Barca after Alonso

[tomasjj]

[tomasjj]

[NICKZS]

His best season for us was his first season.

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

I agree that his first season was his best, simply due to the fact that he was more incredible than any of us could have anticipated. Since then he has had trouble garnering the same kind of response from his football, due in no small part to the role he has had to play in breaking up oppositions' attacks since Hamann left. He is consistently our top tackler and top passer (with, by the way, the highest success rate) and doesn't get the kind of appreciation he deserves, in my opinion.

I don't know if it is just something I see in Alonso or what, but I cannot understand how people can undermine his worth to the squad when it is clear he is one of the most useful and talented players in there.

[Red Chilli]

[NICKZS]

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

Funny that you should use that word because I believe that is exactly what Alonso is to the team. He acts as a central pivot through which almost all the creativity comes.

[kemm1]

Funny that you should use that word because I believe that is exactly what Alonso is to the team. He acts as a central pivot through which almost all the creativity comes.

I agree

[bazza76]

I agree.

It's a myth that the top clubs dont sell their best players.

The mancs recently sold Beckham and Ruud and came out stronger....

they were both in the twilight of the carreer.
I know they are still playing well, but they also both had the off the field problems with SLur alex aswell, its not the same thing as comparing the to the Alonso Rafa relationship

[Red Chilli]

I think Beckham wanted to go anyway. If Xabi does then that would be the only way I could see him going.

[NICKZS]

they were both in the twilight of the carreer.
I know they are still playing well, but they also both had the off the field problems with SLur alex aswell, its not the same thing as comparing the to the Alonso Rafa relationship

It's completely different. If we are honest, there is no way that Beckham and Van Nistlerooy were the best players in the Man U team at the times they were sold. Ask Ferguson if he wants to sell Rooney and Ronaldo and then maybe you can get an idea of how willing Ferguson is to "sell his best players"

[bazza76]

It's completely different. If we are honest, there is no way that Beckham and Van Nistlerooy were the best players in the Man U team at the times they were sold. Ask Ferguson if he wants to sell Rooney and Ronaldo and then maybe you can get an idea of how willing Ferguson is to "sell his best players"

RVN was not irreplacable, dispite the fact that we have been crying out for that kind of player for far too many seasons now.
the most important part of a feguson team is someone who can express themselves from a midfield position ala ronaldo, rooney, giggs scholes etc
whatever about the tactics, there is not too much you can do about a genuine world class tallent coming at you from the wings or wherever. Man U style can cope without a RVN.

[Shaggy]

Funny that you should use that word because I believe that is exactly what Alonso is to the team. He acts as a central pivot through which almost all the creativity comes.

That's why I used that word.

[NICKZS]

RVN was not irreplacable, dispite the fact that we have been crying out for that kind of player for far too many seasons now.
the most important part of a feguson team is someone who can express themselves from a midfield position ala ronaldo, rooney, giggs scholes etc
whatever about the tactics, there is not too much you can do about a genuine world class tallent coming at you from the wings or wherever. Man U style can cope without a RVN.

If Ferguson thought that Van Nistelrooy was indispensible then he wouldn't have sold him no matter how badly they were getting along, full stop. Saha did very well when he came in to deputise for him, even when RVN was the league's top scorer, so I don't think Ferguson was overly bothered with selling him. Whereas the drunken Scotsman would move hell and high water to ensure Rooney and Ronaldo, their most influential players, stayed with the club.

That's why I used that word.

[carrsim]

interesting stuff

i do think that he would be the perfect foil for the rest of the barca midfield.
his ability to sit and read attacks and then get play moving is it has to be said probably slightly better suited to spain than england
him and a world class stopper for the back 4 and they would be even stronger than now

i wouldn't be surprised if xabi went this summer. i'd be very upset though as he is a class act on and off the pitch. however, there are 2 ways he could go

1. he wants to leave
2. rafa leaves for madrid

i can't see rafa wanting to sell him regardless of who else he has or will signed

[The Glove]

If we win the European Cup i wouldnt be surprised if Alonso left.

[murder_inc]

I dont think Rafa expected Momo to be as instrumental as he has been. I think it was more of a case of, Valencia are selling Momo, Id rather have him than let Everton get thier grubby hands on him ' Sort of thing and its left Rafa with a problem. A good problem - but a problem all the same.

I personally feel that Xabi will go if Barca come in for him. It would be a shame and I really would wish him all the best. At the end of the day he would never sign for Madrid and if he did it would be purely money motivated imo. Not Many Basque' play for Madrid and Xabi seems like a good kid who would go where it felt right for him. Although i would really hope he would stay.