Mata

[BrooklynRed]

Not convinced by Mata at all.

Valencia are a team I enjoy watching in La Liga; Mata has skill, but his build reminds me of Lucas (not his game, his build) and I am not sure he has the pace to torment the wings. That said, good on the ball and very crafty; set up a couple in the match this weekend.

I think the thing to remember is that Liverpool do not need a savior anymore; we have Suarez/Gerrard/Kuyt/Carroll/Meireles/Lucas -- a LOT of real quality that should dominate the majority of league games (as we have been now for weeks). We just need one or two missing ingredients to be absolutely deadly, although with the form Maxi is in right now, I don't know how hard we should be looking (yes, Maxi is older now, just a way to get in a compliment...)

For me, Arda Turan is the choice on the left; he has Mata's skills and pace to spare. I don't think people on this board know how special he is, but Suarez/Kuyt/Turan would TORMENT defenders. Mata, for me, is just one step below Turan; I would like to see Mata in our colors, but he is not my first choice.

[Rudo]

Valencia are a team I enjoy watching in La Liga; Mata has skill, but his build reminds me of Lucas (not his game, his build) and I am not sure he has the pace to torment the wings. That said, good on the ball and very crafty; set up a couple in the match this weekend.

I think the thing to remember is that Liverpool do not need a savior anymore; we have Suarez/Gerrard/Kuyt/Carroll/Meireles/Lucas -- a LOT of real quality that should dominate the majority of league games (as we have been now for weeks). We just need one or two missing ingredients to be absolutely deadly, although with the form Maxi is in right now, I don't know how hard we should be looking (yes, Maxi is older now, just a way to get in a compliment...)

For me, Arda Turan is the choice on the left; he has Mata's skills and pace to spare. I don't think people on this board know how special he is, but Suarez/Kuyt/Turan would TORMENT defenders. Mata, for me, is just one step below Turan; I would like to see Mata in our colors, but he is not my first choice.

He's quickish but yeah i suppose he isn't lightening fast and i agree with you - the pace and power of the Premier League might just be too much for him.

He's one of them fancy wingers that will do a few step-overs and a trick, then he'll not touch the ball for 30 minutes.

Saw him playing on Sky numerous times in the last few years.

[Baracus]

Valencia are a team I enjoy watching in La Liga; Mata has skill, but his build reminds me of Lucas (not his game, his build) and I am not sure he has the pace to torment the wings. That said, good on the ball and very crafty; set up a couple in the match this weekend.

I think the thing to remember is that Liverpool do not need a savior anymore; we have Suarez/Gerrard/Kuyt/Carroll/Meireles/Lucas -- a LOT of real quality that should dominate the majority of league games (as we have been now for weeks). We just need one or two missing ingredients to be absolutely deadly, although with the form Maxi is in right now, I don't know how hard we should be looking (yes, Maxi is older now, just a way to get in a compliment...)

For me, Arda Turan is the choice on the left; he has Mata's skills and pace to spare. I don't think people on this board know how special he is, but Suarez/Kuyt/Turan would TORMENT defenders. Mata, for me, is just one step below Turan; I would like to see Mata in our colors, but he is not my first choice.

You need to search Arda and you'll find 2 not 1 Turan threads. Part 1 and 2.

Alot here think he is quality

[BrooklynRed]

Has no one done the obligatory... no?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D35UVkZgjwA"]YouTube - Mata Compilation - Valencia CF[/ame]

[Craig_H]

It's arda to find those threads once they've drifted down the pages.

[BrooklynRed]

You need to search Arda and you'll find 2 not 1 Turan threads. Part 1 and 2.

Alot here think he is quality

I think I've posted in both... *ha*

You're right, some people do like Turan; I guess I feel like he is a diamond in the rough of the Turkish league and we should be making a move for him. Mata is also quality, no doubt, and both are preferable to any available wingers in the Premier League.

[Craig_H]

Allow me to play Devil's Advocate here....

If Turan was so good, why hasnt a top club taken him?

[BrooklynRed]

Allow me to play Devil's Advocate here....

If Turan was so good, why hasnt a top club taken him?

He's young, captain of his side and under a long term contract? I also think the adaptability of the Turkish league is questionable. Then again, I never would have guessed Suarez would be this good this quickly; why weren't other clubs beating down the doors at Ajax? I think some players have it.

I would take Mata in a heartbeat, no question, but I think Turan would thrive for us. Maybe, as the poster said in the other thread, the ship has sailed on us signing him, and I have been crying out for a true winger since before Kewell-- this team has been crying out for width for years. So, I'd be over the moon with Mata coming in-- that would signal to me the club understands its own needs (finally). But do think Turan will be a special player wherever he lands...

[Craig_H]

Fair play. I wasnt dismissing Turan, as i've not seen much of him. As i say, i was just playing devil's advocate.

[little dave hedgehog]

there are many who seem to think turan has lost his spark and can't seem to get back on his feet. potential hazard there.

[BrooklynRed]

there are many who seem to think turan has lost his spark and can't seem to get back on his feet. potential hazard there.

want away?

[Mostar]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/17m-comolli-offer-not-enough-for-liverpool-to-land

£17m Comolli offer 'not enough' for Liverpool to land Spanish winger

Liverpool have been outbid by Manchester City for Juan Mata, according to reports.

The Spanish midfielder, who plays predominantly on the left flank, has been coveted by a number of clubs across Europe, with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish thought to be keen on bringing the 23-year-old to England.

However, Manchester City have joined the race for the player, and The People claims Roberto Mancini has tabled a £22 million offer for the player. The paper goes on to claim the Eastlands outfit have spoken to Valencia president Manuel Llorente over the move.

It's reported in the same story that Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli offered £17 million for Mata, although a lack of European football could now be a major stumbling block for the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of wingers in recent weeks, with Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Xabi Prieto all speculatively placed on the Reds' summer wishlist.

City have also been linked with a number of more high-profile targets, with Barcelona star Xavi thought to be one of those on the club's radar.

Mancini's spending power places the club in a position of dominance, and is likely to lead to Liverpool missing out on Mata.

With Valencia's financial stability still uncertain, the La Liga outfit is likely to sell to the highest bidder, leaving Liverpool to look elsewhere when the transfer window re-opens.

[Rudo]

Doesn't Mata. I'd give this Juan a miss without any hesitation.

(all puns aside, i'm being serious )

[Fivex]

We're blatantly trying to create a bidding war, upping the price but pulling out so city end up with Mata.... leaving us to concentrate on the marquee signing... take a step back folks as we will be capturing Kun

It's so obvious

[Mostar]

We're blatantly trying to create a bidding war, upping the price but pulling out so city end up with Mata.... leaving us to concentrate on the marquee signing... take a step back folks as we will be capturing Kun

It's so obvious

Love it