Liver n' Onions does Liverpool's deadline day summary.

Today it's all Onions on Liver n'Onions, as you can' t get more eye watering, breath spoiling, and layered than the transfer window deadline day.

I awoke this morning still slightly hungover from the 2 nights prior when I celebrated my 21st birthday, but my  head spinning, stomaching turning reality couldn't hold a flame to the head spinning induced from the transfer day deadline madness. I felt sick, even thought the excitement of moving players sets my teeth on edge. With a pro-active summer of signings, I did not expect Dalgleish to have dipped his toes into the market any further. I figured the releasing of players would be the ethos of the Scots approach to  the dwindling hours of the window. This he did but someone should have warned him not to do it after smoking a doobie. 

Quickly going to my bookmark bar I clicked Liverpool.com, opening to find:

Whaaaat? 

It's a bit of a broadside. I can only pin this on Dalgleish for not giving him playing-time. Not knowing the reasons, it looks like a player wanting to leave because he isn't getting to play, knowing full well he deserves to be on the pitch. Liverpool's best player last year, has been ousted by Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. Where is the Logic in that?  Jordan is young and promising, but inexperienced. Charlie Adam has looked quality  early in the season, but picking him ahead of  Meireles is like choosing a donkey for the Kentucky Derby instead of a horse. All we did was help Chelsea securing a better player, than who they were after. Failing with a 40 million pound bid to sign Luka Modric, AVB should be counting his chickens that Ol' Arry stayed firm on not selling Modric, for they have secured a much better player for a bargain price of 12 million pounds. A shock to my system, which can only be remedied with Adam and Henderson stepping up in the big games. This result does not sit well with me at all. An exciting player, who I loved watching red, now will be seen in blue, which will only make me feel…blue.

A less gut wrenching piece of business sees Joe Cole sent out on a year long loan deal to Lille . The English man has a big task ahead of him adjusting to the culture, language and playing style of the reigning French champions. A good bit of business done by Lille,  adds depth the the strong squad, in which Cole will most likely play a substitute role, as he forages for form. This move sparked rumors of Eden Hazard jumping, with Cole serving as his replacement, but that looks like a bunch of bollocks. Adding some astuteness to the deal, is Liverpool trying to cultivated  first refusal on signing Eden Hazard, by paying 60% of Cole's wages for the next 12 months. Dalgleish and Damien Comolli hope to beat their competitors in courting the talented Belgium, with Cole clearly acting as a sweetener.

Christian Poulsen has left Anfield  to join league 1 side Evian after failing to break into the first team squad. A deal worth 4.5 million pounds has been finalized for the Danish International, who since the introduction Adam has had a reality check that playing time would be at a premium. 

David No'good has been snatched up by Bolton for 4 million pounds, finally relieving Liverpool fans from having to see that poser any longer, Good riddance .

Phillip Degen's contract has been terminated, which is no great loss to the squad, and it just clears out some dead weight.

 Dani Pacheco has also been offloaded, with the Spanish striker joining Atletico Madrid.

Now for the newcomers…

The Liverpool hierarchy seem to have been studying their math of late…coming up with this complicated formula: Uruguayan team + 4th place finish in World Cup 2010, Winners of Copa America = Good Uruguayan players. Liverpool's signing of Sebastion Coates is putting that formula into action. Signing  from Nacional, a player who at this years Copa America was voted "best player" after commanding performance  after commanding performance. Fellow country-men Luis Suarez  played an important role in bringing the 20 year old to Anfield, that and a fee of 7 million pounds. I see this man "Coates," "Fitting" into Dalgleish's system just fine.

The Nutter with the Putter.  Yes, it happened. Bellamy will be making his second bow at the Merseyside club. If you want more please  read my piece in the WFD kick about section on the  " nutter," because it's  nut-rageous.

Transfer Deadline Day Madness...Brace Yo-Self!

Okay where to start??? Guess you gotta jump right in and take the plunge, here we go...


Joe Cole to Lille.

 Loaned out to Lille for the season from Liverpool, the English man has a big task ahead of him adjusting to the culture, language and playing style of the reigning French champions. A good bit of business done by Lille adds depth the the strong squad, in which Cole will most likely play a substitute role. This move sparked rumors of Eden Hazard jumping, with Cole serving as his replacement, but that looks like a  bunch of bollocks.

Asamoah Gyan to Tottenham?

Reports seem scarce on this transfer, but it gets the call-up due to its Uber rumor status. Supposedly the Ghanaian handed in his transfer request to Sunderland today. Rumors of a Crouch swap deal is possibly in the offing. We will wait to see how this pans out.

Scotty Parker to Tottenham

Nice. I love the player, model professional, hard-worker, and the reigning PFA player of the year has signed for Tottenham for a fee of 6-7 million pounds. Adding work rate to the Spurs' midfield Scotty would be a decant replacement for Modric, If he leaves.

Diego Forlan to Inter Milan

The Michael Bolton look-alike has signed a 2-year contract for Milano, after the departure of Samuel Eto'o and Goran Pandev. The prospect of him linking up with Giampaolo Pazzini and Diego Milito could be one to savor.

Per Mertesacker  to Arsenal.

Geman International Per Mertesacker has singed for the Arsenal, finally showing some intent from the under-fire Wenger. The 6'6 center back is by no stretch of the imagination going to solve their defensive problems completely, but provides an experienced and commanding alternative to the likes of Djourou and Koscielny.

Andre Santos to Arsenal

Furthur-more, Arsenal has snatched up Brazilian left-back Andre Santos from turkish side Fenerbahce, on a long-term contract. He will wear the No. 11 shirt.

S. Korean Park Chu-Young as also signed for Arsenal, after the secret agent Wenger performed some distasteful business in nipping a head of Lill in signing the forward. The evening before a deal was to finalized between the Korean Strike and the French club, Arsenal's manager phoned up the player and offered him a spot on the Gunners roster leaving Lille's higher-archy fuming. He will wear the No.9 shirt

Owen Hargreaves to Man City

May prove to be an  astute bit of business done by Roberto Mancini, as when fit is a fantastic player. This has been a rare trait for owen struggling with knee problems

Weird and wacky, Getafe's advertising strategies.

Only if we all thought with our cocks. Getafe's latest ploy to attract fans to their stadium??? The brilliant minds at the Spanish club has also brought you suicidal Koalas and Men hatching eggs containing the vertically challenged.

EPL review weekend of Aug 26th

One word would do the trick in summing up this weekends football action in the Barclays Premier League, WOW! This weekend fans saw a plethora of goals-wether for, or against your team- making it one of the most exciting weekends in recent remembrance. It was a glorious weekend for the Manchester clubs, with City un-doing Tottenham 5-1, with 4 goals from on-song Edin Dzeko. United had their way with a anemic Arsenal 8-2, to which a glance at Wenger's face is all you have to see to some up the strife going at Arsenal. It was surely a weekend that N. London will  be quick to forget, and if the Riots of weeks prior was caused by this I would understand.  Tottenham and Arsenal are both clubs stumbling to find their feet early in the 2011-12 season, due somewhat I reckon to the lack of signings and the distraction of big players leaving their respected clubs. The long transfer saga of Modric to Chelsea may or may not be finalized by the end of the window come Wednesday, and If I was Harry I would hope it is. It's an added distraction that does nothing but hurts to morale of the player, and the players around him. Modric started but was removed shortly into the second half. His final swan song….maybe? Clearly looking as he didn't want to play seen in the effort he put forth.  Need I speak further on the problems at Arsenal...I will in relation to this game. Do to lack of players available to Wenger, the young back line of Koscielny, Djorou, Jenkinson and Traore did not cut it against the stampede of a frontline played by United. Caught buy playing a high line too often, Welbeck and Nani were free to tear them to shreds, Not to mention a Hat-trick from Rooney-including two from set pieces'. Rosicky failed to impress in a attacking sense, and his link play was dismal. RVP was the only player who looked up for it, even though missing a penalty with  a weak effort, giving  United's keeper, De Gea, the sense he was all that, and a bag of potato chips. Wenger's lack of tactical shuffling at the break-all be it limited options- saw this pillaging continue to the bitter end, to where if the game was still playing, Man U would still be burying their chances.

Along with the free scoring Manchester v. London game's, Everton's game against Blackburn, and Chelsea v. Norwich tickled this fans interests, adding to the excitement of the weekend. An unflattering score of Everton 1 - Blackburn 0, speaks nothing of the excitement, and heartbreak felt by the clubs. Blackburn looked on top for most of the match, but it was a case of the proverbial cliche of "not" taking your chances that saw Blackburn undone, as they missed two penalties. Both times the players, stepped up to take the spot kick, a miss looked in the offing. Between these, and Rvp's failure from the spot has made it 7 missed from a possible 10 penalties given this year. Outstanding! Fittingly Blackburn felt were kicked in the teeth as Fellaini was challenged unfairly in the box seeing Everton being awarded with a penalty  in the final minutes. Manager Steve Kean was disgusted as he, and Blackburn fans know that the silky Spaniard, Mikel Arteta doesn't miss from there. 

Chelsea's battle with Norwich should be all but a formality  for the West London club, but proved to be more difficult than expected. Debut's were given to new boy's Juan Mata, and Romelu Lukaku off the bench and the Spaniard brought a new dimension to the Blues attack instantly. Almost purchasing an assist with his first touch through serving a delicious cross into the box's harks back to the days of Robben and Duff's wing-play for Chelsea. Mata's goal was icing on the cake as Malouda hat already put them ahead after Grant Holt had equalized for the Canaries.

An easy win over Bolton is what Liverpool needed. Slightly lucky against Arsenal last week, this week required a convincing win over an Epl mainstay like Bolton. Jordan Henderson opened his Liverpool account with one of the many, many, goals of the weekend with a left foot curler into the top corner. The second came from a corner met by the shaved head of substitute Martin Skrtel, beating Zat Knight to the punch. Zat Knight was once again involved as Charlie Adam hit a grass cutter form out side the box, through the big center backs legs to give the Red's 3 goals, and 3 points.

Players of the week:

Not in order...

1.) Samir Nasri: Had the best of debut games in the game vs. Tottenham, cementing in nicely to the fluid ( contradictory) forward line of City. With the likes of Silva, Aguero and Dzeko all rotating and mixing positions it was practically a swingers party. Coming up with assists and playing instrumental in the build up for the first two Dzeko goals, the frenchman looks the final cog in City's goal machine.

2.) Juan Mata: another debutant who, against the still stale Chelsea squad, looked like a mt. goat on speed. Popping up left and right, giving width to attack and even scoring a goal to seal the win. Thought be it a substitute appearance...AVB will surely have him from the start come their game against Sunderland, Sept 10th.

3.) Wayne Rooney: Had a hat trick in their drubbing of Arsenal, two from free kicks, and one from a penalty.  His passing, goals, and work rate proved too much for Arsenal to cope with.

4.) Ashley Young: Looks the part, once again proving Sir Alex's prowess in signing fantastic players ( for the most part). His skill on the ground, crosses, and shots! Scoring two fantastic curlers past Scezney one as good as the next. He had one of the games of the weekend, and if not for Dzeko, he would be my player of the weekend. 

5.) Edin Dzeko: Now to the cream of the crop. 4 goals for the red hot Bosnian, all with variation. From simple tap-ins, to picking his spot from outside the box and wrapping his foot around it. It was just one of those games he couldn't have gone wrong in. Justifying his spot over Carlos Tevez, a pick of mine for flop of the season, Dzeko looks like proving me dead wrong with 6 goals out of 3 games! Magnificent.

                                

The "Nutter with the Putter, " returns to Anfield?

I awoke this morning the the sweet, yet surprising chirping of  The "Nutter with the Putter,"possibly making an Anfield return. Known as Craig Bellamy, only by reputation, as the name on the birth certificate most appropriately is I'am F***ing nuts, has been linked with a move back to Liverpool, after years of team hopping around England. This moniker that the fiery Welshman has coined, is due to the infamous "team building" trip Rafa Benitez's Liverpool took to Portugal, ending in Bellamy settling a dispute with John Arne Riise by brandishing a 9- iron. If your a fan of football, it's common knowledge that Bellamy is loose-cannon, but a player that he can come up with the miraculous on the pitch. At City he was one of their best performing players, leaving the likes of Robinho and Adebayor  looking shite . Phil Mickelson's return, sorry...ahhhh Bellamy's return to Anfield would be a interesting move to say the least, a move that could play dividends for player and club. Signing for Manchester City 2009, Bellamy played an important role in their move to relevance, but since then has been loaned out to hometown club of Cardiff City in the Championship. In my mind, and in the mind of Welsh international manager Gary Speed, Bellamy is a player is too good of a player to be mucking it around in the second level of British Football. A player capable of terrorizing defenses as he did Barcelona that European night in 2007,  pipping a 2-1 result against the European Champions. A result that would not happen in this current archdiocese, even with Bellamy back at Anfield.




Like Balotelli, Bellamy is what you would call a misunderstood genius. A player that needs the arm around the shoulder from that influential manager. As a boy- hood supporter of Liverpool, Bellamy gave them a few good years in his first stint, and with this latest rumor has the chance to  giv'em some more, or that is the hope at least. It's a gamble from Dalgleish but if any manager can inspire the Liverpool fan in Bellamy, it's him. An unpredictable player to say the least, who is just as likely to take a golf club to your dome piece, then listen to you. With the talent at Liverpool, he'd probably be no more than a squad player Merseyside, but with his Welsh work-man-like determination, could be a regular fixture if he impresses. Players that have played with Craig, say he's one of the most determined player they have ever lined up with, but with this high-point there comes a downsides. Don't EVER try to cut him in line at a chip shop, for you will get stuffed. John Arne Riise knows this first hand, being taught with the comforting utensil of a golf club. Don't ever insult his mammie or you'll get stuffed. Don't ever comment him on his silly accent or .....you get the picture. One interesting flash point that could erect is the friendship or -lack there of- with Andy Carroll. Two extreme egos, competing for a striking role, who both love a good time and a few pints. The Welshman is know for his quick spurts of pace, to which forming a partnership with Suarez would make a forward line that you could lose like your pair of spectacles.

Alberto Aquilani completes move to AC Milan

A loan move has been finalized for the out of favor Italian, where according to Aquilani, is to replace the role of Pirlo. A modest claim to make from the Italian, who struggled to make any impact whatsoever at Liverpool.  A loan move is best for both sides, not committing Milan to his services, and getting him out of Merseyside with their crowded midfield. Will he help the milanistas? If he stays fit, his passing could make him a player favorite, especially Ibra...and you don't wanna piss off the Ibra.

2011-12 Champions League Group Draws

Today, the balls have been drawn form their glassy cases of mysticism revealing presiding  on some interesting encounters down the road.

(Que. the music)....And the Groups are:

Group A: Bayern Munich, Villarreal, Manchester City, Napoli

Group B: Inter Milan, CSKA Moscow, Lille, Trabzonspor

Group C: Manchester United, Benfica, Basel, Otelul Galati

Group D: Real Madrid, Lyon, Ajax, Dinamo Zagreb

Group E: Chelsea, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, Genk

Group F: Arsenal, Marseille, Olympiakos, Borussia Dortmund

Group G: Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg, APOEL

Group H: Barcelona, AC Milan, BATE Borisov, Viktoria Plzen

English new boy's-to the tournament- Manchester City are drawn into the infamous  group of death for this seasons tournament. Squaring off against the Bavarian Giants of Germany, who are in a state of some sort, but have a fantastic European pedigree to which they hold the advantage over others in the group. City may find it difficult to sink the Yellow Submarine's (Villarreal), lead by talisman Giuseppe Rossi. Napoli is a team I look forward to seeing in the Champions League, as they have retained most of their talent from their successful season in Serie A, adding the likes of Gohkan Inler  to their midfield. City will struggle, but with the experienced European players they have brought in this summer and last, they should be challenging for second in the group.

Once again Manchester United gets a favorable draw, in which the gulf in class between them and the others is mammoth.

Group E is an interesting on for me with Chelsea newboy, Juan Mata facing his old side Valencia, which should prove to be an interesting tie. Throwing German runner-ups Bayer Leverkusen into the mix, the battle for second should be interesting as Chelsea should secure  first. Shit Prediction: Leverkusen will pip Valencia for the second spot, and progress.

The Arsenal have a pretty tough draw as well, with German champions Dortmund, and french side Marseille  gracing the group. Arsenal had a tough progression into the group stage after slipping into the required qualification spot last year, but could get into the grove later in the season. This or....the capitulate completely and fail to leave the group, as the French, and German sides are nothing to scoff at.

Nasri signs for City and it's OFFICIAL. Sorry Arsenal...

A move that has been coming like the floods of the apocalypse for Arsenal, waters blue like the shirts of the aggressors. Truth is Arsenal has no one to blame but them selves. Failing to strengthen in the closing transfer window,  intent seems at an all time low. Much shit has been hurled at the N. London club of late and harsh it may be, but it's somewhat deserved. The departure of Fabregas, slow opening to the Premier league season, and most of all the lack of urgency in signing new players, much needed at the Arsenal. 


In Nasri's defense, the allure of a rich club  on the rise is about as attractive as coke is to Adrian Mutu, how could he say no? He has stated the move is fueled by the desire to win trophies, and if the case leaving the Arsenal is the right move. Losing the in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham last year might have been the final straw for the silky frenchman, but what ever it was he's free and clear now. 


It pains me slightly to see, not for Arsenal, but for Nasri. It can go two ways in my mind. The winning mentality seeming to be growing at City can inspire Nasri, pushing him on to new heights and earning the name of the "new Zidane." This may result, or he will be over shadowed by the likes of Silva, Yaya, and  El Kun Aguero. I was so excited to see him move the the EPl from Marseille, and he couldn't have landed at a better club that Arsenal. He slots right in, with his style, passing and pace. Having to play around Fabregas, the departure of the Spaniard should have been Nasri's clue to step-up, take the reign's and run that club, but alas he has elected to exit stage left. 

Liver N'Onions week of 8/22

Your Liver:

On paper its looks a good result for Liverpool,  2-0 win against Arsenal, though be it a struggling Arsenal. If you are like me -devoted- staying up for kickoff at 1pm hawaiian pacific time, or 4am on the west coast, you would know it was anything but. Two dodgy goals saved Liverpool fans from another speed bump in their seasons takeoff, but the brace exists as only as a blanket, covering their blemishes. 

A wins, a win, and it was this that saved Liverpool from further scrutiny. The started as an exciting spectacle with Wenger playing a youthful midfield, more by restriction than choice. Frimpong added some youthful steel to the midfield in which youth and the decisions that come with it earned him a sight at red. Suarez sat from the beginning with Kenny giving him the most rest possible after a long summer of football. When brought on the  major realization for me and hopefully the world over, of how absolutely key Luis Suarez, is to this team was plain to see. When introduced midway into the second half, the light bulbs were a-flashing over the heads of the reds, acting as the catalyst to all things good for the merseyside club. Before this the midfield of Henderson, and Adam  looked solid against the soft Arsenal center, but still lacked that creative spark. Suarez's movement is second to none, and with the introduction Meireles from the bench spoke of his importance to the team as well. He must start for me! He had a fantastic  last season, and his importance was cemented at the Emirates. In my mind it's a case of Dalgleish playing favorites. He brought in these new English boys and he wants to play them. There're are two classy players sitting on the bench, with limited shots in proving they belong in the team from the start. I have spoke of Meireles and you know how I feel on that subject. The second is Alberto Aquilani. Rumors this week preach interest from AC Milan, which might actually be a go vs. the  roller coaster  summer of transfer links associated with the Italian.  The player who at Liverpool, failed to impress, though chances were limited due to injury and lack of form, rendering him with the price tag, a flop. I say Give him a shot! This summer he looked hungry,wether prove himself at Liverpool or to put himself in the shop window is unclear but the taste for games is there.

Your Onions:

More Rumors this week coming from Italy is the re-emerging like between Dirk Kuyt and Inter Milan.  The blue collar Dutchman works tirelessly for Liverpool and his departure would not be a welcomed one. As an elder statesman up-top, his experience is key and is a figure to look up to from the youthful Carroll and Henderson.  Starting roles may be scarce, but this aging utility man will give 358% what ever position he is put in.

Other rumors come in the shape of EPL new-boys QPR, pursing a loan move for shabby shabby Joe Cole. Cole has strait up disappointed at Liverpool!  Out of form, shape, mindset…you name it. Has had limited playing time as well, but when given a shot to do anything good he  has absolutely failed. Get him out, and playing football. A Loan move would be the best option as  he racks up some  regular time, and manages to increase his stock, Liverpool can sell him for a higher price.  At a team like QPR that frankly will need all the help they can get, Joe can play some foot and come seasons end  Dalgleish can asses wether he's worth keeping.

After the Merciless Meireles  set up Suarez for the second goal, cameras caught the radical misfit flipping Lucas the bird, then poppin a grin….next time it will be the kiss from the Godfather, " I know it was you, and It warms my heart!" Was it a joke? Who cares? There needs to be some bite. 

Forlan is rubbish at golf

It's a Mata of intent.

Chelsea has confirmed on their website this morning that Valencia playmaker and Spanish International Juan Mata, has signed for a fee of 23 million pounds, pending only a medical. The West London club has strait up jacked this deal from Arsenal, as fellow London club looked to replace their once fabulous Fabregas. This signing marks the biggest player signing for Chelsea this summer as transfers have been quite till this week that has seen Lukaku and Mata join the club. In Chelsea's opening fixtures, the team has 
looked sluggish and lacking grease in the gears, having to come back to win against Stoke, and West Brom. An injection of pace and creativity to the ageing midfield is a must, and Mata is just the man to do it. 


Mata's signing shows intent from Chelsea, and intent from Mata. Joining Chelsea harnesses the possibility of winning the league and challenging for European glory. Joining Arsenal is joining a team in transition, struggling to get off the mark in the new season. Uncertainty is abundant, marquee players are leaving, new signings are scarce to non-existance and the possibility of missing out on Champions League football. Wether it came down to money, promise of success, or both Mata is the latest example of Arsenal missing out.

Last week's underperforms face off tomorrow.

Out of the opening fixtures to the EPL the two most disappointing performers Arsenal and Liverpool will  dook it out for their first win of the 2011-12 season this Saturday. The highest profile match so-far  with teams in the once fabled top four, should be an exciting spectacle, with both teams going for the throat to grab a win. Arsenal started their season with a flat performance against Newcastle, where a flash point between Gervinho and Joey Barton was the high point in the 0-0 draw. A game played without recently departed captain Fabregas, and next to leave Nasri, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves and secure a win. 

With all the hype of the coming season for Liverpool, signings and all, flattered to deceive in their opening match v. Sunderland, with a second half capitulation. Dalgleish spent a lot on young English talent this summer to justify this, he needs a win. In the first half Liverpool sprung from the gates like a bat out of hell,  but this frenetic energy did not last done by a fantastic strike by Seb Larsson. For Dalgliesh's boys to get off the mark, they need to win silencing, the doubters and installing confidence. 


This need to win should create a fantastic atmosphere, and looking at last year's fixture can re-affirm that. Last year's opener between these clubs ended1-1 with Joe Cole getting sent off on his Liverpool debut. An uncharacteristic howler from Pepe Reina in the final minute, provided service for Chamakh to bury it canceling out an David N'gog strike earlier in the match. This match may serve as the tonic to the hoodoo currently troubling  Joe Cole, assuming he plays. Nasri will not play as he inches closer to his move to City, so the Middie's of Ramsey, Ro-shitsky, and Song must have a good game against the rising tide that is Liverpool's midfield.


Prediction:
Arsenal will still struggle to start, as they lose 2-1. Suarez and Carroll will both score for the Liverpool, and RVP for the Arsenal. 


T.V. 
ESPN 2 
7:45am ET

Falcao signs for Atletico Madrid

Reports have surfaced confirming that Porto striker Radamel Falcao has signed for Atletico Madrid., for the fee of 40 million pounds! Recently losing the " El Kun" Aguero to Manchester City, Atletico have found a fantastic replacement in Falcao, though spending a hefty, hefty fee. The Colombian who scored 41 goals in  51 appearances for the Portuguese giants, will have have service from Forlan next season to tuck away some more goals,  hopefully raising the Atletico out of La Liga mediocrity.

Liver n' Onions 8/18/11 Chalice of Cahill

Your weekly Liver n' Onions dissects the inner and outer workings of Liverpool FC, delving into the latest news, rumors and fan fantasies associated with the Merseyside club

According to reports Liverpool are primed to hijack any deal for Bolton's centre-back Gary Cahill. Following suit with British signings, Dalgleish knows that the back needs strengthening and Cahill is pure class. Bolton has been stubborn in parting with their prized asset, searching for the right deal, which in Liverpool's case could be sweetened with David N'gog going the other way. Bolton have been keen on the  young frenchman all summer, but didn't feel he was worth the 4 million pound price tag slapped upon him. Frankly, I agree he's slight, not hungry enough and I would glad the see the back of him. Owen Coyle will be hoping for another Danny Sturridge, but with N'god awful will get a large amount of nothing.

Strong, commanding, English centre-back is exactly what Liverpool needs, and if the move is completed, Cahill should be primed to shine. He surprised us all on the opening fixture against QPR with a fantastic goal from outside the box, cementing his value not only defensively but coming up with the odd goal. Cahill is valued at about 20 million pounds and according to the inflated price's in football, is worth it.  The deal set up is N'gog, Raheem Sterling and 10 Million Pounds for Cahill who  is out of contract in 10 months, so cashing in on him would be a smart move for Bolton. Owen Coyle will know this and being the George Clooney look-alike he is, should consider that. 

With only 13 days left in the transfer market, Dalgleish needs to come guns a'blazin if he wants to sign a centre-back. Chasing Ryan Shawcross from Stoke, Scott Dann at Birmingham and even talks of Per Mertesacker have arose. Cahill has been on the Scots hit list all summer, but there hasn't been a strong link until this week. Arsenal have been soliciting the services of the England international, but have acted like a kid too afraid to ask a stranger to by'em a pack of smokes, outside a liquor store. Liverpool need to jump at the opportunity, even if it means overpaying, a non-issue in the signings of Henderson, Carroll, and Downing. Dann...not the man, Shawcross... he's alright, Cahill...classy, strong and commanding. Get on it Kenny!


Latest paper talk circling around England is that Chelsea is looking to raid Liverpool's overstocked midfield  for Raul Meireles. Seemingly losing the fight for Luka Modric, and missing out on Javier Pastore,  Chelsea are desperate to strengthen their aging midfield. If AVB coax's  the Tattoo- clad  Portugeezer, it would be massive loss for Liverpool!  Without a shadow of a doubt Meireles was one if not Liverpool's best players last year. Traditionally a box-to-box midfielder Meireles was deployed on the wing, and even against such adversity shined. Looking at the Pool's opening fixture v. Sunderland, Dalgleish left the midfield responsibility up to new-boys Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson, only bringing Meireles on for the final 15 min of the game. I hope for the sake of the club that the former Porto man is in the Scot's plans this season as it would be a big wast to lose him. It's like a child playing exclusively with his new toy, rather than an older one that still works perfectly fine, and has more gadgets.  Getting decent time last year to prove his worth, I feel he needs a whole season in England to show his true talent, as he did in Portugal. For me Meireles should ALWAYS be starting before Adam, 10 out a 10. Better player, slightly different but for my money better. Taking from what I saw in their first match  Dalgleish's looks like he'll give the English players the starting spots, a love affair that could end poorly. Meireles a solid pick up for any team, and the bad ass of all bad asses would be sorrily missed by this fan.
 Furthur news:


According to reports Liverpool are primed to hijack any deal for Bolton's centre-back Gary Cahill. Following suit with British signings, Dalgleish knows that the back needs strengthening and Cahill is pure class. Bolton has been stubborn in parting with their prized asset, searching for the right deal, which in Liverpool's case could be sweetened with David N'gog going the other way. Bolton have been keen on the  young frenchman all summer, but didn't feel he was worth the 4 million pound price tag slapped upon him. Frankly, I agree he's slight, not hungry enough and I would glad the see the back of him. Owen Coyle will be hoping for another Danny Sturridge, but with N'god awful will get a large amount of nothing.
 Strong, commanding, English centre-back is exactly what Liverpool needs, and if the move is completed, Cahill should be primed to shine. He surprised us all on the opening fixture against QPR with a fantastic goal from outside the box, cementing his value not only defensively but coming up with the odd goal. Cahill is valued at about 20 million pounds and according to the inflated price's in football, is worth it.  The deal set up is N'gog, Raheem Sterling and 10 Million Pounds for Cahill who  is out of contract in 10 months, so cashing in on him would be a smart move for Bolton. Owen Coyle will know this and being the George Clooney look-alike he is, should consider that. 

With only 13 days left in the transfer market, Dalgleish needs to come guns a'blazin if he wants to sign a centre-back. Chasing Ryan Shawcross from Stoke, Scott Dann at Birmingham and even talks of Per Mertesacker have arose. Cahill has been on the Scots hit list all summer, but there hasn't been a strong link until this week. Arsenal have been soliciting the services of the England international, but have acted like a kid too afraid to ask a stranger to by'em a pack of smokes, outside a liquor store. Liverpool need to jump at the opportunity, even if it means overpaying, a non-issue in the signings of Henderson, Carroll, and Downing. Dann...not the man, Shawcross... he's alright, Cahill...classy, strong and commanding. Get on it Kenny!

Lukaku Completes Chelsea Move.

Finalizing his move today from Anderlecht Lukaku officially becomes Drogba#2.
The 18- year old Belgium has completed his move to the West London club, for a believed fee of 25 million Euros. Diet Drogba will be available to play against West Brom come Saturday and speaking of Drogba, this must be the final straw after seemingly 2nd in the pecking order after Torres. Lukaku will wear the number 18 shirt this year.

Daily Liver n' Onions

Your daily Liver n' Onions dissects the inner and outer workings of Liverpool FC, delving into the latest news, rumors and fan fantasies associated with the Merseyside club.

Looks the part doesn't he?

Latest paper talk circling around England is that Chelsea is looking to raid Liverpool's overstocked midfield  for Raul Meireles. Seemingly losing the fight for Luka Modric, and missing out on Javier Pastore,  Chelsea are desperate to strengthen their aging midfield. If AVB coax's  the Tattoo- clad  Portugeezer, it would be massive loss for Liverpool!  Without a shadow of a doubt Meireles was one if not Liverpool's best players last year. Traditionally a box-to-box midfielder Meireles was deployed on the wing, and even against such adversity shined. Looking at the Pool's opening fixture v. Sunderland, Dalgleish left the midfield responsibility up to new-boys Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson, only bringing Meireles on for the final 15 min of the game. I hope for the sake of the club that the former Porto man is in the Scot's plans this season as it would be a big wast to lose him. It's like a child playing exclusively with his new toy, rather than an older one that still works perfectly fine, and has more gadgets.  Getting decent time last year to prove his worth, I feel he needs a whole season in England to show his true talent, as he did in Portugal. For me Meireles should ALWAYS be starting before Adam, 10 out a 10. Better player, slightly different but for my money better. Taking from what I saw in their first match  Dalgleish's looks like he'll give the English players the starting spots, a love affair that could end poorly. Meireles a solid pick up for any team, and the bad ass of all bad asses would be sorrily missed by this fan.

A Yankee Home Coming

American Eddie Johnson may be making a return to the US with a number of MLS clubs pursuing the 27 year old striker.  After shining in the MLS for FC Dallas and KC Wizards he moved to the EPL in 2008 signing for  Fulham. The American was less than a regular in London club's starting XI, troubled with injury and lack of form saw him loaned out to Cardiff in the same year he signed for Fulham. A return to his roots could only help the one time fixture for the U.S Men's National Team, regain from. MLS will allocate him to a club, with Chivas getting first crack to sign him. If Chivas elect's to pass on signing him then Toronto, Houston, and Chicago will get their shot. 



If Eddie returns he will join  fellow recent returnee Freddy Adu to the American domestic game, who will now join the Philly Union, a move welcomed by player and country. If dissected, many of the USMNT players are playing abroad either in Europe or other, which is a important factor in expanding the knowledge of the US game abroad/ giving US players valuable experience. On the flip-side, this can also be detrimental. When Freddy Adu signed for  Benfica in 2007 the excitement and expectation was about in a bounty, but after being loaned out to AS Monaco, Belenenses, Aris, and Caykur Rizespor, the glory becomes a bit muddied.  Adu was loaned out to varying from Greece, Turkey, and Portugal, that are to be frank, no-bodies. As an American soccer fans I want to be able to view my players abroad, not lost in the doldrums of the turkish second division. Once the future of American Soccer, now is viewed as un-fulfilled potential. Like Eddie, Adu will look to return home stateside to regain form, and up the skill and game in the US Domestic game.