Premier League 2011-2012

[PeteC]

Well, Liverpool have a 29 year old Pepe Reina, and now a 31 year old Doni as backup. I don't know if he was primary at Roma, and perhaps he is content to sit on the bench for most of the rest of his career at Liverpool. What is the normal retirement age for a goalkeeper? Pete

[Big Boy]

I'd think at 29 and 31 they'd both be reaching their prime. Goalkeepers tend to go on to their late 30s and beyond.

[BaaBaa.]

Pepe is actually 28 and Dodi will be sat on the bench as long as Pepe is at Liverpool. He's in contention for the best keeper in the world. Dodi was first choice at Roma for years but fell out of favour for one reason or another. A solid reserve that allows our kids to go on loan.

Van der Sar just retired at 40 so Pepe has got a good 10 years left in him,(also looks much more of an athlete than VDS ever has, the guy is a beast) I'd guess at least 6 of them will be at Liverpool. He's basically a scouser.

[PeteC]

What position will Downing play at Liverpool, and will he be a regular starter? Pete

[BaaBaa.]

Downing is a fantastic crosser of the ball and will have been bought mainly to supply crosses from the left for Carroll, that could be in a front 3 or a 4 or 5 man midfield, Liverpool badly lacked width which Downing will provide.

However, he played most of last season on the right cutting in so he gives a few options especially as Dalglish sides play with lots of movement, pass and move.

He'll start more often than not.

[caller]

Gotta give it to Kenny, he sees things that others don't.

Looking forward to seeing Downing improve and demonstrate some consistency in his game, He's had 'potential' for longer than some players have careers! Even the scouse fan in the office was underwhelmed and I don't see many Villa fans bleating about his departure, unlike Young. And I would have thought Adam would be a better bet for accurate delivery onto Carrolls cranium! Still, at least we know Kenny's game plan.

What's this about Maxi leaving BaaBaa - any truth in that?

And for the Gooners, I see Fabregas is getting nearer to a move to Barca'. C'est la Vie!

[redzonerocker]

And for the Gooners, I see Fabregas is getting nearer to a move to Barca'. C'est la Vie!

Barca doing all the talking again, yawn!

If they're that serious about signing him, why haven't they come up with a serious offer ???

[caller]

And for the Gooners, I see Fabregas is getting nearer to a move to Barca'. C'est la Vie!

Barca doing all the talking again, yawn!

If they're that serious about signing him, why haven't they come up with a serious offer ???

Ha! Yes, I noticed they said their priority was for a striker! But they do seem determined and I guess its what is classed as a serious offer? Have they someone to do swapsy with?

[BaaBaa.]

I saw the opposite on the Villa boards TBH Caller, Downing was their player of the year after all. He's no marquee signing, that's for sure, but he'll improve the side.

Apparently since Downing made his debut at Boro only Gerrard, Giggs, Fabregas and Lampard have created more chances.

Not heard a thing about Maxi leaving, I'd keep him, good squad player.

[caller]

Thats an interesting stat about Downing. Lets hope he lives up to your expectations. He doesn't do it for me and never has - and it was an underwhelming Villa season!

Steve Clarke was praising up Joe Cole at the weekend, saying he's still the Cole he knew at Chelsea. I guess that means a sale is in the offing?

[redzonerocker]

Ha! Yes, I noticed they said their priority was for a striker! But they do seem determined and I guess its what is classed as a serious offer? Have they someone to do swapsy with?

Well it seems their priority is Sanchez anything from £30-40 million depending which report you read.

Barcas £27 million opening offer is not in the slightest bit serious, in fact it's an insult to Fabregas & Arsenal

As for swapsy's, probably not . . . hard cash to spend on replacing him, unfortunately they are £400 million in the red & can't afford such a big outlay.
It's also rumoured that they still owe us final payments for Henry & Hleb

[redzonerocker]

Thats an interesting stat about Downing. Lets hope he lives up to your expectations. He doesn't do it for me and never has - and it was an underwhelming Villa season!

I'm in the same school of thought, decent player, but nothing special
Certainly not in the £20 mil bracket

[BaaBaa.]

Downing was £16mill with possible addons of £2mill. Jordan Henderson was £13 mill with possible addons of £3 mill.

The press don't mind the odd £11'000'000 difference from the real figures for headlines though. So let's just say they were £20 mill each until it becomes fact.

[dtaai-maai]

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all Liverpool fans at the sad 0-3 loss to Hull. I know it was only a friendly, but they must all be feeling terribly gutted. It is at times like this that all football fans, regardless of allegiance, should stand together and extend the hand of friendship to others in their sorrow. You'll never wa- oh, never mind...

[GLCQuantum]

^

Though only a friendly I am starting to think that Carragher being in my Fantasy League team was possibly a mistake and may just have to be replaced with someone else for 4 mil

I AM going to stick with Saurez coming good though