Is there a future for the....

[anfieldanfield]

......Gerrard/Alonso central midfield partnership ?

Ever since it was tried, and spectacularly failed, in Istanbul, I've got a strong sense that Rafa is reluctant to utilize it, using it only in matches at Anfield against considerably weaker opposition. The way Xabi and Stevie both pushed high and Kaka played 'in between the lines', of the midfield and defence that night, was devastating and ultimately, I believe, lead to a influential change in Rafa's thinking.

Ideally, Stevie's best position is playing with a holding midfielder, such as Momo or Didi, allowing him freedom to roam, safe in the knowledge there's a man behind him, mopping up.

Xabi, however, is not ideally suited to the Didi role, he's better playing a bit further forward, and it's diffiucult to argue that the Sissoko - Alonso partnership has been a somewhat unexpected success.

Is there any time this season then, that we'll see both Stevie and Xabi playing together in the center, with Momo looking on from the bench ?

Hmmm.....

[DeeGame]

cannot see it happening jamo, Too many times it has failed, besides you get the best from stevie & xabi when they are less prohibited by their defensive duties.

[dww]

Momo doesn't hold. It's not just me - Rafa has said it in interviews. Gradually Alonso is evolving into a top class holding player - he got better and better at it last year. I can see Gerrard being used as a more attacking alternative to Momo in games where it is needed, especially if Alonso continues to improve as a holding player.

[WILF]

Well Xabi put in a lot ( the most) tackles last season, and is improving in the physical aspect of his game each year, so maybe he can develop into a better holding player than Didi.
Of course he needs more experience and coaching in certain areas of his game but eventually the Xabi/Stevie partnership could be fantastic.
We are spoilt for choice in the midfield with Momo as well
Possibilities !!!

[G_Man]

I think if Momo is fit and available he will play and obviously the same goes for Gerrard and Xabi. I don't think it's a case of Xabi and gerrard doesn't work, I think it's a case that Momo gives Gerrard license to bomb forward and that is the way we get the best out of Gerrard.
Gerrard doesn't fail when he plays with Lampturd for England, he's just not as BRILLIANT as he is when he's allowed to bomb forward for LFC.
I believe it's just a case that if Momo plays, Gerrard plays better. Momo and Xabi have such great workrates that it allows Gerrard to be at his brilliant best.

[El Jefecito]

......Gerrard/Alonso central midfield partnership ?

Ever since it was tried, and spectacularly failed, in Istanbul, I've got a strong sense that Rafa is reluctant to utilize it, using it only in matches at Anfield against considerably weaker opposition. The way Xabi and Stevie both pushed high and Kaka played 'in between the lines', of the midfield and defence that night, was devastating and ultimately, I believe, lead to a influential change in Rafa's thinking.

Ideally, Stevie's best position is playing with a holding midfielder, such as Momo or Didi, allowing him freedom to roam, safe in the knowledge there's a man behind him, mopping up.

Xabi, however, is not ideally suited to the Didi role, he's better playing a bit further forward, and it's diffiucult to argue that the Sissoko - Alonso partnership has been a somewhat unexpected success.

Is there any time this season then, that we'll see both Stevie and Xabi playing together in the center, with Momo looking on from the bench ?

Hmmm.....

Like you I think we will undoubtedly play Xabi and Stevie G together quite a bit against the weaker teams where we go with a 442(1-1). A couple of reasons for that

Stevie won't be needed on the right so much.
Two defensive midfielders is just overkill in a lot of cases.


BTW On the Istanbul issue I think we have found the perfect replacement for the Didi role in that game. Pepe Reina. Now I know you all are going to think I'm crazy but here is my rationale.

The latter two goals were conceded as a result of us having to push the defensive line up much higher (according to Carra as well). Doing that obviously opens yourself up to the counter attack and let's face it Kaka is masterful at setting up the counter. Look at Dudeks positioning on both those attacks he was essentially on the line.

Now think back to how we protected ourselves when playing a high line last year. Pepe the sweeper, I believe that Milan would have found it much harder to cement those attacks as Pepe would have been out to nip them in the bud.

Thats why I think the two defensive midfielders are not as important as you might at first think.

Surely a grain of common sense in that?

[El Jefecito]

I think if Momo is fit and available he will play and obviously the same goes for Gerrard and Xabi. I don't think it's a case of Xabi and gerrard doesn't work, I think it's a case that Momo gives Gerrard license to bomb forward and that is the way we get the best out of Gerrard.
Gerrard doesn't fail when he plays with Lampturd for England, he's just not as BRILLIANT as he is when he's allowed to bomb forward for LFC.
I believe it's just a case that if Momo plays, Gerrard plays better. Momo and Xabi have such great workrates that it allows Gerrard to be at his brilliant best.
The other reason that Gerrard is better when Momo is playing is that Momo plays higher up the pitch and so he gains posession in a far more advanced position than Xabi would. Stevie in and around the box is a far more dangerous proposition than when he's running from deep.

[Gavzie]

This season will be different to last IMO

We have more potency down the wings which means Stevie can focus more on his cntral role which in turn will allow Xabi to snuggle up behind. The two of them together are too inteligent and skilfull for this not to work.

I agree in essecnce with your comments but its all change as of now, especially if we get pennant.:)

[Ryan_Derrick]

Xabi has, IMO, improved alot in the year since that amazing night in Istanbul. By that I mean he's added more to his game and is now more than capable of playing the 'holdong' role. He was one of the EPL's top takler's last season and if he continues to improve(this side of his game) I see no reason why they cannot develop into the finest CM pairing in Europe/the World.
Against the top sides, especially away from home, there could be a case to play all three in a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 formation.

[Diego]

i think gerrard and alonso will feature together only at anfield, or easy away games, i think gerrard in the freerole behind a single striker with quick wingers (gonzales and ?) and a solid midfield of alonso and momo is our best option and it will bring thebest out of his aswell...

[Red_Polo]

Perhaps European games too

[rcasemore]

Be interesting to see the line up for the 1st game of the season and what type of formation we end up playing, I think we could and will end up with perhaps 3 or 4 different systems being played dependant on the opposition.

Big Labowski drinking a white russian if I am not mistaken :rolleyes:

[Red_Polo]

Big Labowski drinking a white russian if I am not mistaken :rolleyes:

Thumbs up

Although it's not actually the Big Lebowski, he's the other Lebowski, the deadbeat Lebowski, The Dude :D

[rcasemore]

ahhhh my mistake the DUde, what a film thouGH :D

[Red_Polo]

Indeed mate, indeed

[Guest]

If momo isn't holding, who'll be cover for Alonso ? Bolo ? Hardly good cover methinks.

[Red_Polo]

Paletta can play holding midfield so I understand

Momo might be better off out chasing the ball higher up the pitch but I do think he can do the job there anyway

[kurtangle01]

i think that we were at our best last season when momo and xabi played together in the middle of the park and stevie out on the right. i can't see any reason to change those 3 unless one is injured or basicallyjust needs a rest. if jermaine pennant has signed then he's going to have his work cut out to get a regular starting place.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Alonso's game has changed a lot since Istanbul.

He developed as a Holding player Last season, and I can see him play the DM role more this season.

I still believe that Xabi was bought as a replacement for Gerrard, but with Gerrard staying, Rafa has given him a more defensive Midfield Role. He's such a Great player and Has adapted very well to his new role