Tuesday, 1 July 2008

Robbie Keane for Liverpool!

I'm excited by the prospect of Keane, a proven performer in the Premier League, teaming in up with Torres in Rafa's 4-2-3-1 formation, playing in the hole where Gerrard was deployed to such great effect in the latter stages of last season.

A player with endless energy, great vision and a enviable goal scoring record could prove a superb foil for Torres and one of Rafa's most astute purchases yet. Ok, it once again raised the Gerrard conundrum again (will he play in the centre, will he play on the right)... but in Rafa we trust!

£85m for Torres!

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would apparently pay £85m for Fernando Torres if given any encouragement by Liverpool. (Daily Star)

Would you sell him for £85m?

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Rafa demands £50m from the Americans

The press is awash with articles saying that Bentitez has demanded £50m to fund a transfer spending frenzy on David Villa, his Valencia team mate Silva, Gareth Barry and Dani Alves.

It doesn't quite add up - I think he's actually asking for an advance as he'll be raising most of the funds for these players from sales.
Crouch - £10m
Alonso - £15m
Riise - £4m
Guthrie - £2m
Carson - £6m
Pennant - £5m
Benayoun - £7m
Finnan - £2m

Given that the above sums aren't crazy figures for these players, I make that a request from the Americans for an additional £5m or so + the £7m we needed for Dossena. I don't think £12m is a lot to spend for a club like ours and what Rafa needs is an advance so he can sign the talent he's after without having to wait for players to be sold.

Oh and I'm not all that keen on Dani Alves and would rather keep the money!

Saturday, 21 June 2008

Archavin - what a player!

Andrei Arshavin has the creative edge and penetration that Liverpool are sorely lacking. Equally adept as both a winger and playing in the hole, this little fella has shone in during Euro 2008. We saw glimpses during the recent season in the UEFA cup and against England whilst qualifying for the Euro's - but against Holland today he was brilliant.

What I love about him is not just his talent, but his attitude - he's all heart. Even at 3-1 up with only a couple of minutes to go in extra time, he was sprinting and chasing everything down.

Rafa take note - if you have the funds, Andrei Arshavin would prove a cracking signing. Check out the video below from You Tube.

Wednesday, 18 June 2008

Riise a Roma player

So Riise's been sold to Roma. It was never a secret that he was on his way and I wish him well after a great stint with us. Nobody will ever forget that amazing goal against Manure (see below).

Saying that, I'm surprised we didn't get more than the reported £3.96m for him as he's supposed to be peaking at the age of 27 and has over 70 caps for Norway.

Johhhhhhhhn Arna Riiiisee oooh ah ... I wanna knoo-o-o-ow how you scored that gooal!

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Great article on why we shouldn't sign David Villa

Read it here.

It basically questions how we can accommodate Steven Gerrard if we deploy a 4-4-2 formation as Stevie G isn't consistently brilliant in the centre of midfield. The article goes on to argue that the one system that seems to fit him best is the 4-2-3-1 that Rafa currently favours.

Great article and well worth a read...

El Nino staying put...

"There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres," Hicks has been quoted telling the Liverpool Echo.

Thanks **** for that!

Samuel Eto

According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto surplus to requirements.
It's also reported that Eto may be available for as little as £16m, which when given Villa may cost in excess of £20m would not be a bad purchase at all.

Monday, 16 June 2008

All quiet on the DIC front

After so much speculation about DIC taking over it all seems to have gone quiet. Does that mean they are no longer coming in ... are the two morons going to still be in charge come the new season. I certainly hope not, but I fear that's the way it's going to be.

Surely, if anyone was going to come in, it would happen pre-season, with enough time to influence the shape of the team for 08/09, with success on the pitch equating to £££.

Lassana Diarra

So it appears it's all gone mad and we're being linked with every player on the planet, with the latest being Diarra of Portsmouth. Unsure about this one as I'm not convinced he'd play for the shirt! Yes, quality and perhaps a better option than Barry given his age, talent and price but does he have the 'mentality!'