1 more name to arrive

[Maestro]

Finnan is 30 years old, and has been very lucky with injuries in the last 2 seasons.
This is why Rafa will definitely bring in a RB if Kromkamp goes, which I think is very, very likely - regardless of
our opinions of his ability.
I agree with Fierce and I am 99% certain Alves would have been bought as a right back.

[bazza76]

I must be the only one here that thinks Kromkamp looks a really good player.

Defensively he might not be up to Finnan's level, but going forward he's good on the ball, pretty swift and attacks players.

I could see him nicking the RB spot from Finnan, if Finnan's performances even slightly dropped.

Of course, if Kromkamp is badly home sick then let him go back to the Netherlands.

Sorry mate, cant see him jumping Steve Finnan in the pecking order any time soon. Just dont think Kromkamp has it in him. Id rather he went home if he is that unhappy. Would be great to have a squad full of really happy players.

[homer1]

I am 99% certain Alves would have been bought as a right back.

Really mate? When funds were tight and the need for a RM so obvious, can't imagine he would have earmarked £12m for a position that wasn't a priority. Could have seen him play there on occasion with JP (if we had signed him also) or SG ahead of him but wouldn't have thought week in week out

Then again, you're the man at the moment pal - well done on Kuyt

[Maestro]

I know, I was very surprised when I heard that. I think that if he was just able to play RB, the board would have told Rafa to **** off, and he might have filled the RM role initially, but the main reason we were after Alves was apparently to replace Finnan long term.

[Maestro]

…it seems also that Pennant was always going to come, regardless of whether we got Alves or not.
I think Rafa regrets not going for JP sooner, as this resulted in a higher fee.

[Red_Polo]

Kromkamp is a quality player. I suppose if he's not settling and we have to sell then his value drops but to lose him for around £2m would be bad business. Unless we had the money for Alves as a result (which I seriously doubt is the case)

[Tom]

I wouldn't rule out some kind of attempt to get Alves this season. Just a hunch.

[disco]

I wouldn't rule out some kind of attempt to get Alves this season. Just a hunch.

Last day of the transfer window....

[Maestro]

Last day of the transfer window....

Imagine how stress-free the last day of the transfer window is going to be now compare to previous windows?

[Ben_Itez]

Personally i think Kromkamp is 'class' and we should try and keep hold of him. He's more than adequate cover for SF and will be pushing him for his place should SF's high standards slip. We need two top players for each position and he provides us with this. If he does go though i'd expect to see a replacement arrive......Alves perhaps?? I hope so.

[Shaggy]

Hmmm. Not quite made my mind up on Kromkamp. He's been a difficult one to weigh up based on his somewhat fleeting appearances for us. He looks to be all industry/effort with not too much pace/skill, but I kinda liked what I saw of him last year. Definitely a more than able deputy for Finnan but I get the feeling Rafa wants a little more from his full backs in terms of rampaging down the flank.

As I said in another thread, if we sign Alves I'm quite sure I'll get a lob on.

[Red_Al_77]

Pitching or sand wedge?

[TheStig]

I must be the only one here that thinks Kromkamp looks a really good player.

Defensively he might not be up to Finnan's level, but going forward he's good on the ball, pretty swift and attacks players.

I could see him nicking the RB spot from Finnan, if Finnan's performances even slightly dropped.

Of course, if Kromkamp is badly home sick then let him go back to the Netherlands.

Yeah I think he's done pretty well really.

[Stevie M]

It's very simple really.... if kromkamp wants to stay hye's got to play well enough to displace one of the best RB's in the Premiership in Finnan. That's a challenge, but given Finnan's age, it's pretty obvious that RB sucession will be on Benitez' agenda.

Now th lad look "alright" when he played last season, an "able deputy", but that'll not be enough if he's trying to make himself a name as Holland's RB. He did have his problems in Spain, and it may be that the ld is home sick and wants to go b ack to Holland... but... even if that's the case.... to be fair.... Kromkamp hasn't disappointed when he's played for Liverpool... he's done alright... if Liverpool are prepared to let him go, for the right price I'm sure they will... but I woud imagine only if they can sort out a replacement..

I'd be pretty confident that Kromkamp would continue to "give it a crack" for at least another season, before being allowed to leave... adn Liverpool have identified and signed his replacement, who would also be our future right back.

Clearly Alves is the individual Benitez has is mind (and I'll lay aise, for the moment, any fears I have about the performance of Brazillian RB's in thye Premiership).... Sevilla played "silly buggers" this window... there might be time for a cheeky bid yet.... or January might be the time.... but Benitez might just wait until next summer before worrying too much about this one.

The sale of Barragan suggests that Kromkamp will not be allowed to leave unless a RB has been identifiede and secured.

Shades of the Josemi senario for Kromkamp... I would suggest....

[red g]

after watching highlights lastnight ....Kronkamp again looked like he played well enough...and he is so comfortable on the ball