Trending Topics

      Next match: LFC v Brighton [Premier League] Sun 31st Mar @ 2:00 pm
      Anfield

      Today is the 29th of March and on this date LFC's match record is P24 W11 D6 L7

      First Team Squad 21/22

      Read 45013 times
      0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
      srslfc
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
      • ******
      • Started Topic

      • 32,111 posts | 4877 
      First Team Squad 21/22
      Aug 11, 2021 12:22:50 pm
      With the new season fast approaching I thought it would be a good idea to look at our squad where it's at right now for a bit of a discussion on how we all feel we are equipped going into the weekend.

      There has plenty of chat in other threads on signings and links etc but it would be good to have a debate on how strong, or otherwise, we all feel we are as of now without it going into another debate on spending or FSG.

      I'll incluse any player currently who would be considered a 1st team squad player, whether they are still here or not come the end of the window, along with any young player that is in or around the squad either last season or during pre season.

      GK Allison
      GK Kelleher
      GK Adrian
      GK Karius

      RB Alexander Arnold
      RB Williams

      CB Van Dijk
      CB Matip
      CB Gomez
      CB Konate
      CB Phiilips
      CB Williams
      CB Davies

      LB Robertson
      LB Tsimikas

      CM Fabinho
      CM Henderson
      CM Thiago
      CM Milner
      CM Keita
      CM Jones
      CM Chamberlain
      CM Woodburn
      CM Clarkson

      CAM Minamino
      CAM Shaqiri

      LW Mane
      LW Jota

      RW Salah
      RW Elliott

      CF Firmino
      CF Origi


      Now you can ignore the positions as I just used mainly where they play and not overly important the exact details but how do we all feel if that is what we have, given we can't even register all these players for the PL, going into the new season?


      « Last Edit: Aug 11, 2021 12:34:11 pm by srslfc »
      racerx34
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 33,581 posts | 3826 
      • THE SALT IN THE SOUP
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #1: Aug 11, 2021 12:35:35 pm
      As much as people argue about a midfielder being needed to replace Gini,
      I always thought the Thiago signing seemed like we'd have too many players for what we could put on the pitch
      for a squad to remain happy. Having to shift Fabinho and Henderson into defense at certain stages probably offset that.

      I wouldn't be surprised if we brought in a young attacker instead of a midfielder,
      the cavaet being that only on the pretense that Origi or Shaqiri move on.

      I do think we bring in one more, but probably not where most people are calling for it in the squad.
      srslfc
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
      • ******
      • Started Topic

      • 32,111 posts | 4877 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #2: Aug 11, 2021 12:40:01 pm
      As much as people argue about a midfielder being needed to replace Gini,
      I always thought the Thiago signing seemed like we'd have too many players for what we could put on the pitch
      for a squad to remain happy. Having to shift Fabinho and Henderson into defense at certain stages probably offset that.

      I wouldn't be surprised if we brought in a young attacker instead of a midfielder,
      the cavaet being that only on the pretense that Origi or Shaqiri move on.

      I do think we bring in one more, but probably not where most people are calling for it in the squad.

      I've been thinking similar myself recently mate and was posting about Thiago possibly being the Gini replacement, just brought in a year early as we could get him.

      On looking at the above I'm with you in that the player most likely to come in will be a young foward who could play a couple of positions after, and when, Origi and Shaqiri leave. Elliott has shown he can play in a number 8 role and I think Minamino can as well. Chamberlain having a full pre season is a bonus as well and always offers something a little different in midfield as well as being able to cover further forward as well.

      It's a very strong squad for me even without anyone else coming in.
      « Last Edit: Aug 11, 2021 12:51:11 pm by srslfc »
      Lallana in Pyjamas
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 12,481 posts | 3286 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #3: Aug 11, 2021 12:46:26 pm
      On paper the squad is strong and this season coming is going to be the defining season for a few players - Keita , Ox and Minamino three obvious things ones

      I think Phillips and Shaqiri will be the ones to go and then one more will come in , not sure who but I think it will be a player to support the front 3

      Despite all the negativity and other clubs spending fortunes our squad is good enough to win the title - yep we need to keep spine players fit but hopefully they won’t be on the end of horror tackles
      Swab
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
      • *****

      • 13,361 posts | 3462 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #4: Aug 11, 2021 01:05:29 pm
      I've been thinking similar myself recently mate and was posting about Thiago possibly being the Gini replacement, just brought in a year early as we could get him.

      On looking at the above I'm with you in that the player most likely to come in will be a young foward who could play a couple of positions after, and when, Origi and Shaqiri leave. Elliott has shown he can play in a number 8 role and I think Minamino can as well. Chamberlain having a full pre season is a bonus as well and always offers something a little different in midfield as well as being able to cover further forward as well.

      It's a very strong squad for me even without anyone else coming in.

      For me, the whole point of the Thiago signing was:
      1) he was available at that time and for a good price considering his pedigree.
      2) he could be eased into the 1st team during Gini's last season
      3) he could hit the ground running this season because he's already familiar with the squad, what Klopp wants, and his team mates.

      That aside, our squad is very strong, and our first team even stronger.

      There's also the fact that Klopp likes, and indeed coaches, players to play in mutliple positions.
      In an era of specialists, Klopp likes all-rounders, especially in midfield, simply because it gives us a lot of fluidity.
      We saw this with Gini, when Klopp pushed him into a DM role.
      So, Fabinho sees an opportunity to push up, Henderson or Thiago, drop into that space, and the idea is that the transition is seamless, with no loss of quality.
      The defensive roles of MF and CB's are, to me clearly defined, with the primary role of the 2 wider MF being to support and cover the FB's, that give us width.
      Tsimikas has spent a year learning his role in the system, and we now have very good depth at LB.

      In short, we have strength and depth barring any freak injury runs, and I'd suggest that last seasons horror was a once in a lifetime event.

      I'd say we're well set for the coming season, but it's vital we hit the ground running.
      srslfc
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
      • ******
      • Started Topic

      • 32,111 posts | 4877 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #5: Aug 11, 2021 01:09:57 pm
      For me, the whole point of the Thiago signing was:
      1) he was available at that time and for a good price considering his pedigree.
      2) he could be eased into the 1st team during Gini's last season
      3) he could hit the ground running this season because he's already familiar with the squad, what Klopp wants, and his team mates.

      That aside, our squad is very strong, and our first team even stronger.

      There's also the fact that Klopp likes, and indeed coaches, players to play in mutliple positions.
      In an era of specialists, Klopp likes all-rounders, especially in midfield, simply because it gives us a lot of fluidity.
      We saw this with Gini, when Klopp pushed him into a DM role.
      So, Fabinho sees an opportunity to push up, Henderson or Thiago, drop into that space, and the idea is that the transition is seamless, with no loss of quality.
      The defensive roles of MF and CB's are, to me clearly defined, with the primary role of the 2 wider MF being to support and cover the FB's, that give us width.
      Tsimikas has spent a year learning his role in the system, and we now have very good depth at LB.

      In short, we have strength and depth barring any freak injury runs, and I'd suggest that last seasons horror was a once in a lifetime event.

      I'd say we're well set for the coming season, but it's vital we hit the ground running.

      Agree and when you look at the squad and ignore the positions I've put beside a player I'd argue we have the most flexible squad in the league in terms of players who can play in different postions and look like it's their regular position.

      Jürgen also likes a smaller squad which is often overlooked at times and again as you say is why he likes flexible players.
      Swab
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
      • *****

      • 13,361 posts | 3462 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #6: Aug 11, 2021 01:23:19 pm
      Agree and when you look at the squad and ignore the positions I've put beside a player I'd argue we have the most flexible squad in the league in terms of players who can play in different postions and look like it's their regular position.

      Jürgen also likes a smaller squad which is often overlooked at times and again as you say is why he likes flexible players.

      Absolutely.

      This idea that we have to bring in a direct replacement for Gini, who Klopp turned from a specialist (of sorts) into a more complete all round player seems absurd to me.
      If Gini was a specialist, I could see the point, but he wasn't, not for at least 4 seasons.

      Two words describe Klopp teams: fluidity and flexibility.
      PTU
      • Forum Legend - Benitez
      • *****

      • 2,079 posts | 630 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #7: Aug 11, 2021 01:34:35 pm
      As things stand, I'm pretty much ok with the squad we have. Preseason was really promising and many players seem to have made the step up.

      However, I do believe we have too many players at the moment. We need to let a few go before we even consider bringing someone else in. Otherwise we'll end up with players unhappy with their lack of opportunities.

      Personally, I'd let 2 centre backs go (Phillips and either one of Davies/Williams). Last year was just a freak season regarding injuries. I can't see it happening again, so 5 CBs + Fabinho is more than enough.
      Konaté seems to have fit in well, so hopefully we'll be able to rotate our CB pairing throughout the season (and give VVD some rest from time to time).

      Our wing backs are solid. Tsimikas showed he's now settled. I believe Williams will be better this season (it's always the second season that's the hardest). And we always have Milly + the two young lads (Bradley and Beck), should the need arise.

      In midfield, again we have a lot of players. Obviously, there are question marks regarding Keita and AOC fitness but when they are available, they are real assets.
      Clarkson might benefit from a loan elsewhere. Jürgen seems to believe in him but I can't see him getting a lot of game time with us this season.
      I wouldn't mind us keeping Woodburn. We won't get anything for him anyway and he might be ok to stay as a backup. He can cover many positions, so that's a plus.

      For their sake, Shaqiri and Origi should probably move on. And it would free 2 spots on our PL list.

      Provided they both leave, I wouldn't mind us signing a centre forward. But if we don't, Minamino has shown encouraging signs during preseason.
      FL Red
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 31,049 posts | 6294 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #8: Aug 11, 2021 01:53:53 pm
      I think the squad we have (when fit) is among the best in the world. Remember our title winning year though, we drove Mane, Bobby and Mo into the ground, don't think they ever had much of a break. I don't see how that can continue as they age a bit. Jota provides some rest there and if Minamino can find his form that should be ok. I actually thing midfield is an area of strength even if we have the normal Keita outage. Between Curtis, Ox, Elliott, Hendo, Fab, Milner and Thiago I think we should be set even if we incur some injuries. If Keita stays fit....we may have the best midfield options in the world so I don't really see the need for a big signing there.

      Defense you would hope can't have the issues it had last year but it seems we are still a little bit light behind Trent? It's not really been talked about much and I think that's one area that could bite us if he gets injured. I wouldn't mind at all if Klopp brought someone in that could push Trent a little bit for playing time.

      Keepers we are good, just need to cut Karius loose.

      I think we should move on Origi and Shaq. Origi because he basically adds nothing and Shaq because he deserves playing time somewhere else if he can stay healthy.

      Would I still like to see a bigger impact signing, emphatically yes...and preferable to challenge any of the front 3. I don't think that's going to happen, although with their ages and contracts running down the same time (I believe) I think we better do something there soon.

      I still think there are a lot of variables that will decide whether or not our lack of spending (so far) will pay off as a shrewd financial move or if it will be a gamble that bites us in the ass as our closest rivals play football manager snapping up as many high profile players as they can. At the end of the day, if you have quality upon quality it gives you options and it takes options away from your rivals. I also believe in strengthening from a position of strength as opposed to waiting till you are in a position of need. We don't "need" anyone right now so it would really be a good time to make a splash.

      But if we do go into the season with the squad as you've laid out above, I'll be pretty confident of what we can accomplish with Jürgen at the helm, as long as we don't get hit with the injury bug again.
      rossyred
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
      • *****

      • 9,094 posts | 1634 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #9: Aug 11, 2021 02:19:29 pm
      Still think we are short of  a GK especially if Kelleher goes on loan
      Think we are OK in all areas but will depend on injuries as it will for others
      Lallana in Pyjamas
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 12,481 posts | 3286 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #10: Aug 11, 2021 02:22:41 pm
      Still think we are short of  a GK especially if Kelleher goes on loan
      Think we are OK in all areas but will depend on injuries as it will for others

      We have 3 GK’s - the first choice , the emerging back up ( not seen anything about him going on loan ) and the expirienced back up


      And if one does leave then Karius comes in as back up


      srslfc
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
      • ******
      • Started Topic

      • 32,111 posts | 4877 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #11: Aug 11, 2021 02:23:45 pm
      Still think we are short of  a GK especially if Kelleher goes on loan

      Literally the last thing I expected anyone to say. At this moment we have 4 GK on our books who you could say are first team.
      CT_LFC
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
      • *****

      • 6,782 posts | 1395 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #12: Aug 11, 2021 02:28:49 pm
      Literally the last thing I expected anyone to say. At this moment we have 4 GK on our books who you could say are first team.

      haha same here. Did not expect GK to come up at all.

      For better or worse we are ready to roll with Adrian as backup even though i have no freaking clue why, but we did give him a new contract.
      bazspeedman
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
      • *****

      • 15,743 posts | 2436 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #13: Aug 11, 2021 03:15:59 pm
      Still think we are short of  a GK especially if Kelleher goes on loan
      Think we are OK in all areas but will depend on injuries as it will for others

      I'd say Kelleher is number 2 GK now mate no way he's leaving on loan.
      rossyred
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
      • *****

      • 9,094 posts | 1634 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #14: Aug 11, 2021 05:14:45 pm
      haha same here. Did not expect GK to come up at all.

      For better or worse we are ready to roll with Adrian as backup even though i have no freaking clue why, but we did give him a new contract.

      Was my point to be honest might have the numbers but that doesn't mean we have the quality . Hopefully Kelleher stays as I trust him far more than the other two
      rossyred
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
      • *****

      • 9,094 posts | 1634 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #15: Aug 11, 2021 05:34:58 pm
      Literally the last thing I expected anyone to say. At this moment we have 4 GK on our books who you could say are first team.

      Yep and two aren't good enough and one still relatively unproven hence my point
      -LFC-
      • Forum Legend - Fagan
      • *****

      • 4,138 posts | 1194 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #16: Aug 11, 2021 06:39:51 pm
      I think the squad we have (when fit) is among the best in the world. Remember our title winning year though, we drove Mane, Bobby and Mo into the ground, don't think they ever had much of a break. I don't see how that can continue as they age a bit. Jota provides some rest there and if Minamino can find his form that should be ok. I actually thing midfield is an area of strength even if we have the normal Keita outage. Between Curtis, Ox, Elliott, Hendo, Fab, Milner and Thiago I think we should be set even if we incur some injuries. If Keita stays fit....we may have the best midfield options in the world so I don't really see the need for a big signing there.

      Defense you would hope can't have the issues it had last year but it seems we are still a little bit light behind Trent? It's not really been talked about much and I think that's one area that could bite us if he gets injured. I wouldn't mind at all if Klopp brought someone in that could push Trent a little bit for playing time.

      Keepers we are good, just need to cut Karius loose.

      I think we should move on Origi and Shaq. Origi because he basically adds nothing and Shaq because he deserves playing time somewhere else if he can stay healthy.

      Would I still like to see a bigger impact signing, emphatically yes...and preferable to challenge any of the front 3. I don't think that's going to happen, although with their ages and contracts running down the same time (I believe) I think we better do something there soon.

      I still think there are a lot of variables that will decide whether or not our lack of spending (so far) will pay off as a shrewd financial move or if it will be a gamble that bites us in the ass as our closest rivals play football manager snapping up as many high profile players as they can. At the end of the day, if you have quality upon quality it gives you options and it takes options away from your rivals. I also believe in strengthening from a position of strength as opposed to waiting till you are in a position of need. We don't "need" anyone right now so it would really be a good time to make a splash.

      But if we do go into the season with the squad as you've laid out above, I'll be pretty confident of what we can accomplish with Jürgen at the helm, as long as we don't get hit with the injury bug again.

      Agree with all of that. With the midfield I have full faith in the starters. There is a mix of abilities and good depth behind them with the biggest uncertainty around fitness and youth. If Ox could just have a season like he had in 2018 that would make a huge difference. He was immense at one point. He, Keita and the ability of Curtis, Elliot and/or Minamino to break through will test our strength in depth. A CM would be nice to offset the risk but I would prefer Shaq and/or Origi to be moved on in place of a FW so the main 3 can fire on all cylinders throughout the season knowing we have capable back up.
      billythered
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 10,821 posts | 4920 
      • From Doubters to Champions of the World
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #17: Aug 12, 2021 12:17:00 am
      Lots of ifs & buts going into the start of every season, this is no different, last season I believe most of us thought we’d retain the title, look how that turned out, so to finish in third was a hell of a achievement all things considered,

      For me it’s keeping Ox & in particular Keita fit, it’s clear to me Jürgen is more than happy with Keita in pre season and is obviously keeping the faith he has in him, Ox is wasted out wide imo and has more impact centrally so it’s possible he can play in the hole, the options we have all over the pitch is encouraging, we have almost two players for each position with plenty of variation, Minamino looks like he has upped his game likewise Tsimikas, Harvey Elliot is a revelation, the impact he will offer off the bench will be immense, and will allow Thiago to rest occasionally, he can also be used as a Bobby Mkll, but I think young Kaide Gordon will nail this down in due course,

      For the first time in what seems like ages we have a squad of players where every element is incredibly strong, from the GK’s, our defence, the engine room and our attack, what ppl tend to forget, especially in the media, that we are in essence a very well oiled machine, the gremlins we had last season are gone and what we are left with is a group of players absolute determined to right a few wrongs, we won the title with the same group essentially aside from Gini, but didn’t have a fully fit Keita, a more settled Thiago & Jota, the further strengthening of defence with Konate, and Tsimikas, the returns of Virgil & Gomez and not forgetting Joel are like new signings, and we have wee Harvey to sprinkle on the gold dust,

      One or two new faces of course would be welcome but looking at that list Si posted, I think we are in a very very good position, and with our one game at a time mantra, we will be very difficult to beat, the Mentality Monsters are back, and back with a massive bang imo.







                                                                            Y  N  W  A
      Brian78
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
      • *****

      • 19,046 posts | 2741 
      • A Liverbird upon my chest
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #18: Aug 12, 2021 10:27:29 am
      We have one of the top 3 keepers in the world

      We have the best centre back in the world with 3 class options to pick beside him and a 4th very dependaple player.

      We have a top 3 in the world left back and right back.

      We have top quality players in midfield and some of the best attackers in the league, indeed in the game.

      We have some very talented younsters.

      We have a top quality squad which has cover everywhere bar a repeat of last seadons injury disaster.

      Yes we could do with 1 or 2 in, every team can. But if we go with what we have now we wont be far off
      PTU
      • Forum Legend - Benitez
      • *****

      • 2,079 posts | 630 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #19: Aug 12, 2021 10:41:14 am
      We have one of the top 3 keepers in the world

      We have the best centre back in the world with 3 class options to pick beside him and a 4th very dependaple player.

      We have a top 3 in the world left back and right back.

      We have top quality players in midfield and some of the best attackers in the league, indeed in the game.

      We have some very talented younsters.

      We have a top quality squad which has cover everywhere bar a repeat of last seadons injury disaster.

      Yes we could do with 1 or 2 in, every team can. But if we go with what we have now we wont be far off

      You forgot one thing... We have the best manager in the world!
      Robby The Z
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 9,034 posts | 2690 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #20: Aug 12, 2021 12:14:40 pm
      Was my point to be honest might have the numbers but that doesn't mean we have the quality . Hopefully Kelleher stays as I trust him far more than the other two

      If Karius gets on the park,  something has gone dreadfully wrong.
      Robby The Z
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
      • ******
      • 9,034 posts | 2690 
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #21: Aug 12, 2021 12:20:03 pm
      Anyone want to take a stab at the official 25-man squad, with the allowance for U21 players, the required home grown and club grown players (and the limit on foreign players)? It makes the final decisions a bit trickier when you do the Math(s).
      Brian78
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
      • *****

      • 19,046 posts | 2741 
      • A Liverbird upon my chest
      Re: First Team Squad 21/22
      Reply #22: Aug 12, 2021 12:41:36 pm
      Actually one factor Ive overlooked

      African cup of nations in January. Well be without Mo Sadio and Keita for that period. So yes we neef to get at leadt one forward in of a high standard

      Quick Reply