Degen's squad number...

[Joe King]

I was never a fan of Mcmanaman

[Parm]

Was thinking it was him, then I could have sworn he was no. 11 for some reason. Yeah he was great, although annoyingly inconsistent. He improved at Real Madrid, seemed to really mature there.

Have read his book about his 5 years in Madrid, great read.

defo is a good read, interestng about his last seson with us and the conflict of signing for Real and playing for us, amazing the circus that went on at Real, dont think you'd get that at any other club.

as for the squad numbers, id love it if we could give the 7 to a genuine superstar (Villa I hope!)

[Johnny]

Squad numbers these days are increasingly worthless.

[kubrickscube]

RE: McManaman. He was no doubt one of the most naturally gifted players we've had in recent years, and arguably the only real player of his side with genuine creative flair, but he WAS annoyingly inconsistent.
There were plenty of occasions where he looked disinterested and drifted out of the game, which made his flashes of brilliance all the more galling. And his shooting on the whole were largely pea-rollers that never troubled the keeper.
*awaits contradictory flattering youtube compilation*

[dww]

I think as happened to a degree at Real Macmanaman would have benefited from having better players in our team. I think his lack of consistency was often a function of the fact he was asked to be a free spirit and provide all our creativity. Given more specific roles and team mates capable of more at Madrid he always looked a steadier and more influential player in many ways.

[RedReet]

9 years on and we still haven't replaced him. Let's hope Dirk steps up to the mantle this year!

[The Aardvark]

I think as happened to a degree at Real Macmanaman would have benefited from having better players in our team. I think his lack of consistency was often a function of the fact he was asked to be a free spirit and provide all our creativity. Given more specific roles and team mates capable of more at Madrid he always looked a steadier and more influential player in many ways.

[zimbo]

From official site:

DEGEN: HAMANN IS TEACHING ME SCOUSE
Jimmy Rice 10 July 2008
Philipp Degen has revealed he's been getting the lowdown on Scousers from an unlikely source – former Kop idol Didi Hamann.
The right-back got to know Hamann through his agent in the summer and has since gleaned advice on the locals and where he should live in the city.

In his first interview in English football with Liverpoolfc.tv, Degen said: "Didi and his wife gave me a very good report on Liverpool. They were here for seven years and they told me that the people were really good, open and friendly. They said I'd settle in very quickly.

"They've been telling me about the Albert Dock. I have been there but am looking at three or four places to live. The club helps with that kind of thing.

"I also know Stephane Henchoz from the international team but I haven't spoken to him about his time at Liverpool.

"But my first impressions of the city have been great from the start. I am very happy here. Now I am looking forward to success on the football pitch."

Much has been made of Liverpool improving the wide areas this summer to add to a spine which many consider one of the best in Europe.

The challenge of rising up the assist charts is not one that Degen shies away from, however.

Asked what he can add to the squad, he replied: "I have got pace, technical ability and like to think I'm strong going forward. I have to say that I've also already learnt a lot here from Rafa Benitez about how I can develop my game.

"Obviously it's true that I've been brought here as an attacking full-back. Part of my game is to create chances and I'm fully committed to doing this and giving my all to the club.

"I am going to do everything I can for this club and the fans. Hopefully I can help bring them some success this season."

Degen, who has 30 international caps to his name, began training with his new teammates a week ago, including two of those potentially vying for his position: Jamie Carragher and Steve Finnan.

Another right-back, Alvaro Arbeloa, has yet to return to Melwood after Spain's Euro 2008 triumph but Degen is in no doubt about the challenge he faces to nail down a regular first-team slot.

"I've come from playing in Germany so I know about competition for places but I have to look forward to that challenge," said the 25-year-old.

"In comparison to Borussia Dortmund the competition is stronger because maybe there were only two players who could play in a position. But I've not come here to sit on the bench. I'll do everything I can in training to get my place in the team.

"People in the Bundesliga look up to the Premier League, with its speed, aggressiveness and hard tackling. It's a faster game. Every player sees the Premier League as the top league.

"I've only been here a week but I can already see that there is a lot more training with the ball, whereas in Germany it is run, run, run. It's a faster approach here."

Degen may be settling into a new life in a foreign country, but that's not to say everything is new to him.

In fact, he has already experienced the famous Anfield atmosphere on a European night having travelled with the Basel squad which drew 1-1 in the 2002-03 Champions League.

The Swiss defender added: "It's great to be here. This is a great club with great fans. One of the main things for me is being at a club that is always challenging in the league and other competitions.

"I didn't have to think twice about coming here. I played here five years ago with Basel and realised Liverpool were a great club with fantastic fans and a brilliant atmosphere in the stadium.

"I follow the Champions League and you see Liverpool in semi-finals and finals. This has made a big impression on me but it's also about the team, the whole club and the challenge of playing for Liverpool."

LFC TV is moving. From July 16, LFC TV's new home for Sky viewers will be Channel 434.