Inter Milan plan bid for Liverpool's Sissoko

[carheex]

It is our position of strength and if we can get 8-10mill we should consider if not accept.

Is it though? I can see us using sunday's formation more often with 3 central midfielders. We've only got 5 worth mentioning - gerrard, mascherano, sissoko, lucas and alonso. If we sold one of them all it would take is an injury and/or suspension and we'd be desperate. Actually, I think we're already desperate if some people are suggesting this Spearing lad who hasn't even played in the first team yet! This is top flight football lads, we can't risk it.

[Skillz]

I certainly agree that Alonso is the key for us in central midfield. However for Argentina Mascherano seems to be much more competant at getting the ball out of deep areas, I'm sure part of it is about the positions those around him adopt but last season he was much more assured. Possibly teams have started targetting him more but he needs to improve that aspect of his game if he is to be worth the £18m or whatever it is we have to pay to retain him long term.

The better quality of player that Masher plays with the better he will play. He has a specific purpose to any team he plays for. The more his team mates can do the more he can concentrate on his purpose.

Gerrard and Masher play better with Xabi in the side regardless of Xabi's form.

XABI = Our most important player!

[The Erectile Banana]

I have noticed something with Mascher the last few weeks and it has been pointed out by the RTE pundits after the Besiktas game. When the defenders are on the ball Masch doesn't seem to want it, he doesn't take up positions to receive a pass and instead points upfield for them to hoof it.

It puzzled me at the time but when I watched the match on Sunday he was doing the same thing again.

Why would a player of Mascherano's ability not want the ball? Is he afraid to dictate the play.

[AFII]

I have noticed something with Mascher the last few weeks and it has been pointed out by the RTE pundits after the Besiktas game. When the defenders are on the ball Masch doesn't seem to want it, he doesn't take up positions to receive a pass and instead points upfield for them to hoof it.

It puzzled me at the time but when I watched the match on Sunday he was doing the same thing again.

Why would a player of Mascherano's ability not want the ball? Is he afraid to dictate the play.

Must be orders from Rafa if that is the case. He is dictating the play for Argentina from his position.

[dww]

The better quality of player that Masher plays with the better he will play. He has a specific purpose to any team he plays for. The more his team mates can do the more he can concentrate on his purpose.

Gerrard and Masher play better with Xabi in the side regardless of Xabi's form.

XABI = Our most important player!

The thing is I'm incresingly coming to the conclusion that a player like that can only work well for a top 4 PL team with two other CMs (Chelseas style). Otherwise like Arsenal last year with Gilberto there is too much disconnect between defence and attack - adding the passing ability of a rejuvinated Flamini has made a big difference to them.

On the other hand I think Mascher has shown at different times for Argentina and us that his mobility and passing can make him a more multidimensional player. I'm not saying he has to pass like Alonso or anything but just make good progressive passes to team mates even when under pressure. At the minute I think he needs to up his game or we need to change our system to accomodate him.

[Skillz]

The thing is I'm incresingly coming to the conclusion that a player like that can only work well for a top 4 PL team with two other CMs (Chelseas style). Otherwise like Arsenal last year with Gilberto there is too much disconnect between defence and attack - adding the passing ability of a rejuvinated Flamini has made a big difference to them.

On the other hand I think Mascher has shown at different times for Argentina and us that his mobility and passing can make him a more multidimensional player. I'm not saying he has to pass like Alonso or anything but just make good progressive passes to team mates even when under pressure. At the minute I think he needs to up his game or we need to change our system to accomodate him.

What you say is true but I suspect he will play in a 4-2-3-1 in the future with us and it will be successful.

[Morph]

I hope this is true, i'll carry him there myself, if we set off now i reckon i'll make it there for Jan

[Redspin]

Makes ya think if at least two top clubs are prepared to spend many millions of pounds on this kid maybe we,the fans, are missing something.

When you say "we" are missing something, please don't assume you speak for all fans. Barcelona and Juventus reputedly had £10m bids turned down in the summer, the former after his great displays against them last season. Maybe these teams - and Rafa - know a good player when they see one?

[kop-al-74]

good.

The money we would recieve will be a nice addition to the kitty for a winger

Should pay for mascha's permenant move.

[redlancer]

I have noticed something with Mascher the last few weeks and it has been pointed out by the RTE pundits after the Besiktas game. When the defenders are on the ball Masch doesn't seem to want it, he doesn't take up positions to receive a pass and instead points upfield for them to hoof it.

It puzzled me at the time but when I watched the match on Sunday he was doing the same thing again.

Why would a player of Mascherano's ability not want the ball? Is he afraid to dictate the play.

In the Everton Match he was allways available for the ball like Didi used to be. Could see him constantly moving into a position creating a traingle

Could be the game plan is for the defenders to come out more and start the play off as he might have no options whereas a defnder higher up will draw a player and creat space.

Masher has often shown us what he's cabable off and lets not forget he did have a tournament on the the other side of the world. tevez has only just started showing his form from last season.

Whereas Momo has always shown us if he could pass he'd be world class but he's yet to do that and probably will never.

Masher's is a great player especially in a top club, whereas Momo would be a great player for a struggling club.

[redlancer]

Is it though? I can see us using sunday's formation more often with 3 central midfielders. We've only got 5 worth mentioning - gerrard, mascherano, sissoko, lucas and alonso. If we sold one of them all it would take is an injury and/or suspension and we'd be desperate. Actually, I think we're already desperate if some people are suggesting this Spearing lad who hasn't even played in the first team yet! This is top flight football lads, we can't risk it.

Yossi could be the 3rd midfield player as its an attacking role

[Assassin]

The time is right to cash in on Sissiko and use the money on other areas of the squad or to sucure Mashers permanent move.

Plus we will lose him for a few weeks in January when the African Nations cup is being played

[the rev leeroy brown]

please sell him, was signing his praises 2 years ago but he has been shiiiittteeee last 2 seasons.... i'd take 5-10 million for him

[Jayesh87]

Suprised he signed a new deal in the summer tbh.

If we get a decent bid in i think Rafa will let him go, he will be going to the African Cup of Nations anyways around that time.

[tsb]

My major worry is how we fit Lucas' name into the "Best midfield in the World" song?