Euros 2024 thread / match talk

[Insidious]

Sumptuous pass into the net at the death.

Class

The classic stepping-into-midfield assist from Califiori as well -

Well, given the current over-inflation of the market and the "potential" tax, I don't think that is an extortionate fee for such a promising player.

He has partnered Bastoni in the Euro there and allegedly not looked at all out of place - impressive given it would have been his 3rd (?) cap for his country.

Francesco Acerbi is unavailable for the Euro and Scalvini tore his ACL at the end of the season with Atalanta so the stars have aligned for him somewhat in terms of getting his name out there.

Must also be said he has the "look" - it doesn't matter to us of course from a quality and playing perspective, but a floppy-haired, hair-band wearing, cool-as-a-Cucumber Italian is a marketing dream and will (sadly, I grant) be a consideration for anyone going in for him.

Bayern Munich and Man City I think were linked before the season had even ended. The player himself has modelled himself on John Stones in terms of play-style in the (recent) past.

5 assists and a goal in Series A as well - if people liked Matip stepping into midfield, then Califiori should make them very happy. Not to mention he was a full-back as well, so we'd have that versatility for any sort of hybrid role if we had 3 at the back in a possession phase.

Let's say it is £59m. Having Quansah (already at the club) and Califiori simultaneously, with a couple more seasons of learning/tutelage from Van Dijk to mould them and a head coach with a rep for developing young players could (in time) make £59m seem a paltry amount of money if we end up with a centre-back pairing that could last a
decade, complimented by Konate's presence in the squad.

If his development continues and we ensure we sort the contracts of a couple of key players, whilst not neglecting to bolster the DM and right-sided forward areas, then the blend of talent and age profile in the squad would look pretty excellent.

Thankfully, if we don't get him, the World is full of thousands of football players - indeed, Bologna bought Califiori for a miniscule £3.4m from Basel - exactly the sort of business we should do, but unfortunately the sort of "boring" business that a lot of fans chalk up to penny-pinching.

It's a smidge annoying that Juventus looks a likely destination for him now as he looks a serious, serious prospect.

[Steveo]

Surely Arne Slot has the draw to pull him to L4…..

😜

[Insidious]

Surely Arne Slot has the draw to pull him to L4…..

😜

Hahaha - we're an excellent club to join right now for players who back themselves.

- Enough room for improvement in the starting XI if you are Boss to find a place.
- Liverpool's squad good enough to compete for honours, so whilst not a "guarantee" it's a better spot than most.
- Still a few clubs around that are "better" than us right now, so an individual could do a few years and then move "upwards" to Real Madrid or whoever if they are so inclined.
- Club not inclined to buy the biggest superstar so an individual will be less paranoid about being replaced.

Slot's star is obviously "rising" rather than being "there" so you're right - HE isn't a huge draw - but a historic club with recent success, with a good squad and a set-up renowned for giving youth a chance rather is a great destination for most right now if you're under-24.

[Steveo]

TBF almost any club is good for a player that backs themselves. Beyond that:


Maybe they will come for our magnificent stadium redevelopment?

The one that’s taken 14 years…consists of just 2 stands rather than 4 and is STILL not yet complete…

Perhaps they will marvel at the new training complex in Kirkby? OK it cost half as much as the one Leicester City built but still, We cant expect to be competing with them now surely…

Maybe the climate will attract? Maybe a trip across the water to Birkenhead? New Brighton… Or the thought of a go on Henry’s yacht? A few slaps on Slots bald pate?

This certainly is an “historic club” Strange how some are already diminishing the reality of WHO Liverpool FC actually are…now that Klopp has departed.

This also happens to be the nations most successful club - surely we have the allure for players such as these…..?

Unless there is something else sitting in the way….? Something with a monumental lack of ambition? Born of a more keen interest on the business model - the numbers - rather than adding to the clubs illustrious history.

[Daffydd]

Holland equalise twice but trail Austria 2-3

[Daffydd]

France 1-1 Poland both penos

[redebreck]

Holland equalise twice but trail Austria 2-3

Virgil played the Austrian's third scorer onside!

[Daffydd]

Austria top their group, Holland top the 3rd place table

[Daffydd]

The Lionesses men's team kick off at 8pm: Conor Gallagher starts. Trent Alexander-Arnold drops to the bench.

[Steveo]

2 minutes and Foden has already committed a blatant and embarrassing dive