Best Player in Pre-Season

[MrMichael]

just so glad to see agger back - fantastic footballer for a centre half

Amen to that.

[dww]

just so glad to see agger back - fantastic footballer for a centre half

Aye - really good news. In fact if you read that 'level three' article that is doing the rounds one of the things highlighted is the need to be able to release one of the back four into midfield and defend with three players. The fact that Agger is comfortable on the ball and quick is a huge bonus in this regard.

I also think that the new fullbacks and Arbeloa are all the sort of players who can be said to fit that model of play. Hopefully this will mean pushing the likes of Alonso further forward is more possible and he will have a bigger influence on our attacks.

[Roboklopp]

Ace, saved that pic as me background at work.

What is this level 3 thing of which people speak btw? Not seen it...

[Nicey]

Benny by a country mile

[dww]

Ace, saved that pic as me background at work.

What is this level 3 thing of which people speak btw? Not seen it...

It is related to the team/squad building philosophy of Rinus Michels. There was an article on RAWK outlining what the author perceived as his methodology and relating this to us/Rafa. The first part is here (the other parts are linked from there).

[Nicey]

That said I am huge fan of Xabi Alonso .. world class is every respect

[dww]

On the official site....Alonso

Come on Xabi, take it into the Premiership with you son!


:Respect:

Just to get back the the original topic - Xabi's effort and attitude have been exemplary - I suspect there is an emotional element to the voting but his performances have (from what I have seen) been good and there have been no signs that he has reacted badly to how things have gone for him this summer.

[Roboklopp]

It is related to the team/squad building philosophy of Rinus Michels. There was an article on RAWK outlining what the author perceived as his methodology and relating this to us/Rafa. The first part is here (the other parts are linked from there).

Thanks mate, will take a gander when I get a chance.

[Nicey]

Just to get back the the original topic - Xabi's effort and attitude have been exemplary - I suspect there is an emotional element to the voting but his performances have (from what I have seen) been good and there have been no signs that he has reacted badly to how things have gone for him this summer.

He seems like a mans man, comes from good footballing stock ...I hope he has a sublime season with us .... Barry ....Alonso...Masher....Gerrard ... is a dream set up