Rumour Mongering: Holding Midfielder Edition

By: Noel | December 8th, 2011

Rumours, rumours, every where; nor any drop to drink. Oh, wait, there’s some bourbon. Which must mean it’s time to dip into the sordid world of transfer rumours to see who’s being linked to Liverpool to replace you-know-who, as focus shifts from talk of luxury acquisitions and South American starlets to Liverpool’s sudden need for a bit of steel in midfield. And preferably for a bit of steel in midfield that will still be useful down the road when Lucas returns to action…

Cheick Tiote

Starting off with the linked player nearest Liverpool turns up Newcastle’s Tiote. Less of a technical, shielding player and more a high-energy destroyer in defense, though at times he can pick a decent pass and contribute in the attacking third. Statistically he isn’t in the same class as Lucas, making fewer tackles per minute and with a lower success rate, passing backwards and sideways more often yet completing fewer of his attempted passes, and creating an offensive chance just over half as often as Liverpool’s injured Brazilian. He also has five and a half years remaining on his current contract and Newcastle will be desperate to remain in contention for an unlikely Champions League berth, though with Mike Ashley involved any player has a price—even if it might mean Liverpool having to go £10M above their valuation if they really want him.

In any case, as one of the few holding midfielders in the Premier League who might be able to do Lucas’ job without embarrassing himself and also one who in theory might be pried away from his current club, his name has been a near constant in the land of rumours since Lucas was stretchered off against Chelsea in the League Cup. And just in case Liverpool looking to raid Newcastle for yet another player wasn’t enough, the rumours get an extra dose of crazy via the suggestion that part of any deal could involve Andy Carroll heading back to the Toon on a six month loan. Whether that would actually be in anybody’s best interest is open for debate, and in reality it seems nearly as likely as the ludicrous rumours suggesting Torres could return to Liverpool from Chelsea at a cut-rate price, but that’s the way it goes with transfer rumours.

Back with Tiote, it’s easier to see the player as an upgrade to Jay Spearing more than a replacement—stop-gap or otherwise—for Lucas. However, it would fit with the club’s current focus, for right or wrong, on targeting talent with Premier League experience.

Moussa Sissoko

Of the pair of French midfielders linked to the club since Damien Comolli took on the Director of Football role, Toulouse’s Sissoko is generally the less highly regarded, though with his club out of European competition and fewer sides tracking him a January move seems possible. As a youth player he competed at every level for France, though since cracking the senior squad in 2009 he has found himself mostly on the outside looking in, having only made two appearances following his debut.

While he would seem a project rather than a quick-fix, he would also offer a good deal of positional flexibility, having at times performed effectively in both attacking and holding roles in midfield. With 17 goals in 144 games for Toulouse—or a goal every eight and a half games—speaking to his offensive potential, he’s a player who seems capable of developing into a good partner for a more dedicated holding midfielder over the longer term. Whether he has it in him now to step into the starting eleven at Liverpool as that holding midfielder is an open question.

Yann M’Vila

With Stade Rennes failing to advance past the group stages of the Europa League, M’Villa too seems a possible January target, though as is so often the case with players who have been linked before it is difficult to tell if there is genuine interest or if it’s simply lazy rumour mongers recycling old stories. Still, even if Liverpool isn’t seriously interested in M’Vila, his certainly seems a name they should be linked to. The 21-year-old is one of the brightest rising stars in French football, having made 17 senior appearances for the national team while continuing to compete with their u21 side. Unlike the more flexible Sissoko, he is also thought of as a defensive specialist, a destroyer with a huge upside who has been seriously linked to not only Liverpool but also Arsenal and Manchester City.

Whether M’Vila leaves Rennes in January or not, a move in the coming year seems nearly inevitable, though given the player’s skill and potential suitors there is a feeling that Liverpool is at best running third when it comes to the sides likely to acquire him. Still, if the reds were to move in January with the right offer while other clubs held off until the summer, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility to think they might be able to nab him. The problem then, though, becomes that M’Vila, for all his promise, isn’t the finished article quite yet. He seems a lock to develop into on of Europe’s top holding midfielders in the coming years, and he’s further along in his development than Sissoko, but if Liverpool is most concerned with finding a player who can step in and make a difference from day one against the Premier League’s top sides then M’Vila likely isn’t top of the list.

Seydou Keita

He has experience and flexibility, but asking him to become a destroyer in the Premier League doesn’t exactly match with what he’s done as Barcelona’s Mister Everything. Still, if he truly is dissatisfied with life in Catalonia then there are far worse short-term solutions out there for Liverpool to consider. However, as we’ve discussed before, Liverpool and lazy links to Barcelona are the cornerstone of the rumour mongering industry. And they never actually come to pass.

Ever Banega

The man who was a work visa away from joining Everton in 2009 has been linked to Liverpool on and off ever since, and though he would likely have no trouble gaining permission to ply his trade in England these days, there are suggestions the player has gone from football’s next big thing in the centre of the park to a bit of a thing that never quite was. Of course, before he was the next big thing Valencia couldn’t give him away—and they certainly tried—and so whether Banega is a superstar in the making or not could depend entirely on who you ask and the month in which you ask them.

At his best he’s been compared to the classic Italian deep-lying playmaker in his approach, an Andrea Pirlo sort but with a love for sliding tackles and more than a touch of pace when given the chance to build up a head of steam. At his worst he’s been accused of being disinterested in football, a hedonistic personality who had to be assigned a bodyguard by Valencia they were so worried about him getting into trouble. His talent is undeniable, but whether he will fulfil his promise is an open question, as is whether the speed and bustle of the Premier League would be a natural fit for him.

Javi Martinez

A player near the top of the list when it comes to holding midfielders in Europe, and one of the names bandied about alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, and—lately—Lucas Leiva when it comes to who a team would want screening the defence. And unlike the vast majority of top holding midfielders out there, Martinez might just about be available. The cost would be high, the competition would be steep, and Bilbao competing in the Europa League at present would make things more difficult, but of all the names linked to Liverpool in recent weeks there is none better than Javi Martinez when it comes to both short- and long-term potential. There’s no player better suited to step in and face Manchester City on January 11 should he arrive at the club on the tenth, and none as certain of reaching the level Martinez seems assured of.

However, as tantalising as the possibility of his acquisition might be, with Manchester United considered the most likely English club to land the talented Spaniard and Liverpool having been linked to him for the past few years, it’s far easier to imagine any dreams of Martinez heading to Liverpool ending in disappointment. More than even Suarez last January, getting him would be a major statement of intent from Liverpool—by far the biggest under the new owners—but reality tends to have more bumps and disappointments than Football Manager, and the safe money would be on the player joining the likes of David Villa, David Silva, and Juan Mata in the pantheon of Spanish stars who in another world all ended up in Liverpool red.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Europa League, Premier League, Transfer News

« How Fulham Exploited Liverpool’s Defensive Lapses | Home | This is Your Brain on the Media, and Other Friday Notes »

Suarez from the car park...

can't believe we're giving credence to these rumours here. Shame on you Noel.

Non issue. Move Agger up, Carra can go back in behind. And give Kelly some games there.

Not sure if Agger can tackle Lucas pickpocket style, but he should be good at reading the game, is quite fast and likes to take the ball forward aswell.
Latortillablanca

say it aint so jonny!!!!!!!
Suarez from the car park...

it aint so.
waddya mean, Colonel White in the library with the candlestick?
Latortillablanca

ive just been hatin on the 'agger-into-mid' idea in general. we are missing our only logical cdm, though, and its come to the point where agger is at least in the discussion vs. hendo an shelvey as filler for The Gaps...
Geoff Twentyman

What about Owen Hargreaves?
Tom Foolery

Ha.
nezi

only player in the world i can see playing like lucas is alonso. ..
Geoff Twentyman

Ones a defensive midfielder, the other a deep lying playmaker - I was impressed with Xabi's defensive work, but its not his natural game....
purify_the_body

Montolivo might be good and, more importantly, available and relatively cheap because he's out of contract in the summer. He's not on the level of some named here, but he is a quality player who could walk into our team and start from day one.
Geoff Twentyman

He'd certainly be a good acquisition, but isn't he more of an atttacking midfielder rather than holding/dlp? If so, i don't think he solves the problem of losing Lucas.

Do you know anything about Javi Garcia or Joao Moutinho - they'd probably fit the mould, but I've not seen enough of them to really know their style.
purify_the_body

Montolivo is not a destroyer type, but he is very sound defensively and is clever at nicking the ball and taking it in an intelligent manner. He'd be a very solid player and would also be an upgrade next to Lucas when he returns. Class player.

Javi Garcia is a very nice player at the exact position, but he is settled at his club and just made the knockout stages of the CL at the top of the ManU group. No way in hell he jumps off that ride in January to join our goalless frenzy.

Moutinho is another nice player but not so defensive, more of a box-to-box guy than a tackler/battler...and there might be problems doing a deal for him because he is partly owned by a private company or some such.
Latortillablanca

hasnt montolivo been labeled 'the next pirlo' his whole career? in general i think we could use him next to lucas, as u say, but like for like lucas replacement has gotta be top priority at this point.
KC

I never thought we'd have to go through the pain of transfer rumours all over again so soon...

Javi Martinez I place in the Juan Mata and Kun Aguero box. Players that I desperately desperately wanted them to go to Liverpool but if looking honestly at our circumstance, would probably not come. I think Javi would only come to Liverpool if we paid a fortune for him and quickly in the January window because come summer transfer season he'll be GONE.
purify_the_body

Really? I've thought all along we need at least 2 more transfer windows, and maybe as many as 4 depending how often we miss, to build a quality side. We made some good first steps but still haven't even turned the roster over properly, with expensive duds like Cole & Aquilani still on the books, no right winger, etc.

And yeah, the objective reality is that we are 7th in England and going nowhere fast, so our best bet to sign players is good wage offers and an opportunity to play in a top league. I don't think we can compete right now with the biggest teams when it comes to offering top wages or prestige.
Geoff Twentyman

Unfortunately, i think your right.

Same with the Coentrao rumours - LFC need a left back, Coentrao's looking like a top talent - where does he go? Not to us.

It's probably the same with M'Vila as well now he's in the French NT.

I think our best bet would be trying to solve the Banega problem or bringing in the less fancied Sissoko who can operate in a few positions on the park.
Latortillablanca

sissoko's as good as m'vila now and in future - cept he's much cheaper...
Geoff Twentyman

Gueïda Fofana 20 Midfielder Lyon

***New Patrick Vieira. New Patrick Vieira. New Patrick Vieira.***

Everyone else has said it, so we will too. Let’s just get that out of the way right now.
We hate doing that sort of thing, but sometimes it is entirely reasonable to make these kind of comparisons when there is a justifiable reason.

But before we get too carried away, and without wanting to be responsible for a bout of internet based, behind closed doors chanting…there is only one Patrick Vieira.

A good footballing education at the excellent academy at Le Havre (initially alongside Manchester United’s Paul Pogba) had prepared Fofana well and he was afforded a Ligue 2 debut in 2009.
Some fine outings in France’s second tier ensured that the physical but gifted midfielder was noted by scouts from Ligue 1, but it is Fofana’s displays at junior international level, especially in this summer’s Under 20 World Cup, that have really stood out.

France did not win the tournament in Columbia, but captain Fofana was a marvel for his team throughout. Having narrowly missed out on a January transfer to Aston Villa (a move that we maintain would have been a little too early in the player’s career), Fofana arrived at Lyon on August 31 to compete alongside Maxime Gonalaons in the arduous task of filling the Jeremy Toulalan sized void at the Stade de Gerland.

As we mention in the Gonalons post, competition for the defensive midfield slot, or slots, in the French national side is in the rudest of rude health right now. Fofana and Gonalons two of several very likely lads set to compete for a place in Laurent Blanc’s team. For our part, we rate Fofana as *technically* the finest of this rich crop, but we consider Gonalons the best option right now for club and - possibly - country.

Fofana is a good player, and he can certainly carry the midfield destroyer role with an air of panache. However, he is only just twenty and if we’d had any say, we’d have suggested a Ligue 1 side other than Lyon. Sorry Lyon.

Can’t blame Rémi Garde for picking up one of France’s brightest talents, but we remain unconvinced as to whether the intense competition between Gonalons and Fofana will benefit both. Just a hunch.

Oh, and we think he’s more like Claude Makélélé anyway….

"Stand-out performer for France at Under-20 World Cup, prior to joining Lyon on four-year deal. Dubbed the new Vieira. The future is his." - Tom Williams (Journalist)

"Limitless potential, excellent for the France U20 side at Columbia and was made captain. Aston Villa had him on trial but couldn't get a deal done. Strong leader, good passer and can score goals." - Andrew Gibney (French Football Weekly)
Latortillablanca

nice one. fofana is straight Tits. i wonder if comolli's recent experience in fance makes him more or less likely to snag someone from there in this situation. he must be one of the most informed transfer gurus when it comes to the french prospects, but he'll also know negotiations with lyon are like pulling your own teeth. so maybe he thinks he can get comparable talent more easily in south america?
GJR8

just my two cents but Id like to get banega (if he didnt cost a lot or was on loan) he would not replace lucas but give us a nice alternative to what we have now. I realize he has his faults and isnt exactly a goal scorer but hes combative and from the admittedly limited Ive seen of him (mostly international level games) I think it would be worth a shot. as a side note this really blows talking about needing a replacement for an injured player, especially one that has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
Geoff Twentyman

I think he'd be a good fit for us too - playing style plus positioning allows him to operate with Lucas or alongside him which.

If we went for a solely defensive midfielder, it would have to be either/or with Lucas back.
purify_the_body

Doesn't Banega have an injured knee? Good player, but not good for a quick fix.
Geoff Twentyman

Back in 6 days according to Transfermarkt, so would be available in the Jan window...
Geoff Twentyman

And just as an asid; these Torres rumours aren't going away are they?
ShedYourYellow

Seriously disappointed in the lack of a nearly-naked Javi Martinez. Was looking forward to some groin dong.
Geoff Twentyman

Do a search for his Soy underwear photo shoot then you dirty little girl ;0
ShedYourYellow

Do you take me for a fool? Of course I already have. I was not disappointed.
Geoff Twentyman

I can see it now:

ShedYourYellow Guest post: Footballers and their groin dong photo's - an analysis
ShedYourYellow

Wait 'til the offseason. That's the only time Ed and Noel will be desperate enough to take such a submission.
Geoff Twentyman

But something you're happy to start researching now of course!
ShedYourYellow

I can't, in good conscience, say I'm ever not researching.
Geoff Twentyman

There's some good 'prospects' on this list and in my opinion:

Javi Martinez is a must buy - a holding midfielder who's comfortable in possession and from the tika taka school. Would provide a solid base with Lucas, could develop a partnership with Adam and would certainly link up well with Henderson.

Next on my list is difficult and I've tried thinking about the merits of the player to the squad.

Keita could only ever be short term and I'm not sure he's exactly what we need plus baggage and demands. I'd only want him if he was going to become a solid fixture in the team.

Sissoko would provide an excellent squad benefit in terms of his adaptablilty, someone to sit when needed, someone to provide energy going forward if necessary.

Banega provides the playmaker elements with the defensive soundness. The key to picking up a bargain is being able to fix the problem with the player - whether that be technically or behaviourly. (thats not even a word is it)

M'Vila again provides a solid base, but would he work well alongside Lucas or would they both be a little similar? I remember the Masch/Lucas partnership being criticised for a lack of creativity.

Of course it all depends on $, the club's thoughts on selling, the players motivation to join us and the Kenny/Damiens thjoughts on whats needed
Geoff Twentyman

and their take on our very own Hendo:
Jordan Henderson 21 Midfielder Liverpool

Competent central midfielder who developed well having emerged from the youth ranks at local club Sunderland. Performances toward the end of 2009-10 and early part of 2010-11 showcased a confident and able player that was at the heart of several fine displays by his club.

Henderson had been considered a good prospect at the Stadium of Light but his rapid development was a real boost for the Black Cats. With profile duly raised, the attention of many managers and coaches turned to Henderson and he picked up a first international cap for England against France in November 2010.

At the same point in the season, Henderson’s name was being linked with a move away from Wearside - Liverpool and both Manchester clubs frequently reported as potential suitors. Whether the extra attention affected Henderson is difficult to confirm, but many Sunderland fans felt that his performances slipped at this point. As Sunderland struggled through the late part of 2010 and early months of 2011, he was regularly criticized for going missing during games, not a trait that many had expected the youngster to show given his previous displays. Henderson finished the 2010-11 Premier League season strongly, but it was clear that his head had been turned.

Liverpool spent an eye watering £20m acquiring the young midfielder in the summer which startled many. Whether Kenny Dalglish was simply paying the going premium for a current England international, or was perhaps so keen to get his man than money would be no object remains to be seen.

Jordan Henderson is a talented player and Don Balon don’t often get it wrong. A very good athlete, he will need time to develop fully. Henderson certainly has the stage to show what he can do.

"So much potential and professionalism but struggling with life under the microscope." - LHarvey235

"A player of superb potential, but not a winger as he was often deployed. Last few games at Sunderland ranged from brilliant to anonymous." - @ RokerReport
Noel

Easy there, big guy. If I'm not remembering it wrong, I think you stepped on Paisley Gates' toes by reproducing entire articles from them once before. I know you mean well, but speaking as somebody who invests way too much time producing content I think it'd be much better to tell people about an article you think they'd like, maybe quote a few lines or a paragraph as a teaser, and then give the link.

Just so that nobody thinks we're stealing their content, since that's kinda sorta not done and will just lead to people being pissed off at our site, which is bad for everybody.
Geoff Twentyman

Happy to be schooled in the ways of etiquette - thought the referencing of the articles would be sufficient.
I just happened across the In Bed With Maradonna article which has tracked the progress of the Don Balon young players list from last year.

It includes a couple of the players listed in your main article, other players in the Holding Midfield positio and of course other Liverpool linked players.

Take a look its very comprehensive:

http://inbedwithmaradona.com/t...

Noel - please delete my full player reports if you can.
purify_the_body

You can use the 'edit' feature to remove the text if you were logged in when you posted.
Noel

Diqus hasn't liked me of late, so any moderating powers I may have once had don't work so well any more. And it's not the end of the world, just people put a lot of work into things and would usually much rather a, "Hey, this is cool, here's a link" than reproductions even when you give them credit. Anyhow, thanks for that link, there's some really cool stuff in there for people who want to spend a few days getting lost in some of the brightest prospects out there.
DJ-Chutfield

I don't ever recall a player making the move from Barcelona to Liverpool. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that's ever happened in the last 10 years. Yet is the most regurgitated lazy rumour mongering around. But anyway, the question I ask myself when browsing this list is, "is this person an improvement on Jay Spearing?" In most cases, the answer's no. I'd give just Keita and M'Villa the nod, Sissoko only a possibility for a competition for the midfield spot.

Under wee Jay is back, I don't know who we can trust to hold the ship steady in the middle of the park. Shelvey-Adam-Henderson sounds too forward-heavy to me... I don't see any of them sitting back for long stretches. Another headache for Kenny.
Latortillablanca

we may be lookin at another round of the critically acclaimed 'As Aurelio's Kneecaps Turn' while spearing's out...
Geoff Twentyman

I'm sorry - are you saying you don't believe Javi Martinez is an improvement on Wii-J?
Noel

I'm leaning towards him assuming Liverpool doesn't have a hope in hell of getting him, though I'd be curious to hear his explanation if that's not the case.
DJ-Chutfield

Again, what Noel said. Thanks for repeatedly cleaning up my slightly-too-vague posts!
Noel

Now somebody just needs to clear up my vague use of "him," "him," and "his."
Geoff Twentyman

I feel like we've all been on a journey today...
Geoff Twentyman

For all those wanting us to bring in a striker;

Emmanuel Mayuka 21 Striker Young Boys

Coming along rather nicely actually. Mayuka might not be as familiar a name as many others on this list, but the Zambian striker may well change that with his next move with several teams sensibly sending scouts to check on his progress. This is a young striker already with the knack of scoring for both club and country, and despite being a long way from the finished article, he is showing signs that he could have a very bright future indeed.

While fitting the powerfully built, athletic African striker stereotype that seems to exist, Mayuka does so at no cost to ability or speed. Predominantly right-footed, Mayuka will have to work on his left if he wants to make it at a higher level. At 21, he has plenty of time.

One of the key requirements for any young striker is to play at a level that allows both time in the first team and plenty of opportunities to score. Forwards need to sharpen their act while banking a huge amount of self confidence and belief. Mayuka is currently enjoying both pre requisites and quietly embarking on a career destined for bigger things.

His next move is key, sooner or later clubs of a higher stature than Young Boys will be sniffing around a potential bargain. He will need to work on his game with his back to goal and turn that left foot into more than a swinger, but you can thank IBWM in the future if you find yourself ‘in the know’ about the striker picked up for a song now doing well in Spain, France, Russia, Germany or England.

“I think it’s always a positive thing to YouTube a young striker and see lots of goals, it’s always worrying to see videos of near misses and posts struck and not much else, Mayuka has scored at all levels and his all round game is far better than many his age, a really good prospect flying under the radar at the moment” – Dave Hartrick (IBWM)
Geoff Twentyman

From the blogsite In Bed With Maradonna:
Maxime Gonalons 22 Midfielder Lyon

Jeremy Toulalan had been a fixture of the Olympique Lyonnais midfield for a number of years. Consistently effective during his time with the club, Toulalan’s departure to Malaga in the summer could have posed a significant dilemma for Les Gones. That it didn’t, is due to the emergence of Maxime Gonalons.

Gonalons is a complete midfielder; equally adept at providing a screen for defenders - his primary role - or pushing forward to provide a link with attack and, occasionally, the odd goal. Displaying composure and a more than useful arial ability, the young Frenchman is perhaps a little too young to fully control matches week in week out. However Lyon’s latest protégé displays the characteristics of a player that is likely to become a significant force in French Football for the next decade.

Sensibly integrated into the first team picture at Lyon over a period of seasons, Gonalons has been capped at under 21 level for France and, following a promising start to the season, a senior call up arrived recently. The odd over exuberant challenge here and there can be forgiven, but forgiveness may be in short supply should the youngster’s form dip.

Despite finding his feet well at Lyon and appearing ready to step up to Laurent Blanc’s France side, Gonalons, perhaps more than any other player on this list cannot afford to be complacent. Lyon’s capture of Gueida Fofana from Le Havre – another player we have looked at in this series - is two years younger and also favours the defensive midfield role in which by Gonalons is currently engaged.
A need to maintain an watchful eye over the shoulder is not just a club issue either. France is currently enjoying the emergence of a generation keen to press the pedals of the fabled Makélélé role for Les Bleus. Bordeaux's Alou Diarra, Saint Etienne's Blaise Matuidi and Rennes’ Yann M'Vila all capable of displaying fine form for their respective clubs.

While this provides a wonderful selection quandary for Laurent Blanc, Gonalons will need to stay right on top of his game to ensure he emerges as the man for the job. A lengthy injury of any sort could have severe ramifications at a critical stage in his career. Consistency has to be maintained.

That said, we’ve been particularly impressed by the Lyon midfielder's versatility and this could be the Vénissieux born player’s most useful feature……but Gonalons would do well to bear in mind that versatility is the faithful comrade of the substitutes bench.

"Calm and composed midfielder, breaks up the play well. Has started to force his influence on Lyon due to Toulalan's departure." - Andrew Gibney (French Football Weekly)

"Summer sale of Jeremy Toulalan allowed him to claim starting place in Lyon first XI. Cappped for France recently after strong start to season." - Tom Williams (Journalist)

"Jeremy Toulualan may well have been packed off to Malaga because Lyon knew they had a ready-made replacement to step in." - Jonathan Johnson (French Football Weekly)
Geoff Twentyman

From the blogsite In Bed With Maradonna:

Yann M’vila 21 Midfielder Rennes

Is THIS the new Patrick Vieira?

Despite the claims of Gueïda Fofana (who we consider more of a Makélélé mk2), that lazy, stereotypical question tagged to just about any young defensive midfielder in world football will be redundant. Instead, ten years from now, we’d suggest ‘is (insert name of robust, young defensive midfielder here) the new Yann M’vila?’

The epitome of the modern deep lying midfielder. Once a position for cloggers and rough-housers, M’vila is an elegant presence that shields his defence by starting attacks rather than throwing his weight around. Great passing ability, a happy knack of finding space in one of the most crowded areas on the pitch and natural leadership qualities have seen him courted by several of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal in particular desperate to land his services.

M’Vila would be a perfect fit for Arsene Wenger’s side, the problem for the North London club will be fighting off the other potential suitors waiting in the wings.
M’Vila has stated a desire to leave Rennes after Euro 2012 and expect a bidding war and press speculation of the level of a Fabregas or Tevez saga to ensue. By his own high standards last season wasn’t his finest, but M'Vila still did enough to send shockwaves through European scouting networks and find himslelf voted one of Ligue 1’s players of the season. Now a full international and proving to be just as at home on that particular stage, expect M’Vila to take to a move to one of Europe’s prestige clubs with the same level of ease.

“Didn't have great 2010-11 but still nominated for Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season. France's answer to Javier Mascherano! A real gem” – Tom Williams (Journalist)

“Defensive midfield anchor, controls most games he plays in. Exquisite passer of the ball, uses positioning and intelligence instead of rash challenges, plays beyond his years“ – Andrew Gibney (French Football Weekly)
Bblola08

I read this as HOLIDAY Midfield edition. We're a festive club in my mind.
Ryan

well according to my FIFA 12 manager career at liverpool, this is what the future of Liverpool looks like:

----------------Reina-------------
Clyne--Kelly-Hummels-Bennett
----------Martinez--Barkley-----
--Albrighton--Hendo--Sterling--
----------------Zaha-------------

Bench: Casemiro, Bunbury, Kuyt, Scannell, Caulker

I guess we had better start raiding the Crystal Palace here pretty soon.
Latortillablanca

lol, how many years in is this?
kenny

what the...
Waiting for Sterling

Kuyt's staying strong I see.
SuaRed

Defensivly were sound!We need a goal scorer badly
Latortillablanca

i honestly salivate at the thought of javi martinez...

tellin u, tho - dark horse favorite, Casemiro, aka the next CDM off that sao paulo production line... basically a sandro clone.
jpr

The way things are going lately with injuries, suspensions, investigations, inquiries, hearings, and results, we need to do something big in January. Maybe we can ask Kenny whether he can reprise his role as player/manager?
Ryan

I've thought about that, not Kenny Dalglish in general, but any manager...if you already weren't able to fill out the roster at the beginning of the season, why not just register yourself as a player anyway? Especially guys like Pep Guardiola, who are young enough and skilled enough in their position to do it well.
Red2death

I'm sure he's thinking the same thing.

Dammit, Andy. Cross comes in, put it away. There. Just like that. Wanna see it again? There. Ball comes... touch it in... goal... not the post, not the bar, not the keeper, aim at the net, aye? Come on lad, Rushie could do it, Fowler stuck em in all the time, even my grandmother scored a few. Seriously, we're not Everton. Now come on, I can'na do this anymore. And how many times have I told you to get rid of that ponytail?
Latortillablanca

we do need another forward...
Mike

Seriously. Wee Luis will no doubt be suspended for one of a couple things come january, find someone who at least knows what a net looks like, for Fowler's sake.
jpr

Another forward? Easy. A forward who can score goals. Priceless!!
nezi

priceless no.. aguero was affordable, adebayor was affordable, tevez is available right now, crouch was very affordable, maybe even... all these are high quality strikers who have proven themselves in different teams at the champions league level, and yet we chose to go with carrol. a young man from a midtable team who has only shone for one season in one team in the premierleague.
Latortillablanca

LOL... wasn't aguero the better part of 50m? very affordable... adebayor was 25m the last time he was actually transfered and him and tevez combined make Indonesia's GDP per week. Why so expensive? because moral sapping, chemistry destroying, ego tripping players are 'worth it' so long as they contribute goals... gimme a break... id rather take a sterling silver service spoon down the throat Titus-style than draft Tevez into this team...

and crouch as a high quality striker was a stretch in '06, much less so now...