Would you swap Xabi for Xavi?

[Craig_H]

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?????????

[Pablo]

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?????????

I think even back on top form I still believe hes not quite the player we need. I dont know where I would fit him into the team.

Where would you start him mate?

In place of Mascherano? I wouldnt, it leaves us a little unprotected in defence

Push Gerrard wide right and play Alonso in the middle? If playing in front of Mascherano I dont think he has the necessary guile to play this far forward and isnt enough of a goal threat.

I honestly think the best thing is to cash in and spend the money on a more attcking minded midfielder who is more of a goal threat.

[Tee]

I think even back on top form I still believe hes not quite the player we need. I dont know where I would fit him into the team.

Where would you start him mate?

In place of Mascherano? I wouldnt, it leaves us a little unprotected in defence

Push Gerrard wide right and play Alonso in the middle? If playing in front of Mascherano I dont think he has the necessary guile to play this far forward and isnt enough of a goal threat.

I honestly think the best thing is to cash in and spend the money on a more attcking minded midfielder who is more of a goal threat.

So where would you play XAVI?

I would play Alonso and Mascher in the middle, Gerrard just behind Torres, and 2 genuine wingers who I would shoot in the head if they came more than 5 yards in field.

[AFII]

I would take Deco or Dos Santos instead.

[Pablo]

So where would you play XAVI?

I would play Alonso and Mascher in the middle, Gerrard just behind Torres, and 2 genuine wingers who I would shoot in the head if they came more than 5 yards in field.

I would play Xavi where you would play Alonso. He the attributes to play there which I feel Alonso does not. He is more of a goal threat, has more creativity and as such is more capable of playing further up the field.

[JohnDoe]

Alonso's scoring record is better than Xavi's.

[bobbyfallon]

I would take Deco or Dos Santos instead.

that the wee guy who looks about 4 ???

[RedMack]

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.

Thats why he pissed all over England's midfield in the Game a couple of years ago! He is a class act, would take him in a instant. He reminds of the Roy Keane, setting the tempo and controlling the game.

[Craig_H]

Thats why he pissed all over England's midfield in the Game a couple of years ago! He is a class act, would take him in a instant. He reminds of the Roy Keane, setting the tempo and controlling the game.

England games arent played once or twice a week and at Premiership pace though...

[AFII]

that the wee guy who looks about 4 ???

[CAD]

I would saw off my littlefinger with a dull spoon for a swap. Goes for Iniesta as well.

[AFII]

Deco is the one that dictates the pace for Barca and he is the big reason to why they have underperformed this season. He was out injured a few months.

He is their brain, not Xavi.

[Imy]

So where would you play XAVI?

I would play Alonso and Mascher in the middle, Gerrard just behind Torres, and 2 genuine wingers who I would shoot in the head if they came more than 5 yards in field.

Xavi plays behind the striker, a link man he has MUCH more guile then Gerrard who is primarily power. Gerrard alongside Mascha, Xavi behind Torres with Babel and another wide man/playmaker/ attacking midfielder.

But i agree with your earlier point, we should be replacing the crap, not the quality.

[AFII]

--------Xavi-----Toure----
----Messi----Deco-----Ronaldinho---

That is the way Barca used to play. Iniesta now play in Ronaldinho or Deco's position.

[The Erectile Banana]

It's a yes from me.

Alonso is talented no doubt but we haven't seen the best of him for a couple of seasons.

Xavi is just as good a passer as our Xabi, is more mobile, can go box to box, is a better goalscorer and is an all round more creative force.

He'd walk into any side in Europe.