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Tactics & Transfers Tuesday - Bournemouth, Counter Attacks & Signings!
19 Plays19 days ago
Join Adarsh Ramchurn & Michael Lake as they review the Bournemouth game, as well as look at the latest transfer roundup!
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Built for quality - Designed for growth
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The only complete audio + video platform to get best-in-class recording, intuitive editing, AI-powered growth features, and top-tier distribution tools — all in one place.
Get started for free!
We highly recommend it!
https://zencastr.com/?via=ken
Global Sports Podcast Network - Creating the world’s first network of 30-minute daily podcasts for the world’s biggest sporting export, the English Premier League.
For advertising and sponsorship details or to learn more about the scale and demographics of our audience – email Ken Davies, VP Business & Development at:
ken.davies@globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
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© Copyright | 2025 | Global Sports Podcast Network | All Rights Reserved
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Match Overview
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Daily Liverpool Podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm Adar Sramton and it's Tactics and Transfers Tuesday. We'll be discussing the Reds' performance against the Cherries in much more detail, where Bournemouth potentially exposed a weakness in our game and we'll also have a transfer roundup.
00:00:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Will Isak and Gehi be Liverpool players by the end of the window? Let's hope so. I'm joined by Mr Michael Lake. Michael, how's it going?
00:00:40
Michael
G'day, g'day. It is going very well. um Just come off a lovely lovely win. ah Not the cleanest, but I mean, we take them.
00:00:51
Michael
We take them. We definitely do. i mean, we can score goals, definitely. But whether we can stop them might be another question. But yeah, I'm looking forward to getting into that, discussing about all the potential transfers and um the actual Bournemouth game itself.
00:01:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, for sure. And yeah, like you said, it was an incredible game for good and for bad reasons. But um yeah, being at Anfield, I was at Anfield on Friday getting to watch that season opener, seeing some some great performances, really interesting.
Eketike's Debut Performance
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Seeing the new signings starting as well. And i mean, Eketike, for me, we'll touch on a lot of the positives, but um Michael, that first half, Eketike getting his goal. But I don't think it was just his goal from from watching in the stands, like his link-up play.
00:01:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
um his movement off the ball. he see For me, he seems like he's already going to be a fan favourite. But obviously, talk me through the first half, um the Ekotike goal and what you made of his overall performance.
00:01:46
Michael
I mean, I thought he was he was a bit of a revelation. I mean going comparing him to the likes of Nunes that we've had in the past. I mean, we've had some some dog water strikers in the past and now this is a a full-on world-class elite striker who, before he went to PSG, was being touted as that.
00:02:07
Michael
And was kind of... he When Newcastle got Isaac, he was in the same breath ah back in the day before he went to PSG. It just so happened that PSG bought him and that's the only reason why Newcastle got Isaac. So he's come full circle and he's he's that sort of player now that he's developed and he's had time in Germany and France and he's kind of um he's he's a big lad but I think actually every other aspect of his game other than his heading is his is his like are his best features and I think like as ah it would just come with time that he might become a little bit more ah present with heading and stuff like that but
00:02:47
Michael
Like the fact that he is so silky on the ball, he's great at link-up play, he drops deep. He's given me Firmino vibes.
00:02:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:55
Michael
Like Roberto Firmino, but I've been five inches taller. That is just like the dream that we've got now. And the fact that he's only, what, 23 and Virts is 22. And like we've kind of, that's our attack that can cover for when Salah does eventually retire or leave.
00:03:14
Michael
Like, those two players, maybe with a few others, will be able to pick up that slack just because of the pure class that they both have. um Ekotike in particular,
Eketike vs. Isak: Compatibility Debate
00:03:24
Michael
I mean, especially if I think Izak is just putting like a cherry on top of a cherry, which is like Ekotike is the linchpin of this team and would I would be perfectly happy with him staying as the linchpin. Like, I don't really see the need for Izak, like, as well as Ekotike. I mean, I love them both, but like,
00:03:44
Michael
Yeah, Eketike, just from like the little glimpses I've seen you of him, he is He is class he is so good. And potentially he would go to an even even higher level because obviously when he played at Frankfurt, he did play in a two predominantly um with Marmouche for the first half of the season before he was sold to City and then played as a single striker. So he's flexible to play either way. So like if we did get Isak, I think um a lot of people are kind of questioning whether that would actually work in the end and whether and they'll be able to work as a pair because they're like, oh, you can't have two big
00:04:17
Michael
like number one strikers and what they would they rotate with each other but the fact that like both of them seem to drift out wide, like you saw Eketike picking up space on the left wing numerous times um and you and they also like to kind of play off people, so like with the Verts pinging it off him and just like playing little one-twos and being cheeky and making little runs and stuff like that think like the potential for Eketike being
00:04:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
hmm
00:04:46
Michael
a Firmino-esque striker where he can kind of do every role to a really high level, like, is going to be, i'm umm I'm looking forward to it. A goal and assist on on your debut is ah is a really good really good way to announce yourself. i mean mean, Darwin Nunes got a goal and an assist on his debut, but I think Eketike, just looking at that one-on-one that he had and the fact he just slotted it away, there was no hesitation, just got there and just slotted it.
00:05:14
Michael
Like it was, still it was perfect. It was, it was really one of those like finishes that like, he's just so cool. And I quite like how he strikes the ball. He strikes the ball weird.
00:05:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:05:23
Michael
Like it's kind of like, it's almost minimal back lift and he just kind of like wraps it, just like fully like throws his body through it, um which is quite, a quite fun to see. And I hope he scores lots and lots of goals this season.
00:05:36
Michael
But yeah, he's been, he played really, really
Gakpo's Role Amid Criticism
00:05:38
Michael
well and I really enjoyed watching him.
00:05:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I think you make a really good point about his finish through on goal. I mean, i was saying to my brother in the stands, if that's Darwin Nunes, I'm not sure if it's a goal. um But with Ekotike, he just seemed so calm in front of goal. And is it felt like time stood still when he was through on goal.
00:05:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Because you're not really sure if he's going to score a miss because we're just not we is not used to seeing him play.
00:05:54
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:05:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... um I mean, his yes, his goal and assist was incredible, but I think fer throughout the game, he just had little touches here and there where he was just linking up play, keeping things simple. But you also mentioned the word cheeky, and I definitely think he's got that like cheeky flair side to his game, which which we noticed in the stands, he's doing ah couple of flicks and tricks and really got like the crowd off his feet.
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not sure if you heard the Hugo TK chant on the TV, but
00:06:24
Michael
No, I couldn't really hear that through the TV, to be fair.
00:06:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I won't give a rendition right now, but it was... ah yeah I'm sure you're...
00:06:30
Michael
Maybe at the end.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, maybe at the end.
00:06:31
Michael
Maybe at the end.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
maybe at the end But um no, he was outstanding. And I think if we co touch on the second half with him giving that assist, you mentioned him going into that left-hand channel, but I think he played the pass to Gakpo at the right...
00:06:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
pace, right time for him to step onto it, cut inside and score the second goal. But um touching on Gakpo's performance as well, I thought he was one of our standout players from an attacking point of view. And I thought it was interesting. He played the full 90 minutes, I believe.
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:06:57
Michael
yeah
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he's definitely going to be a key part of Slott's plans for this season.
00:06:58
Michael
yeah
00:07:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
But a few people giving you a bit of stick online. But what have you made of Gakpo's start to the season? Also in preseason, he was really strong.
00:07:09
Michael
i think yeah I think he has been really solid and I think he was out of him and Diaz I've always thought since Slott's been seeing him more on that left wing I think he's been the more solid of the two and he's always present he does the role well like he hugs that touchline to provide space for the other boys to have a bit space in the middle Like, he cuts inside. You know what he's going to do, but for some reason, no one can ever stop him doing it.
00:07:32
Michael
Like, he's got a great shot. he's's He is fairly technical when it comes to dribbling. Like, he's not the worst in the world, and he's fairly physically imposing. So, like, I think he does all the right things. I think at the moment, the reason why he's playing full 90s as opposed to, like, being brought off and put on N'Gamoah, I think it's just because Slott wants a bit of, like, ah a rolling start before introducing Inge Mauer and Neoni.
00:07:55
Michael
um And I think maybe um the teams like Bournemouth aren't exactly the ones that we need to be focusing on to kind of have that rotation. Like maybe when when it comes to Burnley in game week four or um maybe Man United in game week eight, like these small clubs, these small like easy win easy win clubs, like maybe you can play the kids against them and just like see what happens. Like those sort those sort of occasions should be what we were focusing on really.
00:08:21
Michael
um to get those players through. So I think for the time being, mean, there is one man who could give Gakpo a run for his money and that is Frederico Chiesa.
00:08:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
00:08:35
Michael
My Italian stallion. He is loved by every Liverpool fan everywhere. He's played probably a combined 90 minutes over the two, a season and a bit he's been here, but we love him all the same.
00:08:51
Michael
And the fact he came on and like scored that goal, I thought was just very promising. And seeing reports today that he's he like he's wanted at the club and he's there's no chance of him being sold this summer.
00:09:03
Michael
Which I think the fact that he can play right-wing, he can play left-wing, he play striker, I think we just need that sort of versatility. Especially to
Chiesa's Versatility and Popularity
00:09:13
Michael
dovetail with Ngomoua and have that opportunity for him to grow.
00:09:16
Michael
um And to give Gakpo a little bit of a fight because... I mean, by the looks of it, he had a great game um against Bournemouth and he scored a goal, obviously, and like like he he maybe doesn't need the competition, but I would like to see a bit of someone like Ingemar pushing for it or even Chiesa getting into the team. I'd like to see more of him this season.
00:09:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Amen.
00:09:38
Michael
But yeah, I think I can understand why people maybe think Gakpo isn't um the right player for that left-hand side. Obviously, I think maybe the time where Klopp was playing him in midfield or, like, up front or, like, through the centre, really, like, I think those times have maybe tainted people's opinions of him in terms of, like,
00:09:57
Michael
he's not He's not quick enough, he's a bit too like sluggish, he just kind of does one thing. like but The reason we bought him was because he was the most electric player in the Eredivisie at the time we bought him.
00:10:08
Michael
like He was literally like winning player of the month every single month.
00:10:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And
00:10:13
Michael
like he was He was scoring goals for fun and that was all from the left-hand side. like He is a left winger by trade. That's where he likes to be. That's where he plays for Netherlands. That's where he plays for us well. And like this is the Gakpo we bought as opposed to the Gakpo we was playing eight at one point.
00:10:29
Michael
like the this is I think like all the criticism is a bit unfounded. And like this squad is very well balanced. Maybe there is one or two holes. Maybe we do need a backup striker. Maybe we do need a backup left winger.
00:10:42
Michael
But... Besides that, I think like this this first XI is very, very solid. and If it ends up being that Izak comes in, I think most likely Gakpo will be the one who drops out of the team and it will be maybe Verts or Eketike covering that left channel um and with Izak and Eketike up front.
Gakpo's Goal-Scoring Consistency
00:11:01
Michael
I think that is probably what's going to happen and then people won't be complaining as much and I think he'll be just more of a rotational option.
00:11:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I mean, his record at Anfield over the last, well, sort of year and a half has been nothing short of it. Amazing, actually. I mean, he obviously got those two goals against Bilbao pre-season and obviously the goal against Bournemouth, but he just seems to always score at Anfield and he's just got such a good knack of doing that.
00:11:16
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you're going need players across the season are going to contribute. And I definitely see Gakpo doing that and I thought he was outstanding against Bournemouth. And you made a nice sort of segue into Federico Chiesa because obviously he's going to touch on.
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you've definitely said it right. He is loved, adored. I mean, that Federico Chiesa chant was sang not just after the full-time whistle. When we were all coming home out of the stadium, you could hear it.
00:11:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was...
00:11:50
Michael
It is a very good chant, to be fair.
00:11:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
is an amazing... I can't lie. i think it's the best chant we've come with. I think it's unbelievable.
00:11:54
Michael
Yeah. It's up there with the Diaz one.
00:11:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is...
00:11:57
Michael
like like we've we We are the most musical so fun group of a ah fans in the world, aren't we?
00:12:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I know we are.
00:12:05
Michael
like We're just one of those fans that can just make good songs as opposed to... like um Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea. chelsea chelsea Yeah, that's not really cutting it.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
This
00:12:17
Michael
We need we need some lyrical music. We're the home of the Beatles. we've We've just got music in us. so when None of this Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.
00:12:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
is boring stuff.
00:12:26
Michael
Just boring. Boring.
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And I mean, just the perfect way to get that song going again was him scoring an unbelievable volley into the back.
00:12:36
Michael
Yeah.
00:12:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, that Anfield rule when he scored was but something else. And yeah, ah you couldn't have wanted a more popular player to have scored that goal.
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Could this be kick-starting his Liverpool career from now on?
00:12:46
Michael
yeah
00:12:50
Michael
I mean, like, I think people forget that not many seasons ago he was winning Italy single-handedly the Euros. Like, he is a he is a player. He was a player who was quoted ah as £120 million pound player at one point.
00:13:03
Michael
Like, he's been he's had problems with injuries and stuff, but like... he's got, he he is he was Italy's star boy at one point. like And like Italy is a top 10 nation in the world. like It's not like this is San Marino or something like that. This is ah this is ah this is a proper proper country that has that he was the best player for. I think like being able to see the Chiesa that was playing for Juve and the Chiesa that was playing for Fiorentina, I think if we can rediscover even half of that player, we've got
00:13:35
Michael
an amazing squad player if we can rediscover the key azer then that is a that is a starting player who can compete with the likes of Gakbo um and can be that left wing uh sub and I think like you can kind of see where slot wants to use him he wants to use him anywhere he can and kind of bring him on up front as like sort of a floating 10 more attacking version um and like he is just one of those players that like yeah it's it's just it's just beautiful to see that he's you scored that goal and like,
00:14:06
Michael
to ah on the commentary, you you've I definitely didn't hear it, but um when he scores it, Carragher goes, oh, it's a great, it's a good goal, but like he's he's scuffed it. he's he's He's just like, it's come off his shin, like he scuffed it.
00:14:20
Michael
and then And then we watch it, and he's like pinged it, like just like sliced across it and it's like curved into the into the corner, and you're like, he has not scuffed that.
00:14:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And
00:14:29
Michael
That is a finish.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
you've meant that, yeah.
00:14:31
Michael
That is a finish. And like, the the brief spells that we saw him last season, um like he did make he did finishes like that like he scored a decent number of goals for the amount of minutes he played like he didn't get much much chance last season and I think like having him as a bit more of a squad player like when Salah goes to AFCON I know Slot said about Frimpong playing at right wing but then we've also got Chiesa could get a chance down that right hand side as well like we we do have options and like now that if we can get these sort of
00:15:06
Michael
outside players competing a bit more and like getting to the point where they they they are pushing these first team players that's just good for the squad that's just good ah business on our behalf and like i think he's I think he's a really good player and I've always wanted him to succeed and I think the chant has definitely given him a lot of
00:15:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:15:26
Michael
a lot of currency with the fans that he can, like, kind of, he can try and try and try. And he he always seems to give his 100%, like, and he he, I saw an interview with him, I can't remember what exactly he said, but he said along the lines of, like, if I get five minutes, I'll give it all, like, to for that five minutes. Like, as long as I'm called upon, I'm happy. Like, or not even if I'm called upon, like, as long as the team's doing well, I'm happy. that's It was to that sort of effect and, like, that sort of mentality of a player just, like,
00:15:53
Michael
like ah they're they're in my good books from from day dot if they if they have that sort of mentality just work for the team and like if you can score score if you can't like as long as you've worked your socks off and pressed and he always runs like a headless chicken but in a good way
00:16:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, and I mean, I want to say a huge credit to Liverpool fans because obviously he probably had a quite a difficult season last season, even though he won the Premier League, but didn't get a lot of minutes. Obviously, kind of working his way back from injuries he's had over the last few seasons, but I think as a fan base, we really got behind him.
00:16:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, the chance helped him so much with confidence and feeling part of
00:16:26
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:16:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
this Liverpool squad but I think I read some reports earlier today that everyone in the squad loves him like he's so adored by his teammates and i think they admire the amount of adversity he's had to overcome which just goes to show the character and the personality that he is and I think definitely think he's going to have a big part to play this season because if you like you mentioned with Salah going to AFCON and potential injuries up front in the attacking areas I think he's definitely going to be an option um But speaking of Salah, it's not going to be opening day without him getting
Salah's Opening Day Impact
00:16:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
his goal.
00:16:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ten Premier League goals on the opening day of the season. Again, i mean i mean, the way he finished that was was remarkable. But the emotional celebration he gave afterwards and you just felt, I felt in the stadium he was doing everything he could to score.
00:17:07
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:17:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
he Like he really wants to score, not just for the win, but I think he wants to score for Jota and really pay his tribute. So it was really touching seeing him very emotional at the end. But I mean, How many times are we going to compliment Salah, Michael, but any more words that you have?
00:17:27
Michael
Yeah, i think I think overall, I wasn't particularly impressed with his game overall, but then I think towards the end of the game, he did get into it more. And like, in the end, he did have like ah ah expected goals of 0.26, which doesn't sound like a lot, but for the fact he only had three shots, like he was obviously getting into the positions.
00:17:44
Michael
He was obviously getting to like, he was pushing it and pushing it and pushing it. And the fact that he scored that goal with his weak foot, like you never see him score with his right hand so right foot, but he was just on that side, found the moment.
00:17:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:55
Michael
And like, the fact that he just had a pop, like, you could see he was getting a bit frustrated. He wanted it on his left and then was like, oh, you know what? I'm Mo Seller. I'll just kick it. And it went in. And, like, it's one of those things that, like, he was... I think he... did Yeah, as you said, he did really want to score for, one, the fact he scored on pretty much every opening day since he joined.
00:18:15
Michael
um And, two, the fact that, like... he did that He did the crocodile celebration for Jota and at the end he was the last person to leave the pitch listening to the Jota chants. As I said last last week, I think the Jota situation probably is could go either way for the players. I think it could either spur them on, like Salah wanting to really score the goal to pay his tribute,
00:18:41
Michael
Or it could affect them and like put a lot pressure on them and like kind of make them ah make their emotions get the better of them. Because also, I don't know if you've seen, but like in the dressing room, Jota has a space.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I've seen that.
00:18:53
Michael
So like every game, they they're going to see Jota. like they're going to see where he isn't and that's going to remind them and like i think that will probably spur them on and like push them a little bit a little bit harder to kind of um do like win for him and i think that was probably one of the reasons why we did end up getting to getting this 4-2 because like we did keep pushing keep pushing and keep pushing because like once we got once we went to 2-2 i can imagine heads started dropping and like we got uh they that we could have easily just let it go and like
00:19:26
Michael
ah But, like the like, then we pushed on and and managed to get Chiesa to bring us back. And then Salah just kept pushing to try and get his goal. And, like, that is what a leader in the team does. And, like, you've got it you can't stop and you can't rest. and You've just got to keep pushing. And that's what this Liverpool team does. The mentality monsters, as was once quoted.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, for sure, for sure. And yeah, obviously we scored four goals, but we did also concede two. going to touch on our defensive side of the Liverpool versus Bournemouth game after this very short break.
Defensive Concerns and Tactics
00:20:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Amazing. So, like I said, Michael, we scored four brilliant goals, but we also conceded two goals to Antoine Semenyo and to Bournemouth. Yeah, I mean, it was kind of... I mean, in the stadium, if the 2-1 goal felt kind of against the run of play, Bournemouth weren't really in the game, but...
00:20:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Since after that, they made it 2-1, they put on a lot of pressure and then then they made it 2-2, putting even more pressure on. But I mean, from a defensive point of view, there were two counter-attacks. What, but from a tactical point of view, but was your assessment of those two goals?
00:21:10
Michael
I think it's ah it's a weird one because like the it seems we were a bit more open in the middle and I think that could be down to the fact that we're playing Sabazlay in the centre mid and he is very much just given the right given the keys to just run and press and get all over the all over the opposition, which does leave us a bit short-changed in the middle because when you play like Gravenberg and McAllister,
00:21:32
Michael
Like they both tend to sit a little bit more and like they're a little bit more solid. So then we have that four in front, like four with the centre backs, like in the middle, which kind of stops those sort of counter attacks. And i think I think we have missed Gravenberch since he hasn't been playing.
00:21:49
Michael
um Obviously, we'll be back next game. I'm pretty sure I think his suspension was only for the first game. um and i think that might shore up a little bit of our problems but i think we also need to address the fact that like we can't be solely reliant on one player and i think i think also that like kirk has was getting a bit bullied by simenio i mean simenio is one of those players that just he's either footed he's massive he's fast like it's it's just one of those days that like he was getting a little bit bullied and like he tried his best and maybe he shouldn't be going to ground as much because that allowed a few chances for for them to to get past him.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
which Mm-hmm.
00:22:26
Michael
But like I thought i saw the full-backs that played were good. i was a bit questioned I was question marks when Endo got brought on at right-back because I think... like The fact that we had Joe Gomez on the bench and like we brought on Endo at right back.
00:22:40
Michael
And I think that was actually one of the reasons why we conceded the counter-attack goal where there's a picture of Canate who's just not looking and just running off. like that Because like Endo was not in that section. He's not quick enough to cover it.
00:22:53
Michael
cover that right back so then Canate was worried of him he had to cover over to the right and that just left the space and like I think it was just ah i think it was just poor decision making which is strange to say for Slott because seeing he hasn't really put a foot wrong with substitutions or last season um but it's it's interesting to see like what what what we're going to do to like lockdown games because it felt like we got more open once we brought on the more defensive players which is a bit odd and like although we were we were 2-1 up and we were still pushing like it was like ah we were we were looking for to get the winning goal like
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
hmm
00:23:33
Michael
like There was one point where like Gomez had had overlapped when he was on. Endo had ran into the box. And then like it was just left with just Sabozlai on the ball.
00:23:45
Michael
And then like the full-backs had pushed up. So it was literally just Sabozlai and then two centre-backs. And like why is like Endo, who's the most defensive player and in the team, really, in in terms of midfielders, why is he in the box and running running the ahead like that? Realistically,
00:24:02
Michael
that In that moment, we should have been trying to recycle, trying to like keep the ball a bit more. um Because it feels like we're going back to where we were under Klopp when we were just like transitional, just like everyone pile forward. like Last season, and it felt a lot more secure with slot and lot more controlled.
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Control. Yeah.
00:24:20
Michael
And I think um you can kind of see what he's trying to do in terms of, like, Kerkers really doesn't push forward very far. Like, Kerkers kind of sits on that, like, in line with the midfield too.
00:24:32
Michael
um And then Frimpong is the one who overlaps massively. Yeah. So you're kind of seeing that they're kind of trying to kind of cover those moments with like whoever the right-hand side midfielder is, he pushes a bit wide to cover Frimpong.
00:24:47
Michael
And then you kind of have that three in front of the two centre-backs. like That's what we're trying to do. In theory, that stops counter-attacks because you've got enough bodies back to cover it.
00:24:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:56
Michael
But... I think we're just kind of, it it's either the personnel aren't working or we're slightly getting it wrong tactically. I know that Slott has been grilled about this a few times on on on his interviews, like how we've been so open in transition because we were open against Crystal Palace and we were quite open against Bournemouth.
00:25:14
Michael
But you have you do have to say Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are two very good pressing teams. Like when we come up against like a Burnley who... but ah prefer prefer to be more defensively solid or at least they did last season like they prefer to kind of stay and sit in I think that won't be as much of a problem because I would rate Van Dijk and Kanate or Van Dijk and Gehy oh um to to cover those spaces because I don't I've got to admit I don't think Canarte covered himself in glory for most of that game I think some of his passing was wayward I think like some of his positioning was a bit dodgy as well but I don't know whether that was just it just an off night or whether he's like I don't know learning Spanish or or anything like that.
00:25:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah,
00:25:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've seen
00:25:59
Michael
like um may we We'll have to see how the how the season progresses, but I think getting someone like a Mark Gahey, when we come on to that, or another sort of starting level centre-back, because we've obviously got Leonie,
00:26:15
Michael
Like, what getting someone like that to comp compete with Kanate, I think, like, that that is only good for us because Kwanzaa was giving Kanate a run for his money at some points. Like, he's not the most consistent player in the world. He's amazing on his day, but, like, having a player like Gehi who can fully give him a run for his money and if not lock him out of the team, like, that is only good for the squad and good for squad ah good for squad competition.
00:26:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I think it's really interesting. You made some really interesting points there. think the first one about Bournemouth and Palace being pressing teams and also not just pressing teams, but really quick on the transition and on the counter-attack.
00:26:51
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:26:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, they've got pace all over the team. Yeah. I definitely think it is no coincidence that we conceded two goals to Palace and Bournemouth and both games Gravenberg is not playing. um He does control the tempo of the game, not just when we're out possession, but in possession.
00:27:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it means there's less attacks for the opposition in general. So whether that changes when he comes back into the team against Newcastle, ah who are also pressing team with a lot of pace, um that would be the best test, I guess.
00:27:17
Michael
well I can I can also see Gravenberch maybe like dropping in between the centre-backs even like or like trying like trying to become like a third sort of centre-back because like that would give Kirk because I feel like Kirk is a little bit wasted at the moment because he is playing that more reserved full-back role and last season he was bombing up and down all the time like
00:27:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm. Yeah.
00:27:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Explosive, yeah.
00:27:38
Michael
and And he just had so much energy and we're not using that energy. So maybe that might be what Slott's thinking to like have that sort of midfielder who can kind of drop in and just kind of give that support and stop those transitions um a little bit more. And then like Gakpok and Tuk in or like maybe well if we do get Izak.
00:27:57
Michael
um Maybe like we could play a Gneko, TK, or Wurz who are naturally going to come in and then Kerkers can overlap. I mean, that this is all speculation, but like you can see how potentially he could tackle those those problems that he's looking at.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I think also Kirkes and Frimpong coming off around the 60th minute, um they all also got great recovery pace as well.
00:28:18
Michael
Yeah.
00:28:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And i think that was also a factor because I mean, don't know about you, I don't think in the first half Bournemouth had many counter-attacking opportunities. Yeah.
00:28:27
Michael
Yeah, no, I think they beat both Kirkhaz and Frimpong one-on-one a few times, but in terms of like actually getting through, like i don't i agree they didn't really have many of those opportunities.
00:28:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:28:38
Michael
like they they had a they yeah they They managed to kind of out-musle them because neither of them are massive and neither of them are very... sort of defensively minded. I think Kerkhez loves to get involved and he loves to throw himself at the ball.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh my god. Mm.
00:28:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:28:51
Michael
And like, you can imagine maybe he might miss the ball once or twice and maybe he got, well, I mean, he got a yellow.
00:28:58
Michael
So like, I need it because he did miss the ball at one point, but like maybe he should learn from Robertson to stay on his feet a little bit more um and not to get so close because both of them kind of got caught out with getting too close and getting spun.
00:29:11
Michael
um But then both of them work hard to get back at that occasion. But yeah, I think in yeah in the first half, with our like first team, we really didn't get attacked that much. And like it was only in the second half, once we started fiddling with it, with like bringing on Endo at right back and stuff, like that's where like the cracks started to appear because the team wasn't really working.
00:29:35
Michael
um So it's it'll be interesting to see like um how Slot adapts to these sort of problems throughout the season.
00:29:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, for sure. And especially if we get new signings like Gehi and Isak through the door, which we'll be touching on after this very short break.
00:29:47
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:29:49
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Amazing. So talking transfers, it's not just Tactics Tuesday. We've also got transfers as part of Tactics and Transfers Tuesday. um We'll touch on Gehi and Isak in a second, but some transfer news regarding Liverpool today.
00:30:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Ben, I didn't know his middle name was Gannon Doak, but Sky Sports reported it.
00:30:41
Michael
but Ben Ganondook. ah That's what he is. He's a bloody Scotsman.
00:30:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Has Ben, yeah, has Ben Gannon Doak has left Liverpool for the
00:30:49
Michael
That's the most Scottish name I have ever heard.
00:30:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Gannon. He looks like, now that it all makes sense. I look at his face and he looks like a Gannon, yeah.
00:30:53
Michael
He looks like a Ganon, doesn't he? He looks like a Ganon.
00:30:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But he's leaving for £25 million with a buyback clause to Bournemouth.
00:31:01
Michael
ah
00:31:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a shame because I did want to see him play this season. But, I mean, with that buyback clause, I think Liverpool know what they're doing. um But what's your reaction to Doak going to Bournemouth?
00:31:10
Michael
i mean I mean, it's just good business in terms of like we're trying to kind of balance the books a little bit more and like getting rid of these sort of fringe players. like He's not going to get much game time. you might go out on loan again. like that We've made quite basically 25 million profit on him. like We signed him for 600k from Celtic.
00:31:31
Michael
um It's one of those transfers that like we've flipped a player in three years for that amount of money that is just a bit of a no-brainer. And I think... He will do well at Bournemouth. I've seen reports that like he's basically... They brought him in as just a different player to anyone they have. So it's not like we've kind of fleeced them or anything. I think they are genuinely looking for that sort of player.
00:31:54
Michael
I mean, he is really good in the game he played against him ah ah in preseason, where he was playing on that right wing. He did look really, really good. um But ah I'd like to see him thrive at Bournemouth.
00:32:07
Michael
I think that's a that's a place that you really can. And like um they're not they're not in danger of going down, especially the way they played against us. And I think I could see him definitely um having some fun there um and getting some good experience.
00:32:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right.
00:32:21
Michael
And Bournemouth's the type of club that in two or three years he could be a however much Sal buyback clause costs and like in two or three years Salah might be gone and we might be looking to fill that right wing spot so getting a player like him who is probably homegrown at club now or like homegrown like ah since because we bought him when he was 16 like it's one of those players that like mean, it might be a no brainer to buy him back in the future. Like he, he like the signs when we first got him were that he is that good, that like he could be one of the world's best.
00:32:56
Michael
Um, so I hope he will be, I hope he is. um But yeah, it's ah it' ah it's an interesting sale. And I think in terms of financially, no brainer. terms of the player, he's going to get lots of game time. He's going to get lots of opportunities there um because you don't buy a player for 25 million and then not play him.
00:33:12
Michael
um So it'll be really interesting to see how he does. And I think I'll watch him quite closely. I quite like Doak.
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, for sure. And I think under Iriola, who you've got to see a lot more of with the first game the season against Bournemouth, I think he's got a manager that's going to give him the opportunity and also develop him his game because obviously he's still really young.
00:33:25
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:33:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got loads to to learn and develop, but he's got that raw talent. And I think you've seen Bournemouth's attacking players.
00:33:34
Michael
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:33:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, what Iriola has done to Semenyo. I mean, Wataru, who's now gone to... ah Where's he gone? He went to Brentford, isn't it? um Who I think, though, has replaced. So, um yeah, I think he's under the right leadership and management at Bournemouth.
00:33:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, definitely wish him the best. And maybe, who knows, we'll see him back at Liverpool with that buyback clause. um And then another new another line is that Simicast might be going out loan.
Simicast's Loan Possibility and Robertson's Role
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the loan option makes a lot sense to me, given that if Robertson is is in his final year,
00:34:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Simicast going out alone then potentially coming back next season. I'm not sure which clubs are interested, but are your thoughts on on that potential departure?
00:34:14
Michael
think I think he's a third choice left back. I've always quite liked him. like i I think like he settled into the club. He understands the whole um sort of atmosphere around the club really well. and like
00:34:29
Michael
He's played well when he's played, but like He is third choice, so like you can't really ah sniff at get out shipping him on. and think playing for Forrest, I think that'll probably actually work quite well for him because he's fairly dogged in defence, but he's also quite good at like crossing and like getting in. and think you'll get a lot of luck with Chris Wood up top.
00:34:49
Michael
um if he does end up going there. and And if it is for an initial loan and then with an option to buy, great. If it isn't and we just sell him outright, that's also great.
00:35:01
Michael
Like, it's one of those things that, like, it's shipping off these squad players that just to get some money for him, we signed him for 11 million, we'll probably get 15.
00:35:11
Michael
fifteen Like, it's it's profit in the end for a player who's been bit part-time for us.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, for sure.
00:35:18
Michael
Yeah.
00:35:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But, I mean, talking about departures is great, but talking about incomments is even more exciting, ah Michael, and potentially Mark Gehie coming into the club at centre-back and then Isak, the ongoing transfer saga of the summer.
Potential Transfers of Gehi and Isak
00:35:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Where are we with these two? I think Gehie looks like it could be done. Isak, I've heard rumours that we're preparing and new bid, a new offer this week.
00:35:43
Michael
yeah
00:35:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um How are you feeling and about these two?
00:35:46
Michael
oh wow i only oh like You can only really be excited for a play for players like that, can't you? These like... they these all like top, top, top tier players. Like, these are the best players in the world.
00:35:58
Michael
And, like, Mark Gahey is a future England captain. He's captained Crystal Palace the last few years. Like, he's one of those players that it's just, ah it is just, like,
00:36:10
Michael
crazy that he's going to come in and have to fight for his place like but i can really see him like replacing um replacing canate and then that gives us that reassurance that if canate does leave next summer if he is learning in spanish like then we've got leone and gay he is our along with a a slightly older van dyke like that sort of three and then maybe bring them one more in maybe do using the buyback on quantsa like
00:36:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:38
Michael
getting those sort of players around and in the squad early. Because last time we bought a centre-back before the only was 2021, I'm pretty sure. And I think that was Canarte, wasn't it?
00:36:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I
00:36:47
Michael
So, like, we it we're well overdue in terms of, like, getting some good top-quality players, like, centre-backs in. So, like, we I can only see it as a positive in terms of, like, getting ah player of his sort of stature in.
00:37:06
Michael
um Because he can he could take over as captain of Liverpool once Van Dijk goes.
00:37:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
just don't have to go.
00:37:12
Michael
Like, I could definitely see that happening. And that is just one of those ah sort of opportunities to get that ready-made player in for fairly cheap, like, relatively cheap.
00:37:24
Michael
but Yeah. So yeah, I'm really happy with that signing. And I think, yeah, I think he seemed to have a little bit of a like argy-bargy with them Oliver Glassner at the end of their game. Like, obviously he gave it all to kind of win the game and was a model professional in that sense. But like,
00:37:47
Michael
he's he see He seems to be kind of doing his job and then kind of just kind of moving on. Like, he doesn't really want to have to be there, which I can rate the fact that he's doing that compared to Visser or compared to other players who are maybe throwing their toys out the pram a little bit more.
00:38:03
Michael
Not Isaac, though. He's justified. um But we... But Gehi like that modern professional who I can see like being centre back for the next few years. um And speaking of Isaac, I think he is just, he's one of those players that like, he was the probably one of the two best strikers in the league last season, along with Haaland. He probably was better than Haaland for most of the season.
00:38:27
Michael
um And the fact that we'd have him and Eketike who are like, they're basically like carbon copies of each other. Having two of the same player who is world-class is just crazy.
00:38:38
Michael
And like being able to have that sort of output and being able to play maybe two up top or maybe have so that sort of those sort of options to kind of rotate and like but we could play one one gate we could play them off and on and not drop in performance at all like we could rotate them fully and not not lose anything from it which is crazy to have in a front line um so i'm really excited for both of those signings i think they're going to be uh incredible and like i can see i can see us maybe looking for one or two more more bargain ones but
00:39:09
Michael
it is crazy that isn't it like the the fact that we've got potentially England starting centre back and one of the best strikers in the Premier League wanting Liverpool and coming to us we had Ricky Lambert like 10 years ago well it's it's it's one of those things we we just we it's a glow up
00:39:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you can't take it for granted, can you? And hopefully Liverpool can get those deals done. I mean, there's about two weeks left of the window. um So hopefully we've got to add those two players squad. But Michael, if you had to add one extra wildcard signing, this is what we're going to use to wrap up today's episode.
00:39:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Picking any player in Europe, it doesn't have to be a cheaper player, like you mentioned earlier. It can be anyone. Who do you think? It doesn't have to be realistic as well. it can mean Who do you think Liverpool slot would want to add to this squad if we could?
00:39:44
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:39:57
Michael
in terms of like, um if we get, easy this is in regards, if we get Isaac and Gehi, I think I would want a midfielder in the likes of like Frankie de Jong or like Joshua Kimmich, but Joshua Kimmich's a little bit old now, so maybe not him, but like someone in that sort of vein of like, ah maybe even a little bit more defensive, but like,
00:40:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:40:20
Michael
could be one of those players that like would would be would be world class and would just improve the whole team exponentially. um Maybe I could see us going for like a ah a little bit more of a rogue shout of a Nicololo Fagiolo-y.
00:40:40
Michael
good effort.
00:40:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good effort.
00:40:41
Michael
He plays for Fiorentina, basically. kind of He's kind of in the bit of a mould of sort of a Gravenberch sort of style player. um Like, sort of that more, slightly more defensive. He's a bit more like him and De Jong are sort of that sort of player. So, like, that sort of midfielder who's a little bit more defensive, can control the game tempo and stuff like that. Like, just to give Gravenberch little bit support, but, like, I think I'd go for Frankie De Jong.
00:41:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, like that shout. um And yeah, he's world class. I think we are missing that sort of player who can dictate the tempo of the game.
00:41:12
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:41:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's funny you mentioned a midfielder because I've also gone for midfielder. um But I've gone for an English one who also plays Crystal Palace.
00:41:19
Michael
Mm-hmm. Ooh.
00:41:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Adam Wharton.
00:41:22
Michael
Ooh.
00:41:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I am i'm a big fan of him.
00:41:24
Michael
Banger.
00:41:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, getting to watch him in the in the community shield up close.
00:41:27
Michael
Yeah.
00:41:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
He see just seems to dictate tempo, but he has ah great eye for a pass. And I think he i think he would suit Slott's style of play to an absolute T.
00:41:41
Michael
Mm.
00:41:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's, what, 21? Still got so much room for the development.
00:41:43
Michael
Yeah. Came through a Blackburn. Bring him up north.
00:41:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:41:47
Michael
Bring him home.
00:41:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he might want to come back back up north. And I think, um yeah, he just he just seems really fitted to Liverpool's style of play. um So he would be the player.
00:41:55
Michael
Yeah.
00:41:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I've got a track record. i Previously, last season, i did before. So beginning of last season, I did say Liverpool should for Wurz. And we got Wurz.
00:42:05
Michael
There you go.
00:42:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
So hopefully the magic open up happens again and we go it.
00:42:08
Michael
We should go for the Blackburn Iniesta.
00:42:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, the Blackburn Iniesta.
00:42:11
Michael
Yeah.
00:42:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he can get a return up north. And, you know, he can join Gehi as well. And that could be another reason why he joins Liverpool.
00:42:18
Michael
A little connection. Maybe we'll go for Eze as well. Who knows? We'll just go for these sort of players.
00:42:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah. Yeah. That should be our track. It'll be like Southampton all over again, just picking off one team and getting all their best players.
00:42:28
Michael
Actually, actually i think we should go for Bruno Gimoresh, Sandro Tonali. Just pick Newcastle apart. Make all their players want to leave. may Make the Newcastle fans cry that none of their players think they're a big club.
00:42:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, gosh.
00:42:44
Michael
When a bigger club comes knocking, that's what happens.
00:42:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, gosh. I'm telling you, if Liverpool come knocking for either of those two, Tonali or Gamaras, I think they all act the same as Isak.
00:42:55
Michael
I think their heads would be their had to be turned.
00:42:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah.
00:42:56
Michael
Their heads are definitely be turned.
00:42:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
um 100%. Hmm. anus and
00:42:58
Michael
um
00:42:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:42:59
Michael
But yeah, and like ah Newcastle fans complain about Eusak doing it, but Visset is doing the exact same to get to their club. So hypocrites, that's what I say. They're all hypocrites.
00:43:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah I agree and agree. And funny enough, we play Newcastle next Monday. So that's going to be a CC one, isn't it?
00:43:13
Michael
Yeah. Yeah, it is Looking forward it.
00:43:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is. um Thank you, Michael, so much for today's episode. Thank you, everyone, for listening to Tactics and Transfers Tuesday. um That's all for today's episode of the Daily Liverpool podcast. Join us tomorrow on Wednesday. We'll talk more things Liverpool related.
00:43:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you all for listening and take care.