Hey-ho!! Been on holiday for 2 weeks in sunny spain and got back today.
Happy with the out goings and a streamlined squad but no LB and DM will hit us hard.
Said it once and I'll say it again I think we'll struggle to finish top 6.
The outgoings have been the major achievement.
Markovic could either rediscover himself and come back and be useful to Klopp, or if Klopp feels he's not required then he's more likely to perform in the country and league he first made his name, and hence allow us to find a buyer and at a potentially higher fee.
I don't think Wisdom will make it here, but he's now more high profile playing on the European mainland, and having shown an appetite for playing abroad, again, he may well be easier to sell next Summer.
Balotelli and Benteke were the big ones to shift, and that incredibly has been achieved.
Hopefully we've seen the last of the Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Beneteke and Balotelli type transfers.
I'll reserve judgement on Wijnaldum until the end of the season, when hopefully Klopp will have had the starting 11, formations etc sorted and whoever plays what position within the midfield area will have adapted to their roles and players like Wijnaldum will be played in roles that cater to their strengths and is therefore given the best 'opportunity' to perform to the maximum.
Obviously I totally agree Edward re left back and defensive midfield. We were crying out for these two positions to be sorted out well before the end of last season, and the start of this season has proved to be more of the same in that regard.
A first choice, capable, specialist left back was a must, and there was even a case for a second one with selling Smith.
Whatever Klopp's criteria for a left back is, it still remains the fact they are an integral part of the defensive unit, and be it positioning, decision making, marking/tracking and the actual physical basics of making a tackle, Moreno fails, both on each aspect individually and collectively.
I can't see him being used on the left of a midfield three in a 4-3-3, unless played in front of a 'stay at home' left back. Possibly the only place he
could fill is in a midfield four in a flat 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, or a 4-4-2 with a more diamond shaped midfield.
As for a specialist defensive midfielder, there may be times when a two from Lucas, Can and Hendo could and should be sufficient, but there are more times, both for the entire game, or maybe when holding on to a hard earned lead, when a defensive midfielder is critical, with Lucas or Can alongside, as a very defensively strong midfield base and shield in front of the back four is critical.
Lucas really now lacks the mobility required and Stewart is most definitely still learning his trade as a footballer, nevermind the specifics of a defensive midfielder, so neither are really suited to be that absolute first choice specialist. Can may have the physical requirements, but lacks the discipline and constant concentration, and I think he sees himself and feels he is more suited to a freer, more attacking minded role than the uber discipline of a defensive sitter.
With attacking fullbacks, and has Klopp has alluded to, he sees the full back as a width provider and very much having a real contribution to make to the attacking side, it's imperative we have a sort of 'sweeper' in front of the defence that is capable of covering across to the flank for the full back, if needs be, and if prudent to leave a more central position. It's far harder to make a case for
not having a dedicated defensive sitter sweeping, than it is to make the case for.
