Momo ??

[Gaz]

Ahhhrhrgh! Look at your post count! Make another post, quick!

[Mumsafan]

I wonder if he could be re-trained as a defender?
We need a gangly injury-prone can't-pass-for-toffee bambi on ice to replace Djimi Traore!

Did he not start off as a defender?

[einar]

IMHO he must improve next season. Now lets not forget that players can improve their passing and composure til the age of 27. So if he does he can become the next Desailly. ( When he played DCM ) I think Rafa is playing him up there in the midfield to help him improve and if he does he will eventually be moved back where he will play alone against lesser teams or with Masher or Alonso by his side. Many players in these positions ( CD, CDM ) mostly dont really come into their own until at the age of 25.

But he will not be given until he is 25 IMO. I think he must improve next season or he is off.

[einar]

Did he not start off as a defender?

He was playing right back for Valencia.

[sambirken]

Momo started out as a striker,whether or not Rafa bought him as a striker for Valencia I'm not sure but I think he did.

I remember hearing that Momo was forced to play in midfield due to injuries during a pre season friendly and Rafa was amazed by his work rate in the center and converted him after that.

I could be wrong but that what I'm sure I heard/read somewhere.

Oh and welcome gwdy.

heard the same... and it puts a question mark over rafas ability to spot a good striker!!!! surely hes a gash striker

[Cleo]

For the time being we can only count on having Mascherano around for another season but has a possible transfer fee ever been mentioned regarding him and MSI?
I'd be over the moon if we can keep him on a long term basis

[CincyRed]

Just look at his contribution on Wednesday. With Gerrard practically playing as a striker, Momo was in the advanced role in the center of the park and he got himself into several good positions but was never able to finsih one off. Rafa must have seen this and moved Gerrard back where, surprise he got a goal. Playing in that advanced role he was very poor and Gerrard would probably have scored twice in the first half if he had been in those positions.

[gwdy]

I'm glad no one thought I was a nut, roll on Wigan and then Momo will no doubt have the opportunity to slay some chavs next week.

Thanks for the welcome

[red g]

For the time being we can only count on having Mascherano around for another season but has a possible transfer fee ever been mentioned regarding him and MSI?
I'd be over the moon if we can keep him on a long term basis

We will keep him on a long term basis i am sure. We would not have got him on an 18month contract if we hadnt agreed a fixxed fee suitable to both parties when he came in my oppinion

[sambirken]

RAFA...."It was more my fault than his, but at the end of the day people must remember he is 22-years-old and has done a very good job, a fantastic job, for two seasons and we must support him.”

[Maestro]

RAFA...."It was more my fault than his, but at the end of the day people must remember he is 22-years-old and has done a very good job, a fantastic job, for two seasons and we must support him.”

I'm not going to support him - that young man has got a very well paid job and he should be financially independent at this stage.