The idea of another big transfer window and 4+ first team players coming in makes me uncomfortable. One because I think we need some stability, and two just because there is more pride in winning without spending big. We looked hopeless in so many areas last season, but I have faith that the players have still got the talent. I’d still put a lot of stock in the Grav-Mac-Szobo midfield. Gakpo is still young and with the right coaching can reach his potential (seems like a player who will pick up new instructions quickly). Frimpong is decent for a no.2 right back. With Robbo, Salah and Konate all leaving we’ll have to bring in reinforcements but I’d say bring in Sensi on a free and go all out on a right sided attack option.
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My ideal summer would probably look something like Diomande, Alex Scott, Bowen, Senesi and an RB of some description - I’ve been seeing Kayode being mentioned a lot (nothing reliable tho), so why not.
Should be doable for less than the rumoured £250m we have to spend, with sales obviously bringing that down some.
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Have to say, I´d find that a bit underwhelming.
I don´t think it would be enough to get us back up to the top of the league or a big European side.
I´m not too sure on Scott. Good footwork and drives forward but his passing game leaves a lot to be desired.
I think Scott fits Iraola’s tactics better than Wharton (and has been doing so) who, for me, feels more like a Slot-style, trying to control possession type of player, who doesn’t offer the same drive and mobility that Scott does.
But is that what we should be doing?
We´re not Bournemouth and top teams play through the midfield or should do really. It´s entirely possible Iraola adapts here.
It´s not like Wharton passes around the back four. He´s a player who looks to get it forward a lot. I think any top side needs a guy who can get his foot on the ball and pass it. Not sideways and back, but forwards. I just don´t think Scott can and we don´t have anyone else who can.
As an example, are we really saying Iraola wouldnt want somebody passing through like this in his midfield?
I disagree. I think being able to press in the way required will be more important than spraying passes, and it’s a huge bonus to bring in someone who already knows what’s required tactically.
I wouldn’t be upset if we signed Wharton, I just prefer Scott. I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if, now the manager has changed, we start to see a change in the kinds of players being linked.
Ah okay. I see. Have to say I fundamentally disagree with this idea of pressing now being the key feature of a midfielder. I blame Sky tbh
I´d suggest the video I posted. It´s not just spraying passes. it cuts teams open.
You should watch videos about Iraola’s tactics, just as it was with Klopp the press is the playmaker.
But it’s a game of opinions. My original post is just what I would like to see.
If we were able to push the boat out a bit further I’d happily swap Senesi for Schlotterbeck, and my choices are kinda predicated on us being able to reintegrate Tsimi and Elliott, at least for the coming season.
I think that was the one flaw in Klopp´s philosophy really. Not enough emphasis on playing through the midfield . Teams who tend to have sustained success play through the midfield. Although he did bring in Thiago to remedy it. But yep all opinions.
I cant understand buying midfielders who can´t pass.
Schlotterbeck looks interesting. Bit of a leader, good passer. Something about his gait reminds me of Sakho tbh
I did watch a video that discussed them and showed them playing from the back through midfield and how they use ‘kick & rush’ style of playing.
This wasn’t my initial thought of what was meant by kick and rush, basically it is a vertical style of pass and move and Scott was excellent at this.
I also think Wharton would be great in this ‘kick & rush’ style, his vertical passing would be perfect and maybe Iraola is the type of coach to take his game to another level the same as he has improved Scott.
What did it say was meant by kick and rush?
When I talk about playing through midfield I hate this modern midfield way of just passing to the defenders all game. It´s certainly not what I am talking about.
I want progression up the pitch and passing is quicker than running (anyone seen Goal?) so Wharton passing it thirty yards or whatever through their midfield to our attackers with one pass is as good as it gets in my opinion.
Scott seems to do a lot of short lay off type passes or he carries it dribbling but I dont see him zipping it forward quickly.
As I mentioned, the idea of it is that it is a quick vertical style of playing, so moving the ball forward and then moving forward yourself and support the forward play.
The one it showed was how they played it through form the keeper, right through the 3rds on the floor, very much like under Klopp with fast interchange of passing.
Basically it is pass an go but rather than supporting the player on the ball laterally or behind, the idea is to for the support runners to move forward the support runners and the whole ethos is fast, quick and effective 1 or 2 touch football.
It is new football jargon and I had completely the wrong idea of what they meant, I thought it was the old lump it forward style and see what happens. Although they do this if no other options are on but again support the play very fast.
Some good videos that have been posted on youtube and by Livvy on here, the one from the Overlap on his and Bournemouth’s tactics was very good.
Hmm interesting.
One of the numerous complaints I have about our midfield is they never exchange any passes. You never see them do a 1-2 and work it forward between themselves. Never a nice flowing passing move through midfield.
Agreed mostly, we did see it for a bit with Szob, Jones and Wirtz but it petered out and that’s when you’ll see the best of Wirtz
Yeah. That´s one of the main reasons I want Wharton here too
Nobody better to help get Wirtz on the ball in little bit sof space.
I don´t think Scott can do that and if anything his bursting forward dribbling would close the space down for Wirtz. I think we have to consider who would get the best out of our potentially top class number 10.
that goes for the wingers we sign too.
Yet, if you look at what Iraola encourages, is that if there is no pass on he wants them to use the dribble if there is space to do so.
But from watching Scott he does both, he dribbles and passes and moves, he has been drilled effectively by Iraola.
That is one of the reasons I am hoping Iraola will be the one, he encourages a fearless and positive attitude.
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I watched a few vids now and to be honest it sounds like common sense to me. Get it forward whenever you can and as quickly as possible. But common sense isnt common. Too many managers obsessed with possession numbers.
Still don´t think Scott has the passing game to be the main man in our midfield though. Our Vitinha
TAW been doing this for years and years, but the game rules and all the data is developed by a mate of their, who might also give it to the Redmen channel as well. I don’t listen to that one so much.
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Everything I’ve seen and heard of Wharton is his passing is outrageous and his first instinct is to play the ball forward. That would very Iraola to me.
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That would be my view. He´s a player always looking to play through the opposition.
And especially at Liverpool where teams will sit in front of us so Iraola will have to adapt somewhat.