Koogan

Well this other Finnish lad (a CB, I believe) has already been on trial in Italy (Milan and Chievo) with Dalla Valle, so I don't think he's a complete waste of space (in his age group). You never know, he just might turn out to be the new Hyypiä... or the new Kippe... As for schooling/education, I have no idea how these things work, maybe they use the Internet and attend classes via webcam or have private teachers.

Apparently Malcolm Elias has invited another young lad called Johannes Mononen from Dalla Valle's club (and the U-15 national team) to Liverpool. Further details of the 'visit' or 'trial' were not disclosed, there was just the above snippet on Jippo's homepage... Could be a plot to lure Dalla Valle here by letting him bring a mate with him. Or he could be a decent player on his own right...

You got that one wrong, Kroldrup paid a visit to Everton not us.

Maybe Kev knows something

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Nah, not THAT strange. I have it down as £352,000...

It's grey... and the music is terrible

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Sami had some thigh trouble already before the match and it got worse. Out for Wednesday but thankfully, that's not a problem. (Source Finnish text tv, straight from the man himself, quotes and all...)

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No, I'd prefer a Cheeky Jan bid myself, to be honest

He was suspended for a few games in Sweden after punching an opponent. Sums it up, really...

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From the BBC web page footbal gossip column: "Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has been told his future at the club could be as a holding midfielder. (Times) " I wonder who told him that, a journo?

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He's from Joensuu apparently, which is a smallish town in the eastern part of Finland. He is half Italian and hence the name Dalla Valle. I'm sure he and Sami can both speak Finnish and even understand each other... BUT. He hasn't signed yet and there are no guarantees that he will do so. Who can blame him, it's a big step for 15-year old to commit oneself. However, he stated that everything was great, the facilities are the best he's seen so far and people were really friendly. He played for the academy side against Blackburn a few days ago, scored one and assisted the other goal in a 2-1 victory.

Found some info from the homepage of his Finnish club (www.jippo.fi): Liverpool offers a contract to Lauri! 27.11.2006 Lauri's visit to Liverpool was successful and he's been offered a four-year contract to join Liverpool FC! The week long trip was no longer about testing Lauri's abilities but to give him a presentation on the club's operation. Lauri can join the Liverpool academy immediately and the contract is waiting for Lauri's signature. Chief of the academy, Steve Heighway, stated that everything is OK on the club's part. Liverpool scout Ian Barringan thinks that one year in the academy is sufficient for Lauri. After that he can move to Melwood where Liverpool's reserves and 1st team train. Very quick and dirty translation, BTW

I can't make such a comment based on just one game. And I'm sure you realise that we all do not see him action week in week out. Playacting is still a no no

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Watched the rest of the match and Bilbao were all over Sevilla in the second half but only scored once and Fabiano made it 3-1 with the last kick of the game (and the goalie looked extremely iffy again, BTW a betting man perhaps?) Anyway, had a proper look at Alves and I thought he was surprisingly solid defensively and dangerous as always going forward. However, he looked too much of a drama queen for my liking. On two occasions he tried to con the ref into booking an opponent but failed.

Which is one of the reason for the long balls aka 'hoofs', IMHO. And people should not talk about 'hoofing' when the ball is 'cleared'.