Agree, Rudiger is in a league of his own on that score.
Saliba is the class act and I would say that he is on a par, maybe slightly better than VVD at present.
As pairings, I don't think there is much between the 2 sets of CB's & prime Stones/Diaz would be there also.
On the whole National Anthem thing, I really don't get it, but then I'm originally from Cheshire so as a "plastic" I never understood that. However, the finals I went to back at the old Wembley I can never actually recall there being any booing. A case of peer pressure and joining in with something that many simply don't understand. On that I speak from experience. I recall going away at Spurs a couple of times mid 80s and partaking of some of the chants. I think back now and cringe at how utterly stupid I was ( I would put that down to the naivety of youth )
First. I like it here. There are a majority with footballing views, willing to engage in conversation, despite who one supports. We don't always agree, then I don't always agree with people from my own fanbase! Especially about Saliba!
The fact that there's such a wide range of different fanbases, means one gets to take in a lot of different views on situations.
There really isn't a lot to 'understand'. It is obvious. I believe that there are many on this forum who know it is obvious. Some appear to read every article about Liverpool, then 'act dumb', as if testing one on the knowledge of ones own club, ready to spring into action! Those are the very people who, appear to, prefer point scoring about certain incidents rather than doing something constructive. I am yet to see, some, become embroiled in a football conversation! A minority, show chinks in their armour, from time to time, I think that could be a trap though! lol
Perhaps it is all done in a bid to get one to react and spout bile back at them. Some kind of test. Much like, a possible, old witch test! IF he flies - He is a WUM. IF he falls to his death - He is a WUM weighed down by his net spend trophy!
edit: I hope that many will understand that this is meant in good humour. It is not meant to be taken too seriously.