Xabi as an attacking force

[El Jefecito]

Thought it was interesting the way Xabi was playing in the last 15mins against sheff. Mascherano was sitting back playing the holding role while Xabi was playing in the Stevie G role.

Xabi actually seemed to do ok. I was wondering whether you guys think that he could make a go of playing there?

Can you imagine how his vision, passing, ball retention and tackling could be put to use in the final 3rd rather than from deep midfield?

I reckon its worth a try against those teams that sit back.

Stupid idea?

[Craig_H]

As long as he doesnt have a coronary when he reaches the opposition penalty box...

[Ron_Mexico]

its an interesting idea, his technique is so good he probably should score more goals. but as he plays fairly deep in midfield he doesnt get that many clear cut chances - most of his goals come from long range. the more i think about it the more i like it. let momo sit deeper and break up play like makelele while xabi plays higher up

pennant on the right, gerrard gets a free role

its a good option at least, but i wouldnt start that way

[matycowling1007]

Momo is never going to sit like makele.

[Venton]

Momo is never going to sit like makele.

I know what you mean but in time it's a role he could grow into. He's relying on his engine to get back after rampaging forward at the moment.

[Ron_Mexico]

ok. you seem very certain

[matycowling1007]

well just looking at his play i cant realy see it. hes a proper box to box midfielfer, reminds me of a scholes that cant score. to be a sitting midfielder you have to have great positional sense (something that was shown by Mascherano on saturday) and that is something that is hard to learn just ask Bolo !!

[Ron_Mexico]

well just looking at his play i cant realy see it. hes a proper box to box midfielfer, reminds me of a scholes that cant score. to be a sitting midfielder you have to have great positional sense (something that was shown by Mascherano on saturday) and that is something that is hard to learn just ask Bolo !!

he will grow into the role i think. he is too limited in the final third, he offers nothing- loose passing and poor shooting. eventually he will play deeper imo, unless he adds goals to his game. otherwise its a waste to have him that high up the pitch. his shooting technique is shocking and he doesnt have the instincts

[Harv]

Thought it was interesting the way Xabi was playing in the last 15mins against sheff. Mascherano was sitting back playing the holding role while Xabi was playing in the Stevie G role.

Xabi actually seemed to do ok. I was wondering whether you guys think that he could make a go of playing there?

Can you imagine how his vision, passing, ball retention and tackling could be put to use in the final 3rd rather than from deep midfield?

I reckon its worth a try against those teams that sit back.

Stupid idea?

Its how he plays in the Spanish midfield, and i honestly see him advancing forward with Stevie with Masher now playing.

A 4-3-3 lineup is not out of the question with Kuyt Crouch Bellamy as the strike force, it still gives us width, as Bellamy loves to drift wide, and Kuyt drifts also. Id say for the more attacking teams Xabi or Masher will be replaced with Momo.

[Laddsy]

Stupid idea?

I think its a great idea against the weaker teams. He is one of the best finishers we have so it would be stupid to think otherwise

[Red_Polo]

I can see him being used further forward in a midfield 3 at times next season, with Masher playing the deeper role.

[Laddsy]

I can see him being used further forward in a midfield 3 at times next season, with Masher playing the deeper role.

exactly

[Joe Le Toff]

Xabi doesnt have enough mobility to play that role

[AFII]

Xabi doesnt have enough mobility to play that role

Bergkamp or Zola wasn't exactly the fastest players out there.

[Joe Le Toff]

True but both were still quicker and more nimble than Xabi