I hope Alonso was watching closely

[Ron_Mexico]

Sissoko and Mascherano were superb tonight. If Benitez knows what's best for the club then Alonso will be getting more bench time than a tramp this season. And if you're reading this "Shabby" Alonso, you could learn an awful lot from tonight's midfield. THAT is how you play football and make an effort - take note!

the quality of this post is only matched by your outstanding signature

[spider-neil]

momo will help you break up opposition attacks
masherano will help you sheild the defense
xabi will help you destroy teams with long range passing

in the long term I know which one will prove most useful

[Dalglish]

I don't care how clever you think he is - apart from the majority of his first season with us he's been terrible. .

That is easily the stupidest post I have read on here and I include everyting Marky has ever written in that.

Have you watched us at all over the last 3 years?

[Reece]

Didn't Xabi have the highest tackle rate in the whole premiership last season or the season before? That shouts "effort" to me.
Also, those saying his form is terrible, well was he not part of the midfield that dominated Chelsea's midfield, and had it not been for a terrible ref decision would have won the game? And the midfield that beat Villa opening day. And the midfield that beat Sunderland at the weekend...... If he has been as bad as Carheex thinks, then we have basically won (i'm counting Chelsea as a win ) all those games with just 10 players - very impressive indeed.

[friedk]

This thread is on a par with "Gerrard doesn't turn up in the big games".

[blacky]

Disgraceful post.

Anyone who knows their footy knows Alonso and Gerrard is the way forward.

The post was a bit harsh on Alonso but his performance levels have dropped so others should get a chance. I think the best pairing would be Masch and Stevie.

[JohnDoe]

Why does praise for players must equal to criticism of others?

I really can't stand statements like "Torres is class, Crouch must be counting his days" or such other ****e like that.

As Benitez has said, every player in his squad has a role and will get minutes this season and the success of one shouldn't mean another is dispensable.

[friedk]

anyway, based on the way we are playing this season, I think I'll leave it to Rafa to decide who plays and who doesn't.

[Assassin]

It has to be said that Momo has been sensational in the last 2 games.

He has hit the season in top form with his Border Collie energy performance and his tackling skills, in which there appears to be less rash challenges.On top of this Momo seems to have an more of awareness of what to do with the ball when he is good offensive positions. His passing last night was much improved and not forgetting the goal he managed against Sunderland.

For me, all of this is a vast improvement on last season when he couldnt even find our players with a 2 metre pass.

[Ron_Mexico]

Why does praise for players must equal to criticism of others?

I really can't stand statements like "Torres is class, Crouch must be counting his days" or such other ****e like that.

As Benitez has said, every player in his squad has a role and will get minutes this season and the success of one shouldn't mean another is dispensable.

i think you'll find that it's either kids or anti-social CM addicts that don't know what a real game of football looks like

i would say ignore it but it's getting harder, they seem to be everywhere on the site these days

[tomasjj]

Sissoko and Mascherano were superb tonight. If Benitez knows what's best for the club then Alonso will be getting more bench time than a tramp this season. And if you're reading this "Shabby" Alonso, you could learn an awful lot from tonight's midfield. THAT is how you play football and make an effort - take note!

Shockingly poor post.
I can only assume you have a dislike for Alonso or that one of the others are your fav.

[Fubar]

Xabi is ****ing ace. he gives his all, he crunches into tackles, he'll throw himself at a header, his passing is brilliant....leave him the **** alone.

[tomasjj]

Yeah I'm sure he's ****ting himself at the arrival of Lucas.

I mean, Alonso is class folks. Don't let the muppet in the initial post fool you into believing otherwise.
Mascher is also class, but has a bit different qualities.
Momo is also very good at what he does, but not quite up there with the two above when it comes to footballing abilities.

[Imy]

Got to agree to a point with Carheex.

Momo and Mascherano were ace last night, Xabi on the whole last season and even thus far this season has not been as good as his 1st season.

Maybe he needs some Rafa tough love, like that given to Momo who has been ace in the games he's played this season. Bench time is not a bad thing, let him get that hunger back so when he does get his chance again he will be back at his best.

Personally i t feel our strongest Pair are Gerrard and Mascherano, but the other three (Lucas included) are very strong too.

[carheex]

Effort vs class, I know which one I'd choose. Oh and it's not as if Xabi doesn't make an effort.

He is a sublime talent and all our play starts with him. It just goes unnoticed from people like you. I'd say you're on the "Gerrard is our saviour" bandwagon.

I'm not on any "bandwagon" but if you're suggesting Alonso is more important to our team than Gerrard then you are either seriously disturbed or just having a laugh!!
Alonso "used" to be good for us in the same way kewell "used" to be quality. Get over it - neither have performed for so long now it's embarassing. If they both get back to form I'll be over the moon but until then I'm not going to have this blinkered view that they are so important to the team.