he's done OK as a fill-in.
I wouldn't mind going, see a bit of Spain, of course, I wouldn't spend long there before heading to the coast. Maybe spend some time in Barcelona too. But would you say no to a bit of Mbappe on the side? I think we have enough fixtures to keep all 5 happy... Although honestly my concern is that Salah, Mane, Firm are all about the same age and all at peak age already... There's a few more years before they go out to pasture but we've got to accept that they're slowly going to start declining from here on out. Mbappe and Jota still have growth. If we realistically had a chance at Mbappe in a way that wouldn't hurt our future finances, you take it. Start build the next fearsome trio before our current ones are using walkers. Maybe sell one of our untouchables while they still have huge market value if we absolutely have to. Makes sense long term. All that said, we won't sign Mbappe, it's not the kind of thing the club does, nor am I sure it would be financially responsible... But if we ignore the finances, I'd obviously take him, we have the room for another star even if an attacker is overall low priority.
Its difficult, taa is an absolute world class player, with a unique set of skills for a right back. Neco is more like robertson, all pace and an work rate. Plus he's definitely being targeted by the opposition as a weak link. They are doubling up on his side hoping to see him crack. When he first came in, to a strong fit side, he was cracker going forward, whipped some very good crosses in, this has been curtailed some what by needing to have a more compact back line. Ive been critical myself, but thinking of the different factors, I think he's done well. Maybe a C plus.
We have bought so well since Klopp came in - our hit rate is well above 50% and that has been a key factor in our success. Obviously players like Trent, Hendo, Milner, Gomez and Bobby are important but weren't signed under Klopp and therefore excluded. The Sparks: the guys who kick started the revolution Mane: gave us something that we badly lacked - pace and directness. Until then, we were blunt and slow. He finally gave us the dimension and our attack was significantly improved. Gini: Mr Reliable. Played so many matches for us and has been consistent. Whilst I may complain that I want to see more from him, no one can deny his defensive contribution and positional awareness. Matip: we had suffered from such sh*t defenders over the years - mostly Lovren and Skrtel. So it was nice to have a competent defender in Matip. He had started pretty well and then dipped slightly but has now established his rep as a top class defender. He helped to add a bit more stability to the defence before VVD arrived. Not only a very good defender but his ability on the ball helps to start attacks. Robbo: another Mr Reliable who has developed so much and is now (for me) the best left back in the world. As we know, LB was a problem area for us but Robbo is just brilliant. Fantastic all round footballer who can defend and attack. The Game Changers: the guys who came into a slightly stronger unit but took it to the next level Allison: what more can be said? He's the best keeper in the world and helped strengthened the defensive unit. The guy is the complete package - good with his feet, elite shot stopper, quick off his line, great command of his box and phenomenal positioning and timing. VVD: I could write paragraphs on this guy but I'll try and keep it short and sweet. He's by far the best centre back in the world and it's not even close. His peak is up there with the very best in the game. Our defence was still struggling but he came in and transformed our weakest area into one of the best defences over the past 2 years. Not only is a world class defender but he's leader. Fabinho: I mentioned this in another thread but I think he's low key one of the best signings we've ever made. £40m is a bargain for a world class defensive midfielder, a top class centre back and someone who is very capable at right back (although we've not yet seen it!). If VVD is the filling, then Allison and Fabinho are the slices of bread that make the best defensive unit sandwich over the past 2 years. He provides us with that physical presence but is also so good on the ball. His passing is progressive, his tackling is ferocious. He added much needed steel to this team. Salah: one of the best signing we have ever made. £35m for a player who has consistently around 30 G+A's every season since joining is great business. Our attack was already good with Bobby, Coutinho and Mane but with Coutinho leaving and Bobby not being a goal threat, we were hugely reliant on Mane. I recall the season prior to Salah joining, Mane was out injured or he had to go to AFCON and we struggled massively. Salah came in and provided us not just with goals but creativity and more pace. He completed out attack and took it to the next level.
not true. He stands on the right side of the pitch not passing it to mane. this enables mane to play from the left which has made him into the player his is today. He had one good year as RW for us but he has been outstanding since then from the left and his goal output has shot up. thus salah just being there makes mane a great player. (you only need look at any game klopp has stuck mane out on the right and how much it hurts his game)
Granted, I haven't been able to see all his games, didn't see Middytitty game for example... But what I have seen of him, he hasn't really been tested too much, the rest of the team has been doing a great job protecting him. He hasn't done bad, and he hasn't made mistakes, so probably has a bright future, but I'm not ready to call him a success yet. Wait for a team like Spurs and their counter-attacking football. The team won't be able to protect him as well when it's a bunch of sudden against-the-run of play breakaway attacks.
Young Harvey Elliott scored a nice goal for Blackburn today - we should stick a cheeky bid on for him in the summer....
Ready to open talk with VVD. https://www.teamtalk.com/news/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-ready-virgil-van-dijk-contract-talks
