Mateo Kovacic

[dww]

Maybe we should sell Markovic to fund other areas? I still think a CB would be good

It would slightly upset me to let him go as he's obviously talented and could potentially become a star ( he's shown it in glimpses) but we seem to be overloaded in these attacking positions and he's probably the one that needs the most work.

Actually, his stocks probably come down after last season but £15m wouldn't be bad.

I hope we hold off on defensive signings until we have a coaching staff in place and have a plan in terms of tactics and have given our current batch the chance to work together in that framework. We have some talented defenders IMO.

[Maxiedge]

I hope we hold off on defensive signings until we have a coaching staff in place and have a plan in terms of tactics and have given our current batch the chance to work together in that framework. We have some talented defenders IMO.

yeah I think Lovren is better than he's shown (couldn't be any worse). Sakho has another year under his belt and Skrtel can be solid on his day. So yeah that leaves me a bit more positive but I do think all three still have a clumsy side to them and it would be good to get someone a bit more solid in.

[dww]

yeah I think Lovren is better than he's shown (couldn't be any worse). Sakho has another year under his belt and Skrtel can be solid on his day. So yeah that leaves me a bit more positive but I do think all three still have a clumsy side to them and it would be good to get someone a bit more solid in.

I think most defenders look shaky when the defensive system is unclear, which it generally has been for us. I don't think Sakho has been clumsy for us (even if he looks ungainly) and he's been excellent when I've seen him for France. I think Skrtel has done well individually generally in the last two season, but he seems almost impossible to partner.

When you add Wisdom, Ilori, Coates and Toure to the list we have pretty much every style of CB conceivable in the squad at the minute. We should use that to help try out defensive shapes IMO and buy someone in only once we know what type of player we need an upgrade on.

[kev776]

we need a decent defensive coach more than more CBs and FBs, utilise fully what we have rather than constantly changing them. Midfield and defence need to work more as a unit when defending, a coach would sort that out.

[Maxiedge]

I think most defenders look shaky when the defensive system is unclear, which it generally has been for us. I don't think Sakho has been clumsy for us (even if he looks ungainly) and he's been excellent when I've seen him for France. I think Skrtel has done well individually generally in the last two season, but he seems almost impossible to partner.

When you add Wisdom, Ilori, Coates and Toure to the list we have pretty much every style of CB conceivable in the squad at the minute. We should use that to help try out defensive shapes IMO and buy someone in only once we know what type of player we need an upgrade on.

Maybe clumsy was the wrong word for Sakho. What I meant was capable of unforced errors, just sometimes being a bit complacent. I'm a big fan of his and think he's our best defender but I think he could do with partnering a calm, re-assured CB and I wouldn't say Skrtel and Lovren are that.

[Maxiedge]

we need a decent defensive coach more than more CBs and FBs, utilise fully what we have rather than constantly changing them. Midfield and defence need to work more as a unit when defending, a coach would sort that out.

I'm of the thinking that good quality defenders can pretty much coach themselves but I guess the chopping and changing has been the major factor as it's difficult to get any uniformity going with your back line.

[redmike65]

Rodgers has never bought a DM he isn't going to start now.

As for the full backs Clyne is still the main target so its not as if the club are not looking.

[marcus50bucks]

We really can't address every shortcoming in a single window.

That said I wish for a bid for Schneiderlin.

I understand your point mate but Rodgers has been here for 3 seasons now and he still hasn't signed a holding midfielder which most people agree that we've been crying out for. I'm all for buying attacking players but there has to be a balance like Lecter said. Signing Kovacic (despite him being a good player) is not going to solve the imbalance in our squad in my opinion. We should attempt to hijack another deal and go for imbula. He's a holding midfielder but also has offensive qualities.

[Muddled]

Whilst we're on a thread diversion, I think the role of the holding midfielder is no more.

Clean sheets are not the target any more, it's all about scoring more than the opposition.

[Pablo]

Whilst we're on a thread diversion, I think the role of the holding midfielder is no more.

Clean sheets are not the target any more, it's all about scoring more than the opposition.

I think football is like fashion. It's all cyclical. I agree they do largely seem to be going out of fashion.

[BobTheCharmer]

I think football is like fashion. It's all cyclical. I agree they do largely seem to be going out of fashion.

Good riddance. We never used to need one. Then hamann came and everyone thought this was the way. Souness or McMahon types are what the game is crying out for.

[Angryred]

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/news-...the-situation/

Seeing that we have aquired Firmino, he may be tempted to join on the basis that he's not the last big signing of the summer...

[Shaggy]

[ame]https://twitter.com/standardsport/status/613638919159218176[/ame]

[The_weatherman]

I just can't see it. Unless we are playing with three at the back again.

Can - Skrtel - Sakho
Henderson- Milner - Moreno
Kovacic - Coutinho - Firmino
Sturridge

[Maxiedge]

I'm all for adding quality. Let's not forget injuries ruined us last season (Sturrdge/Lallana/Lucas)