Summer Transfers 2014

[Lee909]

Just watched a few clips of Emre Can,looks a good young player.

Bild seem to think we are getting him and are reporting interest in Shaqiri too. 

I hve nothing against Lallana and was happy with the link but the fee if above £20ml seems steep to me. If we could pick up both Can and Shaqiri for £25-27ml(reported fee) then surely that is better business than Lallana at the same price.It shows the difference targeting players abroad than at home where the 'English Tax' is absurd.

 

Im not sure on these links to Bony myself.

You have to be looking at £18-20ml i would have thought with them paying £12ml ? last.

We would get rid of the SAS for the SBS though 

[Lee909]

I like the sound of the Swiss lad myself.

Good in the air and tackles well,get forward and creates,sweet left foot.

Great set pieces(great to have the left footed option).

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIHe9by9tFA

 

 

We compare Reds target Alberto Moreno with highly-rated Ricardo Rodriguez, Ryan Bertrand and current left-back Jon Flanagan

 

With a left back high on Liverpool FC's agenda this summer, thoughts turn to potential acquisitions.

The ECHO exclusively revealed the Reds' interest in Sevilla's Alberto Moreno, one of Spain's rising stars, with a fee of over £15m required to bring him to Anfield.

But if Liverpool were to not succeed in bringing Moreno to Anfield, thoughts would turn to either Ryan Bertrand of Chelsea or Benfica's Guilherme Siqueira.

The Reds have also been linked with a whole host of other left-backs such as Swiss star Ricardo Rodriquez.

We have crunched the numbers to see which left-back comes out on top, Moreno, Bertrand, Rodriguez or the man who made the left-back spot his own (and may take some shifting) Jon Flanagan.

 

 

Appearances

Wolfsburg's Rodriguez has made the most appearances of any of the four, with 34 games for the German side this term. Moreno, in his breakthrough season at Sevilla, has made 28 appearances in La Liga this season.

Bertrand, however, found opportunities hard to come by at Chelsea and headed on-loan to Aston Villa in January. In total the 24-year-old made just 16 league appearances this campaign.

That's less than Flanagan, who broke into the Liverpool side in November's Merseyside derby and made 23 appearances for the Reds last year - becoming a virtual ever-present in the process.

 

 

Goals

Liverpool would certainly benefit from goalscoring full-backs and the Reds haven't had a left-back that found the net regulary since John Arne-Riise scored six times in Rafa Benitez's first season at Liverpool - albeit Riise would sometimes play on the left-side of midfield, with Djimi Traore tucked behind.

Moreno can  boast three league goals and the Spaniard's strikes against Barcelona, Valladolid and Athletic Bilbao prove that the 21-year-old is not afraid to let fly with his left foot from the edge of the box in Riise-esque fashion.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, scored five times for Wolfsburg and the 21-year-old is entrusted with free-kick and penalty duties. His most significant impact came in a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in November with a sweetly struck free-kick.

Nobody will forget Flanagan's single goal this season. A brilliant top corner curler against Tottenham demonstrated the youngster's abilities but he is by no means a regular scorer.

Bertrand, meanwhile, has never scored for Chelsea in the Premier League and only boasts one league goal to his name - for Reading in 2009/10.

 

 

Assists

In terms of assists, there is no competition between the four.

Ricardo Rodriguez's brilliant return of nine assists demonstrates just how good the former FC Zurich man's delivery is.

Indeed, just one look at a highlight video will show you how sweet his left foot can be and, with set-piece responsibilities, Rodriguez has proven to be a great help to his team-mates at Wolfsburg.

Surprisingly for a modern attack-minded full back, Moreno cannot boast a single league assist this term. Perhaps in a Sevilla team that has scored just 66 goals - that's 35 less than Liverpool managed this term - the blame doesn't solely lie with Moreno. Nevertheless it is a poor return for the Spaniard.

Jon Flanagan didn't fare much better. One assist doesn't particulary sound great for the 21-year-old but, compare that to Southampton's £30m-rated Luke Shaw and Leighton Baines who only managed one and three assists respectively.

Bertrand, meanwhile, is another without any assists but, considering he only played 16 times, it is a little unfair to single out the Chelsea man.

 

Key Passes

It looks as though it is becoming a theme but once again Rodriguez leads the way with key passes this term.

And he holds some lead.

A whopping 77 key passes are attributed to the Wolfsburg man, showing that there is indeed substance to his many forays into the opponent's half.

Compare that with his nearest challenger, Moreno, who has managed just 17 key passes - not particularly bad for a full-back but not in Rodriguez's league in terms of statistics.

Flanagan sits third with 13 key passes and Bertrand has just four.

 

 

Dribbles

Another outstanding category for Rodriguez who has embarked on 87 dribbles this term. Once again it is an impressive feat and shows what an attacking outlet he has been for the Bundesliga side.

Moreno's 33 dribbles are nothing to be sneered at. The Spaniard has proven adept at getting forward into the opponent's half.

Jon Flanagan, meanwhile, is a little more defensive, having completed 15 successful dribbles and Bertrand has seven in just 16 appearances.

 

 

Tackling

Once again, no prizes for guessing who sits top. Rodriguez has made 103 successful tackles this season. Not bad, not bad at all.

However, compare that with Flanagan's 79 tackles - in 11 games fewer no less - and it shows just what a rock the youngster has been for Rodgers' side this term.

Moreno has made 52 successful tackles, although it could be said that La Liga in general sees fewer tackles than it's English or German counterparts.

Bertrand once again sits bottom with 29 successful tackles.

 

Interceptions

Finally a change at the top.

When it comes to interceptions, top Reds-target Moreno is your man. The Spaniard leads the way with 71, perhaps demonstrating the less-physical nature of La Liga and showing that Moreno prefers brains, rather than brawn, when it comes to winning the ball.

Still, Rodriguez sits second with an impressive 62 interceptions. Flanagan has just 40 whilst Bertrand has just 15 in 16 appearances.

 

Dispossessed 

Perhaps this is the most revealing, and damning, of all the statistics. Rodriguez once again sits top of the rankings - but it's a place he'd rather not be.

The Swiss international has been dispossessed 37 times this term and, whilst it could be argued that that could be due to his more-frequent forays into oppositon territory the statistic just doesn't sit well compared with Flanagan's 24 and Moreno's hugely impressive 16.

Bertrand, meanwhile, has been dispossessed just 12 times, but when you consider that he has played 12 games less than Moreno, it makes the Spaniard's statistic all the more impressive.

Thus, whilst Rodriguez may be the most adventurous of the four, he may also end up being the least reliable - not something a manager wants at the very highest level.

 

 

Long Balls

A statistic that could be attributed to the team's tactics as much as the individual but, even so, it does show each player's tendency to hit it long.

Rodriguez has hit 182 long balls this season. Meanwhile, Flanagan, Moreno and Bertrand have made just 29, 25 and 20 long passes respectively - perhaps another clue as to why Moreno and Bertrand are top targets for Rodgers.

Moreno's suitability to play Rodgers' style of football is clearly evident whilst Rodriguez, with a huge number of long passes, may not be as suited to Liverpool's possession-based style.

 

 

Aerial Duels won

Impressive stuff from the 5 ft 11 in Rodriguez, as he has won 105 aerial duels. That's more than triple his nearest rival Flanagan, who has 29.

With Liverpool's defence struggling with set pieces and teams with a more physical approach, a aerially dominant player could be an asset.

Indeed at just 5 ft 7 in, Moreno doesn't win anywhere near as many headers, with just 25 duels won - although once again this statistic could be distorted by La Liga's less physical nature and style of play.

Bertrand, meanwhile sits bottom of the pile again with just 20.

 

 

Verdict

Wolfsburg's Rodriguez has some very impressive statistics right across the board, especially his goals, assists and aerial dominance.

Who could argue that such a player could be an asset to a Liverpool defence that shipped 50 Premier League goals this term?

However, the fact that Rodriguez has been dispossessed 37 times suggests that he can, at times, be a liability.

Moreno may be a little more refined and the fact that he has been dispossessed much less, has made more interceptions and is used to much more of a Liverpool-like style of play may work in his favour.

The youngster will also be Jordi Alba's back up for the Spanish national side this summer - no mean feat.

Admittedly, it is hard to judge Bertrand, with just 16 appearances made. But the Englishman did have an impressive season the previous year and Chelsea may well be keen to sell.

Whoever Rodgers plumps for, only one thing is certain.

A certain "Red Cafu" may take some shifting next season.

[Unrighteous]

That article worked.  Sign Rodriguez now!!!

[Red Banjo]

Yep.

 

Rodriguez, Sanchez and this Emre kid please.

 

Id like all 3 signed by Tuesday, if it's not too much effort please.

 

Thanks.

[Trucker Paddy]

How slim would the chance of us signing Hummels be?The only thing is he normally plays as a left sided cb.

He's ridiculously overrated

[Horus]

The fact that Lallana is probably going to cost more than Sanchez, highlights the folly and false economy of buying British.

[Byrnie]

He's ridiculously overrated

What don't you like about him, mate?

 

I think he is commanding, aggressive, good in the tackle and can play it well out from the back.

 

I've not noticed any glaring weaknesses, although I don't watch German football every week so I'm only going from what I've seen of him myself.

 

I think he would be a great signing for us.

[MLB]

Really don't see us signing Sanchez. This one comes up every year and always turns out to be bollocks.

 

I'm guessing that Can will be a replacement for Lucas and Lovren (or someone else) a replacement for Agger. Lallana is the number one target but hopefully we are after a good forward player as well.  

[Boss]

Rodriguez is pure quality, as is Moreno, you couldn't go wrong with either. Bertrand is shit though, don't understand the interest at all, he flatters to deceive and has been a non entity on virtually all of his numerous loan moves, i really hope we avoid that one.

[Gnasher]

Bertrand, Caulker, Lovren can stay where they are, not good enough, just another load of squad fillers.

[RedRazor]

 

I like the sound of the Swiss lad myself.

Good in the air and tackles well,get forward and creates,sweet left foot.

Great set pieces(great to have the left footed option).

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIHe9by9tFA

 

 

We compare Reds target Alberto Moreno with highly-rated Ricardo Rodriguez, Ryan Bertrand and current left-back Jon Flanagan

 

With a left back high on Liverpool FC's agenda this summer, thoughts turn to potential acquisitions.

The ECHO exclusively revealed the Reds' interest in Sevilla's Alberto Moreno, one of Spain's rising stars, with a fee of over £15m required to bring him to Anfield.

But if Liverpool were to not succeed in bringing Moreno to Anfield, thoughts would turn to either Ryan Bertrand of Chelsea or Benfica's Guilherme Siqueira.

The Reds have also been linked with a whole host of other left-backs such as Swiss star Ricardo Rodriquez.

We have crunched the numbers to see which left-back comes out on top, Moreno, Bertrand, Rodriguez or the man who made the left-back spot his own (and may take some shifting) Jon Flanagan.

 

 

Appearances

Wolfsburg's Rodriguez has made the most appearances of any of the four, with 34 games for the German side this term. Moreno, in his breakthrough season at Sevilla, has made 28 appearances in La Liga this season.

Bertrand, however, found opportunities hard to come by at Chelsea and headed on-loan to Aston Villa in January. In total the 24-year-old made just 16 league appearances this campaign.

That's less than Flanagan, who broke into the Liverpool side in November's Merseyside derby and made 23 appearances for the Reds last year - becoming a virtual ever-present in the process.

 

 

Goals

Liverpool would certainly benefit from goalscoring full-backs and the Reds haven't had a left-back that found the net regulary since John Arne-Riise scored six times in Rafa Benitez's first season at Liverpool - albeit Riise would sometimes play on the left-side of midfield, with Djimi Traore tucked behind.

Moreno can  boast three league goals and the Spaniard's strikes against Barcelona, Valladolid and Athletic Bilbao prove that the 21-year-old is not afraid to let fly with his left foot from the edge of the box in Riise-esque fashion.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, scored five times for Wolfsburg and the 21-year-old is entrusted with free-kick and penalty duties. His most significant impact came in a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in November with a sweetly struck free-kick.

Nobody will forget Flanagan's single goal this season. A brilliant top corner curler against Tottenham demonstrated the youngster's abilities but he is by no means a regular scorer.

Bertrand, meanwhile, has never scored for Chelsea in the Premier League and only boasts one league goal to his name - for Reading in 2009/10.

 

 

Assists

In terms of assists, there is no competition between the four.

Ricardo Rodriguez's brilliant return of nine assists demonstrates just how good the former FC Zurich man's delivery is.

Indeed, just one look at a highlight video will show you how sweet his left foot can be and, with set-piece responsibilities, Rodriguez has proven to be a great help to his team-mates at Wolfsburg.

Surprisingly for a modern attack-minded full back, Moreno cannot boast a single league assist this term. Perhaps in a Sevilla team that has scored just 66 goals - that's 35 less than Liverpool managed this term - the blame doesn't solely lie with Moreno. Nevertheless it is a poor return for the Spaniard.

Jon Flanagan didn't fare much better. One assist doesn't particulary sound great for the 21-year-old but, compare that to Southampton's £30m-rated Luke Shaw and Leighton Baines who only managed one and three assists respectively.

Bertrand, meanwhile, is another without any assists but, considering he only played 16 times, it is a little unfair to single out the Chelsea man.

 

Key Passes

It looks as though it is becoming a theme but once again Rodriguez leads the way with key passes this term.

And he holds some lead.

A whopping 77 key passes are attributed to the Wolfsburg man, showing that there is indeed substance to his many forays into the opponent's half.

Compare that with his nearest challenger, Moreno, who has managed just 17 key passes - not particularly bad for a full-back but not in Rodriguez's league in terms of statistics.

Flanagan sits third with 13 key passes and Bertrand has just four.

 

 

Dribbles

Another outstanding category for Rodriguez who has embarked on 87 dribbles this term. Once again it is an impressive feat and shows what an attacking outlet he has been for the Bundesliga side.

Moreno's 33 dribbles are nothing to be sneered at. The Spaniard has proven adept at getting forward into the opponent's half.

Jon Flanagan, meanwhile, is a little more defensive, having completed 15 successful dribbles and Bertrand has seven in just 16 appearances.

 

 

Tackling

Once again, no prizes for guessing who sits top. Rodriguez has made 103 successful tackles this season. Not bad, not bad at all.

However, compare that with Flanagan's 79 tackles - in 11 games fewer no less - and it shows just what a rock the youngster has been for Rodgers' side this term.

Moreno has made 52 successful tackles, although it could be said that La Liga in general sees fewer tackles than it's English or German counterparts.

Bertrand once again sits bottom with 29 successful tackles.

 

Interceptions

Finally a change at the top.

When it comes to interceptions, top Reds-target Moreno is your man. The Spaniard leads the way with 71, perhaps demonstrating the less-physical nature of La Liga and showing that Moreno prefers brains, rather than brawn, when it comes to winning the ball.

Still, Rodriguez sits second with an impressive 62 interceptions. Flanagan has just 40 whilst Bertrand has just 15 in 16 appearances.

 

Dispossessed 

Perhaps this is the most revealing, and damning, of all the statistics. Rodriguez once again sits top of the rankings - but it's a place he'd rather not be.

The Swiss international has been dispossessed 37 times this term and, whilst it could be argued that that could be due to his more-frequent forays into oppositon territory the statistic just doesn't sit well compared with Flanagan's 24 and Moreno's hugely impressive 16.

Bertrand, meanwhile, has been dispossessed just 12 times, but when you consider that he has played 12 games less than Moreno, it makes the Spaniard's statistic all the more impressive.

Thus, whilst Rodriguez may be the most adventurous of the four, he may also end up being the least reliable - not something a manager wants at the very highest level.

 

 

Long Balls

A statistic that could be attributed to the team's tactics as much as the individual but, even so, it does show each player's tendency to hit it long.

Rodriguez has hit 182 long balls this season. Meanwhile, Flanagan, Moreno and Bertrand have made just 29, 25 and 20 long passes respectively - perhaps another clue as to why Moreno and Bertrand are top targets for Rodgers.

Moreno's suitability to play Rodgers' style of football is clearly evident whilst Rodriguez, with a huge number of long passes, may not be as suited to Liverpool's possession-based style.

 

 

Aerial Duels won

Impressive stuff from the 5 ft 11 in Rodriguez, as he has won 105 aerial duels. That's more than triple his nearest rival Flanagan, who has 29.

With Liverpool's defence struggling with set pieces and teams with a more physical approach, a aerially dominant player could be an asset.

Indeed at just 5 ft 7 in, Moreno doesn't win anywhere near as many headers, with just 25 duels won - although once again this statistic could be distorted by La Liga's less physical nature and style of play.

Bertrand, meanwhile sits bottom of the pile again with just 20.

 

 

Verdict

Wolfsburg's Rodriguez has some very impressive statistics right across the board, especially his goals, assists and aerial dominance.

Who could argue that such a player could be an asset to a Liverpool defence that shipped 50 Premier League goals this term?

However, the fact that Rodriguez has been dispossessed 37 times suggests that he can, at times, be a liability.

Moreno may be a little more refined and the fact that he has been dispossessed much less, has made more interceptions and is used to much more of a Liverpool-like style of play may work in his favour.

The youngster will also be Jordi Alba's back up for the Spanish national side this summer - no mean feat.

Admittedly, it is hard to judge Bertrand, with just 16 appearances made. But the Englishman did have an impressive season the previous year and Chelsea may well be keen to sell.

Whoever Rodgers plumps for, only one thing is certain.

A certain "Red Cafu" may take some shifting next season.

 

Good analysis. Seems pretty objective too.

 

My preference based on the above would be Rodriguez but the disposession stats are really alarming. basically one fuck up per game and when it happens it could leave us badly exposed. That part of his game would definitely need to be worked on. But he appears to be exactly what BR is looking for from his full backs/wing backs.

[No2]

I like the idea of signing Bertrand, he's no superstar but he's lightening quick. He reminds me a lot of clichy, not great but his speed covers plenty of flaws. He also seems like the type that is willing to learn and will do exactly as asked. No brainer for me, if it doesn't work out we would move him on no problem at all.

[whistler]

Yeah, G.I. Johnson plasters over the cracks with his lightning leg power.

[Trucker Paddy]

What don't you like about him, mate?

 

I think he is commanding, aggressive, good in the tackle and can play it well out from the back.

 

I've not noticed any glaring weaknesses, although I don't watch German football every week so I'm only going from what I've seen of him myself.

 

I think he would be a great signing for us.

Every time I've seen him play he makes mistakes, subotic is much better player

[No2]

Yeah, G.I. Johnson plasters over the cracks with his lightning leg power.

 

Johnson hasn't been fast for a couple of years, he was never that quick to begin with. Add to that the fact he never really bothered trying to amend his mistakes and it makes your point totally irrelevant.

[Torvald Utne]

Good analysis. Seems pretty objective too.

 

My preference based on the above would be Rodriguez but the disposession stats are really alarming. basically one fuck up per game and when it happens it could leave us badly exposed. That part of his game would definitely need to be worked on. But he appears to be exactly what BR is looking for from his full backs/wing backs.

Is he getting dispossessed in dangerous areas or in the final third as he's taking players on and creating assists? I'm sure Suarez has a high number of dispossessions per game but just having a number doesn't really tell you anything.

[skend04]

Still can't believe that Bertrand even comes close to a long list let alone a shortlist of targets. His career adds up to the square root of fuck all and all he's done on loan at Villa is grown his hair. Fucking hell how shit is our committee because all these recurring links have for the past few windows have been spot on. Honestly, I despair if this is the height of the club's ambition. Ryan Fucking Bertrand.

[VERBAL DIARRHEA]

Bertrand has a CL Winners medal. But then so has Djimi Traore.

[JermainePennant]

Still can't believe that Bertrand even comes close to a long list let alone a shortlist of targets. His career adds up to the square root of fuck all and all he's done on loan at Villa is grown his hair. Fucking hell how shit is our committee because all these recurring links have for the past few windows have been spot on. Honestly, I despair if this is the height of the club's ambition. Ryan Fucking Bertrand.

I wouldn't be blaming the committee if we sign Bertrand, Rodgers knows him very well and if we get him Im sure will have a big impact on the deal.

 

I think bertrands a decent player and has looked good when I have seen him at villa this season, I wouldn't be against signing him but my concerns would be his wages which are supposed to be massive for a player of his stature.

[MLB]

Bertrand isn't bad but it would be a bit of an underwhelming signing. Him and a fit Enrique would be decent options but I'd like to think that we'd be looking at someone who is better than what we already have. Same goes for Caulker.

[Section_31]

I'll need to see more YouTube compilations before I'm fully convinced.

[Bjornebye]

Moreno is class

[Unrighteous]

Report: Liverpool agree £10m deal for Emre Can

• News

May 17, 2014

8

 

Liverpool have agreed a deal for Germany under 21 midfielder Emre Can, according to German newspaper Bild.

 

#487977625 / gettyimages.com

Can, 20, is a player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks and suits the profile of player The Reds are seeking to sign under manager Brendan Rodgersand owners FSG.

 

Emre Can's agent has a very good relationship with Brendan Rodgers. Did Sahin and Yesil deals

— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) May 17, 2014

The German midfielder has impressed for Bayer Leverkusen this season, having signed from Bayern Munich last summer. He’s scored three goals in 36 appearances in all competitions, but also has a fiery record with 13 yellow cards and one red – against PSG in the Champions League.

Can is a versatile player, predominantly a defensive midfielder but also capable of playing left-back and more attacking midfield.

 

 

ESPN report Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller refusing to comment on the rumours.

Reports suggest Can will be a replacement in the squad for Lucas Leiva, who is linked with a move to Inter Milan for a similar fee.

The Brazilian, 27, says he isn’t aware of Inter’s reported interest. “I can say that at the moment I have received no offers,” he told The Liverpool Echo.

“Liverpool have never contacted me regarding this possibility. I can’t say there is a chance of me going to Inter because I am under contract at Liverpool.”

Bild claim that The fee amounts to approximately 12 million euros, just under £10 million.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

Interesting more move. Would have liked to have got him two yearsnago for much less, but hopefully over the next two or three seasons he'll become a top class player.

[whistler]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ObZVcMYxWXQ

 

'No keeper in the universe', you hear him?