I hope Alonso was watching closely

[carheex]

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!

[andyinswinton]

I think thats a bit harsh.

[Johnny]

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!

It`s amazing to think we have 4 MF`s challenging Xabi this yr.

[RedReet]

Did Xabi steal your wife or something? There is no way this vendetta can be for footballing reasons!

[JPK]

Alonso is a genius

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

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!

Well he was on the bench.....

[Rhys]

unnecessary criticism of xabi there. i see now that yossi and kuyt played well people will find another liverpool player to have a dig at, without him even playing tonight ffs.

is right pat, xabi is a genious

[Parm]

well he has been a bit hit and miss this season, was good v chelski but average v sunderland.
think he'll be ok though.

[Joe King]

This is why Rafa has competition in all spaces. With Stevie G more likely to play 3/4 of games in the middle, theres only spot on the middle. We all agree when we say Xabi hasn't been the same since the World Cup and with Lucas, Momo and Chief in competition with Xabi, maybe it should be time he stood up and when he gets his turn, put in a performance so much so he can become a fixture in the side.

[carheex]

Alonso is a genius

I don't care how clever you think he is - apart from the majority of his first season with us he's been terrible. I'd love him to return to the form and work rate that he used to give but I can barely remember the last time he looked class, therefore his place in the squad needs to go to someone prepared to make the effort. If we're serious about challenging for the title we aren;t going to do it by carrying passengers. We'll need 11 men on the pitch pulling their weight, not 10. That's the difference between champions and also rans and I don;t want another season of under achievement which is what we'll get if alonso keeps his place contrary to form.

[Rhys]

I don't care how clever you think he is - apart from the majority of his first season with us he's been terrible. I'd love him to return to the form and work rate that he used to give but I can barely remember the last time he looked class, therefore his place in the squad needs to go to someone prepared to make the effort. If we're serious about challenging for the title we aren;t going to do it by carrying passengers. We'll need 11 men on the pitch pulling their weight, not 10. That's the difference between champions and also rans and I don;t want another season of under achievement which is what we'll get if alonso keeps his place contrary to form.

people were saying that about kuyt 4 hours ago mate, now he's banged a few goals in everyone will shut up about him for a bit, there always one player who gets a bit more stick than others and maybe it is alonso's turn to up his game but hell **** it momo has upped his (and scored), sami has played two great games in a row, and everything is looking rosy for us at the moment especially with a few 'easy' games coming up. xabi WILL get back to his awesome best i'm sure of it, but for now while he is lagging a bit be thankful to rafa for providing us with a wealth of 'backup' in case of such a mishap...and stop complaining away

[Nic83]

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!

Disgraceful post.

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

[cobain]

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!

AMEN!

[Nic83]

I don't care how clever you think he is - apart from the majority of his first season with us he's been terrible. I'd love him to return to the form and work rate that he used to give but I can barely remember the last time he looked class, therefore his place in the squad needs to go to someone prepared to make the effort. If we're serious about challenging for the title we aren;t going to do it by carrying passengers. We'll need 11 men on the pitch pulling their weight, not 10. That's the difference between champions and also rans and I don;t want another season of under achievement which is what we'll get if alonso keeps his place contrary to form.

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.

[Nic83]

Sissoko is a very limited footballer. He is a fantastic spoiler and ball winner but not much more. Masher is another great ballwinner and has some good passing ability and other attributes. Neither are a goal threat (and DO NOT say "what about Sissoko's goal on sat - what about his other 99 shots for us).

Xabi has it all. Respect the Xabi.