Topic: Liverpool's Midfield

[SamLad]

The point is times change.

ah ok gotcha.   

[Paul1611]

Times change but the importance of the 6 remains…..  lavia and Trent as the 6 pivots with Mac and Dom ahead in the box could work well.  Youth, talent, power and skill in abundance.

[Max_powers]

Yep. We screwed up the rebuild really badly which means we’re aiming to be back in the CL rather than being back in the title race. When you have that perspective a player like Lavia makes more sense.

I don't know if it's that bad. Maybe I am just an optimistic person. We took the same steps when Klopp built his first Liverpool team. I don't think we are aiming at just being back in CL but that will be the first step no matter who we sign this summer.

I think the goal is still to compete for trophies but with someone like Lavia that will take a couple of years to get to, as he is raw.

[Draex Navidad]

I don't know if it's that bad. Maybe I am just an optimistic person. We took the same steps when Klopp built his first Liverpool team. I don't think we are aiming at just being back in CL but that will be the first step no matter who we sign this summer.

I think the goal is still to compete for trophies but with someone like Lavia that will take a couple of years to get to, as he is raw.

Klopp is also building from a far far stronger foundation than he did the first time.

[Passmaster Molby]

I have to say I am impaled on the horns of a dilemma with this rebuild in midfield. Part of me thinks getting Lavia in will finalise the midfield rebuild, leaving us with 7 options to choose from allowing enough game time to develop the young talent we have but potentially leaving us lacking experience should Thiago be injured long term again.

The other part of me thinks we need Lavia plus another experienced number 6 option to give us depth, but at the same time might block the development path of Bajcetic and possibly Lavia too.

Tough call for Jurgen in my view.

[suede lady]

Times change but the importance of the 6 remains…..  lavia and Trent as the 6 pivots with Mac and Dom ahead in the box could work well.  Youth, talent, power and skill in abundance.

More likely to be Jones and Lavia - or Jones with Bajcetic or Thiago if Lavia does not arrive - with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in front. Trent is still seen as a defender

[Knight]

I don't know if it's that bad. Maybe I am just an optimistic person. We took the same steps when Klopp built his first Liverpool team. I don't think we are aiming at just being back in CL but that will be the first step no matter who we sign this summer.

I think the goal is still to compete for trophies but with someone like Lavia that will take a couple of years to get to, as he is raw.

Oh apologies. Our aim ‘initially’ is the CL rather than competing for the title. And Tbf to Lavia if we were only really interested in getting top 4 we, arguably, go out and buy a player currently better than Lavia but with a lower ceiling.

[spider-neil]

Very controversial but with an overhaul I don’t see a title challenge this season and if there is no title challenge I have no problem with flinging in Lavia (if purchased) this season.

[ToneLa]

The downside of bringing in multiple midfielders is of course the time it takes to bed in and play with the team

I'm half-expecting a transitional season for that reason. We have players like Nunez and Diaz who I still think have further to go (Diaz has been better but he's still got development to do) and realistically I'm not sure we can expect anybody new to hit the ground running.

I mean, I hope they do. Our midfield being steady and better than last season will take a while I think. Really is a changing of the guard.

I'm not bothered about a title challenge this year. I'd just love us to be in contention, and return to the CL at minimum

I see Thiago as a key depending on fitness. Probably a fair bit of rotation of who he gets paired with

[Titi Camara]

.....I'm not sure we can expect anybody new to hit the ground running.

Early indications are Mac will. Obviously coming from another Prem team he had a headstart over Szoboszlai.

[Oskar]

Very controversial but with an overhaul I don’t see a title challenge this season and if there is no title challenge I have no problem with flinging in Lavia (if purchased) this season.

I don't think that's controversial - after last season, getting back into the Champions League will be the priority. Think a top four finish and winning the Europa League is very achievable, a title challenge would be great, but I'm not expecting one this season.

[ToneLa]

Early indications are Mac will. Obviously coming from another Prem team he had a headstart over Szoboszlai.

Bloody hope so  Mac is the fairest shout yeah

Have put before I have colleagues very familiar with Szoboszlai who rate him. He's a wee bit unknown to me

We've had plenty of players under Klopp who do hit the ground running. I'd love Thiago to stay fit just cause he's now the senior linchpin in my eyes

Refreshing our midfield was riskkkyyy but so very needed...

[Eeyore]

Early indications are Mac will. Obviously coming from another Prem team he had a headstart over Szoboszlai.

I think Mac benefits from playing in a similar role as well whereas Szob will have to adapt his game and his role more.

[MonsLibpool]

I don't think that's controversial - after last season, getting back into the Champions League will be the priority. Think a top four finish and winning the Europa League is very achievable, a title challenge would be great, but I'm not expecting one this season.

That's about right.

[SamLad]

Europa
FA Cup
League Cup
Top 4
and of course the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 

.... could be a productive year

[jckliew]

Macca looks the real deal!

[harleydanger]

Times change but the importance of the 6 remains…..  lavia and Trent as the 6 pivots with Mac and Dom ahead in the box could work well.  Youth, talent, power and skill in abundance.

I'd say the importance of the six has increased as a few teams are inverting fullbacks to try and cheat another one in the mix

[stockdam]

Early indications are Mac will. Obviously coming from another Prem team he had a headstart over Szoboszlai.

I believe that Szoboszlai is going to be our best midfield player. I think he is so composed on the ball and I think he already has settled into our style. Mac and he will be great to watch. Jones will be a good sub when needed.

[Fromola]

From a possession/offensive perspective the midfield is looking really good now. Just need to add the defensive midfielders to knit it together.

[suede lady]

I would not be surprised to see Jones start the season as our defensive midfielder

[Fromola]

I would not be surprised to see Jones start the season as our defensive midfielder

We haven't really got any choice.

I'm sure we'll sign 1-2 in August but they won't be starting at Chelsea.

[RedG13]

We haven't really got any choice.

I'm sure we'll sign 1-2 in August but they won't be starting at Chelsea.

Just depends on where Bajcetic and Thiago are when get back.
I liked Jones at 6 more then Trent. He played it very well in possession the ball to Salah was nice also. Defensive looks pretty good overall, might had a struggle early  but overall good.

[Suareznumber7]

I would not be surprised to see Jones start the season as our defensive midfielder

Thiago will if he’s healthy

[Shady Craig]

In regards to the cover for Trent's inverted role, obviously we won't find another like him that create the same so would say Bradley or Bajcetic be able to come into midfield when we are going forward like Trent does but instead of being the creator they do the Fab/no.6 role and cover while the Fab/no.6 position of say Thiago could be the creator? We'd still be overloading the midfield but would the 'Trent' br able to get back to cover RB quick enough as they would be spread across the midfield instead of mainly on the right like Trent does currently?

[Risto]

Europa
FA Cup
League Cup
Top 4
and of course the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 

.... could be a productive year

How about just winning the league instead? Wouldn't that also be a productive year?

[farawayred]

Thiago will if he’s healthy

[RedG13]

In regards to the cover for Trent's inverted role, obviously we won't find another like him that create the same so would say Bradley or Bajcetic be able to come into midfield when we are going forward like Trent does but instead of being the creator they do the Fab/no.6 role and cover while the Fab/no.6 position of say Thiago could be the creator? We'd still be overloading the midfield but would the 'Trent' br able to get back to cover RB quick enough as they would be spread across the midfield instead of mainly on the right like Trent does currently?

Tsimikas is doing on the left.
Bradley was doing it the right.
If wanted play a game with Gomez at RB and Robertson at LB I would think in possesion line up would be
Alisson
Gomez-Konate-Virgil
6-One of Mac Allister/Thiago/Jones
Salah-MF-Diaz Or Gakpo-Robertson
Nunez

Out of possession like
Alisson
Gomez-Konate-Virgil-Robertson
6
Salah-MF-MF-LW
Nunez

Basically how Barca run their box MF set up. Your just asking more out one your Fbs and the playmaker MF going have pick their spots to go ahead of the ball.

[dutchkop]

I would not be surprised to see Jones start the season as our defensive midfielder

Me neither, but I am hoping we bring in another specialist No 6 - be it a Lavia, Paulinha, or ?

Secretly I think Bajcetic could be a revelation for us there, playing the tough away games against top teams and in Europa competition and then a fit Thiago playing there for those games where teams sit deep. with Trent next to him in his new role

I would not play Trent in the box/2nd no 6 role and RB against Chelsea.

So the dilemma against Chelsea is which midfield starts?

For me  my starting midfield  3  vs Chelsea is  Mac Allister  Bajcetic Jones

vs Bournemouth Mac Allister Thiago Jones/Soboszlai

Europa League take your pick

[Asam]

Me neither, but I am hoping we bring in another specialist No 6 - be it a Lavia, Paulinha, or ?

Secretly I think Bajcetic could be a revelation for us there, playing the tough away games against top teams and in Europa competition and then a fit Thiago playing there for those games where teams sit deep. with Trent next to him in his new role

I would not play Trent in the box/2nd no 6 role and RB against Chelsea.

So the dilemma against Chelsea is which midfield starts?

For me  my starting midfield  3  vs Chelsea is  Mac Allister  Bajcetic Jones

vs Bournemouth Mac Allister Thiago Jones/Soboszlai

Europa League take your pick

Vs Chelsea i’d go with

Jones
MacAllister
Szoboszlai

Bajectic doesn’t come into it until as he’s not been part of pre season yet

[lionel_messias]

I have to say I am impaled on the horns of a dilemma with this rebuild in midfield. Part of me thinks getting Lavia in will finalise the midfield rebuild, leaving us with 7 options to choose from allowing enough game time to develop the young talent we have but potentially leaving us lacking experience should Thiago be injured long term again.

The other part of me thinks we need Lavia plus another experienced number 6 option to give us depth, but at the same time might block the development path of Bajcetic and possibly Lavia too.

Tough call for Jurgen in my view.

Yeah think it is a tough call now.

No pre-season for Bajectic. Not sure of Thiago's status, either injury or staying. Probably needs to stay now.

It might be prudent to get Lavia + one other experienced battler - I am not sure who though....

[dutchkop]

Vs Chelsea i’d go with

Jones
MacAllister
Szoboszlai

Bajectic doesn’t come into it until as he’s not been part of pre season yet

we will see,
I could expect us to play this formation against Bayern for 60 mins on Wed if it is the start  of our prep for Chelsea match.
I am interested to see how much playing time Bajectic gets in final pre-season match back in UK.  August 7: Liverpool vs Darmstadt

[SamLad]

How about just winning the league instead? Wouldn't that also be a productive year?

many ppl have written off our chances at winning the PL (I haven't fwiw but I get the sentiment) and see this as a transition year as the new guys / tactics bed in.

point of my post is -- even if MC do run away with the PL this year, our squad is certainly strong enough to do damn well in other comps.

[JP!]

Assuming Lavia does indeed come in I think it's a fine group.  The bit for me is about leaving a pathway for the likes of Bajetic, Clark and possibly Morton (although feels as though his time may have gone to break through) to play.  There's always a certain amount of projecting before a new season in terms of what we or the club think may happen to a young player, and it could be right or wrong, but the desire to do it doesn't automatically mean a mistake has been made.  Dunno if that makes sense.  Basically if Bajetic for example doesn't perform at the level expected, I expect to see a lot of 'should've signed' or 'mingebags' but as a manager I could understand why you'd leave the door open to see if he develops at the rate he looks like doing.

[dutchkop]

many ppl have written off our chances at winning the PL (I haven't fwiw but I get the sentiment) and see this as a transition year as the new guys / tactics bed in.

point of my post is -- even if MC do run away with the PL this year, our squad is certainly strong enough to do damn well in other comps.

not the bookies - we are just behind Arsenal and a few pundits have us as 2nd favourites   - while some super computer also had us 2nd 

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/winner

[SamLad]

not the bookies - we are just behind Arsenal and a few pundits have us as 2nd favourites   - while some super computer also had us 2nd 

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/winner

I never understand this -- while the window is still open, how can anyone possibly predict teams' relative success/failure?  one huge transfer in / out could throw the whole thing into nonsense.

[tubby]

I never understand this -- while the window is still open, how can anyone possibly predict teams' relative success/failure?  one huge transfer in / out could throw the whole thing into nonsense.

Because people like to bet.  I'm sure you've got an idea in your head of who will finish in the top 6 positions, as things stand right now?

[stewy17]

I never understand this -- while the window is still open, how can anyone possibly predict teams' relative success/failure?  one huge transfer in / out could throw the whole thing into nonsense.

These odds are based on bookies predictions and the bets they're taking based on the squads now. Odds change and would react if there was a major signing, though I think it'd have to be Mbappe level for any significant flip.

[SamLad]

Because people like to bet.  I'm sure you've got an idea in your head of who will finish in the top 6 positions, as things stand right now?

yeah I know ppl like to bet but jeez ....

top 6, as things stand now?   I could probably come up with the teams but in order of final position? not sure I care to be honest, I only care about where we end up. 

[Coolie High]

Assuming Lavia does indeed come in I think it's a fine group.  The bit for me is about leaving a pathway for the likes of Bajetic, Clark and possibly Morton (although feels as though his time may have gone to break through) to play.  There's always a certain amount of projecting before a new season in terms of what we or the club think may happen to a young player, and it could be right or wrong, but the desire to do it doesn't automatically mean a mistake has been made.  Dunno if that makes sense.  Basically if Bajetic for example doesn't perform at the level expected, I expect to see a lot of 'should've signed' or 'mingebags' but as a manager I could understand why you'd leave the door open to see if he develops at the rate he looks like doing.

There won’t be a clear pathway for either Bajcetic or Clark if we sign Lavia, that would be five first team midfielders who are 24 or under, we need to start being realistic there isn’t enough room for everyone to thrive.

[JP!]

There won’t be a clear pathway for either Bajcetic or Clark if we sign Lavia, that would be five first team midfielders who are 24 or under, we need to start being realistic there isn’t enough room for everyone to thrive.

This seems overly gloomy.  If someone's good enough, they'll make it.