It’s no secret that Team Liquid haven’t achieved their desired start to their 2017 NA LCS Spring Split. Having introduced star Jungler Kim “Reignover” Ui-jin to combine with Korean veteran Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin, it looked on paper as if Liquid would be a top contender for the title. However, after completing their 5th week of LCS fixtures and finding themselves tied for last place, Team Liquid are looking at some possible roster changes to turn their split around.
Liquid’s Co-owner, Steve “Liquid112” Arhancett hosted a Facebook question and answer session to clear up the uncertainty that has been troubling the TL fanbase:
“We’re doing the very best we can with the narrow options…
“Here’s the thing, at the end of this, at the end of this testing week, we may decide that maybe all of these options suck.”
Steve “Liquid112” Arhancett
In their current state of desperation, Team Liquid are admittedly open to trying anything – potentially even shifting Piglet into the mid lane! It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Piglet has only been playing mid lane in his solo queue practice, duoing with Reignover. Meanwhile, Liquid’s Support Matt “Matt” Elento has been only duoing with the supposedly rejected Austin “Link” Shin in the bot lane.
Team Liquid fans are generally pleased to see the organization finally make the tough choices required to change their fortunes. It appears to be the end for Mid laner Greyson “Goldenglue” Gilmer:
“We recognize that Goldenglue is underperforming on the roster.
“We understand the damage dealt in teamfights associated with that. We understand that the meta is very different than where our strengths lie as a team.”
Steve “Liquid112” Arhancett
Throughout the session, both Team Liquid’s fans and management pitched a number of potential options for revitalising the team.
These are the best five options for turning Team Liquid’s season around:
Danny “Shiphtur” Lee
It is a certainty that Greyson "Goldenglue" Gilmer will be missing from the Liquid lineup moving forward. Although stating they currently aren't in talks with Danny "Shiphtur" Lee, he has been one of the more consistent North American mid laners and could be someone Liquid turn to in their time of need. A bonus of signing Shiphtur is not only his mounds of experience but the fact he is a native American so he does not consume an import slot.
Lyonel “Arcsecond” Pfaender
Lyonel "Arcsecond" Pfaender has played for multiple high level teams, including the challenger TSM lineup and Winterfox.
He has always remained as a sub for these teams however.
Arcsecond provides options for Team Liquid in both the jungle and the mid lane, seemingly a natural fit as part of a roster shuffle.
Kevin “Konkwon” Koo Hyok Kwon
Kevin "Konkwon" Koo Hyok Kwon is guaranteed to be on the roster at least as a sub, he was signed by the organization in February of 2017. Having previously played for NRG Esports and Apex gaming, many thought he would replace Matt when he was first signed onto the team, but he is yet to make his Team Liquid debut.
Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin
Although it seems like Team Liquid would never leave their star AD Carry behind. It's no secret that Chae "Piglet" Gwang-jin hasn't adapted to the new utility meta all that well. Although Piglet isn't going anywhere, he has been playing an impressive amount of his practice time in the middle lane. This caused speculation that Piglet would be moving to the mid lane and replacing Greyson "Goldenglue" Gilmer. Before shining as an ADC, Piglet used to main Mid Lane. The question is can he relearn the role fast enough to save his team?
Austin “Link” Shin
Austin "Link" Shin has been a question mark for Team Liquid since their season began. Originally he was meant to share the mid lane with Goldenglue, however according to the management, Link wasn't performing as they'd hoped in scrims so he was removed from the starting line up.
Link remains signed to the team in the hopes that eventually his work on the sideline will earn him a spot in the lineup.
The former CLG man has been playing a lot of ADC recently, which has led people to believe if Piglet is going to been playing mid lane, Link will be his replacement at ADC.
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