No van Dijk? No Replacement? Equals Failed Transfer Window
In the last three seasons the Reds have conceded 140 goals in the Premier league, that is an average of 46.7 goals a season. Simply not good enough. There's nothing better than seeing an attacking Liverpool side at their fluid, dynamic best causing havoc to opposition defences, but for the previous five years, possibly longer, we've seen our defence capitulate all too often. 4 against Bournemouth, 3 against Leicester, 3 against Watford, 2 against a dire Sunderland side. These are …
Are We Underrating Liverpool's Full-Back Options?
It’s fair to say that Liverpool’s full-backs divide opinion.
The performances of James Milner and Nathaniel Clyne came under increasing scrutiny last season, with the duo’s level dipping dramatically at the turn of the year and never returning.
Both receive plenty of negative press in an era when full-backs are as renowned for their flamboyant attacking play as they are their diligent defensive work - the names of Milner and Clyne are not likely to make it onto the back …
Assessing Liverpool's Defence For The Upcoming Campaign
Having signed Dominic Solanke and smashing the club’s record transfer fee for Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have begun identifying key weaknesses within their current side. Andy Robertson is the latest to join The Reds this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to address what has been a troubling position for several years now.
However, there remains a number of issues within the current squad, particularly in the defensive areas. So, with a new season on the horizon, how are Liverpool shaping up …
Dominic Solanke: A versatile squad player from the off?
Mohamed Salah has already signed, and Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita continue to dominate Liverpool-related transfer news, so Dominic Solanke's arrival on Merseyside has almost gone under the radar.
The 19-year-old has now officially joined from Chelsea, after a superb summer that saw him win the U20 World Cup with England and be named the tournament's best player.
A player full of potential who was never going to be given a chance at Stamford Bridge, Solanke could be a …
What Has Happened To Liverpool's Fanbase?
Liverpool supporters pride themselves on being one of, if not the best, fan base in the world.
It is something that has been associated with the Reds throughout history, and while a certain level of bias will always be involved, I have often thought no set of fans are quite as passionate, intelligent and proud of their team.
Anfield creates European nights like no other, supporters come together tremendously in moments of adversity and managers and players across the globe …
FSG Out!
Maybe you read the headline to this article and got all giddy with excitement. Clicked the link with the eagerness of a 10-year-old on Christmas morning, hoping to unwrap all the compelling reasons why FSG should be chased out of town.
Or, maybe you read the headline and was utterly outraged. Incredulous, you clicked on the link with the same eagerness as described above, ready to speed read through all the absurdities before telling me how much of a cretin …
Why Liverpool Fans Do In Fact Need A Reality Check
I don’t write columns very often. A combination of being too busy with work and not really being arsed make this the first thing I’ve written in a year. I normally prefer to just spew my thoughts en masse onto my Twitter account and leave you to figure out what I’m trying to say. But you’ve driven me to this. The following is YOUR fault. You know who you are. If you don’t, maybe you relate to one of these.
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Virgil van Dijk is Worth £70m to Liverpool
Nonsense governs the football transfer market. Trying to find sense in the machinations of hyper rich football clubs and the pursuit of their transfer targets is puerile. There is no universal rule that applies to all clubs when it comes to valuing players; rather it is subjective and depends on the context of the club willing to spend money on a said player.
This bring us to Virgil van Dijk and his proposed and so far turbulent transfer to Liverpool. …
Alternatives to Virgil van Dijk – Part 2
In Part 1, I analysed why Benedikt Höwedes of FC Schalke 04 should rank highly on Liverpool’s list of alternative centre-backs to Virgil van Dijk. Before reading this Part 2 article, please also see Part 1 for an overview of Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses and the profile of centre-back needed for Klopp’s current style and systems of play. You can find it here.
Nota Bene
At the time of writing this Part 2 article, recent unfortunate events affecting my primary target …
The quest for a new defender
Liverpool have some stunning players in their team at the moment. From Phillippe Coutinho terrifying defenders and midfielders alike to Sadio Mane outstripping pretty much anyone in front of him, their front 5 could easily be part of a title challenging team. Although Klopp has achieved high finishes, a Europa League final appearance and guaranteed Champion's League football next season, there is one of area of his team that seems to be something of a black hole - defence.
To …