Sport Liverpool Football Club

[V3zna]

I didn't really answer tbb's question properly from earlier as I was unfortunately trying to post using a joypad on a PS3. The flack that tbb has been given when he posted a genuine question is ridiculous. Some of you really need to get a grip and discover what genuine trolling really is. Anyway, Commander Jameson has summed up pretty much what I wanted to say. We've replaced a not good enough striker - Crouch, with a genuinely world class one in Torres. We've made the signings - Lucas and Mascherano, that enable Gerrard to play the position in which he wants to. We are about to cull further players that are not good enough - Riise and Pennant, having already removed one that wasn't - Sissoko. Our core or squad players are still here and performing to an acceptable level - Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Alonso, Kuyt. Newer players have settled in fairly well - Babel and Skrtel especially. With a mainly injury free season and a handful of key signings we'll maybe get closer next term to that league title. During Rafa's reign our end of season points total has got closer every year to the Champions and if that's not progress I don't know what is. Benitez isn't perfect, he's made mistakes this season but no one's perfect.

[Guest]

Yeah tbb is alright he's funny to wind up though

[johnj]

What does tbb think of Liverpool's season? I wish I had Torres in my fantasy football team

[DeNeo]

I'd be a bit annoyed if we got rid of Alonso, Crouch and Pennant (players who've done at least a few good things during their time at Liverpool) and kept the likes of Voronin and even Benayoun.

Might as well do the first of many of these for the summer:

GK

Keep - Reina

Sell - Itandje

Buy - Someone cheap and experienced, Harper maybe.

DF

Keep - Carra, Agger, Skrtel, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Aurelio

Sell - Riise, Finnan

Buy - 1st choice replacements for the above (hence why selling them).

MF

Keep - Gerrard, Alonso, Lucas, Mascherano, Babel

Sell - Kewell, Benayoun, Pennant (even with what I said above - I'd rather sell them both than keep the worse of the 2)

Buy - 1st choice left and right wingers. Please god this year, we need 2 players with pace who can cross the ball from the wings (and score)! Babel and Benayoun were never going to be that, they come inside too much.

FW

Keep - Torres, Kuyt

Sell - Crouch (since it's obvious he's off), Voronin

Buy - Just one replacement, Babel can be our 4th choice if need be.

[ras el hanout]

I think the season has been a big disaster with the only plus point being Torres.

[Takizawa]

I'd say i'm only disappointed by the behind the scenes busniess.

I like the way we play and the additions to the squad have been superb.

The thing that always gets me is how we single out people and say they have to go, but looking at other teams not all their players have amazing seasons either. For example i'd say Babel has made a bigger impact than Anderson and Nani (who's also a theatrical idiot), but you don't hear United fans complaining. Aurellio and Arberloa have both been superb when fit, and the loss of Agger was a huge loss for most of the season. I'm not sure where this is going, I think we have an expectancy for ALL our players to be outstanding every game all season long, but realistically that happens at no club, not even United and Chelsea.

I've never felt like we couldn't beat anyone this season, especially in Europe (where our relatively easy beating of Inter went pretty unnoticed) so I guess that's a positive.

[DC]

I'd say i'm only disappointed by the behind the scenes busniess.

I like the way we play and the additions to the squad have been superb.

The thing that always gets me is how we single out people and say they have to go, but looking at other teams not all their players have amazing seasons either. For example i'd say Babel has made a bigger impact than Anderson and Nani (who's also a theatrical idiot), but you don't hear United fans complaining. Aurellio and Arberloa have both been superb when fit, and the loss of Agger was a huge loss for most of the season. I'm not sure where this is going, I think we have an expectancy for ALL our players to be outstanding every game all season long, but realistically that happens at no club, not even United and Chelsea.

I've never felt like we couldn't beat anyone this season, especially in Europe (where our relatively easy beating of Inter went pretty unnoticed) so I guess that's a positive.

Anderson has bossed the midfield in some crucial games (you at the Anfield and Arsenal at the Emirates spring to mind) so I'd have to disagree with that. Nani has been shit or champagne tis true and his diving/theatrics dont help you to win fans. I think he could be something special when he matures though.

I've often thought that Babel looks really dangerous when I've watched you play. At OT he was going through Wes Brown like he wasnt there. And then he got subbed.

[Guest]

I'd say i'm only disappointed by the behind the scenes busniess.

I like the way we play and the additions to the squad have been superb.

The thing that always gets me is how we single out people and say they have to go, but looking at other teams not all their players have amazing seasons either. For example i'd say Babel has made a bigger impact than Anderson and Nani (who's also a theatrical idiot), but you don't hear United fans complaining. Aurellio and Arberloa have both been superb when fit, and the loss of Agger was a huge loss for most of the season. I'm not sure where this is going, I think we have an expectancy for ALL our players to be outstanding every game all season long, but realistically that happens at no club, not even United and Chelsea.

I've never felt like we couldn't beat anyone this season, especially in Europe (where our relatively easy beating of Inter went pretty unnoticed) so I guess that's a positive.

Have to admit I'm a big fan of Babel. When he comes on in games he offers something different. The thing is when he starts he doesn't produce as of yet.

Arbeloa has been solid, and I'm a keen admirer of Aurellio. Being Brazillion I half suspected he wouldnt have been able to defend - but he's looked good when he's played. He's also a an expert crosser/set piece exponent. Think is he seems to get injured alot

I've been saying for years Riise is not a good defender - often you'll see him playing people onside/not holding the line...perhaps not his fault as he may not train there enough. But those early promising building blocks that he laid down for us...he's been shifted from left back to left mid over and over, and never really grasped a position long term. I feel sorry for him as he was having a lot of joy on the left and then I believe Kewell appeared? Then any other number of players - Gonzales (who I thought was going to be a star!) for instance.

Fair play to JAR he has played hundreds of games for the club and won a hell of a lot - for that I almost don't want to see him go. But then you feel he'd have to be a squad play (3rd choice at left back or left mid) at best. Would he want to do that?

[Marzipan Travolta]

This time last year Liverpool were 22 points behind Man U with a +30 goal difference. They are currently 11 points behind with a +37 goal difference.

That is progress. Plain and simple.

[Guest]

This time last year Liverpool were 22 points behind Man U with a +30 goal difference. They are currently 11 points behind with a +37 goal difference.

That is progress. Plain and simple.

Good point.

[rjpageuk]

This time last year Liverpool were 22 points behind Man U with a +30 goal difference. They are currently 11 points behind with a +37 goal difference.

That is progress. Plain and simple.

Yeah but the season before that we were only 1 point behind Man U (and about 6-9 points better off than this season depending on how we do in the final game).

[tenrou]

I think the additions to Liverpool have been good. I think Babel has a lot of potential and Torres has been superb. In my opinion Liverpools problem is that while we have some great players we have areas where we don't have a player who deserves to be in a title winning side. We can say Arbeloa has been good in matches but I don't think he has the quality to be in a title winning side, same with Finnan, Pennant, Benayoun and Kuyt. Every pundit loves Kuyt's work rate and I can't fault him for his effort. When it comes to the crunch, we need some quality over effort.

[Guest]

Yeah but the season before that we were only 1 point behind Man U (and about 6-9 points better off than this season depending on how we do in the final game).

Good point.

[Guest]

I think the additions to Liverpool have been good. I think Babel has a lot of potential and Torres has been superb. In my opinion Liverpools problem is that while we have some great players we have areas where we don't have a player who deserves to be in a title winning side. We can say Arbeloa has been good in matches but I don't think he has the quality to be in a title winning side, same with Finnan, Pennant, Benayoun and Kuyt. Every pundit loves Kuyt's work rate and I can't fault him for his effort. When it comes to the crunch, we need some quality over effort.

I was criticised earlier in the season for saying I didn't think Benayoun had what it takes for us. Where ever he plays in the midfield, I could not see him replacing any of Man Utds or Chelsea's midfielders.

Are there still those out there who thinks he's got what it takes?

I am glad Mascherano has come on so well, I was certainly waiting to see if he came good but he's been solid and consistent has an excellent engine and his tackling is remarkably well timed and solide. Although he's out for the Olympics it seems?

I wonder where Barry would go. I doubt he would be happy playing on the left, so perhaps with the squad rotation Rafa sees him as a CM - covering for Masch. But then they aren't the same kind of players really are they? I have not seen enough of Barry to know how his defensive/workrate side holds up.

[Kelthink]

We're gonna be selling Alonso fer sure if we get Barry, so he'll do that position. Whilst his passing may not be as clinical, he'll certainly be able to make decisions faster than a tree.

[Guest]

Alonso is of absolutely no use in Pro Evo it has to be said. Sissoko is far better!

[Liquid Myth]

You're not going to get third and you're not going to slip to fourth.

Where is this mythical position? (tongue smiley)

[V3zna]

We're gonna be selling Alonso fer sure if we get Barry, so he'll do that position. Whilst his passing may not be as clinical, he'll certainly be able to make decisions faster than a tree.

Football365 have Barry put in beside Gerrard further forward, presumably with Babel over on the right and with Mascherano & Alonso behind. At least we'll finally have someone that can actually take a set piece.

[Reidles]

I feel that the season has been indifferent, definately not a disappointment, but not enough to justify saying that we have made progress, at least not in any palpable way. It is a fair point about being hard to beat though.

Of course I would love the behind the scenes business to be sorted out and would love some new, better players in certain positions. But I feel, while we are now capable of grinding out results against stubborn, lower table sides who snatch a goal here and there when we are below par (Wigan, Reading, etc), our real weakness lies against the teams above us. IIRC We played (in all competitions) Arsenal, Utd and Chelsea 10 times in total, 5 of which at home and only had one win - and that was in the good old CL. We also had the lead in the Arsenal and Chelsea home games. This wasn't too different in Rafa's earlier seasons and, strangely, something we always seemed to excel at under Houllier.

Anyways, if can take more points of those three in league next season, and still keep our concentration for the smaller games, I reckon we'll be much closer.

[DeNeo]

At least we'll finally have someone that can actually take a set piece.

And cross the ball.

Was thinking before, he could probably be Riise's replacement. Not in an entirely direct sense - we'd have Aurelio as our first choice left back, with Barry either in the middle or on the left of midfield, then when Aurelio isn't playing, Barry would play left back. We wouldn't have to get another left back then, and we'd have gained a player who can play in a variety of positions.

[Kelthink]

According to the Telegraph, Juve are interested in Xabi Alonso.

A midfield with Momo and Xabi! That would be the fucking best.

[DeNeo]

According to the Telegraph, Juve are interested in Xabi Alonso.

A midfield with Momo and Xabi! That would be the fucking best.

Nah, they'd need Gerrard on the right for that to work

[DeNeo]

Was thinking before, he could probably be Riise's replacement. Not in an entirely direct sense - we'd have Aurelio as our first choice left back, with Barry either in the middle or on the left of midfield, then when Aurelio isn't playing, Barry would play left back. We wouldn't have to get another left back then, and we'd have gained a player who can play in a variety of positions.

And lo...

Liverpool are winning the battle to sign Gareth Barry with the player himself having made the decision to sign for Rafael Benitez's club this summer rather than agree a new contract at Aston Villa. Benitez is also close to signing the Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor as a back-up to Jose Reina.

The deal for the Aston Villa captain is set to prove the most complicated with the two clubs still at loggerheads over a fee, but Barry's wishes will, in all likelihood, force Villa into doing a deal eventually. The offer from Liverpool for Barry was valued at £10m although it was not an exclusively cash deal. In exchange for Barry, Liverpool were offering a choice of John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant or Scott Carson, who is currently on loan to Villa, plus an unspecified cash deal to make the value up to £10m.

Barry has two years left of his contract at Villa and would become the side's highest earner should he accept the deal on offer to him. However, he has decided after 11 years at Villa that a move to Anfield would be in his best interests even though he is likely to be asked by Benitez to fulfil a role on the left side of midfield and defence rather than in the centre – where he has established himself for England.

O'Neill dismissed the offer for Barry, which was faxed by Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry on Friday, as a "mish-mash of player exchanges concerning unnamed players". Unfortunately from Villa's perspective, the Liverpool player they would really like, Peter Crouch, who is out of contract next summer, was not among the players eventually offered to them in part-exchange.

Crouch's future is still uncertain after he was left out of the Liverpool squad to face Manchester City on Sunday even though the England striker was fit. It now appears that Crouch, Pennant, Riise – a target for Newcastle – and possibly Yossi Benayoun (woo!) will all be allowed to leave in the summer. As well as signing the Borussia Dortmund full-back Philip Degen on a free transfer, Benitez will also move for Taylor.

Taylor, 36, is playing for a Birmingham team that is in the bottom three of the Premier League as they approach the last game of the season. He has been at Birmingham since 2003 where he originally went on loan from Fulham before signing. He lost his place in last season's team that came up from the Championship but won it back this season and has been a regular since.

Benitez only has the relatively untried Charles Itandje as a back-up for Reina. The signings of Barry and Taylor may not quicken the pulse of Liverpool fans but they demonstrate their manager's determination to do deals quickly and make major changes this summer.

Whether Benitez will be able to lay out on a player comparable to Fernando Torres will surely depend upon the ownership battle raging between George Gillett and Tom Hicks and Dubai International Capital who want to buy the Americans' shares. Nevertheless, with Crouch's future uncertain the Liverpool manager is facing the next season with a greater reliance on Torres than even this term.

Taylor's an interesting one too. He obviously doesn't have faith in Itandjie

[Guest]

Taylor's an interesting one too. He obviously doesn't have faith in Itandjie

Again. Itandjie is no good in Pro Evo. Whatcha gonna do?

[rjpageuk]

Carson is the obvious player choice for Villa, if this deal was done I wonder how much cash would be needed to do the deal?

I thought we were hoping for somewhere around £9-£10M (!) for Carson.

[Kelthink]

We're never getting £9 million for Carson. We'd be lucky to get £6 million.

And Maik Taylor? I know you can never have two great 'keepers, but he's a bit bum, no?

[Warszawa]

I think Barry would be a fantastic signing. Not the most glamorous player but a regular in a very good Premiership side, a player who has broken into the England team. He's not going to add to the flair but then look at how a fairly similar signing, that of Michael Carrick for Man Utd, worked out....

Taylor would be a good back-up keeper, too. Solid at what he does and a good professional.

[V3zna]

Carson is the obvious player choice for Villa, if this deal was done I wonder how much cash would be needed to do the deal?

I thought we were hoping for somewhere around £9-£10M (!) for Carson.

Unfortunately Carson doesn't appear to be much good. O'Neill surely knows this and the Villa fans certainly do.

[larrydavidsanger]

We've replaced a not good enough striker - Crouch, with a genuinely world class one in Torres. We've made the signings - Lucas and Mascherano, that enable Gerrard to play the position in which he wants to. We are about to cull further players that are not good enough - Riise and Pennant, having already removed one that wasn't - Sissoko. Our core or squad players are still here and performing to an acceptable level - Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Alonso, Kuyt. Newer players have settled in fairly well - Babel and Skrtel especially. With a mainly injury free season and a handful of key signings we'll maybe get closer next term to that league title. During Rafa's reign our end of season points total has got closer every year to the Champions and if that's not progress I don't know what is. Benitez isn't perfect, he's made mistakes this season but no one's perfect.

This is pretty much how I feel about the season. I'd welcome Maik Taylor as a sub keeper, decent enough when he needs to play but too old to be any trouble if he didn't get games, plus it'd be nice to have a Norn Iron international at Anfield. Harper'd be a good one too, but he seems fairly devoted to Newcastle. Someone mentioned Lahm earlier, from what I've seen of him I think he'd be a good signing... he seems head and shoulders above Riise any way

[larrydavidsanger]

More from the football365 gossip column

As well as signing Barry, The Indy also says that 'Benitez is close to signing the Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor as a back-up to Jose Reina' and 'Borussia Dortmund full-back Philip Degen on a free transfer'.

Degen is a right-back and it could be all change at full-back at Liverpool next season with the Daily Mail reporting that 'Liverpool are lining up an £8million move for Barcelona defender Eric Abidal as manager Rafa Benitez plans a major shake-up in the wake of his side ending the season empty-handed'.

To accommodate the new men, John Arne Riise has been told he should look for a new club. The Chelsea hero was, says The Sun, 'called into a meeting with boss Rafa Benitez following their exit from the competition last week'.

I know nothing of Degen, is he much cop? Voronin proved that a free transfer's not always value for money last year