I hope Alonso was watching closely

[Fierce]

For me Alonso is a luxury player. If for example, we played a 5 man midfield, then Xabi would be a surefire starter. If we're playing 4-4-2, then Stevie doesn't have the defensive discipline to compliment a player such as Xabi.
I'm not sure what the mascher situation is, but personally I'd play Stevie and Mascher every day of the week, with Momo as backup/understudy to either.

I didn't catch the game tonight, but thats my general feeling.

Its amazing to have what could be described as the best passer in the world, but a midfielder needs more to their game than passing. Just ask Michael Carrick.

That said, I wouldn't sell Xabi for anything other than silly money. If Rafa can keep all players in the squad happy with rotation, then Xabi is invaluable.

[Nic83]

If stevies fit, i don't think he'll play

He will yeah. Rafa's preffered partnership is Xabi and Stevie.. Especially for games as easy (on paper) as this.

[mchaggis]

Oh yes, being a midfielder myself I appreciate what he does even more.

Is there a thing youre not the best in the world at?

Momo was class tonight and looks better than he did when at his best last year.
Won't be playing in that position alonside Gerrard tho.

[slimbimjim]

Alonso is an awesome player for Liverpool - FACT

[Mattshark]

Alonso is an awesome player for Liverpool - FACT

[REDSCOUSER]

Alonso is an awesome player for Liverpool - FACT

[Mattshark]

stop copying me

[Fiddy]

Put me in the Stevie & Masher camp - Alonso on current form is only deserving of a few splinters

[wiw]

Isn't the point of having a big squad so that you have with different qualities fighting for the same spot? Corrent me if im wrong but didn't Xabi win the most tackles out of anyone last season?

[Marky]

Xabi is a tremendous tackler, very underrated in this department.
He gets stuck in like nothing normal.

[wiw]

Agreed mate, and I love how he gets stuck in, he must be tough to play against, the ball is glued to his foot when he's got it, I can only recall seeing him being tackled a few times?

[Revo]

Xabi is a tremendous tackler, very underrated in this department.
He gets stuck in like nothing normal.

this is the most sensible post you have ever made in your long illustrious career on est

[REDSCOUSER]

stop copying me

but yer such a great poster i cant help it

[stigb]

Shocking!

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!

I don't really feel the need to post here a lot, (except for my annual waay to long analysis of something...) But this is absolutely shocking! Actually I have a hard time believing you're being serious. Anyone who can't see what a tremendous player Xabi is whether it comes to passing, tackling or pure bloody minded effort and teamspirit must be either Stevie Wonder or a total ignorant when it comes to football. Of course he's not always totally dominant in every single game (nobody is..) but to say he lacks the effort
Masch & Momo are great footballers, but I would never swap Xabi for any of them, and in any case to draw anything from THAT game ? I mean if Toulose actually had bothered to meet up at the game then maybe we could make a meaningful assessment of our players, but that was just shocking. They were all over the place, and talk about effort (or lack of). On that performance they wouldn't even survived in the championship let alone the premier league.

[loco_law]

Xabi's not a goal threat either tho, so that doesn't really prove anything, although i;m not bashing Alonso here, he's just not

I challenge you to find me another player that's scored from his own side of center twice in 2 years in the PL.