Xabi Alonso - the enigma

[tomasjj]

I just want to see those 60 yard passes like he used to do.

We need to get some people running off the ball to get that. That starts with releasing SG AND getting another forward/winger who moves around a lot. Torres already does this, but with SG sitting deep he is much to isolated. There are not enough outlets, and only a few of them are too easily stopped.

[tomasjj]

Nope, I'm with you on that one.

Good man.

[tomasjj]

I hear what you were saying.He is'nt the Xabi of old but like you said it's down to personel.Torres has 17 goals this year and in all honesty he does not even have a strike partner or any good wingers to provide ammunition.
It is frightening to think what he would be like with world class wingers and a "No 10" playing off him.
Same goes for Alonso me thinks.

Yep.
One winger and a playmaker behind Torres.
But they must be top class.
And that costs...

Now where did I leave GGs number...

[Howard_lfc]

I was fuming earlier, and the missus had to sit in the kitchen for a couple of hours. I was in no mood for small talk and just grunted and huffed and puffed.

..and nailed that bitch!!


Oops! Sorry Tomas!!!

[JPK]

Aye, we're absolutely crying out for a genuine number 10 IMO.

Roberto Baggio type would do me
AFII would have a list as long as my mickey of targets.
Big list

[Howard_lfc]

Aye, we're absolutely crying out for a genuine number 10 IMO.

Finally!!!

I've been banging on about this lack of creativity for bleeding ages now and people think I've got this huge downer on Masher. I told you before that it's not personal - and finally I believe the penny may be dropping.....

I mean - how many games in the prem SHOULD we really need a DM?

[tomasjj]

..and nailed that bitch!!


Oops! Sorry Tomas!!!

No, she went to bed and I am here with you.

[Slinky Skills]

I think Postman Pat above pointed at some fair points.
Also, he has been injured now, and he was shoehorned into the DM position that Mascherano now occupies.

So, yeah, formation and style of play. True. Also team selection. I don't think we will really kick into gear before we move Alonso in alongside Mascher and release SG, but 80% on here will probably differ on that one.

That formation is defnietley the way to go.

[AFII]

Roberto Baggio type would do me
AFII would have a list as long as my mickey of targets.
Big list

Realistic targets.....

Diego
Van der Vaart
Dos Santos

The other fantastic in the hole players would cost to much.

[tomasjj]

That formation is defnietley the way to go.

You saw how it helped when Alonso, even if off form, came in and SG pushed forward instead of coming back to pick up the ball all the time deep.

We need SGs movement further up, and Alonso can run the play much better than him anyway.

[Hot Carl]

Enigma. i used to have a cassette of theirs. sampled gregorian monk chants over a backdrop of ambient dance music with little or no percussion.

they were ****ing ****, much like Xabi's cameo today. What was wrong with him?!?!?!?!?

in the past Xabi has come back from injury and slotted straight in. granted these have been probably his worst injuries but i expect better.

will the real Xabi Alonso please stand up, please stand up, pleasey syand up.

[Slinky Skills]

You saw how it helped when Alonso, even if off form, came in and SG pushed forward instead of coming back to pick up the ball all the time deep.

We need SGs movement further up, and Alonso can run the play much better than him anyway.

That would be a dream midfield, Alonso controlling the play, Mascherano playing just in front of the defence munching everyone with Stevie unleashing hell up front alongise Torres.

[JPK]

Realistic targets.....

Diego
Van der Vaart
Dos Santos

The other fantastic in the hole players would cost to much.

Moutinho from Lisbon.
Elano
David Silva

[Armchairkopite]

If Stevies ego would let him play the free roll on the right, it would be interesting.


Alonso needs games, he looks like hes put on a bit of weight too. Lets hope he gets a run of games now.

[AFII]

The off the ball movement is the most important thing in todays football when everything goes in 100 mph.

We don't have mobile enough players or clever enough players to do that in a good enough way upfront. Torres and Kewell are the only ones.

That is one reason to why Kewell is so important for us even if he isn't 100%. He makes those clever runs and is almost available for a pass.