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Official Football Thread 2006/2007 (Soccer)
- Thread starter hadareud
- Start date
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Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
There are some quite good looking female footballers...and then there's:
Stephanie Gerrard
Sally Campbell
Martha Pinsent
Morkloth, Eater of Souls, spawn demon of Grunt of Trollbridge and Azerloth Spinedevourer
Stephanie Gerrard
Sally Campbell
Martha Pinsent
Morkloth, Eater of Souls, spawn demon of Grunt of Trollbridge and Azerloth Spinedevourer
Cornballer
Member
Jebus. Just to wipe those from my mind, I give you US Women's National Team member Heather Mitts....
Outdoor Miner
Member
Cornballer said:
10,000 fans showed up today just for the announcement of his signing at Toyota Park. The majority of them Mexicans. That's more attendance than some of the Fire's games last season. Tell me a player outside of Beckham that could've pulled that off.
It's not like we're brimming with quality veteran players. He's instantly better than any player on the Fire outside of maybe Mapp right now. He's having a fantastic Clausura season too, so the noise about him being washed up is pure bs (just served 2 assists in his last game).
So I for one don't think it's a bad idea right now.
Allow me a moment to be excited here. This was easily the worst offseason for the Fire in quite some time, so it's good to finally sign a quality player just a few days before the season starts.
Outdoor Miner
Member
Osorio said:
Not able to make the opener but I should be at the Fire/Wizards game on 4/21.
Cornballer
Member
I bear no ill will towards the Fire - they're a great franchise and I hope you have a great season. I know that Blanco is capable of a lot...Outdoor Miner said:Allow me a moment to be excited here. This was easily the worst offseason for the Fire in quite some time, so it's good to finally sign a quality player just a few days before the season starts.
I'm just very skeptical about his motivation, and the amount that he's being paid concerns me.
Blablurn has easily become one of my favourite posters in recent weeks. And most of that is due to that avatar of his.
Toronto FC sells single game seats next week Monday. I'm planning to score a cheap pair for three games...the home opener at the end of the month against Kansas City, the MLS champs Houston Dynamo next month, and naturally (if all things stay on course) David Beckham's MLS debut in early August.
The season kicks off this Saturday, and Toronto FC plays their first game at 10:30pm against Chivas USA. Four bars in town will be hosting officialy Toronto FC launch parties, including one that I've frequented for a number of games. With Arsenal playing West Ham at 10am local time, I'm thinking of making a day of it and just staying in the area.
That's not even counting Chelsea vs Tottenham, Portsmouth vs Man U, the Masters, the UFC PPV, and the Malaysian Grand Prix that starts at 3am my time. And England vs Australia in cricket on Sunday.
It's going to be a nutty weekend.
Toronto FC sells single game seats next week Monday. I'm planning to score a cheap pair for three games...the home opener at the end of the month against Kansas City, the MLS champs Houston Dynamo next month, and naturally (if all things stay on course) David Beckham's MLS debut in early August.
The season kicks off this Saturday, and Toronto FC plays their first game at 10:30pm against Chivas USA. Four bars in town will be hosting officialy Toronto FC launch parties, including one that I've frequented for a number of games. With Arsenal playing West Ham at 10am local time, I'm thinking of making a day of it and just staying in the area.
That's not even counting Chelsea vs Tottenham, Portsmouth vs Man U, the Masters, the UFC PPV, and the Malaysian Grand Prix that starts at 3am my time. And England vs Australia in cricket on Sunday.
It's going to be a nutty weekend.
Same here, his posts are highly amusing.
It's going to be exhausting, that's for sure. Especially since my girlfriend wants to go on a road trip this weekend. I will have to think of a few excuses to stop at a pub every 10 miles for 2 hours.
Luckily she likes football, but I doubt she wants to see 3 games on a romantic weekend. Ah well, you can't have everything.
It's going to be exhausting, that's for sure. Especially since my girlfriend wants to go on a road trip this weekend. I will have to think of a few excuses to stop at a pub every 10 miles for 2 hours.
Luckily she likes football, but I doubt she wants to see 3 games on a romantic weekend. Ah well, you can't have everything.
MrPing1000
Member
Juno said:
It's probably due to how awful we are in Europe, especially away. Remember Rooney hasn't scored since his hattrick debut nearly 3 years ago and Ronaldo has never scored in Europe, EVER.
Dudes! We crossed the 100.000 view line!
Gratulations ^^
Besides of this...
9 hours to go. I'm pretty nervous though.
Anyway, it will end good. I'm pretty sure about that. Viewing the last matches gives me a good feeling. Nevertheless it's quite a pity that van Bommel is booked....
We'll see ^^.
Gratulations ^^
Besides of this...
9 hours to go. I'm pretty nervous though.
Anyway, it will end good. I'm pretty sure about that. Viewing the last matches gives me a good feeling. Nevertheless it's quite a pity that van Bommel is booked....
We'll see ^^.
MrPing1000
Member
I'd much rather play ac milan than bayern if we get through.
Bayern just have a knack in Europe.
Bayern just have a knack in Europe.
MrPing1000 said:
:lol WTF...I knew about the Rooney drought, but you'd think Ronaldo would've scored one by accident by now. To be fair I never really pictured him as a scoring winger until this season. Anyway, I reckon he's about due. Rooney too for that matter.
Blablurn said:
"We did it!!"
Oh BTW, I'm picking the three English teams and Bayern to pull through. So bet on the opposite. :lol
even though it's difficult to get myself to do it since Arsenal aren't in anymore I shall predict as well:
PSV Eindhoven - Liverpool - draw
AC Milan - Bayern Munich - draw
Roma - Man Utd - draw
Chelsea - Valencia - draw
(bolded the overall winner)
As you can see I predict great entertainment.
PSV Eindhoven - Liverpool - draw
AC Milan - Bayern Munich - draw
Roma - Man Utd - draw
Chelsea - Valencia - draw
(bolded the overall winner)
As you can see I predict great entertainment.
Shinobi said:
"We did it!!"
:lol :lol
but not in the past few years -.-
By winning today we can regain some respect in Europe. Anyway, I'm quite confident. I'm going to visit some friends later. As a warm up we'll have some poker and PES6 sessions and after this we are going to celebrate our match against milan
My final predicition for today's match against Milan:
AC Milan 1 - 2 Bayern München
Goals:
0:1 Makaay
1:1 Kaka
1:2 Podolski
Give us Revenge for Dortmund ;_;.
hadareud said:
I think 40 million is quite good and very reasonable, but Rafa said there is no firm budget set, so I don't believe what the press has to say, whether it's 40 million, 150 million or 1 billion dollars.
However if it is 40 million:
I'd like to see us spending:
10m on a left winger - (Robinho?)
15m on someone on the right - (Alves?)
15-20m for a striker
--
Shifting players to get some extra cash:
Bellamy - 7m -> 5m for a squad player, either centre back or left back.
Pongolle - 4m, Hyypia - 2m -> 8-10m on youngsters.
Cisse - Fiver -> Big Mac Meal for Robbie Fowler
Get a couple of squad players on a free too.
40 million would be very good I think. It's not quite what Chelsea get to spend, but more than enough to strengthen the squad to challenge for the title. Chelsea is a different matter entirely of course, but not too many teams have the luxury to have an artificial budget where they are allowed to lose 50 million a season and spend a 100 million on new players additionally.
Compare that to the 20 million Wenger allegedly gets to spend in the summer. It should be a great season next year, I really could see 4 teams challenging for the title until the very end.
Compare that to the 20 million Wenger allegedly gets to spend in the summer. It should be a great season next year, I really could see 4 teams challenging for the title until the very end.
hadareud said:
Yeah I agree on all accounts, I would love 40 million, I wouldn't like Rafa to spend 100m on players then they don't work out. 20 million would be sufficient enough too, Arsenal need to spend but you'll also have Henry and Van Persie back next season.
It's going to be an incredible season next season, Tottenham will likely challenge Champions League next season what with how they're playing, granted they don't sell any key players. It'll be incredibly tight to the end of next season, it's exciting. Each of the top 4 will have an established squad + new key players to strengthen the team in the areas of weakness. Plus Arsenal playing their youngsters this season has done wonders for the squad. Of course you could say that this has been a hard season for Arsenal, but I believe next year, because of this season, they will become stronger than ever. Which is what I'm afraid of.
For Arsenal it will all depend on how we are finishing this season I think. If we can't get the team to pick themselves up and achieve 3rd place it will be quite difficult to create a positive atmosphere for next year, no matter what players we'll get in. 4th will feel like a big failure, 3rd would at least be a small achievement - a step up from 4th last year. Winning at home against Chelsea would give the club a huge boost too.
With the believe of being able to challenge for the title and 2 or 3 high class additions it would look very good. At the moment it's a bit difficult to see that happening though.
Tottenham will continue to improve, but I don't see them challenging any of the big 4. If anything it looks like the gap is starting to widen again. Man Utd and Chelsea already were and Liverpool and Arsenal should be untouchable next year.
I suppose there will be a big fight (again) for 5th place between Spurs, Everton, Newcastle, Blackburn, Bolton and the surprise team of next year. Spurs should come out on top of that though.
With the believe of being able to challenge for the title and 2 or 3 high class additions it would look very good. At the moment it's a bit difficult to see that happening though.
Tottenham will continue to improve, but I don't see them challenging any of the big 4. If anything it looks like the gap is starting to widen again. Man Utd and Chelsea already were and Liverpool and Arsenal should be untouchable next year.
I suppose there will be a big fight (again) for 5th place between Spurs, Everton, Newcastle, Blackburn, Bolton and the surprise team of next year. Spurs should come out on top of that though.
Outdoor Miner
Member
Oh yeah, better get CL predictions out the way.
PSV Eindhoven - Liverpool
AC Milan - Bayern Munich
Roma - Man Utd
Chelsea - Valencia
PSV Eindhoven - Liverpool
AC Milan - Bayern Munich
Roma - Man Utd
Chelsea - Valencia
Gunnerblog is suggesting that we should sign Tevez. I can't believe I didn't think about Tevez myself, I think he would be a great addition. He's had a terrible season at West Ham, which he is starting to turn around at the moment. His last few performances were quite good, and I think he could do a lot better playing at a team like Arsenal. He would be the ideal replacement for Baptista. Get a decent winger and Tevez in and we are set for next year. I really like this idea.
Also, imagine a team with Tevez, Ribery and Hleb in. The opposition would be scared shitless before a game even started.
Also, imagine a team with Tevez, Ribery and Hleb in. The opposition would be scared shitless before a game even started.
MrPing1000
Member
next season it will be between Chelsea and Man Yoo again, maybe Arsenal if they remember how to score. Liverpool think they're going to win it every year and every year they don't even come close.
Cornballer
Member
That's a shame. Flamini has worked very hard for Arsenal the past few years and had some good moments.Sky Sports News said:
Cornballer
Member
Run for your life!!!!hadareud said:
I can understand that he wants to move on - it's quite clear that Gilberto, Fabregas, Denilson and Diaby are ahead of him in the picking order. I think it's smart for him to move on.Cornballer said:
To however come out now with this story, having already involved his lawyer is a low blow. Good bye, don't come back.
edit: slight overreaction :lol
still, he could have waited a bit with this announcement.
Cornballer said:
:lol
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
We've only had press reports so far on the budget, so it's hard to know what to believe. Guess we'll see in the summer.
I'm not sure £40m is enough to challenge for the title, to be honest. As Lakitu says, they'll probably have to sell players to free up more money.
It certainly puts a different complexion on things if it's only that much, Benitez is going to have to really spend wisely. Players like Eto'o and Villa are probably out of the question unless he wants so spend all of his money on one player, yet I think it's the very best that Liverpool need. They're a long way behind Man Utd and Chelsea this season, 7 whole wins off the lead, and £40m isn't that much more than United will be able to spend and less than Chelsea, should they choose to.
Given the situation, these are the (main) squad members I think Liverpool should keep next season:
GK
Reina
Dudek
LB
Riise
Aurelio
RB
Finnan
Arbeloa
CB
Carragher
Agger
Hyypia
Paletta
LW
Kewell
Leto
RW
Pennant
CM
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Mascherano
Luis Garcia
Zenden
FW
Bellamy
Voronin
Crouch/Kuyt
Of note:
- There's a young Sampdoria goalkeeper on loan called Padelli, with a view to a permanent move. Assuming he's impressed enough, he needs to be signed as either second or third choice keeper, I don't known how much that'll cost but probably not much.
- I don't think Liverpool can afford to let Hyypia go, if the budget is £40m. Not unless they can find someone really cheap anyway. Paletta isn't good enough yet based on whats I've seen of him, and I really think a squad needs two good replacement centre backs so if Hyypia they would need two new players there. If the budget was higher they could do that.
- Leto is a young Argentine winger, I'm only assuming he can get a work permit, if not that could be a problem. He's already signed, he was just sent out on loan straight away, and wikipedia says "he's considered the best young player in the World to come from South America behind Lionel Messi in French Magazine TLW and was named as the player to watch in 2007 in World Soccer Magazine". Of course, I've heard this sort of hype before...well, maybe not quite that level, but Gonzalez was seriously hyped.
- I think the central midfield players are fine, and it's probably the best position on the pitch to overload, especially when quite a few can play in other positions if needed and you never know when you'll need to play 3 in there. That's why I'd keep Zenden, who in another position would probably be sold.
- I'd keep Bellamy, I really do think he's going to regain his Blackburn form and his pace is a danger to any side. I've said Crouch/Kuyt because I'd sell one of them depending entirely on who's brought in. If it's a tall guy, sell Crouch, if it's not, keep Crouch as all top sides need a big stiker sometimes. I love how hard Kuyt works, and he got off to a really good start, but he just hasn't performed recently. I never feel like he's a threat to the opposition goal anymore, I'd be more concerned about any of the other strikers there at the moment if they were facing Blackburn.
- Of course, there would be youngsters in the squad too, but I've never seen most of them so have no idea if they should stay or go.
Ok, to sell there's:
Fowler - free
Gonzalez - £4m
Crouch/Kuyt - £8m
Carson - £5m
Cisse - £7m
Le Tallec - £1m
I'm really not sure what the deal is with Pongolle. Some places seem to think he's on loan, others that he's already signed for the Spanish team on a one year deal and they have an option on another two. Does that mean Liverpool have already received money for him? I'm not going to count him because I can't be sure.
Apart from Fowler who would be out of contract, those are just very rough estimates, I really have no idea how much Gonzalez or Le Tallec would go for. £25m based on what I reckon though.
So now there's £65m to spend. A right winger is a must, as is at least one striker and a centre back.
RW
Daniel Alves - His price just keeps going up. Liverpool probably should have sucked it up when they would have let him go for £12m, because now they're looking at closer to £20m. Sevilla's president recently said as much as £40m (in response to Ronaldo's rumoured price tag), but I don't think that's serious. Lot of money though.
Shaun Wright-Phillips - Is he better than Pennant? Can he recapture his Man City form if playing regularly? Will Chelsea let him go? Does he even want to go? So many questions, but I reckon he'd be available for about...£8-10m, if he's available at all.
David Bentley - He's not long signed a new contract and I think he's happy, and we're certainly happy with him. I think he's a better player than Pennant and perhaps Champions League football and trophies, not to mention a greater chance of playing for England, would be enough temptation for him. As for us, enough money would probably tempt us...maybe in the region of £15m, can't see us selling for less than that.
Simão Sabrosa - Like a mirrored Ronaldo, he's left footed but can easily play on the right. In fact he's very much like Ronaldo, pace, goalscoring, and Liverpool tried to buy him last summer but were put off by the price. With more money...I'd say £12-15m could get him, so long as there isn't a bidding war. This would probably be my favoured buy.
Ludovic Giuly - His age is probabll against him at 30, but I think he's a dangerous player. Barcelona are well stocked in this position. Surely can't cost that much...£8m?
Robinho - He tends to cut in from the left, but he is right footed so maybe he can play right wing. I think his agent said he'd be available for £12m.
Mauro Camoranesi - Another 30 year old. Apparently unhappy at Juve, though I don't know if they'd let him go. He's an Italy international, but I have to say I hear some pretty negative things about him from Italian fans sometimes. Maybe not worth it, unless he's cheap.
CB
Jonathan Woodgate - The obvious choice. Might stay at Middlesbrough, there's even an outside chance he'll return to Madrid, but if he's available then he's perfect. £8m would likely be enough for Madrid, but I can't see only one club wanting him, that's likely to rise into the low £10ms. I'd still say it's worth it.
Matthew Upson - As Carragher and Agger are such good centre backs, Liverpool don't actually need to buy someone to come in and start, just strong cover. If West Ham are relegated then it's rumoured that Upson has an escape clause, and he's a great signing for a free.
Lucas Neill - He's an accomplished centre back, it's even more likely he has a release clause than Upson and we know Benitez likes him. However...he might have shot himself in the foot when he turned down Liverpool for West Ham, they might not want him anymore.
Anton Ferdinand - Hasn't really had the best season, but he was really good last year and has a lot of potential. Apparently one of the players definitely on the way out if West ham go down, though not for free.
Sylvain Distin - A key member of Man City's rather mean defence, hos contract runs out this summer. He'd be a great free signing. Man, there are a lot fo possible free centre backs this summer.
Tal Ben Haim - Quite the find by Bolton, but he's refusing to sign a new contract as he knows bigger teams are after him and he's on a free this summer. Chelsea wanted him in January and maybe still do, but Liverpool might be able to beat them to him.
There are various others Liverpool could buy from the Premiership and around the world, but none better than Woodgate and why pay when so many good players are likely o be available on frees?
FW
Darren Bent - I doubt he'll be available if Charlton stay up, but if they go down he should be. Proven goalscorer, probably not available for less than £20m.
David Villa - Could possibly just about afford him with the right buys of wingers and centre backs, and the right sales of others, but it's a large amount of the transfer budget gone in one foul swoop. I think he'd be fantastic though, if Valencia would let him go and someone like Chelsea didn't swoop first. £30-40m?
Samuel Eto'o - Not sure if he's available, not sure if he'd want to go to Liverpool, not sure if he's affordable. If all those somehow do line up, like Villa he's probably one of very few players worth spending so much on. £30-40m?
Miroslav Klose - Will apparently be sold this summer if he won't agree a new contract with Bremen. He's a prolific scorer for both club and country and a great header of the ball, but it's hard to put a price on him. I've read reoprts anywhere between £5m (which I think is ridiculous) and £25m. I think £15-20m would be more likely.
David Trezeguet - If Juventus are willing to sell and he wants to go, he'd be a great buy. Has always scored. £20m.
Fernando Torres - In Liverpool's situation, I'd only buy Torres if the money's available having already bought another striker. He'd be a great addition then, but alone I suspect he'll just be yet another good striker who doesn't get them enough goals.
That was quite exhaustive. If it was me I'd probably go for the following:
Simão Sabrosa - £15m
Tal Ben Haim - free
And then, I dunno amongst the strikers. They're all good. If it's possible, I'd say it's better to get two like Bent and Klose than one of Villa/Eto'o.
I'm not sure £40m is enough to challenge for the title, to be honest. As Lakitu says, they'll probably have to sell players to free up more money.
It certainly puts a different complexion on things if it's only that much, Benitez is going to have to really spend wisely. Players like Eto'o and Villa are probably out of the question unless he wants so spend all of his money on one player, yet I think it's the very best that Liverpool need. They're a long way behind Man Utd and Chelsea this season, 7 whole wins off the lead, and £40m isn't that much more than United will be able to spend and less than Chelsea, should they choose to.
Given the situation, these are the (main) squad members I think Liverpool should keep next season:
GK
Reina
Dudek
LB
Riise
Aurelio
RB
Finnan
Arbeloa
CB
Carragher
Agger
Hyypia
Paletta
LW
Kewell
Leto
RW
Pennant
CM
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Mascherano
Luis Garcia
Zenden
FW
Bellamy
Voronin
Crouch/Kuyt
Of note:
- There's a young Sampdoria goalkeeper on loan called Padelli, with a view to a permanent move. Assuming he's impressed enough, he needs to be signed as either second or third choice keeper, I don't known how much that'll cost but probably not much.
- I don't think Liverpool can afford to let Hyypia go, if the budget is £40m. Not unless they can find someone really cheap anyway. Paletta isn't good enough yet based on whats I've seen of him, and I really think a squad needs two good replacement centre backs so if Hyypia they would need two new players there. If the budget was higher they could do that.
- Leto is a young Argentine winger, I'm only assuming he can get a work permit, if not that could be a problem. He's already signed, he was just sent out on loan straight away, and wikipedia says "he's considered the best young player in the World to come from South America behind Lionel Messi in French Magazine TLW and was named as the player to watch in 2007 in World Soccer Magazine". Of course, I've heard this sort of hype before...well, maybe not quite that level, but Gonzalez was seriously hyped.
- I think the central midfield players are fine, and it's probably the best position on the pitch to overload, especially when quite a few can play in other positions if needed and you never know when you'll need to play 3 in there. That's why I'd keep Zenden, who in another position would probably be sold.
- I'd keep Bellamy, I really do think he's going to regain his Blackburn form and his pace is a danger to any side. I've said Crouch/Kuyt because I'd sell one of them depending entirely on who's brought in. If it's a tall guy, sell Crouch, if it's not, keep Crouch as all top sides need a big stiker sometimes. I love how hard Kuyt works, and he got off to a really good start, but he just hasn't performed recently. I never feel like he's a threat to the opposition goal anymore, I'd be more concerned about any of the other strikers there at the moment if they were facing Blackburn.
- Of course, there would be youngsters in the squad too, but I've never seen most of them so have no idea if they should stay or go.
Ok, to sell there's:
Fowler - free
Gonzalez - £4m
Crouch/Kuyt - £8m
Carson - £5m
Cisse - £7m
Le Tallec - £1m
I'm really not sure what the deal is with Pongolle. Some places seem to think he's on loan, others that he's already signed for the Spanish team on a one year deal and they have an option on another two. Does that mean Liverpool have already received money for him? I'm not going to count him because I can't be sure.
Apart from Fowler who would be out of contract, those are just very rough estimates, I really have no idea how much Gonzalez or Le Tallec would go for. £25m based on what I reckon though.
So now there's £65m to spend. A right winger is a must, as is at least one striker and a centre back.
RW
Daniel Alves - His price just keeps going up. Liverpool probably should have sucked it up when they would have let him go for £12m, because now they're looking at closer to £20m. Sevilla's president recently said as much as £40m (in response to Ronaldo's rumoured price tag), but I don't think that's serious. Lot of money though.
Shaun Wright-Phillips - Is he better than Pennant? Can he recapture his Man City form if playing regularly? Will Chelsea let him go? Does he even want to go? So many questions, but I reckon he'd be available for about...£8-10m, if he's available at all.
David Bentley - He's not long signed a new contract and I think he's happy, and we're certainly happy with him. I think he's a better player than Pennant and perhaps Champions League football and trophies, not to mention a greater chance of playing for England, would be enough temptation for him. As for us, enough money would probably tempt us...maybe in the region of £15m, can't see us selling for less than that.
Simão Sabrosa - Like a mirrored Ronaldo, he's left footed but can easily play on the right. In fact he's very much like Ronaldo, pace, goalscoring, and Liverpool tried to buy him last summer but were put off by the price. With more money...I'd say £12-15m could get him, so long as there isn't a bidding war. This would probably be my favoured buy.
Ludovic Giuly - His age is probabll against him at 30, but I think he's a dangerous player. Barcelona are well stocked in this position. Surely can't cost that much...£8m?
Robinho - He tends to cut in from the left, but he is right footed so maybe he can play right wing. I think his agent said he'd be available for £12m.
Mauro Camoranesi - Another 30 year old. Apparently unhappy at Juve, though I don't know if they'd let him go. He's an Italy international, but I have to say I hear some pretty negative things about him from Italian fans sometimes. Maybe not worth it, unless he's cheap.
CB
Jonathan Woodgate - The obvious choice. Might stay at Middlesbrough, there's even an outside chance he'll return to Madrid, but if he's available then he's perfect. £8m would likely be enough for Madrid, but I can't see only one club wanting him, that's likely to rise into the low £10ms. I'd still say it's worth it.
Matthew Upson - As Carragher and Agger are such good centre backs, Liverpool don't actually need to buy someone to come in and start, just strong cover. If West Ham are relegated then it's rumoured that Upson has an escape clause, and he's a great signing for a free.
Lucas Neill - He's an accomplished centre back, it's even more likely he has a release clause than Upson and we know Benitez likes him. However...he might have shot himself in the foot when he turned down Liverpool for West Ham, they might not want him anymore.
Anton Ferdinand - Hasn't really had the best season, but he was really good last year and has a lot of potential. Apparently one of the players definitely on the way out if West ham go down, though not for free.
Sylvain Distin - A key member of Man City's rather mean defence, hos contract runs out this summer. He'd be a great free signing. Man, there are a lot fo possible free centre backs this summer.
Tal Ben Haim - Quite the find by Bolton, but he's refusing to sign a new contract as he knows bigger teams are after him and he's on a free this summer. Chelsea wanted him in January and maybe still do, but Liverpool might be able to beat them to him.
There are various others Liverpool could buy from the Premiership and around the world, but none better than Woodgate and why pay when so many good players are likely o be available on frees?
FW
Darren Bent - I doubt he'll be available if Charlton stay up, but if they go down he should be. Proven goalscorer, probably not available for less than £20m.
David Villa - Could possibly just about afford him with the right buys of wingers and centre backs, and the right sales of others, but it's a large amount of the transfer budget gone in one foul swoop. I think he'd be fantastic though, if Valencia would let him go and someone like Chelsea didn't swoop first. £30-40m?
Samuel Eto'o - Not sure if he's available, not sure if he'd want to go to Liverpool, not sure if he's affordable. If all those somehow do line up, like Villa he's probably one of very few players worth spending so much on. £30-40m?
Miroslav Klose - Will apparently be sold this summer if he won't agree a new contract with Bremen. He's a prolific scorer for both club and country and a great header of the ball, but it's hard to put a price on him. I've read reoprts anywhere between £5m (which I think is ridiculous) and £25m. I think £15-20m would be more likely.
David Trezeguet - If Juventus are willing to sell and he wants to go, he'd be a great buy. Has always scored. £20m.
Fernando Torres - In Liverpool's situation, I'd only buy Torres if the money's available having already bought another striker. He'd be a great addition then, but alone I suspect he'll just be yet another good striker who doesn't get them enough goals.
That was quite exhaustive. If it was me I'd probably go for the following:
Simão Sabrosa - £15m
Tal Ben Haim - free
And then, I dunno amongst the strikers. They're all good. If it's possible, I'd say it's better to get two like Bent and Klose than one of Villa/Eto'o.
Good analysis Mama, yeah quite a few of those are certainly realistic if we were given a £40 mill budget.
But I think the whole talk of a 40 million budget is faff, because The Sun started it by claiming that budget in the article then went on to say in the same article that Rafa didn't state the actual budget.
And here is a quote from Rafa himself about it:
The owners stated that there is no budget, they'll back Benitez but Benitez has to make the first move in showing what players he wants, then the new owners will take it from there.
But I think the whole talk of a 40 million budget is faff, because The Sun started it by claiming that budget in the article then went on to say in the same article that Rafa didn't state the actual budget.
And here is a quote from Rafa himself about it:
The owners stated that there is no budget, they'll back Benitez but Benitez has to make the first move in showing what players he wants, then the new owners will take it from there.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
I'm really not very excited about PSV - Liverpool. That match has already happened twice this season and it's not exactly the two biggest teams in the competition.
It'll probably be an 8 goal thriller now.
It'll probably be an 8 goal thriller now.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Has Gerrard touched the ball yet? I hate Liverpool's yellow strip, it offends my eyes.
Cornballer
Member
Very exciting times....
12 mins Jeez, this is dire. The Liverpool back four are more than happy to hog possession with simple 15-yard passes to each other, while the PSV forwards watch with complete indifference. It's one of those nights where the referee might have to do something ludicrous to keep us interested.
12 mins Jeez, this is dire. The Liverpool back four are more than happy to hog possession with simple 15-yard passes to each other, while the PSV forwards watch with complete indifference. It's one of those nights where the referee might have to do something ludicrous to keep us interested.
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