After a couple of months of rumors, Team Liquid‘s CS2 roster has pulled the trigger on benching IGL cadiaN. Previously Heroic’s talisman, cadiaN has struggled to find the same impact for Team Liquid, on and off the server.
Credit: Viola Schuldner | © ESL
Naturally, this leaves Liquid in a tricky spot. Benching an AWP IGL leaves a team needing to fill two roles at once, but Liquid may already have the solution. The current rumor on the grapevine is that skullz will be sold to FURIA, leaving Liquid with its core of Twistzz, NAF, and YEKINDAR. We’re going to assume it’s true for the purposes of these points. So, what next for the Team Liquid CS2 roster now cadiaN is benched? Let’s discuss the possibilities.
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
One of the rumors floating around is that Twistzz will take up the IGL mantle for Liquid. It’s an idea he has floated, but this feels a little early to us. Right now, Liquid are in dire need of firepower, and Twistzz is the only one who has provided that lately. As with every IGL not named dev1ce, you naturally lose some individual form in the role – he only has to look at YEKINDAR sitting next to him to see how wrong it can go.
As far as rumors go, we think this is quite plausible. It gives Liquid to chance to bring in two strong players by taking up the role himself. But again, we’re just not sure it’s the right move for any party involved.
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
So cadiaN rumors start floating around, then nitr0 benches himself on M80 Valorant and instantly starts grinding FACEIT. Coincidence? Maybe. But it wouldn’t be the first time nitr0 has felt the grass is greener in Valorant, only to find it isn’t. We see a scenario where nitr0 makes another return to CS, and we’ve got no doubt Liquid would take the chance if offered.
CS2 is quite literally a whole new game to what nitr0 previously left behind. This definitely could work for Liquid, but it’ll all depend on how fast he adapts to CS2.
Credit: Stephanie Lindgren | © BLAST
If the Team Liquid CS2 roster really wants to roll out the classics, why do things in half-measures? Hear us out – Liquid s1mple and EliGE. Yes, s1mple has played just one official in CS2, but the reward is definitely higher than the risk. And EliGE? Well, he’s having his best form in years right now, so no risk there.
Whether either would want to return is a another discussion altogether, but admit it – YEKINDAR, NAF, Twistzz, EliGE, and s1mple sounds pretty spicy on paper.
Credit: Viola Schuldner | © ESL
If skullz also leaves, the Team Liquid CS2 roster will need a player that qualifies them for the NA Major RMRs. Given the dearth of talent in the AWP role in NA, it’s safe to say that Liquid will be after an EU AWPer and an Americas rifler (assuming Twistzz becomes IGL). While our s1mple and EliGE theory fits the bill in this regard, let’s think a little more realistic.
For an AWPer, you’re spoiled for choice in the EU region. Our choice would be hades. Currently on the bench at ENCE, you have to imagine he’d be available for pickup right now.
Moving on to riflers that get you into the Americas RMR, we’ve got a few spicy choices. Remember, the Valve Rulebook states that if you’ve got a tie on player regions, you get to choose which RMR you compete in. With two EU and two Americas players, choosing a player that would traditionally compete in the Asia RMR, such as an Aussie or an Israeli, could be a smart move for Liquid. Firstly, KSCERATO is about to be out of contract at FURIA, and assuming he finally wants to start winning, Liquid would be the perfect place for him. Then you’ve got someone like NertZ, who would compliment this team’s makeup perfectly. If Liquid wants an anchor for an anchor on the cheap, jks is probably the best free agent on the market right now.
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