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The Numbers Game – Liverpool

Next up in our series of in-depth team-by-team members’ articles is Liverpool.

First off, we assess the levels of performance over the previous campaign across the squad, looking for trends and patterns before we check out the Merseysiders’ standout individuals ahead of the 2017/18 season.

That finds us pay particular attention to both James Milner and Roberto Firmino, as we analyse their potential ahead of likely reclassifications in Fantasy Premier League.

Having finished the 2015/16 campaign in eighth position with 60 points, the Reds racked up 76 points in Jurgen Klopp’s first full season at the helm to cement a fourth-place spot.

Liverpool found the net on 78 occasions – the fourth most potent attack in the top-flight, which was up on their tally of 63 goals in the season beforehand.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

564 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    When can we start playing around with our new teams on the EPL site?

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      July 11

      1. PepSala
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Amazing! thanks

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Week commencing 10th July

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          🙂

  2. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    '1) League Cup should be scrapped
    2) FA Cup replays should be scrapped
    3) There should be a winter break
    4) PL should be reduced to 18 teams.'

    Or how to competley ruin the premier league league imo ^

    1. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think 2) is good. Just straight penalties after 90 minute draws which will also improve penalty taking under pressure.

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        penalties are a rubbish way to decide games.

        It's not about who the better team is it's about how lucky the goalie is in guessing the right direction to dive. Mainly all guesswork.

        1. fedolefan
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Mate..penalties are not guesswork. Attitudes like this are why England lose penalty shootouts time after time.

          1. Waxys
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Penalties are guesswork. Even Joe Hart can take a great pen and he's a goalkeeper.

            It's 50/50 if it's a proper pen a striker should give no indication in the direction they're going and it's up to the goalie to guess which way the ball will go.

            There's too much pressure on players in finals to take a penalty too just look at Messi. I absolutely would rather Cup replays happen to determine the beater side in 90miks rather than just a mere shootout

            1. fedolefan
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I don't think I can start typing out an argument against what you've said. You just need a major mindset shift and that ain't happening over a couple of posts. If penalties decide World Cups, you better practice them in your league cups. If they change at that level, then feel free to scrap them in your leagues.

              1. UnitedFan
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                +1

              2. Waxys
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                They need to decide world cups as it's a final... you can't replay a final

          2. VS10_
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yep, look at someone like Lewandowski. He has probably scored like 15/15 penalties in the past year and most of the time the keeper doesn't even dive the right way, or if he does he isn't close to saving it. That's not luck.

            Then there are keepers who are very good at reading the taker and can get very close to the bottom corner very quickly. Current Petr Cech is the opposite.

            1. UnitedFan
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              +1

            2. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              So a player is good at scoring a goal from close range and no opposition except a keeper doesn't mean that team deserved to lose.

              Parking the bus and winning on penalties is a very fun and fair way to determine the winner. Let's take away some major aspects that makes football football. No defending, no dribbling, no midfields dictating play yep just smash that ball into the top corner to beat a team that may or not have deserved a win.

              1. VS10_
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                This hasn't got anything to do with your initial post I replied to.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't agree (well not with 1 & 3 anyway)

      With the stupid amounts of money in the PL, clubs can easily afford decent-sized squads, especially if filled out with academy youngsters. I had no sympathy with Mourinho kicking out the likes of Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger then complaining he didn't have enough players. Managers should be managing their squads and developing the kids better.

  3. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Rooney will stil be classified as a forward. He played as a forward for united quite a bit.

    He will be great value if he's Everton's main striker.

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Unless Giroud rocks up

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Let's be honest Giroud isn't in Rooney's level

        Giroud couldn't even start last season when he was Arsenal's sole striker

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Rooney's washed up. Giroud definitely a better player and fantasy option.

          1. Waxys
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Rooney is the most creative forward in EPL this season.

            He has a lot to offer compared to Giroud. Rooney was at one point the best striker in the world.

            I'm 100% confident he will regain his form he's shown he's still got it in spurts playing for united as a starter he can be an amazing option for Everton coverage

            1. Blue&White85
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Back in the day Rooney was definitely the better player of those two, however it's been a long time since he was that player. Giroud had the second highest minutes per goal ratio in the Premier League last year so if he joins Everton he'd be a great option for around 8.0 in FPL in my opinion

              Rooney has never ever been the best striker in the world. Even at his best, he was still a level below the best players in the world.

            2. TokyoRed 東京赤
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Pele at one point was the best striker in the world

            3. FPL_Hazards
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Oh my.

        2. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Rooney on the other hand?

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Would probably start for a few months until Koeman realises that they can't carry him.

            1. Lovren an elevator
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              100% this.
              Mourinho certainly felt the burden, as did Southgate. Koeman shouldn't be as sentimental

        3. Ramboros
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Rooney hasn't been better than Giroud over the last 2 years. It's just sad watching Rooney play nowadays.

          1. Waxys
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            2 Seasons ago Rooney got an 8.5 rating overall and had to carry LVG's United
            To a decent position.

            It's really just the managers who have ruined Rooney look what happened with Mourunho and Hazard and Mkhitarian under Mourinho. Hazard has gone back in form with Conte.

            And I am certain Koeman can bring out the best in Rooney

            1. bojack
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Rooney ruined Rooney. To paraphrase Vince McMahon.

            2. Blue&White85
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I don't think you can blame his poor form on managers. 2013/14 was his last decent season. Even then the year before under Ferguson he becoming less prominent as RVP became the main man. Since then he's played under Moyes, LVG, Mourinho, Hodgson and Southgate and not been at his best. Two of those have managed at the top level of European football for years.

              For me, Rooney used to have an energy and desire that he looks to have lost. I think he's lost his burst of pace too and just looks sluggish now. For the money is is earning he's been hugely underperforming in recent years.

    2. SaraStonesJamBox
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Pick him then and just shut up about it. You don't then have to shove it on everyone else constantly.

  4. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I must admit I am a little worried the Lukaku transfer may not happen. Everton felt the need to emphasise no deal has been reached despite a fee being agreed. Clubs never do that. Almost like they want to make sure other clubs know the door is still open to raise the fee.

    So, can a club pull out once they agree a fee?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      you should feel ok if it doesn't happen, there's better strikers available.

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Doesn't mean united can sign them

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          true but money talks

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I disagree. I think he's improved massively the last year.

        His interview with Henry explains how he made such drastic improvement, and how much further he still has to go...
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKIfaO4cKHs

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          is he better than 2 strikers who have known prices in aubameyang and belotti?

          1. Waxys
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yes and Yes

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              hang on, lukaku is better than aubameyang and belotti?..

              1. Waxys
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                Yep he's proven himself in the premier league unlike Audameyang.

                Balotelli has disciplinary issues and flopped for many clubs desperate to sell him.

                Lukaku lets his action in the pitch do the talking. And he's constantly improving as a striker.

                1. goriuanx
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  deeney has proven himself in the pl too

                  i said belotti not balotelli....

                  1. UnitedFan
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 10 months ago

                    This. Auba is better than Lukaku. Simply shouldn't even be a question. Regarding Belotti, maybe there's an argument? Not much in it either way.

                    1. goriuanx
                      • 13 Years
                      6 years, 10 months ago

                      belotti is fantastic, as is icardi..i thought mourinho would move for them in all honesty.

                  2. Waxys
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 10 months ago

                    Oops my bad. I'd still rate Lukaku better though

                  3. KingNidge
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 10 months ago

                    Seen you make this point twice now berbs not sure if you're serious or not.. Deeney has proven himself you're right.. to be nothing more than a bang average PL striker.. 2 seasons in the PL and top scored with 13.. Lukaku has proven himself to be one of the best in the division and over a much longer period..

                    And Belotti has done what exactly in his one stand out season to warrant being labelled better than Lukaku who has 5 years under his belt three of which yielded 20 goals plus.. they are also the same age

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Aubameyang's off to Roma, isn't he?

            Did you watch the 5-min video? Really interesting.

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              china not roma

              not yet will watch now

            2. Lateriser 12
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              i did. Thanks.

  5. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    http://www.redcafe.net/threads/romelu-lukaku-75m-fee-agreed.412308/page-114#post-21145405

    Great opinion piece on Lukaku. Exactly my worry. Not sure he'll uplift our play. Not sure he can create that space for himself. Hopeful though.

    Preferred Morata.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      give martial a chance at cf..?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Think his skillset is best for an inside forward/wing. Our most talented player with the highest upside = Tony M

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          agreed, but signing perisic will kill him under mourinho

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Let's hope not 🙂

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      great read that. Cant really argue about most of what he's said

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yep 🙂

    3. tm245
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The last paragraph says it all for me.

      It's about what he will do, not what he has done. Think of the midfielders and support players he has had at Everton versus what he would have at United.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        But teams also sit more against us. He's more a counter attacking striker in my eyes.

        1. tm245
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I just think that any player who can still get 20+ goals despite having Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas as significant teammates surely has not reached his heights yet.

          Nothing against Zlatan but I wonder how many of those games of his with 10 shots and no goals might have resulted in a brace or more for someone with Lukaku's speed and youth.

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            ^^^

    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      You are a nice bloke. Need to cast those scales from your eyes, though. 😕

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Just trying to not to get ahead of myself.

  6. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If Özil (£300k p/w) and Sánchez (400) got their combined demanded wages, they could buy Romelu Lukaku pretty quickly if they saved up.

    Football has changed beyond all recognition since I was a nipper.

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Life in general has, it ain't just football mate.

      £10 used to be bale to buy you a great lunch not so much anymore

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This.
        I went to a popular fast-food burger establishment yesterday for the first time in well over 5 years. Can't believe how much a meal deal was there! I also can't believe they don't have sweet potato fries, whole grains or green juices! My feng shui was demolished for the remainder of my day

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      ozil and sanchez > lukaku

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Oh aye no doubt.

        Marcus Rashford is a highly talented young footballer and with time in the CF role, surely could progress into a tremendous talent for United.

        Is spending on Lukaku necessary with that in mind.

        1. Waxys
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Why do people like Rashford so much? he's not a natural finisher

          1. bojack
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I guess I'm trying to make a wider point really.

            Clubs are far to keen to spend massive sums when they have good existing players who will develop. Chelsea are a fantastic example with Lukaku and KDB - could those two not have been given more time instead of being sold. Pogba at United the same.

            Maybe not the best examples.

            1. bojack
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Contradicting myself a bit there 🙂

              There's just something "wrong" with football in my view at the moment.

            2. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Pogba left because
              he wasn't patient, united didn't want to sell. He would have gotten his chance.

              Lukaku and KDB are prime examples. But nothing from Rashford has convinced me he will be world class
              In the future. He's very young and can develop into a world class player I just haven't been convinced of it yet

              1. bojack
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                I think you're right, but while Lukaku is undoubtedly a fantastic goal scorer, he's clearly lacking in other aspects.

  7. tm245
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is this setup possible?

    Herrera Matic
    Rashford Pogba Martial
    Lukaku

    Or is it too weak in terms of defending and ball possession?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      pogba is not a cam but yes herrera to the right of matic with pogba left makes sense..he won't play both rashford and martial outwide together, v little defending there.

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Pogba should just be allowed to roam, so yeah, put him and Herrera a bit ahead of Matic.

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Expecting us to go 4-3-3 and not 4-2-3-1

      Mkhi will be in there i reckon.

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Keep forgetting about Mkhi.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I see it more as a 433. The midfield 3 can all defend in the defensive phase.
      http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=ty647

    4. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Matic
      Herrera - Pogba
      Mkhi/Mata - Lukaku - Martial/Rashford

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        That's it. Not half bad, that group.

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Fabinho or Matic.

          Perisic could still come.

      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        You've all forgotten Ashley Young - that's terrible. 😉

    5. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No looks great
      That's how I would play united if I was manager.

    6. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What about the James transfer?????

  8. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Last season I remember a post which compared Rashord's performance with and without Ibra on the pitch.

    Anyone know who posted it and where I can find it?

    Thanks.

  9. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Doesn't look like RB are going to sell Keita to us, was always too good to be true.

    You'd think we'd be used to this by now

  10. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I don't mind Lukaku playing for a bigger club, he deserves it. But it won't end well for Rashford if he goes to United, IMO.

    I see Rashford as United's true No. 9 in the long run. Lukaku will only come in his way. Morata is more versatile. He is what Utd need more. A shadow striker role. Mkhi, Martial, Lingard, Mata don't offer enough goal threat.

    If Lukaku was 28 or 29 years old I would welcome the move because Rashford can develop into a good player by then.

    Thoughts?

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Rashford will get more than enough strikers. FWIW i don't see him as a #9

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        There was a post last season on here showing how well Rashford has done as a lone striker and how his output dropped when playing with Ibra.

        I think Morata can bring out the best in him. Morata was brilliant at linking up with Tevez.

    2. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Rashford can still play occasionally. He's so young and he needs to prove himself.

      Look at the difference between Rashford at 18 and Rooney. You could see why Rooney was at an elite level at such a young age and ready to carry a team as a striker. Rashford isn't at that stage yet but he has time to prove himself and he may soon be.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No, I think it could work well for Rashford. If Mourinho plays him regularly on the left (and Mkhi on the right), with Rashford's pace he could create a lot of chances for Lukaku. In addition, Lukaku likes to pull defenders out of position creating space - for Rashford to run into. This is potentially very exciting.

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        And Martial???

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yes, Martial would have to share gametime with Rashford. I'd prioritise Rashford myself.

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Morata is better at that wouldn't you say?

  11. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Simon Stone @sistoney67
    Kelechi talking to @LCFC. Looks like he will leave @ManCity, which is a shame given form in 2015-16 if inevitable given circumstances.

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Let's be honest Jesus is simply better than him.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      really good finisher, still one of the best mins per goal in PL history.

    3. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Vardy to Everton.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        No good comes of being back up to Vardy. Would be a bad move for the lad.

  12. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    All this talk about united and no one mentions Lingard's role to justify the £100k a week wages he's on 🙂
    Please sell him United

    1. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      That is obscene.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He converted 2.7% of his chances last season 😆 He'll be 25 in December - not good enough.
      http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/19129/

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        That's awful I knew it would be low from watching him play but only 2.5%???

    3. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Shows how much finance they've got giving contracts out like that. Reality is nobody can compete with Utd under FFP.

  13. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Everton are set to bid £32m for Gylfi Sigurdsson, after having an initial £27m bid rejected by Swansea City. (Source: Daily Mail)

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Swansea would be fools to accept that price...

  14. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool have been told there is no amount of money that would prompt RB Leipzig to cave in and sell Naby Keïta this summer. (Paul Joyce)

    crying on the inside, thank you for choosing us naby but tough luck.

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He wont force a move through either.

  15. New Post
  16. BoomXhakaLaca1
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    How Man United should line up in my opinion:

    De Gea

    Valencia Lindelof Bailly Darmian

    Herrera

    Mhkitaryan Pogba Martial

    Lukaku Rashford

    I know Jose won't actually line out like that and if they sign Lukaku its not a bad looking team eh? I feel we've always played better with 2 men up top!

    1. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Martial and Mkhitarian a CM? Or do you envision 3 CAMs and one CM???

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Martial and mkhitaryan as wide men, pogba just playing slightly more advanced than herrera if u get me.