Barca after Alonso

[Red Chilli]

Disagree.
I think he is a key player.
After SG, he is our most important midfielder.

I understand that many on here rate Momo, but I think he is overrated. Just my opinion.

As for Mascher, he has played one game for us and one sub appearance. Putting him ahead of Xabi, who has been an established player here for years, in the pecking order is very premature.

But why would Rafa buy him if he didn't want to play him?
I think there could be a case for Xabi being a bit pissed off with the signing of Mascherano as both of them are central midfielders who don't have the versatility to play elsewhere which Gerrard does.
I don't want Xabi to go.
I don't think he will go, I think this rumour is made up.
But it wouldn't surprise me if he did go as his form this season has been poor.

[Red Chilli]

I don't think Xabi will leave. Sissoko is the one that probably will get to play less games next season.

Strongly disagree with that

[Red Chilli]

I can't believe how much people take Xabi for granted. Since he signed he has shown class, maturity and professionalism years beyond his age, he will only get better as he refines his art. When Xabi looks like he's had a bad game he has still put his foot in more than any other player on the pitch, and more than likely produced the most incisive pass in the match (see Chelsea @ Stamford Bridge).

In my opinion, we would be incredibly foolish to let Xabi go for any realistically receivable transfer fee, regardless of what everyone thinks of Mascherano's potential (the lad has played one game for the club). And why does everyone seem to be of the opinion that a central midfielder will be sold? We can keep all four of them (Zenden doesn't count) happy; considering the number of games we have to play through the season they will all get a game.

We all know that Rafa likes to play Momo virtually every game and he never seems to tire.
IMO Xabi and Maschareno are in direct competition for the other place and Gerrard will find himself on the right most of the season.

[anfieldanfield]

I can't believe how much people take Xabi for granted. Since he signed he has shown class, maturity and professionalism years beyond his age, he will only get better as he refines his art. When Xabi looks like he's had a bad game he has still put his foot in more than any other player on the pitch, and more than likely produced the most incisive pass in the match (see Chelsea @ Stamford Bridge).

His best season for us was his first season.

He hasn't played as well for us since then, in my opinion.

[AFII]

Sissokos strenghts is his ball winning, tackling and very hard work.

Alonso more or less works as hard as him, is a better ball winner and better tackler. You can then add Xabis passing game.

Xabi is miles better than Sissoko right now.

The difference between Mascherano and Xabi is that Xabi is the the better tackler.

Sissoko is good to have against some teams but Xabi and Mascherano is players you can use against any team in the World.

[Red Chilli]

Sissokos strenghts is his ball winning, tackling and very hard work.

Alonso more or less works as hard as him, is a better ball winner and better tackler. You can then add Xabis passing game.

Xabi is miles better than Sissoko right now.

The difference between Mascherano and Xabi is that Xabi is the the better tackler.

Sissoko is good to have against some teams but Xabi and Mascherano is players you can use against any team in the World.

Why did we sign Mascherano then?

Sissoko may not be a better player than Xabi, I strongly disagree that Xabi is a better ball winner. Momo's strength for me is his ability to break up opposition attacks, not specifically his ball winning. There is no way that Xabi is as effective as Momo at this.
it's all down to Rafa and from where I'm sitting, Rafa seems to prefer Momo.

[Joe Le Toff]

We all know that Rafa likes to play Momo virtually every game and he never seems to tire.
IMO Xabi and Maschareno are in direct competition for the other place and Gerrard will find himself on the right most of the season.

I agree, which is why i think that Rafa wont bring in a right half/winger this season, if Alves was to come then it would be for right back.

More chance of a left mid coming in next season with Gerrard being out on the right, i think Kewell could well leave.

[NICKZS]

We all know that Rafa likes to play Momo virtually every game and he never seems to tire.
IMO Xabi and Maschareno are in direct competition for the other place and Gerrard will find himself on the right most of the season.

We also know that Rafa likes to rotate his team, and that includes the central midfield, never mind the formation which could accomodate 3 central midfielders if we played with wing-backs so I don't believe that there is only room in the squad for either Alonso or Mascherano. Also we are in a position to make sure we have sufficient cover for the season and, as we have seen this season, we miss any one of our central midfielders when they are out.

Personally, I think we miss Alonso more than practically any other player when he is not playing.

[Red Chilli]

We also know that Rafa likes to rotate his team, and that includes the central midfield, never mind the formation which could accomodate 3 central midfielders if we played with wing-backs so I don't believe that there is only room in the squad for either Alonso or Mascherano. Also we are in a position to make sure we have sufficient cover for the season and, as we have seen this season, we miss any one of our central midfielders when they are out.

Personally, I think we miss Alonso more than practically any other player when he is not playing.

Hmm I'd probably say Carra first.

[anfieldanfield]

We all know that Rafa likes to play Momo virtually every game and he never seems to tire.
IMO Xabi and Maschareno are in direct competition for the other place and Gerrard will find himself on the right most of the season.

I think that's bang on.

[tomasjj]

Mascher is competition for Xabi and the other central mids. Agreed.

Xabi is a class pro though, and he would take it on the chin and rise to the challenge, not moan and jump ship. All imo, of course.

He could use a rest now and again and someone who pushes him for his place, cue - Mascher.
Before we signed Masch, and after we let Didi go, we didn't have someone else than Xabi who could play the holding midfielder role well. It's not Xabi's natural role either, but he was our best choice to do that job.

[Shaggy]

I can't believe how much people take Xabi for granted. Since he signed he has shown class, maturity and professionalism years beyond his age, he will only get better as he refines his art. When Xabi looks like he's had a bad game he has still put his foot in more than any other player on the pitch, and more than likely produced the most incisive pass in the match (see Chelsea @ Stamford Bridge).

In my opinion, we would be incredibly foolish to let Xabi go for any realistically receivable transfer fee, regardless of what everyone thinks of Mascherano's potential (the lad has played one game for the club). And why does everyone seem to be of the opinion that a central midfielder will be sold? We can keep all four of them (Zenden doesn't count) happy; considering the number of games we have to play through the season they will all get a game.

I think Rafa sees Xabi as pivotal to the way we play. Key player.

[tomasjj]

Personally, I think we miss Alonso more than practically any other player when he is not playing.

Agreed.

Even more than SG actually.
Many might not agree with this, but I think so.
When Xabi is out we look a much poorer team.

[Shaggy]

Agreed.

Even more than SG actually.
Many might not agree with this, but I think so.
When Xabi is out we look a much poorer team.

[AFII]

Agreed.

Even more than SG actually.
Many might not agree with this, but I think so.
When Xabi is out we look a much poorer team.