The Liverpool Offside - The Liverpool Offside 2016-17 Season ReviewZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2017-05-26T16:30:02+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/154401432017-05-26T16:30:02+01:002017-05-26T16:30:02+01:00The Liverpool Offside 2016-17 Season Review, Part 5: What Comes Next?
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<img alt="Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5k76rrutT9vW5yhyEGR6JIuAKXA=/192x296:5316x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54960779/521195346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>In part five of our season review, we look to the future and ask what we to see next from Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.</em></p> <div><aside id="CyCYa7"><q>Part 5: What Comes Next?</q></aside></div>
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<p id="WuhP0L"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> are back where they want to be in the Champions League—or at least in the qualifying rounds of Europe’s premier cup competition—but finding success there, retaining a top four spot, and maybe even challenging for the title in the Premier League is going to be difficult. What would you like to see happen over the next few months to help to work towards those goals, and what do you feel should be the expectations for the club heading into the 2017-18 season? </p>
<div><aside id="ubPfYQ"><q>Noel</q></aside></div>
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<p id="tCWnbg">This past season, Liverpool had about twelve outfield players capable of being regular contributors for a top four side. Two of those, <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> and <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, must be considered long-term injury doubts even if they stick around. Another two, <span>Dejan Lovren</span> and <span>James Milner</span>, are probably bench options for a side that wants to reliably challenge in England and Europe. That leaves a strong core to build on, but one that needs depth. That twelve probably has to become at least sixteen for Liverpool to have a chance of getting where they want to go—and that’s assuming everyone sticks around. </p>
<p id="q6mXEK">That’s the sum of it, and the club signalling their intentions with regards to Virgil van Dijk, Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah (in place of Julian Brandt), and Ryan Sessegnon shows they know it, too. Now they need to do the hard part: follow through. They need to keep hold of that core—or at least the parts of it that Klopp wants—while adding at least four players good enough to contribute regularly for a top four side. Add in a bit of injury luck like <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> had this past season and it just might get them where they want to go. What they cannot afford is a summer of failure like the last time they got back into the Champions League.</p>
<div><aside id="dxq6sH"><q>Matt</q></aside></div>
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<p id="SnwYzs">We need a wowzer of a transfer for sure. A couple of wowzers and some solid depth in a few areas would be ideal. We've seen this team purr before. It just needs a little more variety and some special moves. Quality on the bench and we'll be fighting for the league. Anything in the Champions League is candy. Getting out of a group would be excellent. But the Premier League is the ticket. A whole bunch of teams with their sights on glory now. We must become top four lords.</p>
<div><aside id="ksVolX"><q>Chuck (CStars)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="sZVvpB">Signing the right players could be the difference between finishing fourth and fifth, and so, that's why finishing in the top four is such a big deal. It's a base to give Jürgen Klopp, the players, and the recruitment team the ability to kick on and shape the next couple of years of the Klopp era. This makes the season a positive one. We've had the cup finals and big league results last season, we've had the improved league consistency and big results this season, and next season is time to consolidate all that progress to keep Liverpool as part of a competitive pack with a team that can get better through signings and Klopp's guidance.</p>
<div><aside id="fz0jMA"><q>James Bridget</q></aside></div>
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<p id="3e1t9R">Whatever happens with the Champions League qualifier in August, we’re going to be playing in Europe at least through December. We struggled enough this season and all we really had to worry about was the league. If we’re going to get through 2017-18 in one piece, we need a bigger squad.</p>
<p id="MHjQAz">Obviously defense has to be a priority, but if there’s a solid attacker we have a chance of getting we should pursue that. Also, I want Daniel Sturridge to stay, but either way the club should resolve that situation soon. If he does move on we’ll need to move quickly to get a replacement, before prices go up and the decent strikers get snapped up.</p>
<p id="FM4ehO">Being back in the Champions League is lovely, but I definitely think the Premier League has to remain the top priority. We have to show people that qualifying this season isn’t another fluke like 2013-14 was. We have to demonstrate that Top 4 is an <em>expectation</em> for Liverpool, not a stretch goal. </p>
<div><aside id="3WgpzJ"><q>Jordan</q></aside></div>
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<p id="CbPHYB">I would hope that the lessons from this season, hard lessons about squad depth and defense, have been learned and we end the summer with a decent list of players that we’re able to bring in. I’m the one eating crow after saying last summer that I didn’t think we needed much and oh how wrong I was. But now, with the prospect of the Champions League, not to mention the domestic cup competitions, I think we need to shore up nearly every position we can. Injuries and absences were two deciding factors for Liverpool this season, and while we managed to get high impact players like Sadio Mané last summer, it meant nothing when he was out when we needed him most. That’s not his fault, of course, but Klopp needs to plan for that kind of thing happening. </p>
<div><aside id="nvJM2z"><q>Zach</q></aside></div>
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<p id="zxGNTB">Before pounding out this answer, I told myself “Don’t say you just want to be like Spurs,” and then threw up a bit in my mouth when I realized that the answer was “I’d like to see us have a season like Spurs.” As much as I’d love another deep cup run (hopefully with a more silvery ending than our most recent forays), I think it’s vitally important to solidify our spot in the Champions League. Of course, the finances and availability of players is something that can’t be overlooked, but it is also important from a perception standpoint. As for work to be done this summer, I trust in Klopp to do what is necessary. He has experience building a Champions League caliber squad, and I trust him to do exactly that over the summer.</p>
<div><aside id="8HqBwj"><q>Steph (epicskyline)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="kxAg9O">I think the first goal is to improve squad depth this summer and retain key players like Philippe Coutinho. After that, a comfortable top-four finish would be the goal—and a decent run in the Champions League to give us some exciting European nights at Anfield would also be much appreciated. </p>
<div><aside id="vJnszQ"><q>Kevin (saintgrobian)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="M9XJtV">Successive appearances in the Champions League would be a sign of progress for me (and ideally without the hassle of going through qualifying matches next time around). Assuming they make it past BSC Young Boys (or whatever) this year—which is an assumption I hate to make, because we know what can happen—my grim expectation is that Liverpool make a valiant, if ultimately unsuccessful, effort at getting out of the group stages. </p>
<p id="tbdt9Z"> Regardless of whomever is brought in over the summer, this squad is still a work in progress, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/odds">odds</a> are Liverpool will be facing some heavy-hitters in Europe. I hope that we can spring a few surprises, but I’m not betting the farm on it. Take the opportunity, learn from it, build on it, and be back again next year, and then the year after that. </p>
<div><aside id="m0xnlh"><q>Ritika (rbhasker)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="9miQ7n">World domination. But I’ll settle for now I’ll settle for two consecutive Champions League appearances and maybe some silverware. </p>
<div><aside id="6qwvEN"><q>Also In This Series</q></aside></div>
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<h5 id="nKcErR">Monday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674212/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-klopp-success-top-four-champions-league"><strong>Part 1: A Question of Success</strong></a><br>Tuesday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15678364/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-rating-summer-january-transfer-business"><strong>Part 2: Transfer Business</strong></a><br>Wednesday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15685382/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-underperformers-overachievers-best-worst"><strong>Part 3: Underperformers & Overachievers</strong></a><br>Thursday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/25/15690658/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-jurgen-klopp-issues-concerns-learning">Part 4: Klopp Concerns</a>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/26/15695242/liverpool-fc-2016-17-season-review-what-next-summer-transfers-champions-leagueNoel ChomynMatt WoodCStarsBridget GordonZachary MarxepicskylinesaintgrobianrbhaskerJordan J. Keeble2017-05-25T18:00:01+01:002017-05-25T18:00:01+01:00The TLO Season Review, Part 4: Klopp Concerns
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<img alt="Watford v Liverpool - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OvmPn6sRlcbBkDNDMcb8kskTkiI=/0x146:5253x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54944717/675516034.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>In part four of our season review, we dig into Jürgen Klopp’s first full season in charge to tackle any doubts and concerns.</em></p> <div><aside id="3XGAT4"><q>Part 4: Klopp Concerns</q></aside></div>
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<p id="d9NXlN">It goes without saying, or at least it probably should, that Jürgen Klopp is an elite manager. He represents the best <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> can likely hope for in the role, and almost any club would count themselves lucky to have him. That doesn’t make him perfect, though, and for some, 2016-17 had a few causes for concern when it came to the Liverpool manager, with a consciously small squad, late substitutions, and at times stubborn personnel decisions topping the lists for many. Have you seen anything this season in the way Klopp approaches the job that concerns you moving forward or that you think he needs to work on to find success at Liverpool? </p>
<div><aside id="wxit2I"><q>Steph</q></aside></div>
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<p id="A5i5qN">I’ll leave any deeper discussion of tactics to those who are smarter than me when it comes to such matters, but I will say that the persistent injuries in the team during Klopp’s time in charge have been a particular cause for concern. Hopefully, as the players continue to adjust to Klopp’s methods and Klopp continues to adjuss to the league, we will see this problem start to taper off in the future. Hopefully the near future.</p>
<div><aside id="cRyQRm"><q>Kevin (saintgrobian)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="mlgmLI">Jerry Seinfeld, whom older readers may remember from the late Baroque period, used to have a bit about being a passenger in taxicabs that were being driven recklessly through heavy city traffic, and in particular rationalizing the taxi driver’s behavior by telling oneself, “Well, he’s a professional.” I have a similar feeling about Klopp. </p>
<p id="DTkPYI">He effortlessly exudes a totally disarming candor, such that even when the thought occasionally goes through my head that, “Hmm, I’m not sure that leaving so-and-so on the pitch right now is a great idea,” I also inevitably tell myself, “It’s Klopp, he must know what he’s doing.” Also, given Klopp’s hands were somewhat tied at times during the season, I’m assuming that when he is given more tools with which to work over the summer we should start to get a better sense of his in-game decision making.</p>
<p id="WonTKY">In other words, I’m reserving judgment on a few minor concerns. For now. But that <span>Dejan Lovren</span> contract weighs heavy on the mind. </p>
<div><aside id="LBGoFQ"><q>Zach</q></aside></div>
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<p id="SVJPEa">Klopp has long been accused—and with good reason—of being too reluctant to make substitutions. It’s a criticism that dates back to his Dortmund days, and probably before then if you ask Mainz 05 supporters. Thankfully, he gets the starting XI right more often than not. At this point in his managerial career, it would be unfair to expect him to drastically change his ways. With any manager, you take the good with the bad. Herr Klopp has given us far more good than bad, and I trust we’ll have even better times ahead. </p>
<div><aside id="CZV8OH"><q>James Bridget</q></aside></div>
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<p id="r9Koyt">I mean look, I’ll be the first one to say that the hero-worship that happens around managers in English football is patently absurd and that we need to stop attributing all of a club’s fortunes to the schlubby guy in the suit on the touchline. But I also think any criticism of Jürgen Klopp this season was overblown. Most of us knew what we were getting from the beginning; those of us who didn’t follow the Bundesliga before 2015 or didn’t watch the 2013 Champions League Final were at least able to go on YouTube and get a look at what kind of manager he is and how his teams play. We knew that he was very likely to bring the style of play he implemented at Dortmund—high-pressure, high-pressing, energetic, relentless, bit wobbly in the back, befuddled at teams that hunker down, sometimes seeming bereft of a Plan B—to Anfield. </p>
<p id="y5QSCC">Klopp has made our team better. No, he’s not perfect. No, we’re probably not title contenders yet. But we’re a better team in every way that counts, and we’ve been rewarded with Champions League football—probably, some might argue, a year ahead of schedule. And yeah, there are things I wish he’d do differently (like substitutions), but too much of the criticism of Klopp this season was just pointless nitpicking. </p>
<div><aside id="am6GeO"><q>Chuck (CStars)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="mRSjFZ">Jürgen Klopp is a sharp, passionate, clever, inspirational, and charismatic manager with an exhilarating football philosophy. However, Klopp’s in-game management, appraisal of defenders, sustaining injuries, and tactical alternative to his favoured approach have proven to be weaker areas of his generally impressive management abilities since he took over in October 2015. This feels like being unnecessarily picky considering that Liverpool are lucky to have the former Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund trainer in charge, but I cannot abstain from answering the question. As Zach says, you take Klopp with the good and the bad. With a manager like we have, I think it's fair to assume that we're all happy to do that.</p>
<div><aside id="t6vZfY"><q>Khaine</q></aside></div>
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<p id="Tlk0y5">It’s always difficult to separate the directions of the manager from the performances of his players, but—assuming Klopp’s vision is what we get on the pitch—there is a tactical inflexibility and a naivete running through the current side. The team either plays balls-to-the-wall <em>gegenpress—</em>which works wonders against teams that are a little too comfortable and languid on the ball, especially early in the match before the tempo of the game is set—or mud-it-up defensive mode. Both tactics were particularly effective against top teams this year, and shows that these players <em>can </em>defend if they’re told to, which makes their willingness to completely sell out against supposedly weaker sides and get hit on the counter again and again doubly infuriating. Breeding a greater understanding of game state among his players and showing more nuance and variation depending on opposition and available players would go a long way towards pleasing me on this end. </p>
<p id="cZUtCY">Keeping players healthy is another challenge, and one I feel Klopp has yet to show he can do. Also, starting Dejan Lovren all the time and giving him a £20m contract is just godawful stuff. Can’t condone that.</p>
<div><aside id="ouLG1S"><q>Matt</q></aside></div>
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<p id="Xhg0LU">Rolling the dice with a small squad is my only gripe with Klopp. But we can’t know all the factors that attributed to keeping the team light of significant options off the bench all season. That’s football, or whatever. But the team was unprepared for the injuries it incurred and the dearth of defenders played a part in the wild and crazy ride that nearly saw us out of the top four. Overall, the manager should manage this team the way he wants to. I can accept that some of Klopp’s more questionable moves are either part of a learning process or that I simply don’t have all the information to judge them honestly. Mostly I’m still gaga that he’s even our manager. </p>
<div><aside id="VBjA0e"><q>Noel</q></aside></div>
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<p id="rxP63E">Jürgen Klopp isn’t perfect, but if Liverpool can’t win with him in charge it might be time to pack it in and join the likes of <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> and Nottingham Forest—I mean they did manage to win the European Cup twice—dreaming of past glories and the odd cup run. Hopefully, though, he can learn from his mistakes. Hopefully two injury-riddled seasons has taught him the importance of a larger squad and heavier rotation in England. Hopefully a deeper squad built to cope with a hectic domestic schedule and a return to Europe will mean more and more timely in-game changes. Really, in the end, there’s only hope, and any concerns don’t much matter in the larger picture. Because in the larger picture, if Liverpool can’t win things with Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool are pretty much fucked.</p>
<div><aside id="CygDdg"><q>Also In This Series</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SZBWXj">
<h5 id="nKcErR">Monday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674212/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-klopp-success-top-four-champions-league"><strong>Part 1: A Question of Success</strong></a><br>Tuesday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15678364/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-rating-summer-january-transfer-business"><strong>Part 2: Transfer Business</strong></a><br>Wednesday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15685382/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-underperformers-overachievers-best-worst">Part 3: Underperformers & Overachievers</a><br>Friday — Part 5: What Comes Next?</h5>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/25/15690658/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-jurgen-klopp-issues-concerns-learningNoel ChomynepicskylinesaintgrobianZachary MarxBridget GordonCStarsAudun ManumMatt Wood2017-05-25T14:00:02+01:002017-05-25T14:00:02+01:00How We Became Fans of Liverpool FC
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<img alt="Liverpool v Havant & Waterlooville - FA Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lEkoWCPM4AIZG5jnKuIixCaTD9w=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54938217/79271671.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Welcome to the new-look Liverpool Offside. Won’t you join us?</p> <p id="x2M3cF"><em>With </em><a href="http://blog.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15684674/sb-nation-communities-getting-a-new-look"><em>SB Nation club sites getting a refresh today</em></a><em>, we want to welcome you back to The Liverpool Offside. Everything is still here—just with a fresh coat of paint. To celebrate, across the network we’re sharing stories about how and why we became fans, supporters, obsessives, or whatever you care to call it. If you have a longer story to share, head to the </em><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/fanposts"><em>FanPosts to write it down</em></a><em>. Each FanPost will be entered in a draw to </em><a href="http://blog.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15685020/why-are-you-a-fan-reader-sweepstakes-announcement-and-official-rules"><em>win a $500 Fanatics gift card</em></a><em>, and we’re collecting stories </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/why-we-are-fans"><em>here</em></a><em>, featuring the best from across our network.</em></p>
<p id="uVUpUv">Here at TLO, at the start of each season, we’ve been in the habit of <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12429578/the-great-pre-season-de-lurking-2016-17-edition">inviting new readers and long-time lurkers</a> to say hello and tell us a bit about themselves. This year, to line up with the refresh and SBN’s network-wide celebration of fandom, we’re bumping that up a few months. To right now.</p>
<p id="rz18rL">Whether you’re new here or have been hanging around for a while—quietly reading or actively taking part—won’t you join us in sharing a little about who you are and what made you a Liverpool fan? Or if you don’t feel like doing that, just stop by and say hello. After all, in the end, <em>why</em> and <em>how</em> are often interesting, but they don’t <em>really</em> matter. In the end, what matters is that you <em>are</em>, and that you’re here. And if you are and you’re here, then we hope you’ll stay to enjoy—or lament—the ups and downs of the coming summer transfer window and 2017-18 season with us.</p>
<p id="DUINf6"><em>As for us...</em></p>
<div><aside id="pbHsPa"><q>Noel</q></aside></div>
<p class="c-end-para" id="ee0z3s">I always say it’s not worth talking about <em>why</em> or <em>how</em>; that they should matter less than <em>am.</em> But maybe it’s just that my why and how feels mundane and unremarkable. No capers or life-altering moments. No revelations. Just being Irish to one side, developing a fuller appreciation for football in Spain during the Rafa years, and the influence of personal politics. It wasn’t a choice. It so often isn’t, whoever you are and however you get to it. It simply was, or is, and then everything afterwards reinforces that non-choice. Early mornings and late nights; painful defeats and hard-fought victories; camaraderie and unexpected connections; history learned and, every now and then, witnessed.</p>
<div><aside id="biOxmq"><q>Jordan</q></aside></div>
<p id="3TfQyz">This is going to get embarrassing. As a kid, I had a contentious relationship with the sport I knew as soccer. After two years playing, I disliked everything about it. Even as my younger sister played and fell in love, I kept hating, if only because it was a thing she liked (because I was <em>that</em> sibling). Fast forward to the 2010 World Cup. My sister’s love of the sport hadn’t wavered. She was devoted, and despite being five years younger, became my guide to the finer points—things I hadn’t picked up on as an annoyed seven-year-old. We bonded over it and watched matches together. The seeds had been planted and I knew if I wanted to get deeper I’d have to subject myself to some pain and pick an English team. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="xBJOUH">Thankfully, I had an internet friend who was raised a Liverpool fan. Watching as long as she could remember; had a poster of Steven Gerrard in her bedroom as a kid. She did the best—or worst—thing she could’ve. “If you want to keep up with it, maybe you could support my team...” she said one day. She linked me to a terrible live stream, and I don’t even remember who they were playing, just that it was all downhill from there. They felt like scrappy underdogs, that terrible year, but there was something. She told me about the history and what kind of a club they were and that was it for me. I may have missed the glory of Istanbul and some of the heartaches that came after, but I got to be in the thick of it for 13-14, when I started to go to a bar and find other fans and realize friends I already had were fans as well. And in so many ways, it made sense. I didn’t choose Liverpool, Liverpool chose me. Liverpool found me, and now I’m stuck with it. </p>
<div><aside id="hw8X5R"><q>James Bridget</q></aside></div>
<p id="bWBMSx">It’s weird, because I don’t think I have a compelling origin story. I have stories for how I became a fan of <a href="http://www.unusualefforts.com/darkness-depression-and-the-dons/">my <em>other</em> English team</a> and <a href="https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/05/throwback-thursday-borussia-dortmund-vs-malaga-apr.html">my German team</a>. But my love for Liverpool is unremarkable. I wanted to get behind a Premier League team (because league football is more fun when you have a rooting interest), I knew I didn’t want it to be Manchester United, and I definitely didn’t want it to be Chelsea (My ex-fiance got me into English football in the first place and was a Chelsea fan. Dodged a bullet there). I read up on the history, read about Hillsborough, watched clips of Istanbul on YouTube, and took a shine to Steven Gerrard while watching him play for England. It seemed like a good fit.</p>
<p id="F04mBG">And that’s fine, right? When people fall in love there isn’t always some epic story. Sometimes people just meet in a bar, maybe hook up, then go on a few more dates, and before you know it they’re getting married and having kids. Sometimes love is simple. Sometimes love is boring. That doesn’t make it any less real.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="jpNfxs">Most of my stories about Liverpool came after, in the course of being a fan. The emotional rollercoaster that was the 2013-14 season. Watching that disastrous Europa League Final last year from a hospital bed. Seeing them in person at Soldier Field in Chicago, beating Olympiacos 1-0. And I think this is for the best. Love isn’t about how you met. It’s about everything that happened after.</p>
<div><aside id="lUVKJW"><q>Ritika</q></aside></div>
<p class="c-end-para" id="HjA1vp">My grandfather introduced me to most sports I’ve ever learnt to love. I watched football with him and it was the only sport we watched without loyalties—until suddenly it wasn’t. I don’t really remember how it began, just that it did, and that’s more or less my story. I was wearing my Liverpool cap to school by the time I was six, and while I’ve had my <a href="http://www.unusualefforts.com/problematic-players-and-growing-up/">ups and downs as a supporter</a>, I’ve never stopped loving my team.</p>
<div><aside id="3gFTUh"><q>Steph (epicskyline)</q></aside></div>
<p id="XyXEbZ">In 2010, after getting sucked into the world of international soccer by the World Cup, I wanted an English team to support. With nothing much to go on but having read <em>Fever Pitch, </em>I decided to give Arsenal a try. So the first game of the season, I tuned in to watch them play against, you guessed it, Liverpool. It wasn’t one for the highlight reel. If you don’t remember, Liverpool took the lead early, only to lose Joe Cole (ha!) to a straight red shortly after, and they spent the next 80-odd minutes desperately trying to hang on. I found myself shifting from wanting Arsenal to win to wanting Liverpool to pull it off. In the dying minutes, Pepe Reina made a terrible mistake that leaked a goal and tied the game, but by then, I had made up my mind and somehow, some way, had fallen in love with Liverpool. If nothing else, I feel confident in saying that I’m one of the only people alive who chose the Reds because of that terrible performance.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="IOuFeL">TL;DR: I am apparently a masochist, but at least it turned out ok this one time.</p>
<div><aside id="870Wmd"><q>Matt</q></aside></div>
<p id="oxdeBi">I don’t have much in the way of history. Rafa Benitez was never my manager. I’m mostly familiar with Gerald Houllier from Aston Villa. Steven Gerrard’s superpowers were on the wane by the time I stepped into Merseyside red. But, I’m okay with that. Because I’ve got passion. I have a shirt. And I have a mug that my wife painted the liver bird onto. Passion.</p>
<p id="66Rbnu">I followed The Netherlands through the 2010 World Cup. Always liked the orange kit, if I’m honest. But they were good and I’ve got a little Dutch in me, so I got on board. And then I met someone. His name was Dirk Kuyt and I had no idea how to pronounce his name. Commentators are strikingly bad at such things. But Dirk was my gateway. At the end of the tournament I followed him home.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="4MIqA1">The one United fan I knew at the time could not fathom a world where anybody would choose to support his bitter rivals. “If it’s because of Gerrard, I can see the attraction but...” Well, I didn’t love Gerrard. I loved Dirk Kuyt. And I thought the United guy was dumb for making the face he did when I told him so. And his favorite player was Berbatov! Can you imagine?</p>
<div><aside id="w5VWgO"><q>Zach</q></aside></div>
<p class="c-end-para" id="Q22Vsc">Manc hate. </p>
<div><aside id="tgB4Hb"><q>Kevin (saintgrobian)</q></aside></div>
<p id="0bGt3W">I grew up on a tiny, humid, rainy, island metropolis in Southeast Asia. My grandfather, to whom I was close, spoke very little English, but perhaps in part because we used to be a British colony, he loved watching what was then the First Division. In particular, he loved watching Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool, with their crap haircuts and too short shorts. </p>
<p id="BpgLJ3">He eagerly told me what I could expect to see from his favorite players: the mustachioed Ian Rush (with whom I shared a birthday), Rush’s almost-doppelgänger John Aldridge, tough guy Steve McMahon, and, of course, the incomparable John Barnes—first among equals in my grandfather’s book. He hated Manchester United, not because of any regional rivalry (which would not have made any sense to us, on the other side of the planet), but mainly because he felt that Sir Alex’s incessant gum-chewing was “disrespectful.” </p>
<p id="an9npF">In 1989, shortly before leaving that island for a long, long, time, my grandfather sat down to watch a Liverpool FA Cup match together. It was late in the evening, thanks to the time difference, but there was no shortage of excitement. Led by Brian Clough, Nottingham Forest were, in those days, not exactly lightweights, and we expected a good match. Instead, we saw tragedy unfold. Not fully comprehending what was happening on the broadcast, but sensing that something had gone terribly wrong, we switched the TV off. I think you all know what followed. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="nmiinG">Just a few weeks after that horrible day, Liverpool were in the FA Cup final facing Everton. At the time, I don’t think I realized how odd it was to be playing football in those circumstances, but I knew it was going to be something special, so I had popped a blank cassette into the old VCR to record the proceedings. It was, indeed, special. To this day, I can just about recite verbatim the commentary for each of the goals,including Stuart McCall’s two equalizers and Rush’s clincher. How could I <em>not</em> continue to be a Liverpool supporter after all that?</p>
<p id="RZDlnQ"><em>Now it’s your turn. Say hello, tell us a bit about who you are, and join us on TLO ahead of a busy offseason as we prepare for a return to the Champions League in 2017-18. Feel free to answer any or all of the questions just below here in the comments and to talk about your hows and whys to whatever degree you’re comfortable, and if you do have a longer story to share, head to the </em><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/fanposts"><em>FanPosts and share it</em></a><em>—though if you’re doing it to get in on the Fanatics contest, please read the </em><a href="http://blog.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15685020/why-are-you-a-fan-reader-sweepstakes-announcement-and-official-rules"><em>official rules</em></a><em>*, as unfortunately the draw will not be open to all our readers.</em></p>
<p id="RSAxMQ"><strong>Name / Age / Location</strong><br><strong>Twitter/Facebook/etc. handle</strong><br><strong>How long have you been a Liverpool fan?</strong><br><strong>What’s your favourite Liverpool memory?</strong><br><strong>Anything else you’d like to share?</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="k3aHSM">
<p id="c07zPZ"><small><em>*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. SB Nation Why Are You a Fan Reader Sweepstakes starts on 8:00am ET on May 25, 2017 and ends at 11:59pm ET on June 8, 2017. Open only to eligible legal residents of the United States, 18 years or older. Click here for Official Rules and complete details, including entry instructions, odds of winning, alternative method of entry, prize details and restrictions, etc. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sponsor: Vox Media, Inc.</em></small></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/25/15672506/how-we-became-fans-of-liverpool-fcNoel ChomynJordan J. KeebleBridget GordonrbhaskerepicskylineMatt WoodsaintgrobianZachary Marx2017-05-24T18:00:05+01:002017-05-24T18:00:05+01:00The TLO Season Review, Part 3: Underperformers & Overachievers
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<img alt="Liverpool v Middlesbrough - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LFifGuNQuRB6fviGUOuvWa0AjPQ=/233x71:2169x1362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54927309/686311830.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>In part three of our season review, we look back at the players who exceeded expectations—and those who fell short.</em></p> <div class="c-float-left"><aside id="3zHYHV"><q>Part 3: Underperformers and Overachievers</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dBbNQj">
<p id="v1fU7N"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> had their fair share of ups and downs in 2016-17, and a lot of that was down to individual injury, inconsistency, and absence. By the end of it all, though, some clear trends had emerged, with some players proving themselves key to the club’s hopes—some of whom had started the season on the fringes or seemingly out of the picture entirely—while others saw their influence wane. Looking back, who do you feel underperformed this season and, conversely, who overachieved?</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="xsAkDA"><q>Khaine</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="W0PX95">
<p id="2be4Kz">For me, <span>Jordan Henderson</span> was sensational in the single pivot and most exceeded my expectations up until his injury. While I’d been on the Hendo train before, I really didn’t expect the kind of production we got from him on both sides of the ball. Run-in <span>Simon Mignolet</span> is my runner-up, as he clearly took big steps in his ability to dominate the area, along with rescuing points with penalty saves. <span>Adam Lallana</span> in central midfield was a delightful surprise as well. </p>
<p id="HJhXGu">On the other side, while I think <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> is going to get some stick for his play this season, I tend to think we have bigger issues on the other end of the backline. <span>James Milner</span>, for all the early talk about being a surprisingly competent fullback, was not good by the end of the year. Opposition teams realised this as well, increasingly targeting the vice-captain over the course of the season. Take away his penalty goals and hilarious lasso celebration, and Milner had a season to forget. Upgrade needed.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="GAAgY8"><q>James Bridget</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="DoBSOX">
<p id="KEz3Hb">I really liked Adam Lallana this season. I feel like a lot of fans want him to play in a very specific way that isn’t really part of his game, and then resent him for not doing what they want him to do. I think he adds a slippery quality to Liverpool that really helps against teams that like to hunker down (like, you know, Middlesbrough). I was also pleased with <span>Emre Can</span> this season. And I also think Nathaniel Clyne was a lot better this season than anyone will give him credit for; he made some mistakes, sure, but I would argue a lot of that was down to broader defensive issues than him specifically.</p>
<p id="RmIDq9">I expected a lot more from <span>Loris Karius</span> this season, and I’m genuinely disappointed that he struggled as much as he did once he got his big shot. And as much as I love James Milner and want him to stick around, he’s not a left-back, and we have to stop pretending otherwise. The jig is up. Finally, while I’m seriously rooting for <span>Dejan Lovren</span>, I have to concede he has a lot to work on if he wants to keep his starting spot.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="Duhkwl"><q>Chuck (CStars)</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9wvF8L">
<p id="aRN6at">Recency bias and low expectations ensure that Simon Mignolet is my pick for overachiever. Since March, he's been one of the very best goalkeepers in the league. Mignolet is a big reason why Liverpool managed to hold onto a place in the top four. I expected Sadio Mané, Joël Matip, and <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> to succeed, but Mané has been even better than I thought he'd be. Jordan Henderson as the number 6 was far better than I thought, but once Emre Can found his stride, Liverpool’s captain wasn't missed as much. If both remain fit next season, Liverpool will have two fine options to operate at the base of midfield.</p>
<p id="b04NB5"><span>Divock Origi</span> was frustrating to watch as he has the tools and scored some goals, but can he find a role in this Liverpool attack? Milner overachieved before underachieving as a makeshift left back, while Nathaniel Clyne has regressed from his remarkably consistent level last season. Clyne, however, is still a solid right back. Dejan Lovren has done okay, but he remains a weak link in Liverpool’s defence. He exists in the realms of both overachievement and underachievement with remarkable gusto--an achievement in and of itself.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="viM72D"><q>Matt</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MunLcm">
<p id="63d36a">Divock Origi is my underachiever for the season. There were certainly a few who underwhelmed, but I had such lofty dreams of Origi doing the business all season long. He did really well for a stretch. Scoring goals. We all had a good time. But back in August I was predicting Origi to step into some bigger boots this season, knowing Sturridge would be here and there and not, physically. </p>
<p id="ZqlLBY">But Mané? Big Sadio Dynamite overachieved even for those of us who were buoyed by his arrival. A fantastic season. Mané did all that we wanted him to do and he did it in spades. He performed, he entertained and he made a massive difference up and down the right wing. The speed. The balance. The friendships. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="lqjeVL"><q>Kevin (saintgrobian)</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Yp2mmg">
<p id="b5rUej">“Underperform” sounds harsh, especially because Nathaniel Clyne was a perfectly serviceable fullback over the course of the season—just not one for a club with Liverpool’s ambitions. He and James Milner offered continuity in their respective roles, which is something Liverpool didn’t have in certain other key positions. The problem, of course, was that when asked to assist in breaking down opponents, both fullbacks often seemed one-dimensional. This might have been fine when the front six were firing on all cylinders, but when the inevitable injury spells started to pile up, the issues with Clyne and Milner became that much more apparent.</p>
<p id="jBE7vq">On the overachiever side, I believe the candidates are <em>pretty</em> clear, so I won’t add to the pile. I’m going to think outside the box and go with Alberto Moreno. While not actually being on the pitch much at all, Moreno has somehow managed to become the new José Enrique. Consider the fact that it took José Enrique significantly longer (and he had to accomplish a fair bit more with Liverpool during real, non-video game matches) before he actually became <em>The José Enrique</em>. Viewed in this context, Moreno is light years ahead of his development schedule. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="u3IRLk"><q>Noel</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lGqzO6">
<p id="VPnWws">For some, the overachiever is going to be Sadio Mané, and that’s fair given his transfer fee looked a bargain by Christmas. For anyone who could look past his status as another <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> signing, though, that he would at least be <em>very good</em> was never in question. So. With that out of the way, there’s been one overachiever above all others, and that’s Simon Mignolet. On the flip side, I don’t think anyone I expected the world from has had a torrid time, but Nathaniel Clyne has gone from best right back in the league territory to just mostly okay, and Emre Can took too long to rediscover top form. The club will be counting on both to be better over the entirety of next season.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="hgt7Lo"><q>Steph (epicskyline)</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HtTOkF">
<p id="bqFQ7s">I’m giving my overachiever award to Gini Wijnaldum, who stepped up and put in some great performances when our midfield felt awful light in the midst of all those injuries. Runner up goes to Simon Mignolet who really stepped up when the team needed him. I’m not ready to call our goalkeeping problems completely solved, but I’m looking forward to seeing if he can keep playing at this level next season. On the other hand, I expected more from Emre Can this season after last season’s bright showing. And, though it hurts my heart, I think my underachiever has to be Jordan Henderson. He was magnificent when he was on the pitch, but that happened much too infrequently. After his similarly long injured spell last season, it has definitely made me worry. I think that next season is the big test for him. Please stay fit, captain. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="NOU6EA"><q>Zach</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dGe79k">
<p id="uWDCL3">I don’t think anyone thought James Milner would be a serviceable choice at leftback when the season began. And serviceable was exactly what he was. Not great, but good enough to cover for the Patron Saint of Baffling Defending, Alberto Moreno. Milner’s efforts, at the very least, allowed Klopp to wait another season or two before finding a long-term replacement. That shouldn’t be overlooked. For underachieved, it’s rather unfair, but I think we have to question the future of our captain Jordan Henderson. Hendo was great when he was healthy, and that goal against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> was plucked right out of the very top bin, but the medical staff seem no closer to solving his plantar fasciitis now than they were last year. If Daniel Sturridge is viewed by the club and fanbase as perma-crocked, Henderson can’t be far behind.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="pvUQXu"><q>Jordan</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rAxyjv">
<p id="C4anfK">I think this season was rough on everyone, with the fixtures and injuries and absences and actual problems, so to pick an under and overachiever is a struggle. I think for all the chances he’s been given and the times he’s had to prove himself, despite that goal of the decade, Emre Can has been the biggest underacheiver. For a while he looked poised to steal the captaincy from Jordan Henderson, but he struggled to match the pace of the team and find his old form and was really unable to make as much of an impact as many projected him to. He’ll be good to keep around with Champions League on the horizon and heading back to two games a week, but he’ll definitely have to fight to make it worthwhile again. </p>
<p id="GXJilZ">I’m with a few others in saying that Gini Wijnaldum was our overachiever of the year. While Mané had the flash and the pace, Wijnaldum had the engine and the vision and the determination we were missing while Hendo has been on the bench. He’s also been tasked with picking up the slack of Emre Can, and that’s no easy feat. The fact that Gini has the added bonus of knowing where the net is and how to get to it, we’ve been incredibly lucky to have picked up such a quality player—and one who was ready and willing to go from the outset. He’s been nothing short of impressive, and I’m looking forward to seeing the first away goal of his career, that perfect grin made all the better by being in a Red shirt.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="sTPQSM"><q>Also In This Series</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rkNFn1">
<h5 id="nKcErR">Monday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674212/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-klopp-success-top-four-champions-league">Part 1: A Question of Success</a><br>Tuesday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15678364/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-rating-summer-january-transfer-business">Part 2: Transfer Business</a><br>Thursday — Part 4: Klopp Concerns<br>Friday — Part 5: What Comes Next?</h5>
<p id="CKxZ6b"></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15685382/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-underperformers-overachievers-best-worstNoel ChomynCStarsZachary MarxJordan J. KeebleAudun ManumBridget GordonMatt Woodsaintgrobianepicskyline2017-05-24T14:00:10+01:002017-05-24T14:00:10+01:00The Liverpool Offside’s 2016-17 Player of the Year
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Vote for Liverpool’s top player from the 2016-17 season.</p> <p>As we continue to work our way through the 2016-17 season that was, today we get to Player of the Year voting and what will be a bit of a conundrum for many following a season in which Liverpool had a slew of key players but perhaps no real standout. Or at least no real standout from start to finish.</p>
<p>Sadio Mané will be the frontrunner for many based on his key contributions to the first half of the season and for helping Liverpool get back on track following a disastrous winter, but the two long stretches of football he missed—including the end of the season when Liverpool secured top four—muddy the waters.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, there are cases to be made for his fellow attackers <span>Roberto Firmino</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span>. When Liverpool were playing their best football, it was always Firmino at the fulcrum point of it. And meanwhile, Coutinho was both key and, Player of the Season or not, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> most talented player.</p>
<p>Behind them, there was also the contribution of <span>Adam Lallana</span>, who established himself in a new position, and at the base of it all the overlooked <span>Simon Mignolet</span>. The Belgian started the season on the bench, but by the end of it, Liverpool wouldn't have made the top four without his steady goalkeeping.</p>
<p>Voting is rounded out by Joël Matip and Gini Wijnaldum, neither of whom are likely to win but whose roles in Liverpool's success last season were noteworthy. All told, it's a long list, with a lot of good, key players and no true, unchallenged, start to finish standout.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Philippe Coutinho</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Despite a slow start, by the end there was again no question: Philippe Coutinho is Liverpool's most talented player. Whether he was their best in 2016-17, though, is another question, and that uneven start and a long injury absence get in the way of making that case. He ended with 14 goals, 9 assists in 36 total appearances.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Roberto Firmino</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When Liverpool were at their best, it was with Firmino's movement and endless pressing providing a fulcrum point for the entire attack, and beyond the attacking side of things, his value defending from the front to Klopp's press cannot be overstated. He recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in 41 total appearances.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Adam Lallana</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Lallana had his best year as a Liverpool player, and maybe his best as a professional footballer, in 2016-17 after a move to deeper midfield. Tactics, technique, and endless pressing energy have turned him into Jürgen Klopp's silkier version of Dirk Kuyt, and his 8 goals and 7 assists from midfield were invaluable.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Sadio Mané</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Senegal attacker arrived over the summer in a £34M deal and made an instant impact when he scored a stunner in the first game of the season against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>. He went on to score 13 goals and 8 assists in 29 total appearances, though absences through injury and international duty limited his involvement.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Joël Matip</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Matip signed on a free from Schalke and has looked a long-term defensive anchor whenever he's been on the pitch. The problem, though, has been a run of niggling injuries for a player who until now has had a largely spotless record. He proved his worth in 29 league games, but also missed nearly a quarter of the season.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Simon Mignolet</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He wasn't meant to be Liverpool's starting goalkeeper, and many were surprised he wasn't sold. Then, his presumptive replacement stumbled. Mignolet retook the starting job over the winter and never looked back, and as Liverpool's attack tumbled down the stretch, it was often Mignolet keeping them in the top four race.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Gini Wijnaldum</p>
</blockquote>
<p>After starting the season quietly and, at times, anonymously in a midfield shuttling role, Wijnaldum grew into one of Liverpool's most important players during Jordan Henderson's absence, when his engine and tactical nous—as well as his knack for arriving late in the box and scoring 6 important goals—took to the fore.</p>
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<p>Cast your vote below and let us know any reasoning you might care to share for it in the comments. Elsewhere, voting remains open for <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15675920/liverpool-2016-17-young-player-of-the-year-origi-emre-can-trent-alexander-arnold">Young Player of the Year</a>, where the contest is shaping up as <span>Emre Can</span> vs. people who think Emre Can is too experienced to be eligible for Young Player of the Year.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/24/15684514/liverpool-2016-17-player-of-the-year-sadio-mane-firmino-coutinho-lallanaNoel Chomyn2017-05-23T19:00:02+01:002017-05-23T19:00:02+01:00The Liverpool Offside’s 2016-17 Young Player of the Year
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<img alt="Burton Albion v Liverpool: EFL Cup" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3xhJw4n4EV9PzG4IUQvSmNJDJpc=/0x201:2954x2170/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54892185/594393702.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Vote for Liverpool’s top youngster from the 2016-17 season.</p> <p id="EhxNnG"> </p>
<p id="0UQpAe">With the 2016-17 season at its end, it’s time to sort through the results of Jürgen Klopp’s first full campaign in charge, and today we want you to vote on <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s best young player from the 2016-17 season. Given the Reds had the third youngest squad in the Premier League last year, one might expect to be spoiled for choice.</p>
<p id="Pf4LMz">It didn’t quite pan out that way, as despite the squad’s overall youth, in large part average age was driven down by having a lot of players in the 24-26 range and not as many veterans over the age of 30 as most other teams in the league, and only one player who was 21 or younger at the start of the year played over 1000 minutes.</p>
<p id="76t8Nf">Setting the cut-off age to 22 to start the 2015-16 season for Young Player of the Year voting makes things a little more interesting, but even then there are only two players with over 1000 minutes played, with <span>Emre Can</span> joining <span>Divock Origi</span>. And for most, those two relatively senior youngsters will be favourites.</p>
<p id="xxqhu0">Let’s take a quick look at the candidates, in alphabetical order:</p>
<blockquote><p id="z7Ajhn">Trent Alexander-Arnold (17)</p></blockquote>
<p id="DUvgcm">The young right back played 590 minutes in all competitions, made 12 total appearances, and recorded an assist in the EFL Cup. He looks a promising player for the future and is expected to head into next season as Nathaniel Clyne’s primary backup.</p>
<p id="AislB8"></p>
<blockquote><p id="4pWJVv">Emre Can (22)</p></blockquote>
<p id="bCO5dN">After a slow start, Can recorded 2810 minutes in all competitions and 40 total appearances with five goals and three assists. He ended the year in heady form and remains in Jürgen Klopp’s long-term plans despite being down to the final year of his contract.</p>
<p id="sT9ZMz"></p>
<blockquote><p id="b9aTiY">Ovie Ejaria (18)</p></blockquote>
<p id="lZPxKu">The youngster impressed early and managed 426 minutes, though only six of those came in the league in one substute appearance. He made eight first team appearances in total and would likely have had more but injury cut his season short.</p>
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<blockquote><p id="KzWAo6">Divock Origi (21)</p></blockquote>
<p id="oGD75U">Like Can, Origi got off to a slow start. He still managed 2081 minutes, 43 appearances, and 11 goals along with four assists when everything was said and done, an impressive return for a young striker still learning to play in a high pressing system.</p>
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<blockquote><p id="MetExB">Kevin Stewart (22)</p></blockquote>
<p id="BnOXEm">The utility midfielder made nine appearances totalling 372 minutes in all competitions and though he at times was a valuable spare part, he now looks set to move on in search of regular playing time further down the table or in a lower league.</p>
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<blockquote><p id="mVKCCA">Ben Woodburn (16)</p></blockquote>
<p id="KxNk7O">The promising attacker played 360 minutes over 9 appearances and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer against Leeds in the EFL Cup, and many will expect him to be the club’s Young Player of the Season some year—just not this year.</p>
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<p id="7xcBPv">On paper, Can and Origi look clear frontrunners, though a case could be made that they are too established to be considered Young Player of the Year candidates, and some might resultantly shift their votes to last season’s most involved teenager, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Whatever your choice, cast your vote below and let us know any reasoning you might care to share for it in the comments.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15675920/liverpool-2016-17-young-player-of-the-year-origi-emre-can-trent-alexander-arnoldNoel Chomyn2017-05-23T11:30:02+01:002017-05-23T11:30:02+01:00The TLO Season Review, Part 2: Transfer Business
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<img alt="Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T0u0Zf6Nzb8VzOtMzvFLZPv4vlA=/96x81:2128x1436/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54901875/634742612.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>In part two of our season review, we look at how the new signings did and ask if the club’s transfer policy was a success.</em></p> <div class="c-float-left"><aside id="evlqtg"><q>Part 2: Transfer Business</q></aside></div>
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<p id="v1gdhn"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s transfer business in the summer of 2015 got mixed reviews, with the staff of <em>The Liverpool Offside</em> generally positive about the signings but worried there was a lack of depth at key positions. In retrospect, how do you feel about how things played out? Did those key signings—Joël Matip, Sadio Mané, <span>Loris Karius</span>, and Gini Wijnaldum—pan out as expected? Were there problems with last summer’s transfer class that you didn’t foresee at the time? And what of the lack of movement in January?</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="A5NK3C"><q>Zach</q></aside></div>
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<p id="o0RUtV">Last summer’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> was a huge success. So huge, in fact, that the biggest shortcoming (#buyafullback) was papered over by the conversion of lifelong midfielder and tea aficionado <span>James Milner</span> into a serviceable left back. Mané had one of the best debut seasons of any incoming player over the last several years at the club, providing a much-needed ability to stretch play with his pace. Matip and Wijnaldum also became instrumental in their own unique ways; the latter was especially a surprise after seeing him with relegated <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> the season before.</p>
<p id="Ecii00">That brings us to Karius, who I’m not fully prepared to write off just yet. Time may still prove him to be a good fit at Liverpool, and if nothing else, he helped push Mignolet to a legitimately solid season. Last summer’s signings—made without Champions League football, no less!—should give us optimism ahead of this summer’s window. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="Y4rVJm"><q>Steph (epicskyline)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="5JwDTR">I think that last summer the club did a great job strengthening the starting XI. And that was awesome, that really needed to happen, and we could clearly see the benefits of that this season. Mané was a steal at the price we paid, and his pace and ingenuity on the wing has been invaluable to the team. Matip has significantly improved our back line, despite <span>Dejan Lovren</span> beside him. Wijnaldum was the only thing that made Henderson’s long absence in midfield bearable, and he stepped up when the team needed him to. Even Karius, though not the instant success many hoped he’d be, provided much-needed competition for Mignolet in goal.</p>
<p id="1VuuPV">Considering it was Klopp’s first summer transfer window with the team, I say that’s a pretty good outcome. Now the hope is that this summer they can splash some cash and use the lure of the Champions League to strengthen the squad and improve on our lack of depth, which again became glaringly obvious as players were ravaged by injuries through the back half of the season. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="OvLiCg"><q>Noel</q></aside></div>
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<p id="mLa63X">I wouldn’t go quite as far as to call last summer a huge success, but I do think the hit rate for the club’s four major signings—their three big outfield hits and a goalkeeper whose mark so far has to go down as incomplete—is noteworthy. It’s better than most sides manage with their big signings, and Mané in particular turned out to be just the kind of marquee signing fans are always crying out for, even if a few of those same fans are still trying to reconcile how good Mané turned out to be with how certain they were he was nothing but overpriced and average and<em> why can’t we sign Lionel Messi instead of another dude from </em><a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/"><em>Southampton</em></a><em>?</em> What seemed like a problem at the time, though, that lack of depth? Yeah, it turned out to totally be a problem.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="jzYpoB"><q>Ritika (rbhasker)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="aCgkaR"> Mané, oh how I miss you. The key signings were fantastic, and most of them have made a solid mark so far. I’m personally the most pleased about Liverpool still being in solid consideration for (if not winning) best hair and best smiles in the Premier League, and I’m ready for fisticuffs at dawn if anyone wants to fight me on this. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="wF45kF"><q>Matt</q></aside></div>
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<p id="0h06g9">What I didn’t expect was that Joël Matip would look so good in the new 17/18 kit. But as a player he absolutely met my expectations. Solid, calm, effective, as advertised, would recommend. But he was in and out of the team far too often to excel. Super signing, though. And free, exclamation point. Mané was everything. He did everything and danced with everyone along the way. A real hoot of a dude. Big smile. Second only to fellow summer of ‘16 transfer, Gini Wijnaldum, in the pearly whites showcase. Wijnaldum went about his happy way this season, enjoying solid runs in the side, impressing both in Liverpool’s attack and midfield. He won the ball back from everyone on every team. That’s true. I’m sure the stats back that up. Everyone. In. The. League.</p>
<p id="86lj7M">Aside from being Mignolet’s muse, Karius is still a bit of a mystery. We’ll see what he does next season, though, when he has more time to strut. Klavan exceeded any expectations simply because expectations were very low. We knew very little of his work. But he got the team through some rough patches. Solid backup. Solid crew all around, I’d say.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="uBKVPT"><q>Kevin (saintgrobian)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="C196tp">Matip, Mané, and Wijnaldum all did at least what was expected of them—and Sadio probably outperformed expectations. As Zach noted, Mignolet was a totally different keeper in the second half of the season. Tough to say for certain that Karius’ presence was the key, but let’s give the new boy the credit and the benefit of the doubt. He still looks like he could be a valuable addition, and at the very least the LFC online store has got a model on standby for all occasions. I was surprised that there wasn’t an attempt to add more warm bodies over the summer and certainly in January. It was a calculated gamble, I think, and one that just about paid off. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="APAlPU"><q>James Bridget</q></aside></div>
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<p id="Ow1lBM">Mané and Wijnaldum have been wonderful additions to the squad and we secured Champions League football next season in large part thanks to them. Matip has been solid enough. Karius, I’m a bit cooler on. I was hoping for at least a noticeable upgrade on Mignolet and it’s clear he’s not that. I don’t know what the club can do about it that doesn’t piss off one or both of their current keepers while admitting they made some mistakes in recruitment.</p>
<p id="Gfwqcy">Beyond that, I’m not particularly bothered by the lack of January activity. I’m generally of the opinion if you’re looking to buy in January it’s because you’re in trouble; either you’ve been really hit by injuries, or you’re fighting to avoid relegation. As such, anyone buying ends up overpaying for stop-gap solutions and players who just aren’t that good (yes, I know we bought Suárez in a January window, my point still stands, don’t @ me). But this summer we really need to get serious about the back line; we held up fairly well this season, but defending was still a real problem, and if we send this back four out against Barcelona or Bayern Munich we’re going to get torn apart. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="pOcHfk"><q>Khaine</q></aside></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hy1qey">
<p id="J2qkSL">Matip’s struggle to stay fit is really the only thing that downgrades my original impression of last summer’s signings, and that’s not a knock on his quality as a player. Mané and Wijnaldum contributed 33 goals and assists between them, as well as contributing blazing speed and gleaming smiles, respectively, while Karius was always supposed to be a project that’d challenge Mignolet for minutes rather than an immediate, automatic upgrade and replacement. The players we didn’t sign was a bigger problem than the ones we did.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="wKyJme"><q>Chuck (CStars)</q></aside></div>
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<p id="pVHAWq">Sadio Mané, <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span>, and Joël Matip successfully improved the first eleven. Composure, productivity, physicality, quality, and verticality. Mané was one of the stars of the season and every inch a marquee signing, while Matip and Wijnaldum are Champions League quality. Loris Karius has helped to foster an environment where being Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper has to be earned, and <span>Simon Mignolet</span> has risen to that challenge. As Audun points out, Karius is a long-term project.</p>
<p id="eZTf0L">Marko Grujić is a talent with the necessary velvet touch and physicality to thrive, <span>Ragnar Klavan</span> provided defensive depth despite wildly mixed performances, and <span>Alex Manninger</span> cannot be judged as third-choice goalkeeper. A small collection of signings, but Liverpool were able to improve because of them and the positional switches Klopp made. This summer, however, should herald a real show of intent and ambition in the transfer market. We found a way over the line with a small squad short on quality, but that will not be possible next season.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="JLD6pd"><q>Also In This Series</q></aside></div>
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<h5 id="nKcErR">Monday — <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674212/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-klopp-success-top-four-champions-league">Part 1: A Question of Success</a><br>Wednesday — Part 3: Underperformers and Overachievers<br>Thursday — Part 4: Klopp Concerns<br>Friday — Part 5: What Comes Next?</h5>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/23/15678364/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-rating-summer-january-transfer-businessNoel ChomynCStarsZachary MarxrbhaskerMatt WoodsaintgrobianAudun ManumBridget Gordonepicskyline2017-05-22T20:00:02+01:002017-05-22T20:00:02+01:00The Liverpool Offside’s 2016-17 EPL Results by Contributor
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<img alt="Liverpool v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Round of 16: First Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5OHx76PFkzChnt42rYli7YMvbKw=/199x144:2880x1931/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54891729/514674222.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Feeling superstitious? Find out how Liverpool did based on which TLO writers were on match duty.</p> <p id="TIPyuP">The season is over, and for most people that means it’s time to dig into how <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> did. To pick apart the highs and lows; examine the successes and the failures; to determine what went right and what went wrong on the pitch and off. We’ll be doing that, too—in fact we started today with <a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674212/liverpool-2016-17-epl-season-review-klopp-success-top-four-champions-league">part one of our season review</a>, digging into the big picture questions, passing judgement on 2016-17, and outlining how we’ll all remember it.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_oJgRH02G81nfGKoH7po-gC0eZU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8557777/Screen_Shot_2017_05_22_at_11.00.07_AM.png">
<figcaption>TLO’s 2016-17 Season by Contributor (<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oj1E2nkNL6gQ0QhhkP2tyO-_fnx-Eeur_dy3deA1i8M/pubhtml">Click for Full Results</a>)</figcaption>
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<p id="MgBB5n">But we also thought it could be fun, given the role routine and superstition can so often play in sport and fandom, to take a quick look back at how The Liverpool Offside staff did in the 2016-17 season. To look back at our match previews and recaps for each match and see how they lined up with the actual results. To see which TLO staff members were a good omen for the team on matchday and which ones just might have been cause for concern.</p>
<p id="76xZLu">For the 38 league games, we broke out the TLO contributor who did the preview, the instant match reaction, and the full recap. All told, ten different people were involved at one stage or another this past season, and seven contributors wrote at least four story items in an individual category, giving a useable sample size to compare. So. Let’s dig in, starting with a look at which TLO preview writer got the best league results.</p>
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<p id="IO3KN3">When it came to match previews, then, we had a clear winner in Chuck, whose 2.24 points per preview had Liverpool on pace for an 85 point season good enough to challenge for the title in any year where <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> doesn’t run away with it. Sadly, things didn’t look so bright for Kevin, whose 1.75 points per preview would have seen Liverpool battling for sixth with <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>.</p>
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<p id="shxkQN">While Steph was solidly in the Europa League places when it came to previews, she turned things around to lead the way on First Thoughts with 2.27 points per game when covering our instant reaction piece. At the other end of it, both Zach and Jordan were balancing out Steph’s title challenging form by battling for a place in the Europa League.</p>
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<p id="DVViQs">Finally, for the full match recaps, we find our individual champion for 2016-17 match story involvement on TLO, as James Bridget registered 2.38 points for every recap they wrote. Things didn’t look nearly as good for Kevin, though, who balanced things out by recording the worst individual results with 1.44 points per recap.</p>
<p id="ZQT0fE">When looking at results across all three match items, the three individual winners again lead the way, though results at either end smooth out a bit and we no longer have anyone gunning for a hypothetical 90-point season.</p>
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<p id="qL9Nd1">Still, there does look to be some clear separation here, and on paper at least Liverpool did best when Chuck, James Bridget, and Steph were involved—and especially when Chuck was on match previews, Steph on First Thoughts, and James Bridget on the full recap, and the combined numbers reflect that.</p>
<p id="L0ABlm">When looking at specific pairings, Chuck, Steph, and James Bridget combined that way 13 times in the league in 2016-17 with a record of 10-1-2 and 2.38 points per game. The only other specific combination that appeared more than twice was Steph, Jordan, and Kevin, who had a record of 2-2-1 and 1.6 points per game. Never mind Coutinho, Firmino, and Mané—I think it’s pretty clear which trio’s shoulders it is that Liverpool’s hopes in 2017-18 rest most heavily on.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2017/5/22/15674652/liverpool-offside-2016-17-epl-results-contributor-superstition-match-preview-recapNoel Chomyn