Author Topic: LFC sign Mamadou Sakho (Read 307373 times)

Red Cez · « **Reply #40 on:** September 2, 2013, 07:40:03 pm »

Best signing we've made this summer. With any luck, we're looking at the lynchpin of our defence for many years to come!

farawayred · « **Reply #41 on:** September 2, 2013, 07:44:47 pm »

Welcome to Liverpool FC!

Hopefully Sakho can fit in soon and give us some balance and some competition for Agger (who'd need a rest too now and then).

tommy LFC · « **Reply #42 on:** September 2, 2013, 07:53:41 pm »

Anyone know what number he'll wear?

lfcrule6times · « **Reply #43 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:05:52 pm »

Well pleased with this signing.. Best signing of the summer

Cid · « **Reply #44 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:06:42 pm »

Quote from: Beav on September 2, 2013, 07:39:36 pm

The lads a colossus.

Oh god please don't say that. I remember our last colossus.

Sakho has been one of my favourite defenders for years now and I'm bloody flabbergasted we've signed him. Brendan mist have been playing footie manager this summer. Can't wait to see him boss teams for us.

Sudden Death Draft Loser · « **Reply #45 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:07:16 pm »

Quote from: tommyLFC on September 2, 2013, 07:53:41 pm

Anyone know what number he'll wear?

666 by the look of him

SweetSilverSevens · « **Reply #46 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:08:53 pm »

Our marquee signing

sparrowred · « **Reply #47 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:15:35 pm »

Quote

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/144157-rodgers-delight-at-deadline-day-deals

You mentioned Mamadou Sakho was highly thought of at Paris Saint-Germain - how much of a coup was it for you to get him?

I think it's a massive one. He is a player they were not wanting to lose, but he'd made it known he wasn't going to sign another contract and it's something that our people here at the club were very much on top of. It's great thanks to them, their hard work and perseverance that we were able to attract someone with that calibre. He's a French international, he's played a number of their games, a player I know was very important to PSG. They brought in some other players so his game time was limited. At his age, the potential he has and his attributes - he's really powerful, quick and offers us balance as well as he can play left-side centre-half or at left-back - means there is real hot competition, not just in games but every day in training, and that will see us improve.

Will be interesting to see how often he plays, especially if Rodgers sees him strictly as a left-sided centre-half. Can't see him much at left-back with Enrique and Cissokho. 3 at the back maybe??

Passmaster Molby · « **Reply #48 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:17:18 pm »

Quote from: SweetSilverSevens on September 2, 2013, 08:08:53 pm

Our marquee signing

He's not so much a marquee as a whole fucking mansion.

tommy LFC · « **Reply #49 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:18:33 pm »

I've seen that he can play as a left back too. Will that be in an emergency or is he a natural out there too? Hopefully it's not an Agger at left back type thing.

JackWard33 · « **Reply #50 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:18:52 pm »

Amazing to see him here - fantastic signing

Does anyone know how much he's played at left back and if he's a viable option there?

ThePeetmix · « **Reply #51 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:20:35 pm »

Quote from: sparrowred on September 2, 2013, 08:15:35 pm

Will be interesting to see how often he plays, especially if Rodgers sees him strictly as a left-sided centre-half. Can't see him much at left-back with Enrique and Cissokho. 3 at the back maybe??

I might be the case that Sakho and Agger are gonna have to learn to play as a right-sided CB to a high standard to nail down a first-team space. If those two and get working and playing together, that will be an immense partnership.

Bruce88 · « **Reply #52 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:22:16 pm »

Very happy with this transfer, this guy is awesome. Thought he was older to be honest! Welcome mate.

Beav · « **Reply #53 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:24:01 pm »

Quote from: Cid on September 2, 2013, 08:06:42 pm

Oh god please don't say that. I remember our last colossus.

Poulsen?

elpistolero7 · « **Reply #54 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:24:53 pm »

Fantastic signing.

When Carra retired, the weakest position in the squad was CB since Skrtel wasn't fitting in too well with the gaffer's style. Now we have Agger, Sakho, Toure, Skrtel and Illori. Right up there with the best center half options in the league imo. 3 defensive signings and a new goalie

Hazell · « **Reply #55 on:** September 2, 2013, 08:30:19 pm »

Haven't seen him play but am aware he's highly rated, and not just on RAWK.

Welcome.

RivaGe · « **Reply #56 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:14:45 pm »

Delighted with this coup.

Mighty_Red · « **Reply #57 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:22:05 pm »

Great news! He looks like he has come out from Lord of the Rings or summin! If he is going to be fighting it out with Skrtel for a first team place, that will be SOME fight!

Welcome Sakho, hope this will be a long and successful stay!

Solomon Grundy · « **Reply #58 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:24:32 pm »

Quote from: Samie The Red on September 2, 2013, 06:52:16 pm

seriously we need to fuck off this photographer he keep's asking players to lean on everything what a shite portfolio this is.

I like the leaning on things photos.

Welshred · « **Reply #59 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:28:29 pm »

Quote from: Solomon Grundy on September 2, 2013, 09:24:32 pm

I like the leaning on things photos.

Me too. As far as I'm concerned the transfer isn't completed until we see them leaning on a variety of things at Melwood!

Magz50 · « **Reply #60 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:29:52 pm »

Immense signing! Future CB superstar written all over him.

gods_left_peg · « **Reply #61 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:30:20 pm »

Looks to be a great signing. I'll admit that I don't know an awful lot about him, so I've dug out some scout reports which I thought I would share

Quote

SCOUT Report: Mamadou Sakho

With the injuries of Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho during the Notts County encounter, Liverpool’s backline looks rather thin. Rumours around the club are linking Mamadou Sakho with a move to Merseyside in the coming days. Is the French center back the man to give Liverpool some depth and versatility?

Who is he and why are Liverpool interested in him?

Mamadou Sakho is a 6”2 French international center half who can also fill in at left back when required. He is of Senegalese descent and has spent his entire career at Paris Saint Germain. Sakho also happens to be the youngest captain ever in Ligue 1 history as he was made captain on his first league start. Leadership is one of the 23 year old’s many talents and this makes him a highly coveted talent. With big money signings Thiago Silva, Alex and recently Marquinhos from Roma, Sakho has become an asset that PSG are willing to sell. Sakho’s contract runs out next year and PSG would rue him leaving the club for nothing, this is why they are open to cashing in on the player. As to why Liverpool are interested? It is all very simple. Liverpool have been searching for cover in defence all summer and at a reported £8 Million, Liverpool certainly have the funds available to buy him after making a net profit so far this summer. With injuries to Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho, reinforcements are needed. Sakho can play both center back and left back which means that he can cover both positions if needed. At 23, Sakho can potentially be the replacement for Jamie Carragher. Sakho is often praised for his leadership which is something that Liverpool have lacked since the legendary defender retired. As we have seen with Kolo Toure, Liverpool have dearly missed big, commanding center halves that have raw power. Toure has provided that this season with his brilliant performance against the supposedly untameable Christian Benteke. However Toure is not a player that Liverpool can look to for their long term plans. Sakho can be the man to cover for Toure and challenge Toure to fight for his place. Brendan Rodgers has underlined his desire to have competition in the squad and Sakho would provide yet more depth for Liverpool. Sakho seems almost perfect for what Liverpool need right now and the Reds are reportedly moving quickly to bring in the much sought after Frenchman.

What kind of player is he?

As I stated earlier, Sakho is physically powerful and has leadership in abundance. He is a ball playing center half that is also strong in the air. Sakho’s raw physical ability in his pace and strength is a highly useful trait for any defender. He is a very well rounded defender who would thrive in the Premier League. His ability is rarely questioned, however with the increased competition in PSG’s squad; he is no longer required. As a relatively young defender at age 23 he is experienced with 196 appearances for PSG and thirteen for the French national team.

Why should Liverpool buy him?

Liverpool have been in the market for a center back all summer. The only other target that has similar traits and experience to Sakho is Kyriakos Papadopoulos. However, Papadopoulos would cost considerably more money because his club are more reluctant to sell him. There are also concerns over the fitness of Papadopoulos bue to a knee problem that he has. Sakho has neither of these issues surrounding any potential move. Sakho is perfect for Liverpool right now as both Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho are injured and Sakho can provide cover for both positions. Sakho will provide top quality competition in a squad that desperately needs some fresh defensive options. Sakho is a Champions League player and French international; a player of this stature in the game is invaluable when Liverpool need players to stand up and be counted. Strong leadership is something that Liverpool sometimes struggle with. Steven Gerrard is not hugely vocal on the pitch as he tends to lead by example. Daniel Agger is a solid leader however he is prone to the odd moment of madness such as the handball against Stoke on the opening day. Sakho is used to winning with PSG and so he will bring in a strong, winning mentality that is vital if Liverpool are to progress. A signing of Sakho’s stature would certainly be a statement of intent from Liverpool as they seek to show that they mean business. Speaking of business, financially speaking; the deal is brilliant for Liverpool. To sign a French international who is regarded as one of France’s best young players for £8 Million could potentially be a steal. The value for money is certainly there and that is why there are reports that Liverpool are sanctioning a move for the player. If Sakho comes in and learns more about the English game from Kolo Toure and the rest, he could be one of the signings of the season. As a fan, it is hard for me to get excited about potential defenders as it’s hard to know what you’re going to get. For me, Sakho is very different. Almost two hundred appearances for a club like PSG at the age of 23 is something special. He has all the attributes to be a fantastic Premier League defender. The opportunity to sign a player like Sakho is not one that will come around very often for Liverpool as long as they are outside of the Champions League. If they can move quickly and beat Barcelona among others to Sakho’s signature; it will be a major coup.
http://lfcfansblog.com/2013/08/728/scout-report-mamadou-sakho/

Quote

Mamadou Sakho: The Parisian mountain heading to Liverpool
The transfer window train is rapidly speeding up and the next young French player to leave these shores looks set to be Paris Saint-Germain’s man mountain, Mamadou Sakho. With his place seemingly taken at his boyhood club, and France national team coach Didier Deschamps putting pressure on the 23-year-old to play regular games with the upcoming World Cup potentially on the horizon, the time has come for Sakho to move on. Liverpool is his next destination.

One of the greatest potential talents in recent French football history, Sakho is no longer just a prospect and has the attributes of a legendary central defender (not least because of the comparisons with Lilian Thuram). Now is the time that he showed the world what he is capable off. The skills he possesses arguably make him perfect for the English Premier League and there is no doubt that Liverpool, despite paying a reported fee in the region of £15-20 million – depending on who you believe – for a wonderful centre-back and someone who can help Brendan Rodgers’ team grow in stature over the coming years.

It was back in the 2010-11 season that Sakho came of age, and was an absolute rock in the heart of an unexpectedly strong PSG defence, narrowly missing out on the Young Player of the Year award to title-winning Lille’s Eden Hazard. His performances led to him being given the armband by then-coach Antoine Kombouaré, despite only being 21 at the time, shortly before the arrival of Qatar Sports investments in the french capital. His experience belies his 23 years of age though, already having three full campaigns under his belt. Few players are better in the air than Sakho and he is as powerful as he is quick on the ground, tailor-made for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

Raised by the club’s sometimes sieve-like youth academy since 2002, ‘Kirikou’ has gone on to become one of the club’s best recent graduates, and to the PSG faithful he is the identity of the club and embodiment of its spirit and progress on the pitch. Strong, athletic and vastly intelligent with great reading of the game, his considerable height and aerial ability makes him a formidable opponent, at times akin to a brick wall. It’s just a shame that Laurent Blanc and QSI don’t seem to totally agree with their customers.

There is also a feeling in Paris though that Sakho’s potential remains unfulfilled. Two years ago, he was being touted as a possible future France captain and perhaps the most legendary of all of les Bleus’ celebrated stoppers. However, he has not really moved on since then. Sections of the PSG support believe that the club and its supporters’ reluctance to openly criticise the home grown star has contributed to his stunted growth.

The 2011-12 season didn’t go very well for the centre-back. PSG lost a league title that they arguably should have won to Montpellier, and the player suffered a series of injuries that saw him lose his place in the side. The new money in Paris heralded an influx of new players to challenge for Sakho’s spot, something that would only get worse for the Frenchman.

Brazilians’ Alex, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva have since joined the club, and every time Sakho has had to watch from the stands and then fight for his place. There have been no major mistakes made, no disgruntled moaning about playing time. This is a boy who wants to play for his team and is hurt by not being able to represent the club that he loves, but it seems like his face just doesn’t fit anymore. On paper the partnership of Thiago Silva and Sakho looks mouth-watering, and when they’ve had a chance to play together there is nothing that has proved otherwise.

If this was not the season before a potential World Cup appearance then it is possible that the big Frenchman would have stayed to fight for his place, bleeding bleu et rouge for his team and winning the position that he is the heir to. But Deschamps has made it clear to Sakho that he has to play to get into his future squads. If he wants to have any chance of being on the plane to Brazil next summer, he needs to be playing games and he needs to be playing them now.

For Liverpool this is a great move, they are getting a superb defender. If he can adapt to the British game then he is potentially better than both Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. In a few years’ time, when Steven Gerrard has hung up his boots, there is a strong chance that the new Liverpool captain could be the Parisian-born monster.

If that were to happen, it would be hard for any French manager to not make that call.
http://frenchfootballweekly.com/2013/08/30/mamadou-sakho-the-parisian-mountain-heading-to-liverpool/

Older report from Sky

Quote

Sky Sports Scout - Mamadou Sakho
Last Updated: September 10, 2008 10:04am

Latest under our scout's gaze is Mamadou Sakho - Recommended by Sky Sports reader Daniel Smith.

The scout reports...

Being educated at PSG, Mamadou Sakho has been in the spotlight since he was very young. The left footed defender has been a part of all of France's youth teams, and made his debut in Paris for the first-team in early 2007.

Immediately the starlet impressed the observers as left full-back, both for his physical and tactical qualities. When he was stull just 17-year-old, in October 2007, coach Paul Le Guen surprisingly offered him the armband for his first Le Championnat game.

He joined the Under-21 French team just a couple of days after turning 18. The PSG captaincy put the young ace under huge pressure last term, as the all the Paris team endured a difficult end to the season when they just avoided relegation - but Sakho still stood out and the defender with an eccentric haircut remains a huge talent.

This term, Le Guen put passed the armband to Claude Makelele, and he has decided to play Sakho in the centre of the defence beside Zoumana Camara, where the starlet has been good so far.

The scout says

For the new season, Sakho has two objectives: to become a regular in PSG's first-team in his new position, and make a name for himself with Under-21 national team and there is little doubt he will achieve both goals.

The Scout rating

Shooting: 7 out of 10

Passing:7 out of 10

Tackling: 8 out of 10

Heading: 9 out of 10

Pace: 7 out of 10

Vision: 7 out of 10

Current ability: 7 out of 10

Potential ability: 10 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 62/80

Current value: £5million

Potential value: £15million

http://www1.skysports.com/transfer-centre/scout/15198/4035607/Sky-Sports-Scout-Mamadou-Sakho

Roger Federer · « **Reply #62 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:33:31 pm »

I've wanted a clear first choice centre half for quite some time now, and thought it was our most important position to upgrade this summer. Can't say much about how good Sakho is, as I've hardly seen him play, but he seems to be just the sort of CB I wanted us to get, if what I've read about him is right.

Quick, powerful, good on the ball and in the air, still quite young, but with plenty of experience already and captain of his side since a very young age. Hopefully he'll be the leader our defence needs, for years to come.

Stevie93 · « **Reply #63 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:34:25 pm »

Got to echo what everyone else has said, this is honestly an amazing signing. I'm very pessimistic about our chances at grabbing top players while we continually fail to qualify for the CL, however our scouting team has clearly got their act together. CL or no, I couldn't have expected a better impact from the Sturridge and Coutinho signings, hopefully Sakho can have a similar impact on our defense!

Hayer · « **Reply #64 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:37:57 pm »

Can him and Agger even play together? A left footed centre-back on the right side doesn't sound right at all.

I think it has to be either one or the other. And you could say Sakho has a fair chance, with Agger's current form.

momo125 · « **Reply #65 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:38:45 pm »

Last appearance of Sakho in the French league was a goalkeeper... Mignolet must watch out..

http://www.last-video.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mamadou-sakho-gardien-contre-lorient.jpg

Samie · « **Reply #66 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:39:51 pm »

Quote from: Hayer on September 2, 2013, 09:37:57 pm

Can him and Agger even play together? A left footed centre-back on the right side doesn't sound right at all.

I think it has to be either one or the other. And you could say Sakho has a fair chance, with Agger's current form.

Or we go to a 3-5-2 formation.

Hayer · « **Reply #67 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:40:56 pm »

Quote from: Samie The Red on September 2, 2013, 09:39:51 pm

Or we go to a 3-5-2 formation.

I can't see that happening at all.

Tom_B · « **Reply #68 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:41:09 pm »

Quote from: Hayer on September 2, 2013, 09:37:57 pm

Can him and Agger even play together? A left footed centre-back on the right side doesn't sound right at all.

I think it has to be either one or the other. And you could say Sakho has a fair chance, with Agger's current form.

Nah it just seems weird because they are both left footed instead of both right footed. Carra and Sami for us. Terry and Carvalho. Ferdinand and Vidic. That's only recently.

Most centre back pairings will be two right footers, just means one of them needs to adapt a little.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #69 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:43:54 pm »

Welcome Sakho Killer!

Ma Vie en Rouge · « **Reply #70 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:48:02 pm »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on September 2, 2013, 09:43:54 pm

Welcome Sakho Killer!

Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Djimi Smicer34 · « **Reply #71 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:48:11 pm »

I'm really surprised we managed to get Sakho, I was sure a Champion's League club would come in for him at the last minute. Needless to say I'm delighted we have managed to sign him, I rate him as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe and I've always been impressed by him when I've watched PSG. He is the type of defender we need and can be a huge asset for us, an excellent signing to end what I think has been a brilliant transfer window for Liverpool.

Nessy76 · « **Reply #72 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:50:52 pm »

Quote from: Stevie93 on September 2, 2013, 09:34:25 pm

Got to echo what everyone else has said, this is honestly an amazing signing. I'm very pessimistic about our chances at grabbing top players while we continually fail to qualify for the CL, however our scouting team has clearly got their act together. CL or no, I couldn't have expected a better impact from the Sturridge and Coutinho signings, hopefully Sakho can have a similar impact on our defense!

That's a big ask on the back of 3 clean sheets!

Hayer · « **Reply #73 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:52:30 pm »

Quote from: Tom_B on September 2, 2013, 09:41:09 pm

Nah it just seems weird because they are both left footed instead of both right footed. Carra and Sami for us. Terry and Carvalho. Ferdinand and Vidic. That's only recently.

Most centre back pairings will be two right footers, just means one of them needs to adapt a little.

Fair point.

We shall see. Hope he adjusts fine with that.

1892tillforever · « **Reply #74 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:54:26 pm »

Welcome to LFC! I wouldn't like this tank marking me in a match!

Stevie93 · « **Reply #75 on:** September 2, 2013, 09:54:56 pm »

Quote from: Nessy76 on September 2, 2013, 09:50:52 pm

That's a big ask on the back of 3 clean sheets!

I think Ming needs his own share of credit for that

Hazell · « **Reply #76 on:** September 2, 2013, 10:02:31 pm »

Quote from: Ma Vie en Rouge on September 2, 2013, 09:48:02 pm

Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Papa Papa Papa Papa Papa (dopolous)

Sir Psycho Sexy · « **Reply #77 on:** September 2, 2013, 10:07:28 pm »

Quote from: Hazell on September 2, 2013, 10:02:31 pm

Papa Papa Papa Papa Papa (dopolous)

Juan Juan Juan Juan Juan Juan Juan todayyyyyyy

Roger Federer · « **Reply #78 on:** September 2, 2013, 10:12:31 pm »

Quote from: Tom_B on September 2, 2013, 09:41:09 pm

Nah it just seems weird because they are both left footed instead of both right footed. Carra and Sami for us. Terry and Carvalho. Ferdinand and Vidic. That's only recently.

Most centre back pairings will be two right footers, just means one of them needs to adapt a little.

True, but I'd expect that most right footed players have more experience playing on the 'wrong' side of defence than the left-footed ones. As it is much more common to be right footed, in most teams, a right footer must play on the left side of the central defence.

But a left footed centre half would almost always stay on the left side, wouldn't he? Unless you have two of them - which must be quite rare - there is no reason to move a left footer from that position, is there? And that goes all the way back to when one starts playing football, so the adaptation is likely more difficult when it comes to Sakho and Agger than the examples you give. But that said, I'm sure that the difference in how you play in each position isn't that great. Hopefully, it will work fine after a while.

Tom_B · « **Reply #79 on:** September 2, 2013, 10:14:38 pm »

Quote from: Roger Federer on September 2, 2013, 10:12:31 pm

True, but I'd expect that most right footed players have more experience playing on the 'wrong' side of defence than the left-footed ones. As it is much more common to be right footed, in most teams, a right footer must play on the left side of the central defence.

But a left footed centre half would almost always stay on the left side, wouldn't he? Unless you have two of them - which must be quite rare - there is no reason to move a left footer from that position, is there? And that goes all the way back to when one starts playing football, so the adaptation is likely more difficult when it comes to Sakho and Agger than the examples you give. But that said, I'm sure it is that great a difference in how you play in each position. I'm sure it would work fine after a while.

Good point to be fair.

However, there have been plenty of players who have shifted. Carra is a good example, played left side of partnership with Sami if I remember rightly, then played right side with Agger.

If players are clearly head and shoulders above from an early age, they will play in there preferred position, so most top right footed centre halves will have played right side. Then when they make it pro, they may well have to shift and play left side.