xabi - returning to form?

[badpiggy]

to early to say that realistically i guess but from what i heard on the radio and saw on match of theday last night, he had a very good game yesterday. anyone confirm this?

[Guest]

hmmm ... I thought he had an average game. Still not fully fit and at his best. I also think he had a slight problem as he was substituted 5 minutes from time and he had a slight wince on his face.

[Kenneth]

I've been slating him recently, but he had a good game yesterday. Hope he keeps it going.

[Skillz]

I've been slating him recently, but he had a good game yesterday. Hope he keeps it going.

agree with that although he still isn't trying enough through balls for my liking. This is probably a confidence thing but regardless he is a class player and we win more when he plays.

[Reece]

He needs to stop lingering on the ball so much, as he often gets caught. His passing had certainly improved yesterday, but he is still lacking that killer pass that we used to see. I'm confident he'll find it all again though.

[homer1]

hmmm ... I thought he had an average game. Still not fully fit and at his best. I also think he had a slight problem as he was substituted 5 minutes from time and he had a slight wince on his face.

Noticed that myself, hope it's not serious as he'll play in the big games without doubt - his experience will be vital

[Slim]

Some lovely passes from Xabi yesterday. He has had an up and down season mainly due to injury, but given a full pre-season he should be back to his best next year. I think he has been written off too soon by some people.

[Skillz]

Some lovely passes from Xabi yesterday. He has had an up and down season mainly due to injury, but given a full pre-season he should be back to his best next year. I think he has been written off too soon by some people.

Couldn't agree more.

[DannyMan2006]

The only problem with Xabi is when teams get a sniff against us and start to up the pressure in midfield. To often he gets caught dwelling on the ball, for a man with his control and passing ability this shouldn't be happening.

He needs to be more aware of players around him. If he could improve this aspect of his game he would quickly get back to his best, because for the majority of the game yesterday he was top class.

[tomasjj]

The only problem with Xabi is when teams get a sniff against us and start to up the pressure in midfield. To often he gets caught dwelling on the ball, for a man with his control and passing ability this shouldn't be happening.

He needs to be more aware of players around him. If he could improve this aspect of his game he would quickly get back to his best, because for the majority of the game yesterday he was top class.

I am of the opinion that it is more down to lack of movement from the others.
I think his awareness is excellent, as is his ability to think ahead and spot a pass.

[Imy]

He played well yesterday and actually got plaudits from the Match of the day team - however in the caption they called him Xavi Alonso

[DannyMan2006]

He played well yesterday and actually got plaudits from the Match of the day team - however in the caption they called him Xavi Alonso

Gets that alot, think it has something to do with the translation.

[DannyMan2006]

I am of the opinion that it is more down to lack of movement from the others.
I think his awareness is excellent, as is his ability to think ahead and spot a pass.

No, he get's caught in possession to often. No doubt he is waiting for things to unfold when this occurs, but that isn't a good enough excuse.

Note: This is only when the opposition are really having a go at us. For the majority of the game Xabi is spot on.

[tomasjj]

No, he get's caught in possession to often. No doubt he is waiting for things to unfold when this occurs, but that isn't a good enough excuse.

Note: This is only when the opposition are really having a go at us. For the majority of the game Xabi is spot on.

Well, he does get caught in possession when there are no proper options to him. I reckon it is not really in his blood to hoof it away.

[DannyMan2006]

Well, he does get caught in possession when there are no proper options to him. I reckon it is not really in his blood to hoof it away.

Well that should change then. Has cost us goals in the past and will continue to do so. I don't like the ball being hoofed, but as Santa Cruz showed yesterday, there is a time and a place for everything.