AI:PRO

With LFC fans everywhere in World Cup withdrawal and on tenterhooks about the potential arrival of Alisson Becker, Trev Downey and his partner in crime, Reds’ legend Jan Molby, return to analyse the move for the bearded Brazilian. The two lads also chat about the arrival of Xherdan Shaqiri and analyse what he will add to Jürgen Klopp’s squad, they reflect on the World Cup exploits of Dejan Lovren and they discuss England’s run to the semi-finals. On a domestic note, there is some chat about Harry Wilson’s loan move, the potential signing of Nabil Fekir and the high-status friendlies coming up in The USA.

On this week’s Media Matters,  Nina Kauser is joined by Pete Smith, Sports Reporter for Stoke on Trent Live at The Sentinel. Pete gives the view from Stoke City on Liverpool's new boy Xherdan Shaqiri and gives insight into what Liverpool should expect from the Swiss international. Nina and Pete discuss: - The transfer from Stoke to Liverpool, including the fee - Shaqiri's time at Stoke - Xherdan's reputation at Stoke - Relationship with the fans - What type of personality he has, any funny stories of his whilst at Stoke. - Strengths and weaknesses - Any truth to attitude issues? How will he cope with rotation? - Fitness concerns Nina is then joined by Gags to close off the podcast and discuss Shaqiri some more after what they'd learnt from the interview with Pete. All this and more on Media Matters!

Regular presenters Allen O’Donoghue & Andrew Vincent are joined by Nina Kauser for part 2 to explore the how players can deal with the psychological impact of being replaced by big money signings, how these new boys can handle the weight of the badge and what it’s like being shipped out on loan. Get all of this and more on the Mind-Field podcast.

Eddie Gibbs is back on Anfield Index Pro after his cricketing break and he's joined by Swiss football expert and scout Oliver Zesiger. Oliver is also the co-head researcher on Switzerland players for Football Manager and he shares his thoughts on Liverpool's brand new signing Xherdan Shaqiri. The pair discuss: - Shaqiri's background and early days - His time at Bayern Munich - His importance to the Switzerland national team - Moving to Italy and then Stoke City - Strengths and weaknesses - The price Liverpool paid for him - Will the quality of this Shaqiri be different because of the quality of players around him? All this and more on the AnfieldIndex Pro + Podcast!

Gags and Dave get together to go through the hot topics in football as well as the Liverpool sphere. They start off on the World Cup as England exited at the hands of Lovren's Croatia. Henderson's role in the England team is discussed as well as his performance in the semi-final. They then move on to talk about Karius and the precarious position that Liverpool are in with their goalkeeping situation and how Danny Ward is not the answer. With the imminent signing of Xherdan Shaqiri, Gags asks Dave to go through his plus points and why Liverpool fans should get onboard with signing him. The boys sign off by wishing Lovren well and an admission from Dave that he would enjoy seeing Dejan win the World Cup!  All this and more on Old Skool!

Daniel Rhodes and Paul Dalglish look back on the semi-finals of the World Cup.  Topics Include:  - Why did Martinez change the tactical set up after the Brazil performance?  - Do France have the best defensive set up at the World Cup, and can they go up another couple of gears if required?  - Was Southgate playing too many players out of position which led to a safety-first approach? Why couldn't he react to Croatia taking advantage in the second half?  - What has Southgate done well during the tournament?  All this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Regular presenters Allen O’Donoghue & Andrew Vincent are joined by Nina Kauser to explore the how players can deal with the psychological impact of being replaced by big money signings, how these new boys can handle the weight of the badge and what it’s like being shipped out on loan. Get all of this and more on the Mind-Field podcast.

Gags Tandon and Simon Brundish discuss the effect of the World Cup on Liverpool's pre-seaon. They discuss when the players will be back and how quickly they will be up to speed. There's a further look into distance run stats and also a look at Harry Kane's form and England's set-piece stats.  Get all of this and more on the latest Fatigue Index Podcast.

On A-Eye Scouted this week, Dave is joined once again by Ryan Baldi, from Football Whispers, as they scout centre-backs! Dave has taken this opportunity to scout one of his favoured positions as he remains on the looks out for a player to replace Lovren! All this and more on A-Eye Scouted!

For the first time on the AnfieldIndex Pro + Podcast we've tried to do something a little different. Gags Tandon invites Dave Hendrick, Dan Kennett and Mo Chatra to re-create a transfer committee and try to plan Liverpool FC's summer with the best players possible within a budget. The following roles were set for the podcast: Gags Tandon - The Manager Dan Kennett - Lead Data Analyst Dave Hendrick - Head Scout Mo Chatra - Financial Director Gags set out the requirements for the squad, what types of characteristics the players need to have. Dave comes up with lists of players whilst Dan Kennett provides some statistical analysis of the players mentioned as well as any he has found by using the data. Mo Chatra discusses the valuations of the players and the types of deals they may need to be completed as which would have an effect on the budget. Mo Chatra also sets the budget at the start with some assumptions. In Part 3 the committee finalises their plan and sets out a list of players that become their targets for the 18/19 season!