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Official Liverpool FC Thread @ The Phins

Discussion in 'Other Sports Forum' started by Paul 13, Apr 19, 2015.

  1. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Need a love button for those great vids!!!

    looks like Mbappe to Real Madrid. Wonder if there will be any big suitors for Salah if we don’t sign him?
     
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  2. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    this is an odd quote. On one hand, he's saying LFC aren't involved in the negotiations... on the other hand, he's saying LFC are interested and he cannot speak anymore. If I read between the lines, LFC won't get into a bidding war with Mbappe. The player has to WANT to be at LFC. He'll know LFC's offer. If that is what he wants, he can be here because we would love to have him. He's world class.

    Keep in mind that we're also in the middle of potential negotiations with Sadio and Mo. So Klopp has to be very cagey with how he speaks. Good stuff! If you look back and see how we signed Alisson and VVD, the two biggest signings since Klopp became manager, they wanted to be here, we wanted them to be here, there was no other team bidding for the player (that I recall). So it's sort of the same thing. Klopp can win either way here.
     
  3. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    It is really too bad that City drew at West Ham. So close to it coming down to goal difference. At least it's coming down to the final day now (draining game today at Southamption). And Villa, with all the former LFC players involved, quite the story line there. I'll be tuning into both games at the same time. Unlike last time, when we needed City to lose and LFC to win, we depended on real time updates (that was a crazy time when Brighton scored first!). I'm watching both games at the same time lol... Not making any predictions. But it's going to be a lot of fun.
     
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  4. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Always sad at the end of the league year.

    It’s going to be a tough day to have to hope MC lose or draw and we have to win. Really just have to take care of business and let the chips fall. Odds are against City tying but if we win we have to be proud of what we did coming from so far behind when it looked almost a lock they would win the league.

    Go Aston Villa!

    Next year could be tougher the way Man City spends. Good grief. Frustrating to see a team have that much money and buy titles in ways few others can do.

    Rally hate seeing Origi leave. He has been a crucial player for the Reds in spite of a lack of playing time. Such huge goals. Huge.

    Probably should have gotten a little more PT. He really is the only forward threat in the air and his ability to score and being such a team player has been great.

    This team has done so well staying together for the last 5-6 years and just adding key pieces. It’s been a real joy. And a joy to watch the additions like Tsimikas. He has shown such improvement. I’m pretty much content with he or Robertson at that spot.

    Two games left. Let’s make it two wins! Come on! Let’s Go!!
     
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  5. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Mbappe turnabout and staying at PSG.

    Unless we sign Mo soon, I have a strong feeling Real Madrid will make a big offer to Liverpool for Salah.

    Really can’t believe that Man City got Haaland for only 51 million! (Will wind up at 85 million after signing bonus money).

    If we lose Origi and Salah that would think out the forwards quite a bit. We also have Mane to sign. His overall play is big but no one seems to score at the high rate Salah does.

    I suspect the UCL final outcome could be a factor on some of these deals.
     
  6. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I really thought we had a shot at Mbappe, but what PSG did with him is just nuts. And Haaland going to City is beyond sick because they were so close to signing Harry Kane. And if they had, I doubt Haaland goes there too. I can't say we are afraid to spend big because we certainly have in the past with Alisson and Virgil.
     
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  7. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Maybe….
     
  8. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Thats harsh. Incredibly harsh.
     
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  9. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    F*** Man City! So typically of them to play like crap and score a bunch of goals. Can’t abide them. Ever. I don’t care who wins the EPL next year as long as it’s not those ********!

    The Leicester game was the worst moment that made a big difference.

    Now we HAVE to win next week. Huge game. Gotta get our minds back together for next week.

    Let’s hope there is no Sergio Ramos in this game. I still contend it was an obvious intentional foul and red card. Am I still bitter about that take down? Why, yes, I am. Lol!

    Gotta win.
     
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  10. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Just now seeing that Thiago may have an Achilles injury and it’s not looking good for the Final.

    injuries are such a killer. So infuriating as a fan. If he can’t play and we don’t win I will be doubly gutted. If we are full strength and lose, fair enough.
     
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  11. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I have Sandor Clegane (The Hound from Game of Thrones) in my head... **** City... And **** the Queen. :lol: But really the lesson is we shouldn't have to rely on other teams to help us on the final week of the season. That's twice now that City have tickled our asses with a feather. I couldn't bring myself to watch any of their celebrations. A historically shallow team (kind of reminds me of the Patriots), where the fans will jump ship at the first moment of struggles. All paid for by questionable sources and through questionable means. Financial Fair Play, remember when they were being investigated? Oh yeah... that...
     
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  12. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Lol on the Hound! Perfect.

    Totally agree. Hate them and I can’t believe they got little more than a slap of the hand. Then went out and spent a bazillion. **** em.

    Their advocates point to the spending on Van Dijk and Allison. But if you look at the overall spending - especially relative to the going rate when those players were bought - there is no comparison. Man City is vastly more a bought team than Liverpool comes close to being.
     
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  13. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I knew it! ahhhhh... tis a shame, but at least Real Madrid aren't going to get him either.

     
  14. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    From ESPN’s top players/managers in the EPL. The author argued for him as player of the year. These stats are really amazing given the slump he had the past 2-3 months:


    1. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool. What matters more to you: sum-total production or raw efficiency? Do you care about non-penalty vs. penalty goals? More focused on underlying performance that overt production? Well, I'm here to tell you that it doesn't matter.

    Most goals in the league? Mohamed Salah (23, tied with Son Heung-Min). Most assists in the league? Mohamed Salah (13). Most goals+assists in the league? Mohamed Salah. Most non-penalty goals+assists in the league? Mohamed Salah. Most expected goals plus expected assists in the league? Mohamed Salah. Most non-penalty xG+xA in the league? Mohamed Salah. Most non-penalty xG+XA per 90 minutes in the league? Mohamed Salah. Most non-penalty goals+assists per 90 minutes in the league? Mohamed Salah.


    In other words, Salah produced more goals than any player in the league -- total -- and more goals than any player in the league per minute. All in all, the 29-year-old averaged 1.01 non-penalty goals+assists per 90 minutes. Only a handful of players across Europe do it every year -- seven this season -- and Salah did it in the most difficult league in the world. More simply, he's just the fourth player in Premier League history to at least tie for the lead in both goals and assists. Join that club, and you deserve to be the Player of the Year.
     
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  15. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Lets ****ing go!!!! Thiago Fabs and Virgil all starting. Theres only one result worthy of this fantastic season.
     
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  16. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    A year ago I thought the weakness on Liverpool was midfield. Now I think it’s that there is no consistently dominant goal scorer. Ironic. And unfortunate.
     
  17. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    **** those ****ers at Real Madrid. Cortois was great but they were lucky. Have hated them for over a decade. Still do.

    The other weakness is TAA. I love him. He’s done so much but seems to have faded the past year. His defensive play lacks a Lot to be desired. Too many lapses. And his crosses this last half of the season have also been lacking.

    Maybe it was just too much on the entire team to maintain that high level that long. Especially with the African Cup which seemed to drain Salah and even Mane a bit.
     
  18. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Goal looked offside to me. Did VAR even look? They had one goal on target. Better team didnt win today. Sorry to say it.
     
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  19. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    We really dominated. Two great saves. Matter of inches. We were the better team. In fact, I think when we are at full health, mentally rested, I’d take our peak overall play against anybody.

    I love this Liverpool team the past several years. They can’t spend nearly as much as Real Madrid or Manchester city or several other clubs even in the Premier league. Their ownership just doesn’t have the money and they don’t get as much revenue because — even though their fanbase is second to none in the world in any sport, imo. No doubt. There is no comparison — Still their market just simply is not as large as Manchester teams or several London teams nor the wealth of ownership that some of those teams have behind them.

    But Juergen Klopp is not only a truly great manager, there is no manager more likable, probably in all of sport, than Klopp. He is insanely likable. who doesn’t think he is a god and loves him? Lol!

    And the team played the max of any team in any season possible, in all of Europe, 63 games. And then their top two offensive players, Mane and Salah, possibly their top two players when they are on their game, had to take a month and play the African Cup! I was praying both their nations would lose early so they would not play so many games. Of course, both their nations made it to the final of the whole d*** thing!! And it went to penalties! WTF? Of course! And Salah missed his and Mane got the winner! **** that! Neither player was nearly as electric for Liverpool the last number of games as when they are at their peak. Just a long, draining season mentally and physically. Still great, but not quite where they were earlier which was just spectacular. So still a great great season. Never liked so many players on a single team.

    No idea what happens. Doesn’t seem to be a strong replacement for Salah or Mane on the market. If we had sold one and Haaland were still out there that would have ideal.
     
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  20. derek

    derek Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Forgive me guys, there's no dedicated football thread, so I am forced to post this in your Liverpool thread - not intending to troll.

    I watch a lot of Madrid, mainly because of Luka Modric. I hate it sometimes, because they have often employed some of the biggest d-bags in all of sports, but my love for Modric and Croatia is that strong. I've seen them at the Bernabeau, and in exhibition in North America. Objectively speaking, I really don't think many Liverpool players are as good as their counterparts in Madrid, and certainly not in the midfield. That includes their respective coaches. OK, defensively, sure, you win.

    I've been a big Klopp fan since his Dortmund days, even if he butted heads with Perisic. I just love him. The plan today seemed to be to press, and that proved to be fatal against Madrid's midfield. You just can't do that to Kroos and Modric and expect a result. The ball went over and around them in every way imaginable, tired legs resulted, and ultimately some big defensive lapses. Vini did score one, but his m.o. Is to flash some crazy footwork and then flub the shot. He wasted several chances that way today. How the Benzema goal was taken away makes no sense to anyone outside of Liverpool fan clubs.

    For Madrid's part, Ancelotti was calm as ever and stuck to his plan. Let the midfield dictate the pace of the game, maintain the defensive shape to counter Liverpool's speed, and win one on ones with the forwards, hopefully catching them with a high line. He's now won all of the top European leagues and 4 (or more?) UCLs - he belongs in the best ever discussion.

    Carvajal had an uncharacteristically great game against some speedy wingers, and Militao and Alaba miraculously showed positional discipline. Those all could have been massive liabilities. Coutois was man of the match, and I've never had much confidence in him. I know they had to replace Navas, but I was always hoping for one of the giant underrated Slovenians (Croatia's cousins).

    For me, the only thing Liverpool did better than Madrid today was create opportunities. They were not clinical up close or on target from far, and they were often caught out of position.

    Finally, the common thread for the past 10 UCL winners (including Liverpool) is that they all had at least 1 Croat on the squad. :-)

    Inter appears to be rebuilding, and Brozovic may be within reach if the right club calls. Imagine his passes freeing Salah and Jota.
    I'm also keeping an eye on Majer at Rennes. He made the top XI in France at the tender age of 23, as Camavinga's replacement. I think you are pretty set defensively and don't seem to play a traditional 9, else I'd suggest RedBull's Gvardiol or Sosa from Stuttgart.
     
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  21. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    One of my best friends is Croatian so I follow them closely. He always tells me no one has bigger hearts than the Croats. So I have an inside joke with my other friends at his expense. Like, Tua wouldn't have fractured his ribs on that sack if he was Croatian and had their heart. He also tells me about all the notable Croats from other sports. If there's a top ranked Croatian ping pong player, I'll be sure to be informed of him/her. Lol. Prideful nation and that is great to see.

    I am happy for Ancelotti. Many wrote him off as done and irrelevant. I am also happy for Marcelo, who is one of my favorite footballers. Nice to see him go out on top.
     
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  22. derek

    derek Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    LOL your friend sounds an awful lot like me. My favourite Croatia-Italy moment was when Rakitic said that the World Cup didn't ferl right without Buffon there, and pondered trading places with him. Buffoon's ever classy and witty reply was "but I'd make a fool of myself playing midfield". Loved that guy, and it was a pleasure watch he and Mandzukic end their storied careers together at Juve (even if I'll forever hate Sarri for how he underappreciated them)

    Imagine how happy I was when said ping ponger was referenced in an episode of my favourite TV show (The Office)!
     
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  23. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Modric is great. Love him. He’s one of the few players I like on Real M.

    TAA - who is a solid offensive reliever we and has been crucial to Liverpool’s success (but their’s is more of a team success than pure individual greatness in their biggest wins), has a number of defensive lapses. Most of the time it doesn’t hurt them because they will score, but against RM it was a crucial error on defensive marking.

    That said, the two saves by Cortois on Mane and Salah were crucial and their failure to make the most of those was a big difference maker in that game. Mane’s was a matter of an inch. Even Salah’s was deathly close.

    A player the uncanny caliber of Christiano Ronaldo would probably have scored on those. Obviously he’s an all time great. But that’s where Liverpool, as great as they have been, don’t have a singular player of that caliber. Sometimes it works for them (4 trophies, two seasons of one point misses on the EPL, and 3 UCL finals) sometimes it doesn’t.
     
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  24. derek

    derek Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I'm hearing that Madrid and PSG are in on Majer now - wish you guys had interest, as I think either move is a progress stopper. He needs minutes to blossom. Sucic in Austria appears to be next in the Croatian CAM succession. Looked swell in the exhibition vs France, and some smart club should swoop in fast to start getting him experience vs higher competition. Probably not ready for the EPL at 19, but the Dortmunds and Monacos of the world should call. Maybe Sevilla.
     
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  25. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Darwin Nunez looks to be heading in for a fee of around 80m euros. Not official yet, but it's close. We can only hope he has the same impact his countryman who played the same position Luis Suarez had! Probably a different type of player though. What impresses me the most about Nunez is his motor, Klopp is going to love that. When we played Benfica, late in the game Nunez was still chasing stuff down like a madman. He's also got impressive speed and balance for a player his size (he's very powerful). He's had a knee issue as recently as May to August 2021 but it all seems fine now. I guess in a way, he's a Divock Origi replacement who should get more time due to the likelihood of Mane going out (and eventually Salah?). I'd like to see another speedy player added to the front line. Another midfielder added as a Fabinho clone to lock things down. But adding Nunez is a nice consolation for not getting Haaland or Mbappe.
     
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  26. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I just noticed your last line. If there was a Croatian ping pong player reference in The Office I can 100% assure you it was merely a coincidence, as I've only seen a handful of full episodes. Fn crazy....
     
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  27. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    My AC Milan are tied with Origi, but probably just a pipe dream.

    Given Klopp's gegenpress system I imagine a high motor player like Nunez is highly desired. He has a current market value of $60M as per Transfermarkt, which happens to be the best soccer website if you guys aren't already aware.

    https://www.transfermarkt.us/darwin-nunez/marktwertverlauf/spieler/546543
     
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  28. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    yeah I don't visit that site too much, i should though. If Milan end up with Origi they are getting a heck of a player. I've always liked him and never gave up on him while many had said to let him go already (this was prior to his late game heroics that made him a cult hero).

    I don't know how serious LFC are in the Gavi talks, but man he's a talent. Would fit in perfectly for us. Probably a pipedream but I like that we are trying to lure these players anyway. one should never be afraid to fail especially considering LFC"s form of the last few years. these opportunities are limited, use it and see.
     
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  29. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I thought I read some headlines that Barca are going to increase Gavi's release clause to something astronomical.

    Would help Barca out though. They're in trouble and may not even be able to close on the Kessie free transfer deal because they have to come up with $500M or something like that. Dealing with Spain and their release clauses is a pain in the butt.

    GREAT player though. I look forward to watching Spain's future of Fati/Moriba/Gavi/Torres/Olmo as long as they're not playing Italy. They have huge potential with the new gen players coming up.
     
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  30. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    I’d be real happy with Nunez as a Mane replacement.

    I agree that we need another midfielder. I’d like to actually see one who could also score and be an offensive threat. I think both Fabinho and Henderson (though he’s aging) can fulfill defensive mids. Thiago is an amazing passer and needs to be a first team selection most every game. But doesn’t have the forward attacking element. Would love a B version of a De Bruyne.

    I saw a piece that speculated that Klopp might be looking to move to a 4-2-3-1 attack to try to counter some of the defenses he’s seen.
     
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  31. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    looking extremely likely, virtually done...
     
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  32. derek

    derek Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    LOL it happened:
     
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  33. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    LOL.
     
  34. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    yeah, I had to go back an reply to this post, Sadio joining back in 2016. What an addition he was!? He really started the Klopp revolution IMO. So dynamic, such pace, such creativity. Behind only Suarez in the last 10 years, he'd be my favorite "recent" signing.
     
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  35. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    official... he'll wear the #27... for now

     
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  36. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Congrats Liverpool fans!
     
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  37. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    and he's gone. so sad, but it had to happen. Mo should be next, yeah I said it.
     
  38. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I'm very glad this is over with and a decision has been made ahead of this season. We couldn't have that hanging over the club all season. So from that standpoint, I think we can all agree it's a great move. Now, I just have to HOPE that he returns to his normal form and not the **** show that occurred over the last few months of the season. Was that more because of the busy season taking a toll or is he starting to decline? BTW, the decline would be understandable given the age. But it shouldn't be a massive dropoff (that we saw, IMO).

    Anyway, delighted we can move forward. I needed some good news today, so I'm happy ultimately :wink2: :lol:
    It does take some pressure off of having to sign another forward at this time. The midfield could use some more depth. We shall see on that front.
     
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  39. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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  40. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    I've read in some places that Salah's contract is a risky deal. And that it somehow goes against The Fenway Group's pattern with giving big market deals to players. I disagree on both counts.

    I think fans fall for a common misnomer about The Fenway Group. The idea that TFG does not sign players to large contracts is simply false. First, in 2018 and 2019 they had the largest payroll in MLB (that's something given the likes of the Dodgers and Yankees). They are simply more strategic (thus, Mane leaves; Salah is signed). The Red Sox have given out significant deals for players who will be aging out of their worth: pitcher (always risky) Chris Sale - at age 31, 5 yrs $145 million; Trevor Story, at 29, 6 years, $140 million (those are just a few of several examples). Although deals in MLB and the EPL are different they are not that far apart. Story was one of the top 3-4 free agents this past year.

    Since 2010 the Red Sox payroll in MLB has ranked: 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 1, 1, 3, 3, and 6. They clearly are spending, just not at the level of the two richest and largest market teams, the Dodgers and Yankees. Leave those two out and the Sox are the largest spending team in MLB. Even so they are right at the top in MLB spending over the past decade. The Sox are what I would call strategic spenders. And Salah is just that. A strategic move. They may re-up someone like Van Dijk or Alisson (hard to say); or perhaps a few of their younger players (Konate or a couple of the strikers) if they become great.

    As to the Salah deal itself, they protected themselves by extending only 3 years to age 33/34. When one looks at the play of Messi or Ronaldo, it really did not fall off much between ages 30-34. And I would say Salah keeps himself in as good a condition if not better than those two - or anyone else in all of sports for that matter. He is rock solid.

    Still further, with so many young strikers recently signed, Salah's work ethic becomes a perfect example for those players. In addition to his leadership on the field. He will make Diaz, Jota, Nunez, and Carvalho (along with Elliot & Jones) that much better over the next 3-4 seasons. They will be primed to be top tier players, if not before, when Salah's deal is up.
     

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