Well, you could ask Billy Beane for that matter. The point is, managers of Shankleys calibre watched players and instinctively knew,
Aye. No disputing that. But scouting and football moves on. I've no doubt the greatest managers of the modern era could also spot a player in the same way - but they've also got bigger squads, more games, and arguably more competition now the game is properly global too. Apples and pears really.
I agree those are two positions that need reinforcing but it would be another season of struggle if that's all that was brought in. I'd add two championship level fullbacks and and another Central midfielder. Someone who can take set pieces is a must in my opinion. Lost out on so many potential points just by crap at set pieces.
When linked to players like this I now think of the case of Chaplin, whose stats before he came if I remember correctly were very underwhelming, yet you can see the energy and dynamism he brings to the side.
He was good in Bonanza and Little House on the Prary. However, he seemed to lose his way when he found God.
I remember looking at his stats and being completely underwhelmed as well. But the fact that we'd been chasing him for so long and were prepared to pay the best part of a million quid suggested that the club was to be trusted. Turns out that, unsurprisingly, they know far more about football than any of us on here do.