We're a left back away from an unspectacular but very effective transfer window

[Mystic]

There's been no Goetze or Coric, and our signings have been far from exhilarating, but we've done some smart business this window, and unlike Benteke and Balotelli before them, all of our signings make sense, you can see exactly where they'll fit straight away and exactly how they'll improve us.

All that's left for me is a left back, if we get one, ideally Hector for me, then we've strengthened very well, haven't we?

 

[HC]

It's a bit early to be deeming it effective? I mean theres potential but isn't there always..

Mane is the only sure-fire improvement so far.

 

[Squiggles]

In Mane and Wijnaldum we've signed pace and players who can score from midfield. That's an improvement.

Matip, Karious, Grujic and Klavan could all go either way, but there are promising signs.

There's lot to be done still. Mignolet, Benteke, Ballotelli, Lucas and Allen should all be sold.

I'd like another striker, LB and Coric.

 

[Hansern]

Karius and Matip look good aswell, and will be an improvment in all honesty.

 

[mark1975]

In terms of a smaller squad, thinking in basic terms about the sort of players that suit us or give us what we lack, we've done quite well. We've added height, strengthened the backline and keeper positions, and got rid of some of the surplus players with a few more likely to exit soon. Statistically at least, you can see why we've gone for a few of these lads. Grujic gives us playmaker ability and goals from midfield, Matip and the Estonian guy give us height and balance at the back - they both score a few goals too, while Mane gives us a bit more pace in attack and that elusive wide attacker we've lacked.

I also think we have to remember that we've got three forwards to come back into the squad, in Origi, Sturridge and Ings, who all played in fits and starts last season, so that kinda stops us needing to buy a striker.

Wijnaldum gives us goals again from midfield but arguably seems a bit of a luxury when trying to also accommodate Coutinho & Firmino, but hopefully it also adds healthy competition.

 

[manwithnoname]

I'd agree with that. We've signed 6 players and Klopp has addressed the height, physicality and lack of pace and goals in midfield and attacking midfield.

He's also bought a keeper and two CBs

I'd still like a new LB, Defensive Midfielder and striker

 

[tomasjj]

Just get me a left back and I can turn a blind eye to the midfield thing for another season.

 

[moron]

There's been no Goetze or Coric, and our signings have been far from exhilarating, but we've done some smart business this window, and unlike Benteke and Balotelli before them, all of our signings make sense, you can see exactly where they'll fit straight away and exactly how they'll improve us.

All that's left for me is a left back, if we get one, ideally Hector for me, then we've strengthened very well, haven't we?

That is the one thing good about Klopp - he has realized the problems and got rid of those who have not done the business and yes we are getting potential but my own view is that the market is so inflated that I actually don't think other than Suarez and maybe 6 other players in the world - there is actually any player out there that would guarantee great success in any form. Who is to say that those players that did well for Leicester will perform at the same level next season ? we have seen what happened to the Chelsea players but seriously given we have done an early Brexit - I actually have full faith in Klopp to get the best out of these signings - we all use to say "In Rafa we trust" but for the first time I can actually say I fully trust Klopp with his buys. I love his towering figure and the emotions he shows during games and cannot wait till next season - really fucking excited with this new team we will have.

 

[Red Astaire]

That is the one thing good about Klopp - he has realized the problems and got rid of those who have not done the business and yes we are getting potential but my own view is that the market is so inflated that I actually don't think other than Suarez and maybe 6 other players in the world - there is actually any player out there that would guarantee great success in any form. Who is to say that those players that did well for Leicester will perform at the same level next season ? we have seen what happened to the Chelsea players but seriously given we have done an early Brexit - I actually have full faith in Klopp to get the best out of these signings - we all use to say "In Rafa we trust" but for the first time I can actually say I fully trust Klopp with his buys. I love his towering figure and the emotions he shows during games and cannot wait till next season - really fucking excited with this new team we will have.

Nice post. 🙂

 

[cloggypop]

I'm expecting Wijnaldum to challenge Hendo as much as anyone else really.

 

[Ryan]

I feel like we've signed some good players yeah, and provided great competition in attacking midfield. More than anything though I'm excited to see what a full pre-season of training gives us. I don't think I've ever heard a manager promote the virtues of training and pre-season more than Klopp, so will be interesting to see how we approach the firts few games.

He's clearly identified high-energy, pressing types and given we have no European football to prepare for, I'm expecting a full-throttle approach to every premier league game given we have essentially a week to ready ourselves in training before every match.

I'm concerned at the lack of star quality in the side though. We've got some very good players, and some real potential in there but where's the Suarez, Torres or Gerrard? Every other one of the top 5 or 6 sides has a truly great player in there somewhere, often 2. We have Coutinho who can flicker out for periods of matches, and Sturridge who I still don't overly trust to be 'the man'.

And our defence and goalkeeper worries the shit out of me.

 

[mom]

DM and LB and i'll be happy. Don't think we have room for another top striker unless we sell Studge.

 

[moron]

I feel like we've signed some good players yeah, and provided great competition in attacking midfield. More than anything though I'm excited to see what a full pre-season of training gives us. I don't think I've ever heard a manager promote the virtues of training and pre-season more than Klopp, so will be interesting to see how we approach the firts few games.

He's clearly identified high-energy, pressing types and given we have no European football to prepare for, I'm expecting a full-throttle approach to every premier league game given we have essentially a week to ready ourselves in training before every match.

I'm concerned at the lack of star quality in the side though. We've got some very good players, and some real potential in there but where's the Suarez, Torres or Gerrard? Every other one of the top 5 or 6 sides has a truly great player in there somewhere, often 2. We have Coutinho who can flicker out for periods of matches, and Sturridge who I still don't overly trust to be 'the man'.

And our defence and goalkeeper worries the shit out of me.

When was the last time we really really signed a true super-star ? - in this modern era - I can only think of one world class signing we have made who in my opinion was not potential but a proven world class star - and that was Torres. When we signed Suarez - I had no idea what we were going to get - yeah he had a good world cup but was he someone that the rest of the world wanted ? - No he wasn't. In his first half season he created loads and missed loads of chances - he made himself big at our club. Right now - I feel that with this new guy plus that bloke from Southampton exactly the same as I did when we signed Suarez - not knowing exactly what but still excited. Imagine if both come really good just like Suarez ? its a great thought and could happen.

Incidentally before we signed Torres - I had seen him play for Spain and Athletico and even if he scored loads more for us - he had all the attributes in terms of pace and trickery like that first match when he owned Terry. He is the only one that comes to mind and I can tell you most signings that have come with somewhat of a rep have been complete let-downs. I remember so many on here were excited by Diouf, Morientes, Sahin, and many others who turned out to be average or complete flops.

 

[redhorizon2]

I'd agree with that. We've signed 6 players and Klopp has addressed the height, physicality and lack of pace and goals in midfield and attacking midfield.

He's also bought a keeper and two CBs

I'd still like a new LB, Defensive Midfielder and striker

We'll most likely play with only 1 up front. In that system can you keep a fourth striker happy? I doubt you would want to see us go for striker of the quality of Shane Long?
I agree with a LB and a Mascher type DM. I think Henderson could do the old Alonso role.

 

[cloggypop]

I had no idea if Torres was going to be good myself. I knew Suarez was boss though. I wanted him when we bought Babel instead.

 

[rurikbird]

I'm concerned at the lack of star quality in the side though. We've got some very good players, and some real potential in there but where's the Suarez, Torres or Gerrard? Every other one of the top 5 or 6 sides has a truly great player in there somewhere, often 2. We have Coutinho who can flicker out for periods of matches, and Sturridge who I still don't overly trust to be 'the man'.

Can't possibly argue with that, but just want to note that in sports it's possible to win without star players and also very possible to perform badly with stars (we're the ultimate proof, having missed on top 4 while players like Gerrard, Suarez or Alonso were still here). Also there different types of stars: some are more "cherry on top," some are foundational. Man City spent tens of millions on defenders in recent years, but it's the £6M man Kompany that has been holding it all together. Or consider the value of Lampard over the years to Chelsea – far exceeding his £11M transfer.

Getting a player who can be key for years to come takes a lot searching and a fair bit of luck – big transfer fees guarantee absolutely nothing. We've lost the spine of this team; some were sold (Alonso, Suarez), some retired, but the good news is that Klopp knows better than almost any other manager I've seen how to spot such players – this is how he built a great team in Dortmund out of nothing in just a few years and I already see signs of a spine emerging here. Hopefully in a year or two we will be ready for that "cherry on top" and for winning big things.

 

[Red Astaire]

I had no idea if Torres was going to be good myself. I knew Suarez was boss though. I wanted him when we bought Babel instead.

You did - Fancy sending some boss tune that I've never heard? I'm burning the midnight oil and can do with some decent tunage. Something acoustic would be good. I'm cool with whatever though. Here's mine 🙂

 

[cloggypop]

You did - Fancy sending some boss tune that I've never heard? I'm burning the midnight oil and can do with some decent tunage. Something acoustic would be good. I'm cool with whatever though. Here's mine 🙂

I like that. Never heard it before.

Here's the best song about hair gel ever

 

[peekay]

When was the last time we really really signed a true super-star ? - in this modern era - I can only think of one world class signing we have made who in my opinion was not potential but a proven world class star - and that was Torres. When we signed Suarez - I had no idea what we were going to get - yeah he had a good world cup but was he someone that the rest of the world wanted ? - No he wasn't. In his first half season he created loads and missed loads of chances - he made himself big at our club. Right now - I feel that with this new guy plus that bloke from Southampton exactly the same as I did when we signed Suarez - not knowing exactly what but still excited. Imagine if both come really good just like Suarez ? its a great thought and could happen.

Incidentally before we signed Torres - I had seen him play for Spain and Athletico and even if he scored loads more for us - he had all the attributes in terms of pace and trickery like that first match when he owned Terry. He is the only one that comes to mind and I can tell you most signings that have come with somewhat of a rep have been complete let-downs. I remember so many on here were excited by Diouf, Morientes, Şahin, and many others who turned out to be average or complete flops.

He had a brilliant world cup and scored 49 goals in 48 appearances in one season in the Dutch league. He was a proper superstar in the making. The only reason we got him was because of the biting incident in Holland and his world cup handball issues and Barcelona/Madrid had doubts whether he was worth the hassle.

Of course he grew into a global superstar with us but his quality was evident from day one. I remember a nickname on this message board called "Luis Sex-Suarez" pretty much in his first 7 games. He may have missed a lot of chances but he strutted on to the Anfield pitch from day one and started displaying what the fuss was all about.

After King Kenny's two transfer window I was a wee bit worried about the money spent but consoled myself thinking the exact same thing written in the first post - effective purchases for our weakness. Downing to provide us width, Charlie Adams for set pieces and midfield creativity, both of them supplying bullets to Carroll, who will form a big man little man partnership with Suarez with Enrique- solid leftback and Henderson a punt on a good English talent. I am sure there are plenty of people on this forum who thought the same way.

The impact of a genuine superstar level talent is unquantifiable. Remember how we all felt when Torres went past Ben Haim and slotted and then 10 minutes later told Terry to stop yapping. The impact was seismic. All of us got collective boners. Every player at the club got 25% more confidence and even Steven Gerrard started smiling on the pitch regularly. Suarez - the same way after that Manc goal. I just dont see any of our signings growing to that level.

I am not trying to overly pessimistic here but the lack of a top quality superstar who can influence games when things are not going our way or the lack of a signing (like Coric) who can genuinely grow into that superstar is a worry. We still have time in the window though.

On the positive side, just to reiterate Ryan, I have never seen a manager who emphasis training and team work as much as Klopp. Maybe he has a plan to make this unit of players greater than the sum of the parts and that is his philosophy. But I think his job will be 25% easier with such a player in his side.

 

[Frogfish]

It's a bit early to be deeming it effective? I mean theres potential but isn't there always..

Mane is the only sure-fire improvement so far.

How can you disregard Karius ?! If he only had one eye, one leg and one arm he'd still be an upgrade !

 

[Frogfish]

I'm expecting Wijnaldum to challenge Hendo as much as anyone else really.

Except Wijnaldum specialises at LM/AM. I see him more of a Milner replacement in that regard. Though I still think he'll be played at the point of the midfield.

 

[redhorizon2]

When was the last time we really really signed a true super-star ? - in this modern era - I can only think of one world class signing we have made who in my opinion was not potential but a proven world class star - and that was Torres. When we signed Suarez - I had no idea what we were going to get - yeah he had a good world cup but was he someone that the rest of the world wanted ? - No he wasn't. In his first half season he created loads and missed loads of chances - he made himself big at our club. Right now - I feel that with this new guy plus that bloke from Southampton exactly the same as I did when we signed Suarez - not knowing exactly what but still excited. Imagine if both come really good just like Suarez ? its a great thought and could happen.

Incidentally before we signed Torres - I had seen him play for Spain and Athletico and even if he scored loads more for us - he had all the attributes in terms of pace and trickery like that first match when he owned Terry. He is the only one that comes to mind and I can tell you most signings that have come with somewhat of a rep have been complete let-downs. I remember so many on here were excited by Diouf, Morientes, Şahin, and many others who turned out to be average or complete flops.

I would rather we created a superstar . we've paid shed loads for players who are best described a mediocre. I like the fact we are not throwing money as we've done before.
Klopp has got new backroom staff who are recognised as one best in their field. We need new chief scouts and I am hoping he will address this soon.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Effective?

Let's see how we go in the first half a dozen games before claiming anything about it.

All we know for certain now is Klopp obviously wasn't happy with our squad and has made a lot of changes.

Lots of potential in there but zero superstars.

Perhaps that will work but too early to tell.

It's sad when I'm most excited to see Ragnor in action.

 

[Frogfish]

Can't possibly argue with that, but just want to note that in sports it's possible to win without star players and also very possibly to perform badly with stars (we're the ultimate proof, having missed on top 4 while players like Gerrard, Suarez or Alonso were still here). Also there different types of stars: some are more "cherry on top," some are foundational. Man City spent tens of millions on defenders in recent years, but it's the £6M man Kompany that has been holding it all together. Or consider the value of Lampard over the years to Chelsea – far exceeding his £11M transfer.

I think Lampard's £11m in 2001 would probably be at least the equivalent of £35-40m in this market !
However as far as winning without previously acknowledged 'star players' are concerned we only have to go back to Leicester, nobody would have thought Mahrez, Vardy, Drinkwater and Kante would end up being 4 of the best players in the PL last season, or Morgan, Schmeichal and Fuchs absolute stalwarts at the back.

........... but the good news is that Klopp knows better than almost any other manager I've seen how to spot such players – this is how he built a great team in Dortmund out of nothing in just a few years and I already see signs of a spine emerging here. Hopefully in a year or two we will be ready for that "cherry on top" and for winning big things.

It needs to be acknowledged though that Klopp was only part of a team and most kudos for finding players at BVB went to Watzke and Zorc. Of course Klopp was the final arbiter but not responsible for finding players. That said I'm sure Klopp, Buvac and the rest of our scouting team will be utilising many of the same channels.

 

[Whirly]

I don't think people are giving the players in our squad enough credit, in terms of their ability and poential.

Coutinho, Firmino, Mane, Can, Clyne, Origi, and now Wijnaldum all have spectacularly high ceilings, with time on their hands. All of these players are capable of having a season after which the Real Madrids and Barcelonas of the world will be after them.

I'm by no stretch of the imagination saying these players will ever reach that potential, but it's important that they have that ability. And I would wager at least 3 of them will reach that level, considering Clyne and Coutinho are very close already, if not already there.

 

[rurikbird]

After King Kenny's two transfer window I was a wee bit worried about the money spent but consoled myself thinking the exact same thing written in the first post - effective purchases for our weakness. Downing to provide us width, Charlie Adams for set pieces and midfield creativity, both of them supplying bullets to Carroll, who will form a big man little man partnership with Suarez with Enrique- solid leftback and Henderson a punt on a good English talent. I am sure there are plenty of people on this forum who thought the same way.

The problem with Kenny's transfer window was that he was building a team for a style of football that was not effective any more, based on dumping a lot of crosses on a tall striker's head and figuring the percentages will work in your favor. Even the star qualities of Suarez (and Gerrard, although he was injured a lot) could not lift that team above utter mediocrity.

I think if we build on a right idea, it's very much OK to make effective purchases to address known weaknesses. This team showed it can beat anyone last year; but we constantly lost confidence and momentum because of problems with set-pieces, Moreno's defending, Mignolet and lack of pace in attack and dearth of goals from midfield. So far most of the issues have been addressed – still waiting on the upgrade at the LB side, possibly another DM to replace Lucas and, like you said, it would be great to get a young attacking player who can develop into a star, like Coric.

 

[cloggypop]

Except Wijnaldum specialises at LM/AM. I see him more of a Milner replacement in that regard. Though I still think he'll be played at the point of the midfield.

He's played around half his games at CM. He can play out on the left and has also played out on the right but prefers playing central.

 

[peekay]

The problem with Kenny's transfer window was that he was building a team for a style of football that was not effective any more, based on dumping a lot of crosses on a tall striker's head and figuring the percentages will work in your favor. Even the star qualities of Suarez (and Gerrard, although he was injured a lot) could not lift that team above utter mediocrity.

I think if we build on a right idea, it's very much OK to make effective purchases to address known weaknesses. This team showed it can beat anyone last year; but we constantly lost confidence and momentum because of problems with set-pieces, Moreno's defending, Mignolet and lack of pace in attack and dearth of goals from midfield. So far most of the issues have been addressed – still waiting on the upgrade at the LB side, possibly another DM to replace Lucas and, like you said, it would be great to get a young attacking player who can develop into a star, like Coric.

Good points.

It appears from the longer term contract for Klopp and his assistants are owners, manager, everyone is on the same page and maybe we decided to play a longer game which is good. Klopp has a reputation of creating wholes which are greater than the sum of the parts. Maybe addressing known weakness his plan is to create a solid team which can compete for CL places and then take it from there for the next stage of growth.

We have spent a decent amount of money and I just worry that the lack of someone with stardust can cost us. And Klopp did try hard for Gotze. So maybe it was just an issue of unable to convince such players or young talents to come to LFC at a reasonable price.

 

[tombrown]

I'm concerned at the lack of star quality in the side though. We've got some very good players, and some real potential in there but where's the Suarez, Torres or Gerrard? Every other one of the top 5 or 6 sides has a truly great player in there somewhere, often 2. We have Coutinho who can flicker out for periods of matches, and Sturridge who I still don't overly trust to be 'the man'.

Are you forgetting Suarez's return?