Xabi as an attacking force

[El Jefecito]

Xabi doesnt have enough mobility to play that role

Frank Lampturd is hardly mobile is he.

[dww]

Frank Lampturd is hardly mobile is he.

Although I slightly disagree, Franks movement is very good, if limited. He is one of the best players at carrying the ball from the holding midfielder to attack in the PL. The only players comparable is Scholes and Gerrard and Gerrard is much less disciplined in the way he defends.

I think the Lampard comparison is however very good. I think Xabi would be ideal at that role. Much better passer than Lampard and with a good long range shot aswell.

[El Jefecito]

I think Xabi's greatest strength in that role will be his vision and final defence splitting ball to the attackers. I can't think of anyone that could do that better, Fabregas maybe, but Xabi has so much more to his game (tackling ball retention etc).

I hope Rafa gives it a go.

[Joe Le Toff]

Frank Lampturd is hardly mobile is he.

Thats quite correct but then Lampard doesnt play as an "in the hole" link midfielder does he?

[El Jefecito]

Thats quite correct but then Lampard doesnt play as an "in the hole" link midfielder does he?

Fwank plays in the same role that I am advocating for Xabi. I didn't mean that Xabi should play in the hole that wouldn't suit his game.

I see Xabi as a Fwank who can pass, tackle, retain the ball, pick nice through passes etc. He really would wipe the floor with Lampturd.

[Joe Le Toff]

Fwank plays in the same role that I am advocating for Xabi. I didn't mean that Xabi should play in the hole that wouldn't suit his game.

I see Xabi as a Fwank who can pass, tackle, retain the ball, pick nice through passes etc. He really would wipe the floor with Lampturd.

Agreed, especially due to the fact that on passing ability alone Xabi is twice the player Lampard is

[El Jefecito]

Agreed, especially due to the fact that on passing ability alone Xabi is twice the player Lampard is

I really hope Rafa gives Xabi a go in that role. He would blow Fabregas and Fwank away. And to have El Jefe and Momo tidying up around you, well that would be just awesome.

[bazza76]

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?

I wouldn't be trying to covert him, he could do with a little practice like Rafa gave him cos we will find ourselves chasing games the odd time. But.
For the future his only realistic position is holding midfield.

[einar]

Xabi is to slow to play that role, both in terms of acceleration and pace. Lampard is much more mobile. Mostly because you need to track back and you have to defend in a much larger area. I´m not saying he could not do it but we have better players to do that job and he is our best holding midfielder.

As for Momo, just wait and see. I think starting from next season well will start seeing him scoring a few goals. He will improve his shooting, and you will see that he really has the vision to see that killer pass. And he will develop the focus and calm to pull those passes of. Add to this Momos ability to win the ball high up on the pitch he will be a better option for that role. Better then Xabi and Lampard.

[El Jefecito]

As for Momo, just wait and see. I think starting from next season well will start seeing him scoring a few goals. He will improve his shooting, and you will see that he really has the vision to see that killer pass. And he will develop the focus and calm to pull those passes of. Add to this Momos ability to win the ball high up on the pitch he will be a better option for that role. Better then Xabi and Lampard.

I hope you are right. Momo is my favorite player

[Mr Tourette]

The guy's a legend - awesome footballer - but if youre being really critical he has to score more than he does...scoring from your own half doesnt count double.