Mascherano developments

[Alpha]

I realise he plays a different role for Argentina but, with respect, you get far more time on the ball at international level than in the Premiership. From what I've seen on Mascher over the last 12 months for Liverpool he is totally ineffective going forward.

I am not saying he isn't a good player nor am I saying we shouldn't try to sign him. What I am saying is that I would expect a more complete midfielder for £17m. I personally would only value Mascherano at about £10m - £12m.

I don't think anybody would have valued Carrick or Hargreaves at £17 million either but that was what it took to prise them away from their clubs.

Time and again the Mancs have shown a willingness to overpay for who they consider the 'right' player and that policy continues to serve them well.

You could argue that Mascherano isn't worth £17 million but for me, his consistent performance level and attitude prove him to be the right player for us for many years to come and that makes him worth overpaying for.

[AFII]

I don't think anybody would have valued Carrick or Hargreaves at £17 million either but that was what it took to prise them away from their clubs.

Time and again the Mancs have shown a willingness to overpay for who they consider the 'right' player and that policy continues to serve them well.

You could argue that Mascherano isn't worth £17 million but for me, his consistent performance level and attitude prove him to be the right player for us for many years to come and that makes him worth overpaying for.

It's all about what players the manager need to get the best out of the rest of the team.

[tomasjj]

I actuallt think we would be much better of right now with Gerrard moved our right and Alonso/Mascher in the centre. Although Xabi hasn't looked match fit since his injury and it may take time for him to be ready and Gerrrad seems to never want to play on the right again which is IMO a shame.

I have been banging on about this for aaaaages, but many here seem to think that SG has a divine right to play in the middle "cause he is our best player."

Bollocks to that. Play him where he is most effective using his strengths, not where he wants to play himself or believes himself to be the best.

That said, I want us to sign Mascher. 17 is a lot, I agree. Think is, if we did play Javier and Xabi centrally and released SG, we wouldn't have to spend 17 mill on a winger/attacking mid, cause we had SG in that role...

[Red_Al_77]

I don't think Masher will be staying with us.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

mmm. classy, careful of that high-horse nial you might fall off.

Yes it's very comfortable up here.

Nice to know of your concern.

[kurtangle01]

Goody gum drops, another rumour for the halfwits to get hysterical about.

Yeah, leave the halfwits to get hysterical about this...that leaves you to start the 'Sack him' threads.

[tomasjj]

Goody gum drops, another rumour for the halfwits to get hysterical about.

Yes, you beacon of clarity and sensibility.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Yeah, leave the halfwits to get hysterical about this...that leaves you to start the 'Sack him' threads.

Exactly.

[kurtangle01]

I'd like to see him stay and I actually thought he would but it seems that, at the moment, we're either un-willing or un-able to complete the deal. £17m is a lot of money and I guess that we'll have to decide in the summer if it's best spent on Mascher or a winger etc...

[AFII]

If we want to challenge for the title then we should be able to sign Masch and all the other players we need. It shouldn't really be Masch or someone else.

It should be Masch plus a few other quality players.

No Masch means no title ambitions from G&H.

[Roboklopp]

Agreed this is agent talk, but it does raise important points nonetheless.

Whilst he is one of my favourite players, I am slowly beginning to appreciate the points about the limitations of Masher (which are essentailly the same as those of Didi) in terms of our squad & the fact it lacks "up top" big time. Whilst I agree Masher's role in allowing the more attaicking playeres to get on with their job of attacking, we severely lack those type of players at a decent level at the mo.

We do need a midfielder who is more defensive than SG, XA or LL of some sort tho to provide balance to the squad so I suppose it all comes down to funding on this one. We had hoped that the takeover would mean that we could afford players of this standard, but that is another (monster) topic.


Given the curent financial pessimism at the club, if we were to save say £10m by keeping hold of Momo instead of "upgrading" to Masher, then we could use that on those much-needed attacking players.

I spose it is all about expectations really. If we need to lose Masher as well as profiting from Carson & Crouchie/Kuy/Voronin to get hold of strikers, then it shows again that we haven't really made the financial step forward we were dreaming of.

Obviously, we need to add to our attacking dimensions in terms of a striker & creative MF as top priority & that is gonna cost a lot.

[Roboklopp]

If we want to challenge for the title then we should be able to sign Masch and all the other players we need. It shouldn't really be Masch or someone else.

It should be Masch plus a few other quality players.

No Masch means no title ambitions from G&H.

A more succint way of saying what I said.

[Roboklopp]

A more succint way of saying what I said.

Which is why you managed to post it without me realising 10 minutes before I finished typing mine.

[Mattshark]

that would be the final straw for me,mascher not singing would be disastrous,coupled with rafa going and the clowns remaining in charge.

i honestly couldnt see myself supporting this club anymore.

it doesnt bear thinking about tbh.

I could never stop supporting the club.

[Tom]

Yes it's very comfortable up here.

Nice to know of your concern.

My pleasure mate *hands nial a ladder.