Liverpool have had plenty of experience in Henderson, Milner, Lallana, Wijnaldum, van Dijk and Shaqiri.

Even the likes of Ox, Matip, Moreno and Lovren are older than the majority of our starting XIs for the last few games.

Liverpool don’t have many youngseters in the squad that need guidance as they step up to premier league football either.

I do get what you are saying. If it were up to me we’d replace them with better players. But it can’t all be done in one fell swoop and you make certain allowances for players in the squad when bringing through younger players.

It’s generally been the way for a lot of clubs throughout history. When you listen to so many in the game speak about its value to a team, even it not explicitly in the player’s on field performances, there must be some merit in it.

Hmmm, I’m not sure. A few of those yes but the key difference is players such as Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum and Van Dijk are key to Liverpool and have shown their passion and desire for the club and so it’s far clearer what they offer to those around them.

Most of the players being listed with United that fans want to let go are generally doing little for the club.

I’m not saying I don’t want experience, Im saying you want ones who clearly seem like they have a positive effect on the club, which players like Milner and Henderson do but I’m not really sure that’s the case with the United equivalents. The only one that most agree did was Herrera and he’s leaving.

We have quite a few players we could manage without, including Mata. But as we will have to keep at least two or three I am glad Mata is one of them. A good example on and off the pitch, still a good player when played in his best position in a formation that suits, and a genuinly great guy.

Darren

No I agree, it’s already a hugely difficult job at United and such big changes can only make things harder. It’s when we extend players contracts such as Young, Jones and Mata that I find a little frustrating when it seems that’s the perfect time to let them go.

* genuinely

Given the uncertainty around the future of so many of our players I don’t think it is the perfect time, especially if they are fulfilling their role in a reduced capacity. We need a big rebuild, but despite their flaws and the end of season form, there does need to be some form of continuity going into next season - be it on pitch chemistry or dressing room familiarity. Otherwise things will be even harder than they already are.

I’m sure you know my views on many of the players anyway, so I don’t say this without given it thought nor being a particularly big fan of these players - apart from Mata, but I acknowledge his flaws that aren’t desirable to a team that aspires to a higher level.

That’s the thing with Mata, because he actually seems like a nice intelligent person who does good causes like his own charity, and publicly apologises when we’ve been poor that fans often confuse that with him being a player we need. Maybe I’m being harsh, but I feel he goes missing far more often than not.

I wish more players were like him off the pitch but I’m not convinced he’s what we need anymore.

Darren

Maybe a large part of it is desperation and having witnessed this pile of sh-t for too long at this club. Part of me would love to see us start but I’m aware that’s hugely naive and unrealistic.

I understand that.

comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 7 minutes ago
I understand that.
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Perhaps Mata could get his hands on some of City's and Liverpool's Peds? He may then move a bit quicker.

He’d need Captain America’s super soldier serum if he wanted to keep up with those guys.

comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 59 minutes ago
He’d need Captain America’s super soldier serum if he wanted to keep up with those guys.
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You're probably right.