Blaise Matuidi (Saint-Etienne)

LFC on alert as French ace eyes Premier League

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/transfer-gossip/lfc-on-alert-as-french-ace-eyes-pl

Blaise Matuidi has put Arsenal and Liverpool on alert by insisting that the Premier League is where he sees his future.

 The Saint Etienne midfielder, who has been linked with the Premier League duo in the past few months, has been attracting the interest of Juventus who are reportedly lining up a January bid for the French enforcer.

Matuidi is flattered by the interest shown by Juventus however insists that the Premier League is where he sees his next move, as it suits his own style of play:

"It is nice to know a club like Juventus is following you or asking about you," the 23-year-old said.

"But the league that would suit me best is the Premier League. This is due to tactical, cultural and physical reasons, and the atmosphere in the stadiums."

Don't know him. If a holding midfielder he'd do no worse than Poulsen if the deal is of the same price.

Is he Blaise by name & nature I wonder!

Passes the FM test, turns into a quality DM.

Passes the FM test, turns into a quality DM.

Yes. One of the very best.

Blaise Matuidi is a very good midfielder ( I know him because I live in Saint-Etienne and I support this club too ) but I don't think he will leave St Etienne this winter because he feels very good in this team and he is loved by the fans of St Etienne.

ps: Forgive my english, I'm a french boy.

Appointment of Damien Comolli Can Help Liverpool Land St. Etienne Captain Blaise Matuidi

http://www.nesn.com/2010/11/recent-appointment-of-damien-comolli-can-help-liverpool-land-blaise-matuidi.html

by Jill Seward on Fri, Nov 5, 2010 at 9:05AM   

On Wednesday, Liverpool announced the appointment of Damien Comolli as their new director of football strategy, and there's no grace period with this position.

The Reds are already counting the ways Comolli can help them with new additions come January, and they have their sights set on Saint-Etienne captain Blaise Matuidi.

According to a report by The Daily Mail, Comolli -- who left St. Etienne on Tuesday -- is now focusing his efforts on luring Matuidi to Anfield. It's reported that both Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in the 23-year-old midfielder, but the Reds take the upper hand with Comolli on their side.

Comolli was one of the main reasons Matuidi has stayed put at St. Etienne for so long. It was just last month that Comolli said the "lure of the big club" has been tempting the defensive-minded midfielder for a while.

"He is our captain and a major player for us," Comolli said while working as sporting director at St. Etienne."He's done well for us last season but we convinced him to stay. But I'm not being naive, I know it will be difficult to keep him and know he will end up in England or one of the top clubs in Europe."

Now that he's joined Roy Hodgson and the staff at Anfield, Comolli is ready to help Matuidi transition into the Premier League. Known for his success in recruiting young talent, Comolli can definitely help develop a younger crop of players in the Liverpool system.

A transition to the Premier League has been a dream of Matuidi's for some time. Last month when he was pursued by Juventus in Serie A, Matuidi said he was more interested in making the leap to England.

"It is nice to know a club like Juventus is following you or asking about you," Matuidi said. "But the league that would suit me best is the Premier League. This is due to tactical, cultural and physical reasons, and the atmosphere in the stadiums."

Matuidi is best known for his combative style of play on defense and his playmaking abilities from the midfield.

Sound like a quality first signing. Last copy and paste for me tonight.
Time for some tasty beverages

Don't know anything about him to be honest but his arrival I think would spell the end for Lucas.

Anfield set to Blaize a trail for Matuidi

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/transfer-gossip/anfield-set-to-blaize-a-trail-for-matuidi

Liverpool's new Sporting director Damien Comolli is ready to raid former club St Etienne for their captain Blaise Matuidi.

Comolli joined Liverpool last week with the brief of "identifying new and exciting talent" for the Anfield club.

Now the Frenchman could instigate a move for the £7 million rated midfielder, 23, in January.

Doubt he's worth only 7m. Many wraps him and he's their captain. Probably closer to 12m.

Reminder:

NOTW is a no no.

LIVERPOOL director of football Damien Comolli has praised the qualities of potential target Blaise Matuidi.

The highly-rated Saint Etienne midfielder has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

“In France, all the figures prove that the player who wins the most possession at the feet of his opponents is Blaise Matuidi,” Comolli said.

“That is an extraordinary strong point.

"When the team plays high, it means a goal chance.”

Comolli has revealed how statistics now play a key role in the Reds’ transfer decisions.

He says the policy has already paid off with the acquisition of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez combined with the sale of Fernando Torres in January.

“When you find yourself handling three of the biggest transfers in English football history in the last days of the market, precise figures allow you not to do that blind,” he added.

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/04/25/liverpool-fc-s-director-of-football-damien-comolli-hails-st-etienne-s-blaise-matuidi-100252-28577750/#ixzz1KXinuLW9

Looks like we're signing him

LIVERPOOL director of football Damien Comolli has praised the qualities of potential target Blaise Matuidi.

The highly-rated Saint Etienne midfielder has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

“In France, all the figures prove that the player who wins the most possession at the feet of his opponents is Blaise Matuidi,” Comolli said.

“That is an extraordinary strong point.

"When the team plays high, it means a goal chance.”

Comolli has revealed how statistics now play a key role in the Reds’ transfer decisions.

He says the policy has already paid off with the acquisition of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez combined with the sale of Fernando Torres in January.

“When you find yourself handling three of the biggest transfers in English football history in the last days of the market, precise figures allow you not to do that blind,” he added.

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/04/25/liverpool-fc-s-director-of-football-damien-comolli-hails-st-etienne-s-blaise-matuidi-100252-28577750/#ixzz1KXinuLW9

Looks like we're signing him

Wouldn't say it's nailed on yet mate. That's just Comolli throwing his name out there to show we're interested. I personally haven't seen enough of him play, but I do think we need a DM so this is the kind of player we should be after.

He was amazing on the old Pro Evo's as a youngster!

Actually i'm reasonably surprised that we're interested. With the Adam deal allegedly going through I think the centre midfield is one of our strongest areas on the pitch. I know FSG are trying to strengthen the side in just about all areas but the way Lucas has being playing in DM, tells me that we don't particularly need him. Anyway if he's a good player then it will do us no harm

Actually I'm reasonably surprised that we're interested. With the Adam deal allegedly going through I think the centre midfield is one of our strongest areas on the pitch. I know FSG are trying to strengthen the side in just about all areas but the way Lucas has being playing in DM, tells me that we don't particularly need him. Anyway if he's a good player then it will do us no harm

We have Lucas and Spearing in the DM position. Signing Blaise would probably mean getting rid of Spearing (in Enrique deal?).

We have Lucas and Spearing in the DM position. Signing Blaise would probably mean getting rid of Spearing (in Enrique deal?).

That would be a big no no for me. Local lad, understands the club and has potential. You might be right tho

Not sure Spearing will ever be anything more than a squad player to be brutally honest. Not saying he's not useful, I think if he did leave he'd be a good Premiership player elsewhere, but Matuidi seems to be pretty highly rated, but I like a lot of French based DM's so I might be biased.

By the looks of it he"s a good DM but i can"t see comolli and kenny bidding for him, after all we have 2 good DMs in lucas and spearing it"s a quality LB like baines we need.

I wouldn't call spearing quality he's played a couple of good games in the last couple of years.

This could be an interesting signing

I didn"t call Spearing quality ,i said he was good and he"s doing a fine job at it filling in for StevieG .

What makesd me suspicious is that we're also linked with Payet. Makes me think that we're being autonatically linked with Saint-Etienne's better players purely due to DC's links.

What makesd me suspicious is that we're also linked with Payet. Makes me think that we're being autonatically linked with Saint-Etienne's better players purely due to DC's links.

I thought that aswell could it be just a ploy to throw the media off our real targets.

Milan Kaka Baros made a compilation of him v. Lyon...

http://www.footylounge.com/films//milankakabaros/blaise-matuidi-v-lyon-12022011-video_9c5bd7046.html

To be honest, what has he done there that Lucas doesn't do? No point, unless he comes in as competition instead of Spearing.

To be honest, what has he done there that Lucas doesn't do? No point, unless he comes in as competition instead of Spearing.

Wipe your lips, Lucas' wife must be getting jealous 

I do agree though.

Looks a good player, but i don't see what he'd add? We have someone like him already, why buy another one exactly the same? Would like either a destroyer to have another option away from home.

I think that Matuidi is a very interesting player ... With 2 years left on his contract, he wouldn't cost a bomb, and he would certainly bring in some qualities different to Lucas' ... Also, he is left-footed ...

LFC Transfer Speculations
French reports LFC in serious deep discussions with Blaise Matuidi and his agent but ASSE not happy with Commoli's offer similar 2 suarez deal in beginning by sounds of it
5 minutes ago

Like this 

He's been a bit under the radar compared to some we've been linked with but I think he could bring a lot to our midfield.

LFC Transfer Speculations
French reports LFC in serious deep discussions with Blaise Matuidi and his agent but ASSE not happy with Commoli's offer similar 2 suarez deal in beginning by sounds of it
5 minutes ago

Not surprised, we seem to open our bidding pretty low under FSG. I suppose that's actually a good idea in the long run as it means other clubs know we aren't going to be taken for a ride like City are constantly, but I do think in some cases bidding too low will severely hamper our transfers, especially if the player has several clubs after him.

We will be getting him this year. Comolli is a massive fan of him and highly rates him. This is a signing I'm fairly sure we'll complete.

I like Matuidi, but I think if we do sign him it will probably mean we are selling Aqua.  We would have Lucas/Matuidi/Spearo to compete for the holding role, and Gerrard/Raul/Shelvey to compete for the creative/box to box midfield role.  Personally, I'd prefer to have Aqua back, but I wouldn't be too fussed if we sign Matuidi instead.

I like Matuidi, but I think if we do sign him it will probably mean we are selling Aqua.  We would have Lucas/Matuidi/Spearo to compete for the holding role, and Gerrard/Raul/Shelvey to compete for the creative/box to box midfield role.  Personally, I'd prefer to have Aqua back, but I wouldn't be too fussed if we sign Matuidi instead.

I don't see Aquilani as a deeper lying midfield player. I think he is best deployed in the middle or slightly more advanced.

I don't see Aquilani as a deeper lying midfield player.

Actually, he's been playing that role for Juventus the entire season ...

Actually, he's been playing that role for Juventus the entire season ...

In a flat 4-4-2 or with three in the middle?

In a flat 4-4-2 or with three in the middle?

Definitely not a flat 4-4-2 ... More like a 4-2-3-1 (with Del Piero playing behind the lone striker) or even 4-3-3 sometimes ...

I don't see Aquilani as a deeper lying midfield player. I think he is best deployed in the middle or slightly more advanced.

In a flat 4-4-2 or with three in the middle?

He is equally adept playing as a deep lying creator as well as in a more advanced role.  However, I just don't think we will bring him back and sign another central midfield player of any style.  I think if we sign a player like Matuidi, Banega, Mvila, or Adam, then it will mean we are not interested in keeping Aqua at the club. 

Aqua's end has been foreseen for a while now. In my opinion, he's a waste of money. Not worth keeping him on board and paying his salaries.

I like Matuidi, but I think if we do sign him it will probably mean we are selling Aqua.  We would have Lucas/Matuidi/Spearo to compete for the holding role, and Gerrard/Raul/Shelvey to compete for the creative/box to box midfield role.  Personally, I'd prefer to have Aqua back, but I wouldn't be too fussed if we sign Matuidi instead.

I think if we did sign another holding mid, we would go for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3.

Is he defensive or attacking CM? Or just a proper CM?

If he's defensive, I really don't see the point in this one.

Is he defensive or attacking CM? Or just a proper CM?

If he's defensive, I really don't see the point in this one.

I'd say he's a proper CM Chats.  Great tackler, can pick a pass and scores a fair few goals too.

He fits the bill as a quality all rounder.

Eh. He doesn't score goals. Not sure he has more than 5 in his time there.

He's definitely more of a modern day CDM. He can tackle, he can pass and is confident on the ball.

Matuidi price tag revealed
Les Verts president believes midfielder is worth £13.2million

By James Dall
Last Updated: June 13, 2011 12:05pm

St Etienne president Roland Romeyer has put a £13.2million price tag on midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

Matuidi has long-been linked with a switch away from Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, with Arsenal strongly mooted as an interested party while Liverpool have also been mentioned.

The 24-year-old has previously hinted he would consider a move to England, conceding he desires to play at a side who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

"The right fee is €15million (£13.2m). We will not discuss anything lower," Romeyer told The Progress.

Romeyer also criticised Paris St Germain following allegations the club approached Matuidi before speaking with St Etienne.

"The rule is that you contact the club to which he belongs before the player himself. Paris does things backwards," he said.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6987171,00.html

Don't think he is coming if reports of Adam impending arrival are true, disappointed to be honest

Shame, he's a got a great name. 

Eh. He doesn't score goals. Not sure he has more than 5 in his time there.

He's definitely more of a modern day CDM. He can tackle, he can pass and is confident on the ball.

Good bringing it forward as well.

I just don't see how he doesn't make more sense than Adam now that we have Henderson as an option for the centre if needed.

Good bringing it forward as well.

I just don't see how he doesn't make more sense than Adam now that we have Henderson as an option for the centre if needed.

I've been big on this lad for a few seasons now, and I think he would be perfect in our team!  I don't really rate Spearo, and I think Matuidi would be a perfect player to provide competition with Lucas for the holding midfield role.  Shame because it looks like we will not be signing him...

Another one I have been keen on for some time is Banega, but again, it looks like we will be missing out on him as well....

Matuidi seeking Prem switch
French midfielder would welcome move to England

Last Updated: June 26, 2011 12:05pm

Blaise Matuidi is hoping to secure a move to England, with Arsenal reported to be planning a bid.

The midfielder is currently on the books of French outfit St Etienne, but has ambitions of competing at a higher level.

He considers the Premier League to be the best league in the world and admits he would relish the opportunity to test himself on that stage.

Reports suggest Arsenal are reluctant to meet St Etienne's valuation, but a compromise could be reached.

Matuidi hopes that will prove to be the case, with the opportunity to turn out for the Gunners too good to turn down.

"I am flattered by the interest from clubs abroad and I have always loved the Premier League," he said in the Daily Star Sunday.

"It is the best league in the world, so exciting. I really want to be part of that."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_7005757,00.html

Rather him than Adam or Sissoko. Him and Lucas would be brilliant in the centre, they'd win the ball back and compliment each other perfectly I reckon.

Sissoko over Matuidi without hesitation, for me.

Sissoko over Matuidi without hesitation, for me.

Interesting. Can I ask why?

Interesting. Can I ask why?

I'm guessing less vowels in his name.

Interesting. Can I ask why?

Sissoko a more complete midfielder. Box to box, good passing range, good movement, athletic. Matuidi for me, a solid player but Sissoko has the chance to be a top midfielder world wide.

Sissoko a more complete midfielder. Box to box, good passing range, good movement, athletic. Matuidi for me, a solid player but Sissoko has the chance to be a top midfielder world wide.

You just named all the characteristics that Matuidi has other than he sees himself as a defensive player first and foremost whereas when I've watched Sissoko he reminds me more of Abou Diaby in the way he's more of an attacking player that can defend to some degree due to his build.

M'Vila is the most complete of the lot but Matuidi is definitely the better defender of the three for my money.

You just named all the characteristics that Matuidi has other than he sees himself as a defensive player first and foremost whereas when I've watched Sissoko he reminds me more of Abou Diaby in the way he's more of an attacking player that can defend to some degree due to his build.

M'Vila is the most complete of the lot but Matuidi is definitely the better defender of the three for my money.

And Sissoko does all that, better than Matuidi. That's why I named those.

M'Vila is a much better ball winning, defensive player than the other 2. Sissoko the better box to box and Matuidi is a mix of the both of them, imo.

And Sissoko does all that, better than Matuidi. That's why I named those.

M'Vila is a much better ball winning, defensive player than the other 2. Sissoko the better box to box and Matuidi is a mix of the both of them, imo.

But if you are identifying a player for his attacking abilities then there are much better out there than Sissoko. He's a bit of a "tweener" for be.

M'Vila isn't better winning the ball than Matuidi, no one in France is. With his energy and eye for a tackle as well as ability to keep the ball moving he'd be perfect next to Lucas who has become more of a positionally sound player.

If you were looking to replace Alonso, You'd go for M'vila. If you were looking to replace Mascherano, you'd go for Matuidi.

Really can't see us going for yet another CM, defensively or otherwise,we have oodles of them, we need a striker to back AC and El Pistolero, a couple of wing men a CD and a LB, especially if Adam is imminent, i'm sure either would fit in nicely but imho,i just cant see it.

  IKWT  YNWA

But if you are identifying a player for his attacking abilities then there are much better out there than Sissoko. He's a bit of a "tweener" for be.

M'Vila isn't better winning the ball than Matuidi, no one in France is. With his energy and eye for a tackle as well as ability to keep the ball moving he'd be perfect next to Lucas who has become more of a positionally sound player.

If you were looking to replace Alonso, You'd go for M'vila. If you were looking to replace Mascherano, you'd go for Matuidi.

Disagree. Think M'Vila is the modern aged CDM. Sissoko is a box to box, not a tweener. Box to box midfielders are rare and great to have.

Doubt any of the 3 are coming to LFC, not this summer.

 Sissoko would be more similar to raul than say adam. I wonder would sissoko be a replacement raul couldnt see him as a fall back for adam different style midfielder

Sissoko would be more similar to raul than say adam. I wonder would sissoko be a replacement raul couldnt see him as a fall back for adam different style midfielder

Definitely. Raul style but more athletic, better in the tackle. Raul a bit better in the attack.

Sissoko for me a bit like Gerrard.

Not an expert by any means but remember reading, probably on here, Matuidi had won possession more times than any other Ligue 1 player. So harsh to say he isn't a good DM. 

Comoli said it in an interview in france

Not an expert by any means but remember reading, probably on here, Matuidi had won possession more times than any other Ligue 1 player. So harsh to say he isn't a good DM.  

Not saying he isn't a good DM. No one has said that. I'm a follower of Ligue 1 and gave my opinion.

Saint-Etienne slap £13m price tag on Matuidi as Premier League clubs eye swoop

By Colin Young
Last updated at 11:29 PM on 4th July 2011

Saint-Etienne have put a £13.3million tag on midfielder Blaise Matuidi who is attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle.

Saint-Etienne's vice-president Roland Romeyer has confirmed that 24-year-old Matuidi has a release clause worth 15m Euros - and will leave if any club stumps it up.

Romeyer said: 'When he extended (his contract) with a big pay rise ... we all signed an agreement with his agents for 13m Euro plus 2m Euro bonus clauses.

'Below this rate, he is not allowed to leave. This is because he is not for sale. But it is obvious that if someone offers that amount, we will meet our commitments, and he will leave.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2011268/Saint-Etienne-want-13m-Blaise-Matuidi.html

Would be a good deal for that amount.

Liverpool miss out on Matuidi

25th Jul 2011 - Transfer Gossip

Liverpool have missed out on transfer target Blaise Matuidi after the 24-year-old France international completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The St Etienne midfielder had reportedly been a long-term target for the Reds, but PSG, who are now backed by Qatar Sports Investments, have beaten them to his signature along with the capture of Roma midfielder Jeremy Menez.

The news will come as another blow to Liverpool's rebuilding plans which have already seen them miss out on Connor Wickham and Gael Clichy this summer but Kenny Dalglish has other problems in that position as he looks to secure the exits of Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen from an already overcrowded midfield.

Source: TalkSport

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Author: TalkSport

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/media-watch/liverpool-miss-out-on-matuidi

So another linked player file is going to be archived and closed 

I think it's time to lock it...