Q&A with @AnfieldNotion on Liverpool's summer dealings
Q: Alright well lets start with this question, so far are you happy with Liverpool's dealings so far this summer?
A: So far, yes. We’ve added some good squad depth with the additions of 23-year-old Andrew Robertson, who I believe will work as an understudy to James Milner, and 19-year-old Dominic Solanke who was clearly very highly thought of at Chelsea. Talking of Chelsea, the proclaimed ‘reject’ Mohamed Salah I feel will absolutely light up the Premier League this
time around. Since his spell in the Premier League, he’s tested himself in the Serie A with Fiorentina & Roma and has the stats to back up the big money move to Liverpool, and he's exactly the player Klopp was looking for in that position.
Q: I couldn't agree more, what do you think the possible addition of Virgil Van Dijk will bring to the squad?
A: I think it’s fair to say we match up with anyone in the league for goals scored, but the only teams we match up with for goals conceded are those in the lower half of the table. The fact Liverpool sit top of the table for the most defensive error leading to shots over the past five seasons shows what a shambles we are. It’s an issue, and one Jurgen has been addressing since his arrival, and will again address in the coming weeks with the seemingly imminent arrival of Virgil van Dijk. For me, there are only a couple of defenders in the Premier League better than Virgil, and he is exactly what we need right now. A commanding centre-back who will bully attackers. It is also my opinion that’s he’s been sold the idea of the captaincy in the near future.
Q: I think I can speak for all fans when I say if Virgil Van Dyke was to come it would be an exciting time for Liverpool fans!! So on the basis of the possibility of players coming in, a transfer saga that has seemingly gone on since the window opened and looks to go on until the final day. Naby Keita, what would he add to Klopp's squad?
A: I’ll be honest with you, I'm not sure as I haven’t watched enough of him during his time at RB Leipzig. What I will say is that if Jurgen, a manager often criticised for his unwillingness to dip into the market, is willing to spend £76M on him, I'd say he’s pretty good.
Q: Who do you think would suit Klopps mold for the team? Is there any players in particular that you think Klopp would like at Liverpool and if so why?
A: it’s quite evident who Klopp is looking to add in the remaining weeks of the window, and in my opinion, if he and his team are able to bring these targets in we’ll all believe anything is possible. Doubters to believers. If the unlikely, yes, unlikely, situation arises where primary targets aren’t acquired, i don’t imagine they’ll be like-for-like replacements readied to come in. Instead, alternatives who will offer something different, Grzegorz Krychowiak & Hakim Ziyech for example.
Q: What can you tell us about Emre Can's future? Is he regarded as a key player by Klopp in your opinion or is he surplus to requirements
A: Earlier on in the year, i believe the club made him available for transfer, likely in an attempt to soften his wage demands. Since then Can has been offered the terms he wanted, and the club fully expects him to pen a new deal. Reports of an official bid from Juventus are nonsense. I believe Klopp wanted to head into the new season with a midfield three of Coutinho/Can/Keita, so it’s fair to say Klopp thinks highly of Emre.
Is an Anfield exit looming for Emre Can?
Q: So right now in your opinion, do you think Jurgen is happy with the current team going into the game on Saturday against Watford?
A: I wouldn’t say he is happy, but I don’t think he’ll be panicking with the current squad situation. Klopp has always maintained he’d of liked business done early, but that’s not always possible. If we end the window with his primary targets, I'm sure he won’t be all that bothered they missed 5 games in August.
Q: That's true!! So not more many questions to go!! Do you think we will see many more departures this summer??
A: Absolutely. For starters, Mamadou Sakho has no future at the club, regardless of incomings. The same can be said for Jon Flanagan & Lazar Marković. At this moment in time Alberto Moreno & Daniel Sturridge aren’t being offered out, but if a bid came in matching the clubs valuation of the players they’d leave. Perhaps one or two strikers will leave on loan also.
Well thank you very much for doing this Q&A with me!! On behalf of @transferSam and I thank you very much for taking the time to do this Q&A with me!! Enjoy your day and Enjoy the opening day of the season on Saturday!!