greydos

If this is like your “Bruno may flop” gut instinct then I’m withholding my trust ;-)

The thought of Maguire stepping out from the back and bypassing Bruno instead of just looking to play it simple to Bruno is revolting!

Yes, as I acknowledged above. The point stands though. Klopp can rely on a player playing right back who has never scored a goal, in one of the most difficult and legendary end of season run-ins of all time. If this Liverpool team can play a non-scoring player at fullback to get results against mid-table teams and succeed, so can we.

I’m not so sure we need pace so much as players with a high technical ability and a Diesel engine. We lack players who live moving into space off the ball when we’re in possession. They don’t need to sprint, just to be constantly in motion, aware of their marker’s position and scanning for pockets of space. The Italy midfielders in the final of the euros had no pace between them. But the ability to constantly move positions in passing lanes and triangles means they played through England at will

I think it works in that for 2 years he’s first choice like I said. In year 3 he can try and fight to keep the shirt. At that stage (2024-2025 season) lots will hopefully have changed: (1) he’s 29/30, so getting on; (2) we’re a big team going places in Europe with high-calibre players; (3) he’s been demoted to squad player by both us and Villa in the last few years, so he may be resigned to it/accept the fact he’s reached his ceiling; (4) he might view 20+ games as acceptable in our “Project” which will be much more visible and enticing than it is now; (5) Southgate’s told him playing for us alongside his England colleague Tripps will see him in the squad for the euros (ok so the last point is pure fantasy!)

I think there’s good news for next year. Before Howe was appointed I was concerned whether he could organise a defence, which was his historical weakness. He’s proven he can do that, even with cheap parts. Now our issue is can he build our attack? Well, that’s his strength, and he’ll have loads of money to do it. So it’s all positive for me. His defence will comfortably keep us in the league next year. The success of his attacking coaching will dictate how high up the league we can go

Yes, so the job he did at full back is comparable to the job I say Targett can do at full back. Who cares if Gomez is a centre back? Does that mean Klopp didn’t play him at full back today? Does it mean Gomez attacked and overlapped today? No. He played fullback, stayed defensive, held position alongside the centre backs and Liverpool won comfortably. Targett can do that job for us

Yes. I’m saying Targett should be a starter for 2 seasons and then for seasons 3-5 move to the job Gomez does for Liverpool now. Fill in 20-odd games a season when your first choice fullbacks need a rest and don’t let standards slip. At the business end of the season having a deputy fullback who defends as a priority and perhaps doesn’t offer so much going forward is really valuable. Sometimes you need to churn out 1-0s to keep momentum going in between the “big” games. Gomez has helped Liverpool do that. Targett can do that job for us in 2024-2025 when we’ll be going after champions league, perhaps alongside a europa league campaign

I don’t think Joe Gomez has a goal in his life and he’s on the verge of winning the Quad, having played 70-odd games for Liverpool. He didn’t get forward today either. I’m fairly certain Targett can do a similar job for our team/squad the next 5 years.

Today feels like the kind of day we look back on in 2 years and are grateful. Howe will learn so much about how to counter the top teams and what we need in the transfer window. Another technical baller in centre mid, and a couple of comfortable in possession wide players to go with Tripps and Targett

The referees love protecting Liverpool! The Bruno shoulder on Mane is a foul but Jota’s thigh on Almiron isn’t? Where’s the consistency? That’s what we want ultimately. We can get at these second half I feel

I’d like: (1) a minimum of 55 points, (2) a style that sees us with more control against other mid-table teams (like how Brighton and Southampton dominate the ball against mid-table clubs), (3) a cup run, (4) at least 2 wins against top 4 opposition, preferably one away from home, (5) to finish above Manure, (6) to do the double over the PFM managers in the league (Frank, Gerrard, Allardyce/Pulis when they inevitably show up) and (7) the amazing development of a player ala Joelinton this year. Say Murphy finding his shooting boots and being an in-behind threat grabbing 12 goals, or Billy Elliott starting 15+ games, grabbing a few goals and assists. The last is almost most important to me. I love the idea Eddie gives us added value by taking an ordinary player and making him exceptional. Imagine the fewm from everyone else when we have unlimited millions but don’t need to spend them all because our manager is an alchemist!

Your housemate lives with you though, so, gotta question his judgment? (*lol, kidding, I’m just being a n*bhead!)

This whole idea that Targett may not fit into Howe’s style is silly. Targett’s just helped Howe pick up the 2nd most points in the league in 2022, picking up wins in 60%+ of his starts. In the pre-Norwich press conference Howe has said that he needs to be and is: (1) adaptable on style, and (2) enjoying the way we play this year. Now Howe will change to add a bit more control next year. That means more short passing around defence and midfield. Nothing I’ve seen says Targett can’t play in such a team. He’s not Lascelles on the ball! Also this point about lack of assists is so harsh. Our team is light on goals and finishers. So when can he get a lot of assists? We won loads by the odd goal. More pertinent is whether he progresses the ball safely (though even that stat is hurt by Wood’s inability to trap a ball) and plays key passes. The eye test says he’s good at both

Even if we want a progressive left back for turning 1-0 wins against “the other 14” into more comfortable 2-0 and 3-0 wins, our team will still need Targett against the top 6. Even with 4 quality signings in the summer, you can’t tell me we can defend better against Man City and Liverpool with a Gosens/Digne at left back rather than Targett. He’s literally a must sign for me. Plus, Trippier’s a passing attacking fullback, not so much a marauding one. Targett could well get to that level in the next 5 years when he’ll be Trippier’s current age. Get him signed ffs!

So let’s buy Modric and Casemiro this summer then!

He’s damaged our goal difference. We were much more solid under Bruce-Jones. Jury still out for me

I’d like to think it’ll be like Trigger’s broomstick on Only Fools & Horses. 17 new heads, 14 new handles, still the same stick!

Meat Stack was the winner. Fair play, 6 pints down, just what I need to rescue the night. An oily masterpiece!

Best place to eat chaps? We’re in China Town at the moment. Fancy anything to be fair. Feeling ravenous!

It’s the “most” that has me concerned! Nah to be fair all have been good as good so far

In Black Garter now. Bought 2x pints for price of one in The Stack. Definitely a different crowd. I’m reserved on whether it’s a better crowd lol!

Are you messing with me?

Nice will check it out. Thanks HTT!

Just arrived at “The Stack.” Middle-aged hen-do central! Any recommendations for a decent pre-match pint?