The Daily ITK Discussion Thread

[Shadydan]

I don't see why he couldn't fit in with us. Uber lone forward who will hold the ball up. Ok we want him to be pressing from the front but who's to say Poch wouldn't be able to get him to do that.

The problem is though why would he want to come here and play second fiddle? Uprooting Harry would be extremely difficult now.

Anyway I don't believe Liverpool would sell him to a rival for a knock down price either, and after only signing him in the summer....can't see how this would have any legs to it whatsoever.

In a perfect world though he'd be a class addition to back up Kane and to give him some competition if we could nick him on the cheap.

Because something suggests that Klopp isn't happy with him for some reason, he like Pochettino likes his players to work hard and press from the front and so far Benteke hasn't shown anything that either manager likes so what makes you think Poch can suddenly turn him into a the player that Klopp couldn't?

Besides I think we need a player who can play instead of as well as alongside Kane and Benteke is kind of one dimensional in that respect you either makehim the focal point of your attack or you don't play him at all, also it's worth pointing out that Kane is better suited to our setup as Kane is able to drop deep, drift wide and play players in/pick out passes, I wouldn't say that Benteke has that skillset in his locker.

 

[AX-Spur]

Re: Afobe. Did he play together with Alli at MK Dons? Seems to have a decent goal/game ratio at both MK Dons and Wolves...

 

[Mr Pink]

Because something suggests that Klopp isn't happy with him for some reason, he like Pochettino likes his players to work hard and press from the front and so far Benteke hasn't shown anything that either manager likes so what makes you think Poch can suddenly turn him into a the player that Klopp couldn't?

Besides I think we need a player who can play instead of as well as alongside Kane and Benteke is kind of one dimensional in that respect you either makehim the focal point of your attack or you don't play him at all, also it's worth pointing out that Kane is better suited to our setup as Kane is able to drop deep, drift wide and play players in/pick out passes, I wouldn't say that Benteke has that skillset in his locker.

First off all Klopp has been there no time at all, and one poor performance from Benteke against Newcastle is no end to judge. Look how long it took Pochettino to assess the squad here and shape it to his liking. Even yesterday Klopp admitted after the Watford game it was a mistake not to start Benteke, he's learning about the squad and all the players at his disposal - which is why I'm taking this with a huge pinch of salt anyway.

I agree that Benteke is most definitely a focal point in style forward, but that;s not to say we couldn't play the both of them at times - when its warranted. Poch has dropped Harry back into the ten position from time to time.

But what he does provide is genuine cover and competition for Harry - and if we're serious about challenging for the League, when its this open we'd be crazy no to, and advancing to the latter stages of the Europa League we need more fire power, simple as that.

But do I see this happening? No, but would be great IMO.

 

[Shadydan]

First off all Klopp has been there no time at all, and one poor performance from Benteke against Newcastle is no end to judge. Look how long it took Pochettino to assess the squad here and shape it to his liking. Even yesterday Klopp admitted after the Watford game it was a mistake not to start Benteke, he's learning about the squad and all the players at his disposal - which is why I'm taking this with a huge pinch of salt anyway.

I agree that Benteke is most definitely a focal point in style forward, but that;s not to say we couldn't play the both of them at times - when its warranted. Poch has dropped Harry back into the ten position from time to time.

But what he does provide is genuine cover and competition for Harry - and if we're serious about challenging for the League, when its this open we'd be crazy no to, and advancing to the latter stages of the Europa League we need more fire power, simple as that.

But do I see this happening? No, but would be great IMO.

Klopp's been there for 2 months, he's seen him in enough games and training sessions to know if he is able to fulfill his needs from what he wants from his striker, I'd say that's more than enough time to asses him.I don't think it's about poor performances, it's about doing the basics and judging from what he has seen of Benteke it looks like he doesn't even do that therefore he doesn't fit the manager's philosophy.

The fact that he left him out of the Watford game and played with no striker tells you all you need to know.

I'm not disputing that we need more firepower, the question is who...who is going to come in and fit right into our system and offer something a little different to Kane...What we do know is that the manager is keen on players like Berahino, Martial, Ings and Perez (I think) who are a million miles away from what Benteke is so for that reason I'm not keen personally.

 

[Hengy1]

Re: Afobe. Did he play together with Alli at MK Dons? Seems to have a decent goal/game ratio at both MK Dons and Wolves...

Yes he did and they had a great understanding with each other.

 

[millsey]

I think Perez from Newcastle is a very realistic option

 

[SpursDave88]

I think Perez from Newcastle is a very realistic option

I think he is a very average player...

 

[Joshua]

Wait, where has the Benteke chat come from? Missed that.

Also on Afobe, been mentioned he's played with Alli, but I'm also pretty sure he's good mates with Kane. Same age and I believe they were in the same team when Harry was briefly at the scum (sorry to bring it up) and have come through all the England age groups together.

 

[Mr Pink]

Klopp's been there for 2 months, he's seen him in enough games and training sessions to know if he is able to fulfill his needs from what he wants from his striker, I'd say that's more than enough time to asses him.I don't think it's about poor performances, it's about doing the basics and judging from what he has seen of Benteke it looks like he doesn't even do that therefore he doesn't fit the manager's philosophy.

The fact that he left him out of the Watford game and played with no striker tells you all you need to know.

I'm not disputing that we need more firepower, the question is who...who is going to come in and fit right into our system and offer something a little different to Kane...What we do know is that the manager is keen on players like Berahino, Martial, Ings and Perez (I think) who are a million miles away from what Benteke is so for that reason I'm not keen personally.

And has since said it was probably a mistake not to start him, hence why I'm saying he's still learning.

And two months is no time at all. He may not see Benteke as his ideal forward man, but he's still a big talent who can clearly play up front on his own who offers good link up play.

If Poch was interested I'd welcome it. Klopp isn't Jesus FFS lol.

 

[mckenz]

Was dier a gamble or does poch know more about these players than we do? Dier started out as a dm. Son has played cf on his own before. Maybe just maybe poch knows exactly what he's doing and the club isn't a shambles some of us like to think it is.

The budget is tight. It will be until they stadium is built. Not aimed at you mckenz just general.

no worries, totally agree

 

[Shadydan]

And has since said it was probably a mistake not to start him, hence why I'm saying he's still learning.

And two months is no time at all. He may not see Benteke as his ideal forward man, but he's still a big talent who can clearly play up front on his own who offers good link up play.

If Poch was interested I'd welcome it. Klopp isn't Jesus FFS lol.

Neither is Poch

Of course he is going to say it was a mistake, his team got battered 3-0 and they didn't score, the fact is though he left out his only fit striker in the first place speaks volumes, he clearly doesn't rate him...do you see what I'm saying...?

Also I'm not disputing your 2nd paragraph.

 

[Deleted member 29446]

Wait, where has the Benteke chat come from? Missed that.

Look in the ITK thread.

 

[Mr Pink]

Neither is Poch

Of course he is going to say it was a mistake, his team got battered 3-0 and they didn't score, the fact is though he left out his only fit striker in the first place speaks volumes, he clearly doesn't rate him...do you see what I'm saying...?

Also I'm not disputing your 2nd paragraph.

Oh I understand what your saying perfectly, its not hard mate. But do you understand what i'm saying...just because it may appear that he doesn't want to use Benteke at the moment doesn't mean that he never will.

And furthermore, that doesn't mean Poch should be put off by the fact just because they both like the high energy approach. If Pochettino is confident in his own ability to mould Benteke's style of play who are we to argue, if that turned out to be the case. We have no idea how certain people can gel, but no point in pigeon holing everything in such a black and white manner - IMHO anyway.

 

[GutBucket]

Liverpool will want close to 30m for Benteke and that kind of money can get you better players (and with lower wages on top of that). If we want someone big and strong and proven in the prem, then Ighalo would be a much better option (I know that Watford won't sell him in January but he is worth the wait).

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

If Poch wants Benteke - then I could get on board. I just question whether Poch wants Benteke, and whether he wants to invest the kind of funds it would take to get Benteke, knowing that Liverpool clearly do not see him as a great fit in their system.

So, for me its a combination of being a bad fit tactically, and being an expensive purchase that make this a non-starter. Sure Liverpool offered Benteke, but that is a far cry from we are interested at a price Liverpool are willing to sell at.

 

[Mr Pink]

If Poch wants Benteke - then I could get on board. I just question whether Poch wants Benteke, and whether he wants to invest the kind of funds it would take to get Benteke, knowing that Liverpool clearly do not see him as a great fit in their system.

So, for me its a combination of being a bad fit tactically, and being an expensive purchase that make this a non-starter. Sure Liverpool offered Benteke, but that is a far cry from we are interested at a price Liverpool are willing to sell at.

Well that's it, isn't it....down to what Poch wants really and what he thinks he can do with/use certain players. And I don't think we'll be spending that sort of money either, regardless.

But I wouldn't read too much into whether Liverpool think he's a good fit or not, they're hardly pulling up trees without playing him, despite those two away performances - with Chelsea in turmoil and City's defense looking horrific that day.

 

[Breezer]

Liverpool will want close to 30m for Benteke and that kind of money can get you better players (and with lower wages on top of that). If we want someone big and strong and proven in the prem, then Ighalo would be a much better option (I know that Watford won't sell him in January but he is worth the wait).

How long have you been watching Ighalo? If I'm honest, I never knew anything about him until 3-4 months ago.

 

[GutBucket]

How long have you been watching Ighalo? If I'm honest, I never knew anything about him until 3-4 months ago.

Same. But same with Vardy pretty much and I would love him here. And Mahrez, Martial etc.

 

[rockyhotspur]

How long have you been watching Ighalo? If I'm honest, I never knew anything about him until 3-4 months ago.

Nobody in here probably knew much about him until last season when he joined Watford. He was excellent last year in the Championship and has continued this form into this season in the Premier League.

 

[Sandros Shiny Head]

Another Belgian?