Liverpool banter 5

07 Jun 2026
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Liverpool Player Sightings page entitled, Midfielders linked against Gravenberch from this season

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07 Jun 2026 10:44:22
Stats indicate Sangare would be the one to suit a deeper lying midfielder, him and Grav deep, Szob further forward, and Wirtz on the left seems a decent midfield set up.

07 Jun 2026 10:53:10
Superimpose Szob too on this, and then we can find the player who helps fill the chart the best. xD

07 Jun 2026 10:54:02
Yes, absolutely. I don't like going by stats, but "possession won" levels by Sangare are what we need in the middle.

07 Jun 2026 14:23:09
Wirtz should be nowhere near any flank, right or left. He should be where we signed him to be as in, in the no. 10 role.

07 Jun 2026 09:54:54
Excuse my ignorance, but if it's a case that Iraola wants to assess his current squad, will he not have to wait until everyone is back from the World Cup before decisions are made with regards to ins and outs? If that was the case, it would be late July before we'd make a move in the market, which doesn't leave much time to integrate new players into a new system.

Or do we think a list of targets are already at hand and are hopefully acquired by the time everyone is due back for training on the 7th (World Cup players still in the competition aside).

07 Jun 2026 10:19:59
I very much doubt we will wait until late July to start doing deals. If anything, at this point, the most important thing is to replace the players who have already left. We should only consider selling players who are desperate to leave, or if we get good offers for ones that we can replace and/or don't fit the system.

It makes sense for him to want to keep fringe players, maybe like Elliott, though, to see if he can work with them.

07 Jun 2026 10:23:45
We also need to consider selling injury prone players.

07 Jun 2026 10:24:49
@Not, why would he/we need to wait? Preseason starts whenever it starts, hence the assessment of players in general starts from that moment, if not before, depending on who is still available for the start of preseason.

Also, "Doni" can always go back and watch videos and games from last season or even the season before to get a good view of player performances when things were going well (title season) and when things weren't (last season). I don't see the issue personally.

Regarding players targeted, pretty sure the club had and continues to do its due diligence on players regardless of whether Slot was sacked or "Doni" got hired.

The wheels keep turning regardless.

For ex., Iraola wanted Diomande while at B'Mouth after a trial but the deal couldn't be done, I read on here. We are more than in for Diomande right now so whether Slot (who also wanted Diomande) is sacked or Iraola (who also wanted him at B'Mouth) is hired, nothing changed. Respectfully, I don't see the issue.

07 Jun 2026 10:53:30
Doesn't every new manager at every club say they are going to assess all players.

07 Jun 2026 10:58:05
He's been around in the league for 3 years, and played LFC at least twice a year. He's probably studied most LFC players before facing them. Not ideal to have many available after the World Cup, but it's not such an obstacle either.

07 Jun 2026 11:07:53
I don't think it's a case of him assessing main transfer targets etc. I think he's having a look at the fringe players and young lads to see who he wants in the first team and who he wants out on loan.

07 Jun 2026 11:15:47
My guess is that you're basing this post off the recent claim that the club would wait for Iraola to assess everyone before decisions were made on transfers, which is complete nonsense. First of all, the framework hasn't changed. Iraola was signed as a head coach, not a manager. Edwards still has all the power, and any talk of Iraola having power on transfers is purely PR. When it comes to potential outgoings, the players themselves will decide whether they want to leave or not.

I'm sure Iraola will want to speak to those he sees in his future plans asap, but the club will have already sounded out those who may leave, and ultimately it's the players' choice. Not to mention that the recruitment team would have been deciding on a shortlist of targets all season long, so yes, a list of targets is very much at hand and has been for some time.

07 Jun 2026 11:45:17
What's everyone's thoughts on Morgan Gibbs White, scores goals and assists, runs his heart out, and seems just what we need to drive this forward....

07 Jun 2026 11:57:13
Gibbs White does put up numbers in a struggling side, which is impressive in itself, and he's pretty versatile too. I wouldn't say no, but where does he fit in, who's place is he taking? I know Macca might be on his way, but we need a battle axe for the midfield, not another AM.

He would be a good replacement for Jones in a sense, but I can't see him making a move to play off the bench.

07 Jun 2026 12:32:57
Iraola said he's looking at everybody, esp the players who won't be at the World Cup because they'll be playing most of the pre-season games, but unlike Slot, who wouldn't hardly look at them, this manager will if they impress.

07 Jun 2026 14:01:03
Forrest quoted Man City 100 million £ last season, so he won't be cheap! (MGW)

07 Jun 2026 15:55:39
Appreciate everyone's response. I guess I'm just hopeful that Iraola will root out the dross that have been robbing a wage from the club over the last 18 months, and will be happy to tell the powers that be to wield the axe where needed, and they will get the suitable replacements in.

07 Jun 2026 09:50:49
There were some links to Diomandes international team mate B Toure not long ago. Does anyone know if we were/are genuinely interested in him?

Looks good from what I've seen (which admittedly isn't a lot) and could be more the type of signing we used to go for rather than the hyped 100 mill plus players. Gems that we can mould with less risk and price tag pressure.

07 Jun 2026 09:46:22
I watched the Anfield Wrap interview with Melissa Reddy on YouTube today on how FSG operate and how Irola was chosen ahead of Alonso. Worth a watch and Mel provides some great insights into how FSG operate.

07 Jun 2026 10:15:36
KC, I always liked Melissa Reddy when she was on Sky. She seemed like one of the only people on there to speak sense and know what she was on about.
Maybe that's why they got rid of her so we instead could listen to nonsense from Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison.

07 Jun 2026 14:02:59
When all the Journalists were supporting Slot and claiming he is here to stay, she was one of the very few that questioned Slot staying and the countless reasons he should be held accountable for this season.

07 Jun 2026 09:45:48
Great to see young Rio winning Man of the Match on his England debut at just 17. What an amazing achievement for the kid, especially when he's playing with a bunch of seasoned pros like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. And to think some people reckon we should sell him! 🤣

07 Jun 2026 10:04:20
I agree, I couldn't believe what I was reading on the site about people thinking we should sell Riot. Madness, the most promising young player coming through since Trent. Give him time and he could really develop into a top player.

07 Jun 2026 10:42:58
Some people are crazy, wanting to sell him, absolutely crazy.

07 Jun 2026 10:43:48
Rio has a very long way to go, but if he can put it all together then we've got some player on our hands.

I think Iraola is the perfect coach to help him get there.

07 Jun 2026 11:22:36
I agree, Changing, he's very raw and there's definitely holes in his game, but he has bag loads of potential and the confidence level is something you just can't train, especially at such a young age. You love to see it.

07 Jun 2026 11:46:36
Folks insisting that he's 'nothing special' forget that he's 17. His decision making, at times, is pretty suspect, and he's pretty much a non-factor off the ball, but I'd wager there aren't many wingers in the prem who would attempt the goal he scored at Fulham. Just hoping the lad keeps his head down and continues to improve. He made big strides this year.

07 Jun 2026 09:44:50
ᜰ
@markklfc
·
1h
Fan account
Virgil van Dijk on Jurgen Klopp's impact on his career:

🗣️ “Before Klopp, I was a good defender. A solid defender.

But Klopp didn't see me as what I was. He saw me as what I could become.

The moment I arrived at Liverpool, he gave me responsibility, trust and belief. Not just as a player, but as a leader.

He challenged me every day to be better, to demand more from myself and from everyone around me.

People see the trophies, the Champions League, the Premier League and the individual awards.

What they don't see are the conversations, the standards and the confidence he gave me behind the scenes.

Klopp never treated me like a £75 million signing. He treated me like the defender who could change Liverpool's future.



That belief changes everything for a player.

People say I became one of the best defenders of my generation at Liverpool.

The truth is that Klopp created an environment where I had no choice but to become one.

When people call me one of the greatest defenders the Premier League has ever seen, a huge part of that credit belongs to him.

Because great managers don't just improve players.

They make players believe they can become something bigger than they ever imagined.”

And that is what separates an average coach from a proper manager.

I believe Andoni will be much more like Klopp, and because his duties will be more focused, he will have more time and energy to improve more players.

07 Jun 2026 11:59:34
I remember in the early Klopp years, we used to count and discuss how Klopp had improved almost every player. Some became world class while others became the best they could be. It's not just VVD. For me, it's Alisson, Robertson, TAA, Henderson, Fabinho, Salah, Firmino and Mane. And some were just not interested - Keita.

08 Jun 2026 07:40:09
Agreed, ArAy. We were lucky to live through the JK era. Loved every second of it. Iconic manager. Iconic team. Iconic Anfield. The absolute highest of highs.

{Ed078's Note - every time I read his username, I hear my old man saying "aaaah, ehh!"

07 Jun 2026 09:04:04
Hoping someone can hear Reds.

I’m trying to buy tickets for the Monaco friendly for my Dad’s bday.

I have an all red account (which I’m signed into).

When you click on buy tickets it asks for more details (home address and mobile).

When I put those in it just says an account already exists.

I fecking know that, I’m logged in already!

It won’t let me go any further?

Am I missing something obvious? Happy to be shown how dense I’m being. Can someone help please?

07 Jun 2026 09:17:09
Changing must be an issue with your account as mine takes me straight to select area choose seat. Crazy how some tickets are £230 mind.

My recommend is go to contact us and live chat, mate. I've had issues in the past, and they resolve it really quick on there. Not sure if it's available on a Sunday though.

07 Jun 2026 10:47:05
Thanks JK23.

Have contacted the team through online form.

I've also learnt that I've been kicked off the season ticket waiting list after 25 years of patience! The club sent emails out forcing people to open a new all red account a few years ago with instructions to merge accounts.

I remember getting stuck in that loop back then and the result is I'll likely never get a season ticket now.

Gutted to say the least.

07 Jun 2026 12:43:20
COTG, about 8 years ago my brother who games most games was waiting for season tickets after 22 years n heard nothing, yet his friend got 2 n was only on the list for 15 odd years, he messaged them n got fobbed off but went to the ground n complained (a lot), they called him n offered him one but he argued he was down for 2 him n his boy (who is now 32 btw), eventually they relented n gave him 2.

If I was you I wouldn't let that get away with kicking you off the list n id just keep complaining.

06 Jun 2026 23:51:10
Harvey Elliott. I’ve always thought that in a system that deploys Wirtz centrally as a #10 or a second striker with plenty of movement ahead of and around him, that this same role would also suit Harvey. In fact, my assumption when we signed Wirtz was that our system would build around him and Harvey would deputize for him and occasionally Salah.

It may be that he’s just not quite at the level, or of course that he wants to move on somewhere he can finally be a starter.

Whatever happens, I’m looking forward to him playing and enjoying the preseason and, personally, seeing how much passion he clearly has for the club and our need for squad players, I hope there’s a role that works for both him and us. I guess if there’s anyone who can get the best out of him and find a way he can contribute it’s Iraola.

07 Jun 2026 00:32:36
I've said to friends all year that although you can see the class in some of the things Wirtz does, he hasn't been what I was expecting from listening to the hype, and that he has looked like to me a slightly better Harvey Elliott. In fact, there's some things Harvey actually does better, like shooting from distance.

If we are gonna go down the road of accomodating a No.10, then there's no reason Harvey can't be backup to Wirtz. He's one of the few left that would remember the standards that the old guard used to set.

07 Jun 2026 00:41:37
Always rated Elliot. More than happy to see him reintegrate to the squad if AI likes him.

07 Jun 2026 02:01:49
Wirtz is world class, Elliott is mid table class. That is the difference.

Elliott might have a role to play, but you can't compare him to Wirtz.

07 Jun 2026 02:47:41
Wirtz vest role is the left 10 role with freedom. He knows this from Leverkusen and Germany.

07 Jun 2026 02:48:07
Can this season, Riosstepover. Look, I know where both players are, but I judge them by what they've done in a red shirt. I'm not saying Wirtz doesn't become this football god, but on this season he's a slightly stockier, slightly quicker Elliott.

07 Jun 2026 04:43:05
If we play with a 10 that floats, I think the best for all parties would be to keep Elliott to come on for Wirtz on some games he needs subbing off/resting, then reassess in January or end of season.

With the wasted season he's had at Villa, we'd get peanuts for him if anyone's at all interested.

He works hard, loves Liverpool, and is a capable sub to Wirtz. He's not strong or quick but in an Iraola team that moves the ball fast and always looks to attack, Elliott could do well. He can create, assist and shoot from distance.

Keep, in my opinion. Need to do too much work in other areas.

07 Jun 2026 08:01:06
Florian forgetting that we had an abysmal season and an abysmal manager leading it. I think the only player who didn't regress was Szobo.

07 Jun 2026 08:16:55
I really like Elliot too, but for me, he would be second fiddle at rw, and then 2/3rd fiddle at no 10 behind Wirtz and Szob. I think AI will use Wirtz at both 10 and lw, and Szob both no. 8 & 10.
I would like to see Elliott re-integrated, but for his career, I think it is best if he moved on.

07 Jun 2026 08:26:31
The team must be built around Wirtz. Why Slot didn't do that is insanity.

07 Jun 2026 09:55:01
Wirtz sees moves and passes above anyone else on the team. He reads the game so fast. I love Elliott but he's nowhere near his level, but as a sub for him might work, but Elliott is slower in all aspects.
It's all up to them to prove to Adoni that they can play his system.

07 Jun 2026 09:57:26
We've had these discussions before. I agree with FM to the extent that I expected more from Wirtz. Sure, the systems didn't suit him and all that, but with the hype and cash value I thought he'd be a bit special. He wasn't, but I hope he will be. He'll have his chance to prove his worth next season, and hopefully he will.

07 Jun 2026 10:28:53
Half of you forgetting Wirtz can't hardly play a full game yet. Harvey back in the squad at this moment is a no brainer.

07 Jun 2026 11:24:49
If Iraola sticks to a 4-2-3-1, and Wirtz in the 3, then being Wirtz's backup is about the only position Elliott can do well in. I don't see him as a winger, and certainly not one of the 2 defensive midfielders Iraola likes to play with. And I'd keep him.

07 Jun 2026 12:48:45
Wirtz, I'm a fan of, my brother n some of my friends don't rate him. But, going on last season, you wouldn't say he was 100 million pound better player than Elliot. This season is a big one for Wirtz; if he doesn't improve, then all the hype surrounding him will just be exactly that, Hype.

06 Jun 2026 23:46:41
Wow, if reports are true then Spurs are willing to pay over £70 million for Gakpo.

07 Jun 2026 00:18:25
Personally, I don't see how Gakpo became a bad player overnight. So was it down to Slot's tactics maybe? 🤔

07 Jun 2026 00:27:44
Vuskovic plus cash will do it for me.

07 Jun 2026 00:31:50
Bite the hand off them.

07 Jun 2026 00:45:51
Even under Klopp, we would have jumped at £70m for Gakpo, Barry. We can't fall into the trap of thinking that all these players are superstars if Slot's not here. I really like Ireola and think he will succeed, but it's gonna be different for him.

Teams don't sit in against Bournemouth. Until we get the 1st goal, we are not gonna see a lot of games like we saw with his former side. So, in a lot of games, Gakpo will face a lot of the problems he had this season.

07 Jun 2026 00:54:55
Good player. Not a £70m player.

Then again, with the figures being branded about for Diomande off the back of 1 season, who knows who's worth what these days?

07 Jun 2026 04:32:15
If Spurs want Gakpo for 70m, I'd be willing to sell him. I don't think he is as bad as others have made him out to be, but 70m is crazy money and way above what I value him at.

The only issue is that we'd need to replace him in the squad, but there are others out there like Barcola who'd be a good replacement for him, I feel.

07 Jun 2026 04:56:42
We did the same with Diaz.....

07 Jun 2026 06:52:27
Drac, you don't actually get the money, the club does. But nice try.

07 Jun 2026 08:02:12
I'd keep Gakpo personally but if 70m is being touted you'd be crazy not to accept it.

07 Jun 2026 09:16:03
Gakpo is an ok squad player, but he is not a key title winning starting left winger.

07 Jun 2026 09:35:29
Didn't Bayern come in for him in Jan and club extended his contract.

They must have been confused with bite the hand off bit.

07 Jun 2026 09:56:12
Sell him and then pine to get him back by January.

07 Jun 2026 12:01:49
BeKind, Gakpo is a title-winning starting left winger, just 2 seasons ago.

If it's £70m, it's a good deal, but if he's genuinely on £250k a week with us, I don't see Spurs matching that, unless there's been a huge shift in their wage structure.

07 Jun 2026 12:35:21
The question should be who can you get, that is better, for 70 million, to replace him? Then, let's move on from there. Otherwise, makes no sense to sell him. Rio is at least 2 years from now.