Would you swap Xabi for Xavi?

[DeeGame]

With the rumours that Xabi is likely to be sold this summer and yesterday's demands by Rafa to improve his form if he wants a starting place in the summer, Barcelona has been mentioned as a possible buyer.

In recent weeks at Barca Xavi Hernandez has fallen out of favour and has only been given small opportunities from the bench. He is a more box to box type of player and has the same passing abilities as Xabi.

So if we had a chance of a swap deal, would you be willing to sell Xabi?

[Pablo]

Yes, in a heartbeat.

[Jazzmaster]

With the rumours that Xabi is likely to be sold this summer and yesterday's demands by Rafa to improve his form if he wants a starting place in the summer, Barcelona has been mentioned as a possible buyer.

In recent weeks at Barca Xavi Hernandez has fallen out of favour and has only been given small opportunities from the bench. He is a more box to box type of player and has the same passing abilities as Xabi.

So if we had a chance of a swap deal, would you be willing to sell Xabi?

Absolutely. On current form Alonso will not displace Masch from that centre midfield role.

[Tee]

No. I like Xabi Alonso!!

[bobbyfallon]

swap him for eto'o plus a few quid

[Craig_H]

No i wouldnt. Much as Xavi's a good player, he's more suited to a less physical game with a slower tempo, rather than the hustle & bustle of english football. He likes time to put his foot on the ball.

[Jazzmaster]

No. I like Xabi Alonso!!

I like him too but think that he needs to improve drastically to justify a place in the squad.

[Craig_H]

swap him for eto'o plus a few quid

Not that i think they'll be selling eto'o, mind.

[Diego]

No i wouldnt. Much as Xavi's a good player, he's more suited to a less physical game with a slower tempo, rather than the hustle & bustle of english football. He likes time to put his foot on the ball.

exactly i doubt he would cut it in the premiership...

[Shaggy]

Xabi was my favourite player and, despite his totally underwhelming form, is still one of them.

But I’d swap him for Xavi, def.

They’re actually a good pair – their dismantling of England in that friendly a couple of years ago was a joy to behold.

[Joe King]

Without a doubt

[Pablo]

No i wouldnt. Much as Xavi's a good player, he's more suited to a less physical game with a slower tempo, rather than the hustle & bustle of english football. He likes time to put his foot on the ball.

I agree about the physical side of his game, he could struggle. But as for liking time on the ball thats true also, but crucially he can play equally well at a high tempo. Barca change the pace of their play all the time, slow, slow, slow, then suddenly up the pace massively when the time is right. Xavi is a master of this. I think he would be the perfect player for our midfield. Hes capable of some sublime through balls and is a more creative passer than Alonso.

Still we're never going to sign him so its all immaterial

[Cormack74]

Don't know much about Xavi's current form but I'd certainly take him from what I've seen in previous seasons.

Our own Xabi seems to me metamorphosing into his brother.

[Hass]

If they offered Iniesta for Xabi then i'd take him instead.

[Tee]

Xabi Alonso is just out of form - when he gets his confidence and form back he will be one of the first names on our teamsheet. Why do we only have these debates when players are off form FFS. Shall we swap Torres for Villa?????????