Bale

[red g]

obviously rafa believes full backs are important hence the pursuit of alves. Once again though a full back is being raved because of his attacking prowess. Not sure of his defensive positioning and skill

[Guest]

Rafa won't buy Bale at that price, not until the DIC deal is finalized though. We'll have to see if Insua can be a better player.

[Craig_H]

i have been told bale is very high on rafas wanted list.

i guess if theres a £12m offer on the table hes going elsewhere and imo i dont want lfc spending that kind of cash on "potential".

rather see it used on established quality

Problem is, we dont use it on that either

[Guest]

Problem is, we dont use it on that either

You are clearly a miserable git mate.

[Craig_H]

You are clearly a miserable git mate.

Rather be that than a head-in-sand ostrich.

[Guest]

Rather be that than a head-in-sand ostrich.

We'll see come May who has the better analytical capability.

[Craig_H]

Will we indeed?

[Howard_lfc]

If he was being bought as a right back then I would say don't do it. However , it was mooted that Alves would play a more dynamic role on the right of midfield whilst providing cover for Finnan at right back as well then he may be worth it.

IMHO competent full backs can be bought a lot cheaper than £10m , and those that cost £10m+ do not give the team the additional value reflected in their price. I would suggest that this is particularly true for left backs , apart from Paul Breitner and maybe Andreas Brehme I can't think of any who have significantly made their team a whole lot better (you could argue for Barney's contributions for us in European competition but he didn't make that much difference consistently as opposed to other left backs we've had)

You sure? Paul Breitner?
Maybe Manny Kaltz or Hans Peter Briegel. Never thought Breitner was a full back PLY.

[slimbimjim]

henry was in the french world cup winning team and already played for juve - and cost a fair wedge. he was already close to the cream although no disputing he got better under wenger.

fabregas was also highly regarded at barca - the top player for his age attached to that club. no prizes for discovering him although applause for PERSUADING him to come

Anelka I'll give you but the vast majority of wengers key signings have cost big money (at least in wages):
bergkamp/overmars/petit/henry/pires/reyes/ljunberg//kleb/lehman etc..

only now, after 3 "bought" title-winning sides are we seeing a side dominated by his kids. take note, they lie 4th in the epl which is where they finished last season.

Woops I didn't realise Henry was a World Cup winner before he joined Arsenal. I'd never heard of him before but then I'm not footy buff.

Kolo Toure count then?