Thiago Alcantara

[Guest Alex_K]

33 minutes ago, Doctor Troy said:

If the echo had their way Liverpool would sign no one. By the way the fucking website is ridiculous and impossible to read with adverts popping up every 2 seconds and needing to close them down. It's like flying through an asteroid field.

The website is quite literally a disgrace and a perfect reason for why parochial local news outlets have no business being in business. Someone could mock up an infinitely better Squarespace site in a week. Presumably they'd rather just whine about their marketshare being further eroded by online blogs etc while they inch closer and closer to going out of business month by month.

[Barrington Womble]

1 hour ago, Crazy Dave said:

According to Reddy and Pearce one of the issues with brining Thiago in isn't just financial, it's squad harmony. The centre of the pitch is already well-stocked and there's lads in there like Ox, Keita and Jones who are already having to sit out games and Klopp doesn't want to disrupt the happiness of the squad. Adding Thiago will mean they play even less. 

 

 

Now this is why klopp is Liverpool manager and I am a bellend on a forum. 

 

Ox - sorry, he's not exceptional enough to complain about an exceptional player joining. The lad tries, but he's just not a star performer. If he doesn't like it, sell him or tell him he's back up full back. In fact that's the role he'd have if I ruled the world. 

Keita - he's had 2 years and had about 6 decent games and never bossed 1. Here's a hint, if you don't want the club to buy good players, play better and stop rolling round the floor like a fucking girl. 

Jones - has lallanas place in the squad be happy with that. Thiago can have Ox's place. 

[Barrington Womble]

15 minutes ago, Alex_K said:

The website is quite literally a disgrace and a perfect reason for why parochial local news outlets have no business being in business. Someone could mock up an infinitely better Squarespace site in a week. Presumably they'd rather just whine about their marketshare being further eroded by online blogs etc while they inch closer and closer to going out of business month by month.

And every local news outlet uses the same fucking shit website! 

[Section_31]

16 minutes ago, Alex_K said:

The website is quite literally a disgrace and a perfect reason for why parochial local news outlets have no business being in business. Someone could mock up an infinitely better Squarespace site in a week. Presumably they'd rather just whine about their marketshare being further eroded by online blogs etc while they inch closer and closer to going out of business month by month.

They actually ask for money now, you can donate to them like a charity, because 'quality journalism costs money'.

 

 

[Captain Turdseye]

@Elite You’ve really fucked up with this thread mate. Shot your bolt too early and now we’re gonna lose Wijnaldum as well. 

[Section_31]

Let's face it, the Echo model is to peddle gangsters, guns and sensationalism non stop, eroding perceptions of the city, then cynically positioning itself as the defender of the city against outsiders and running Hillsborough front pages in time for award season (and invariably winning). 

[cloggypop]

2 minutes ago, Section_31 said:

Let's face it, the Echo model is to peddle gangsters, guns and sensationalism non stop, eroding perceptions of the city, then cynically positioning itself as the defender of the city against outsiders and running Hillsborough front pages in time for award season (and invariably winning). 

They should get Pancake to do a weekly column for them. 

[Horus]

Me when we buy Thiago and sell our only midfielder that doesn't get injured to pay for him:

 

[Grinch]

2 minutes ago, Horus said:

Me when we buy Thiago and sell our only midfielder that doesn't get injured to pay for him:

 

 

Whilst ignoring every other area of the team that needed depth.   Centre mid was literally at the bottom of the list. 

[Ne Moe Imya]

Someone on twitter made an argument that I've been thinking about quite a bit: maybe Klopp (and Edwards, looking at the data) sees Thiago as offering the best blend of Keita and Wijnaldum.

 

I know that as a data nerd, I naturally like Keita more than most on here. His numbers are still absolutely tremendous for us when he gets on the pitch, in terms of production and contribution to our attack. The problem with Keita (aside from his injuries) is that he gives the ball away in dangerous areas far too often. Klopp probably thought that he could train that out of him, but he still does it.

 

Gini, on the other hand, is simply a black hole, in both the best and worst senses of that term. When we're on the ball he always makes the simple choice, the right choice, the safe choice. He never gives the ball away at all, to say nothing of giving it away in dangerous areas. However, he doesn't contribute much to our attack either - he's just too risk-averse (where Keita is too risky).

 

Thiago offers the best of both of these worlds, and is perhaps the only player in world football who does this. He doesn't lose the ball in dangerous areas, ever. But he also plays progressive passes and takes smart risks that pay off surprisingly often. And he does all of this without sacrificing much in terms of ball-winning, either (at least compared to Gini - he's a bit behind Keita here).

[RoyHodgeGone]

Keita has had injury issues, had to break into an already settled midfield and since we came back he's been one of our best players.

[3 Stacks]

21 minutes ago, Ne Moe Imya said:

Someone on twitter made an argument that I've been thinking about quite a bit: maybe Klopp (and Edwards, looking at the data) sees Thiago as offering the best blend of Keita and Wijnaldum.

 

I know that as a data nerd, I naturally like Keita more than most on here. His numbers are still absolutely tremendous for us when he gets on the pitch, in terms of production and contribution to our attack. The problem with Keita (aside from his injuries) is that he gives the ball away in dangerous areas far too often. Klopp probably thought that he could train that out of him, but he still does it.

 

Gini, on the other hand, is simply a black hole, in both the best and worst senses of that term. When we're on the ball he always makes the simple choice, the right choice, the safe choice. He never gives the ball away at all, to say nothing of giving it away in dangerous areas. However, he doesn't contribute much to our attack either - he's just too risk-averse (where Keita is too risky).

 

Thiago offers the best of both of these worlds, and is perhaps the only player in world football who does this. He doesn't lose the ball in dangerous areas, ever. But he also plays progressive passes and takes smart risks that pay off surprisingly often. And he does all of this without sacrificing much in terms of ball-winning, either (at least compared to Gini - he's a bit behind Keita here).

There was a post on the LFC reddit the other day about Wijnaldum that was really good with some good numbers. Essentially, his job in the team has been to run a lot, never lose the ball and be difficult to dribble past. Statistically, he runs the most and gives the ball away the least. It's kind of a simplistic job but one that he's been really good at.

 

But then on the flip side, he wins the ball the least, presses the least, carries the ball the least and passes the ball forward the least. Although that's the role he's obviously been given so whether that's his fault, who knows.

 

I think you're right that Thiago is obviously seen as an upgrade. He keeps the ball as well as anyone, but he's also one of the most accurate passers, one of the best at progressing the ball, passing it through the lines, and his ball winning stats are really good. As you said, I bet we think that Thiago can do all that Wijnaldum currently does, plus the stuff he doesn't do. But we'll only buy him if Wijnaldum decides he wants to leave.

[mgw100]

If we wanted to upgrade someone, I would upgrade Chamberlain. Gini's contract situation is relevant, sure, but I'd be amazed if he actually wants to leave. 

[TheHowieLama]

[Harry Squatter]

1 hour ago, cloggypop said:

They should get Pancake to do a weekly column for them. 

Hes too busy shagging Steven Gerrards wife.

[Rotpeter]

49 minutes ago, Ne Moe Imya said:

Someone on twitter made an argument that I've been thinking about quite a bit: maybe Klopp (and Edwards, looking at the data) sees Thiago as offering the best blend of Keita and Wijnaldum.

 

I know that as a data nerd, I naturally like Keita more than most on here. His numbers are still absolutely tremendous for us when he gets on the pitch, in terms of production and contribution to our attack. The problem with Keita (aside from his injuries) is that he gives the ball away in dangerous areas far too often. Klopp probably thought that he could train that out of him, but he still does it.

 

Gini, on the other hand, is simply a black hole, in both the best and worst senses of that term. When we're on the ball he always makes the simple choice, the right choice, the safe choice. He never gives the ball away at all, to say nothing of giving it away in dangerous areas. However, he doesn't contribute much to our attack either - he's just too risk-averse (where Keita is too risky).

 

Thiago offers the best of both of these worlds, and is perhaps the only player in world football who does this. He doesn't lose the ball in dangerous areas, ever. But he also plays progressive passes and takes smart risks that pay off surprisingly often. And he does all of this without sacrificing much in terms of ball-winning, either (at least compared to Gini - he's a bit behind Keita here).

I remember Klopp describing Gini's role in the attack as "protecting the attack".  So maybe he doesn't directly contribute stats-wise but he has a definite and one would assume, much appreciated role.

 

As an aside, when Fab went to CB in the game the other day, all I could think was "hmm, clearing the #6 slot. Wonder why?"

[Leyton388]

1 hour ago, Doctor Troy said:

Hes too busy shagging Steven Gerrards wife.

Who isn't?

[Elite]

3 hours ago, Captain Turdseye said:

@Elite You’ve really fucked up with this thread mate. Shot your bolt too early and now we’re gonna lose Wijnaldum as well. 

 

[Harry Squatter]

38 minutes ago, Leyton388 said:

Who isn't?

Me. Having a weeks rest from her.

[aRdja]

Now everyone will go to bed, and Echo journalists to wake up tomorrow morning baffled by the latest development. cba

[magicrat]

5 hours ago, Anubis said:

Nobody. That’s why I suggested one Euro.

I know , your keyboard is better than mine !

[Creator Supreme]

Thiago is nailed on for United now.

[liverpoolsno9]

4 hours ago, Doctor Troy said:

Hes too busy shagging Steven Gerrards wife.

 True Story. I know loads of Blues that have the video of this whilst she snorting Coke off the toilet. Would have thought it’d gone viral by now. 

[aRdja]

2 hours ago, Creator Supreme said:

Thiago is nailed on for United now.

Hopefully this reverse jinx works again this time.

[Guest]

19 hours ago, Creator Supreme said:

Thiago is nailed on for United now.

Manchester United appear likely to miss out on a deal for Thiago Alcantara amid claims the Spaniard prefers a move to Liverpool. The Spaniard, 29, has been the subject of continued speculation regarding his next career step.

 

The Bayern midfielder made it clear he would be on the move this summer after refusing to pen a new deal with the European champions. For the longest time, Anfield appeared to be the likeliest destination, though Jurgen Klopp’s side have yet to lodge an official offer.

 

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently confirmed the classy midfield maestro is likely to leave, stating: “It looks like he will leave us. It was important for him that he showed that he can play well in the big games. When it comes to that, it’s a finish that hurts a bit. I expect an offer for him in the next few days.”

 

However, strong reports this week have claimed United also plan to bring Thiago to Old Trafford. It’s claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to bring the former Barcelona man into his midfield. Furthermore, Liverpool’s delay in getting the deal done appears to have opened the door for United.

 

United’s hopes of landing the former Barcelona man have been given a further boost too. That’s because, as per ESPN, Bayern have invited the Red Devils to make an official approach for the player. It’s claimed Bayern know they will have to offload the player this summer, but Liverpool’s delay in making their move is causing them concern.

 

As such, Bayern hope a firm approach from United could also force Liverpool’s hand. The would-be transfer scrap between Liverpool and United has drawn plenty of interest in the German media. Bild have a feature on the the Spaniard’s future on Wednesday, headlined ‘The fight for Thiago’.

 

They state United have already made contact with Thiago’s advisors over a potential move. However, there lies a big problem for United in that the report states the player prefers a move to Liverpool for two reasons. They state Thiago can see a clearer route into Klopp’s midfield than he could under Solskjaer at United. The Premier League champions are looking to offload Gini Wijnaldum, which would leave a clear path for Thiago.

 

However, at United he would be competing with a number of established stars. Their packed midfield options also include the recently-signed Donny van De Beek. Secondly, it’s suggested Thiago sees his prospects of adding to his trophy haul far greater right now at Liverpool. The Reds have claimed four trophies over the past 15 months. United, meanwhile, will looking stronger all the time, haven’t lifted a trophy since the Europa League in 2017.

Pundit: Thiago would make Liverpool ‘formidable’

Should Liverpool finalise a deal for Thiago, they would remain the team to beat in 2020/21, according to Kieron Dyer.

 

 

 

The former Newcastle and England man believes Thiago would add an extra dimension to the champions’ game. “Liverpool haven’t really had to sign anyone,” Dyer told BBC Radio 5 Live. “[But] win the league by 20 points do you really need to strengthen your squad?

 

“They have obviously been linked with Thiago, which would be absolutely massive for them. A lot of their creativity comes from their full-backs. We only question the midfield three about how many goals and assists they get. He [Thiago] would give them another option. It would make them really formidable. I don’t think Liverpool have to recruit too much, they are the best team in the league by miles. It was shown last season. Liverpool will be fine.”