Mascherano is a Red and he can play for us!

[Guest]

I also think that Rafa has Momo and Stevie as being in the same mould (though Momo has a lot to live up to in attacking sense if he's compared to Stevie). But the fact is that they're both 'impact' players, with great athleticism and with the stamina to run all game.

On the other hand, Xabi and Mascherano are more brainy type of players, who are excellent passers of the ball, so Rafa has covered both positions.

[Guest]

And Stevie won't be our long term solution for the right wing. We'll most probably see Alves being signed this summer and provide competition to Pennnant for that right wing slot.

[Bob]

I find it a touch unbelievable that some people are complaining about having an international class midfielder added to the ranks. I don't think the Chelsea situation is remotely relevant either.

Ballack rocked the midfield at Chelsea. And what a midfield...

Essien Makalele Lampard: They played virtually 100% of all PL games (when not injured and then rested when the league is in the bag). That's 100% or damm close. Also when involved in most of the major comps to later stages.

4 international CMs is unnecessary.

[Guest]

Ballack rocked the midfield at Chelsea. And what a midfield...

Essien Makalele Lampard: They played virtually 100% of all PL games (when not injured and then rested when the league is in the bag). That's 100% or damm close. Also when involved in most of the major comps to later stages.

4 international CMs is unnecessary.

The problem at Chelsea is that Maureen plays with 4 Central Midfielders and accommodates all of them in his team sheet, which completely undoes the balance of the team.

You won't see Rafa doing that and play without wingers at all.

[Bob]

Savvy veterans like Hamann aren't ten a penny, and Mascherano IS a talented youngster. 22 is young to me.

Yes of course Mascherano is literally a young player, but me and Neil are talking about a player coming through the ranks.

Mascherano is very much a proven International who commands more than 15 PL games a season.

[Guest]

Yes of course Mascherano is literally a young player, but me and Neil are talking about a player coming through the ranks.

Mascherano is very much a proven International who commands more than 15 PL games a season.

It's all about competition mate and Javier Mascherano has it all still to prove in the premier league. Rafa's ideally wants two top class players to cover for each position and he's clearly getting there.

[Bob]

The problem at Chelsea is that Maureen plays with 4 Central Midfielders and accommodates all of them in his team sheet, which completely undoes the balance of the team.

You won't see Rafa doing that and play without wingers at all.

He did that a few times and it's obviously wrong... But...

............Drogba

......Robben.....Duff

Essien...............Lampard
..........Makalele

Was formidable and destroyed teams.

[Armchairkopite]

Surely we'd be better off with a savvy veteran like Hamann or a talented youngster.

Marcherano is only 22

[Lucky]

Xabi picked up a suspension tonight, great to know that we could have mascherano in his place against the barcodes.

[lfc4ever]

Xabi picked up a suspension tonight, great to know that we could have mascherano in his place against the barcodes.

That just makes you chuckle with glee doesn't it?

[Shaggy]

The problem at Chelsea is that Maureen plays with 4 Central Midfielders and accommodates all of them in his team sheet, which completely undoes the balance of the team.

You won't see Rafa doing that and play without wingers at all.

Exactly. Mourinho shoehorns them all into the team, at the expense of the team's balance. Anyone who thinks Rafa would do the same is clearly nuts.

[Shaggy]

That just makes you chuckle with glee doesn't it?

Well it is great to have such back up, no? At the time I went "OH ****", and then thought "Ooh, well Sissoko should be back then...". And then we went "MASCHERANO!!".

But of course, it'd be better if we could bring in a veteran like Zenden, or a youngster like Potter.

Onwards and upwards.

[Bob]

Exactly. Mourinho shoehorns them all into the team, at the expense of the team's balance. Anyone who thinks Rafa would do the same is clearly nuts.

No one is though.

The point is that CMs can play nearly ALL games in a season.

4 international class CMs and above is unnecessary.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Well it is great to have such back up, no? At the time I went "OH ****", and then thought "Ooh, well Sissoko should be back then...". And then we went "MASCHERANO!!".

But of course, it'd be better if we could bring in a veteran like Zenden, or a youngster like Potter.

Onwards and upwards.

I meant better players than that.

I don't think this lad will like sitting on the bench most weeks.

[Shaggy]

I meant better players than that.

I don't think this lad will like sitting on the bench most weeks.

We'll see, but I think he'll get plenty of games.