Super-Xabi....

[wiw]

My sentiments exactly.

An injury free spell has probably helped to. So glad we kept Xabi now, I never thought he'd get back to his best but he's now even better.

[ardja]

One thing he can improve on is the Didi-like ability to get himself out of tight spaces, including of course the Didi 'dive'.

[dww]

I hope so too but I don't believe he has. There's nothing better for morale than the situation we find ourselves in now. Not long ago Xabi was Rafa's on-field general - always pulling him to one side during games to talk to him. They had their spat but now they must be better off for it. Everyone's a winner - Xabi is playing better than ever and arguably he has Rafa to thank for it, to some degree, for providing the kick up the arse he needed. They're like a pair of lovers who had a spat.

I actually think that being relieved of that special status has helped Alonso. As has the fact that we have more options for him with the fullbacks pushing on and Riera one side and Kuyt on the other working so hard and always giving options.

I have to say while I still think there was excellent logic in the Barry move the change in the team this season has rejuvenated Alonso to the point where I may, reluctantly, have to admit Dhav was right on this one. I don't see how anyone could have forseen the change in Alonso this year, the impact of Reira or how well Kuyt would do in a deeper role (despite everyone, including my own reservations about him in that position).

[Kenneth]

I'm not gareth barry's biggest fan and never have been.

[el matador]

xabi's return to form this season has been one of the major reasons for our success to date. He has been outstanding and deserves all the accolades he is getting.

[rage]

What the **** are you on about? Do you know what happened as fact? Go back to your shell.

the board blocked the transfer of barry - how much information do you want before you believe this. infact if i could be bothered i'd go back and find a quote from u being miserable over this.

it was only after this transfer was blocked did we move forward on riera. we would not have had the money for both riera and barry.

now debate with me like an adult or go back to sucking garlic and polishing your medals ready for the next world war where you'll surrender within a week

[rage]

xabi's return to form this season has been one of the major reasons for our success to date. He has been outstanding and deserves all the accolades he is getting.

[Reece]

now debate with me like an adult or go back to sucking garlic and polishing your medals ready for the next world war where you'll surrender within a week

Cheese eating surrender monkeys

[Vermilion]

I wanted him gone and Barry in, but fair ****ing play to him, the summer was probably a shock and it's kicked him right back into form. Delighted he's still with us and back to his best - winning the league wouldn't be the same without him

Agree. I'm seeing far more effort from Xabi this season, his skill level has never been in doubt for me, but he's now giving his all, just as in his first season with us, long may it continue.

[El Jefecito]

One thing he can improve on is the Didi-like ability to get himself out of tight spaces, including of course the Didi 'dive'.

It's not a dive, it's a "crumple".

[ardja]

It's not a dive, it's a "crumple".

Simulation?

[Sarb]

Xabi is class, without a doubt. Barry instead of Alonso....HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

What a ridiculous outcome that would have been. For once, Hicks and Gillett were right in vetoing that deal

[Woobus]

it was only after this transfer was blocked did we move forward on riera. we would not have had the money for both riera and barry.

Glad it all didnt go through myself now as Xabi is back to his best, and when he is playing like this I dont think Barry is in the same league.
Not to sure about the top point, think if we got Barry we could still have went out and got Riera.

[Guest]

the board blocked the transfer of barry - how much information do you want before you believe this. infact if i could be bothered i'd go back and find a quote from u being miserable over this.

it was only after this transfer was blocked did we move forward on riera. we would not have had the money for both riera and barry.

now debate with me like an adult or go back to sucking garlic and polishing your medals ready for the next world war where you'll surrender within a week

You already lost the war.

By the way, it's all 'suppositions' as regards Barry, Riera and all that ****e. You're speculating mate.

[barnes10]

I thought the point was the xabi was expected to rake in 20mill and barry to cost 12-14 mill. so on that basis, we would likely have looked to sign both.

xabi is central and barry was a replacement for him. so on that basis, who'd have played out wide on the left?

its all guesswork now anyway and all that counts is that we have xabi at his best and a top player on the left wing. happy days.