Alonso

[Craig_H]

Dont mean to kick a man (or a fredo) while he's down, but he also thinks Pennant is...wait for it...

"potentially world class"

Only messing with you fredo, you know we're best of pals really

[Guest]

Take a deep breath mate, and consider the following:

Were you....wrong?

It's not my style to boast about being wrong or right.

And how do you know that Barry couldn't have been as good as Xabi or even better? At least that tactic had Xabi work his arse off and improve his game. So we all win in this case.

I rest my case. Just back from a short holiday and don't want to start arguments all over again.

[Craig_H]

I sincerely hope you wouldnt boast about being wrong

Hope you had a nice holiday mate.

[Guest]

I sincerely hope you wouldnt boast about being wrong

Hope you had a nice holiday mate.

Have another one scheduled as from next week coming onto some island where it's cold as ****.

[Craig_H]

Have another one scheduled as from next week coming onto some island where it's cold as ****.

It is indeed getting pretty harsh here, colder than last few years if memory serves me correctly.

It's even more freezing cold when you're at the footie. If you're going to the Bolton game, i'd advise you not to go and take your seat too early, you'll die of frostbite.

Wait til the ground has filled up a bit, it'll feel warmer.

And feel free to start your favourite Jermaine Pennant song too, i've no doubt everyone will join in

[dww]

Lampard is fantastic for Chelsea every year. I would say he has been in and out of form this year though, in comparison to years gone by.

The first part is true but this season I think he has stepped up a level actually. He has always been efficient and consistently so but now he has added some more flair to his game. I think the team shape is now less suitable for him though and as a unit Chelsea lack a top level holding player - although Mikel is good he is not top class (possibly might develop though).

Denilsons form has also been patchy, but he has justified Wengers faith in him and should become a top player.

He has never stood out for me, but I suspect that might be because the partnership with Fabregas always looks vulnerable.

Xabi Alonso has just been awesome. Still think he can get better, but he is one player whose form depends on the ones in front of him making space. Torres will thrive when he comes back regularly if Alonso can maintain this form.

I totally agree with that. The thing is that earlier in the season Torres wasn't so key to him as Riera and Kuyt were both providing width and good runs. Riera in particular seems to be going inside more and we rely on the fullbacks more for width at the minute which has changed the way Alonso has to pay. I'd like to see him push up a bit more though.

[-V-]

Can i just say, I love Xabi's new stubble. Makes him look ****ing mean!! Looks like he means business this season and playing like it too

[Rich]

Can i just say, I love Xabi's new stubble. Makes him look ****ing mean!! Looks like he means business this season and playing like it too

Very dishy

[FatTony]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...81211-1113.htm

Class player, playing brilliantly this season. Thank goodness we kept him - eh fredo?

I'm not reading much into the usefulness of this stat if Mikel is second!

[Fivex]

I just want to quote this again:

Take a deep breath mate, and consider the following:

Were you....wrong?

[Sarb]

Well what can you say

World Class, Best Passer of the ball by a country mile, and ten times better than Gareth Barry

[the rev leeroy brown]

Well what can you say

World Class, Best Passer of the ball by a country mile, and ten times better than Gareth Barry ( at least 10 times )

[-V-]

Sigh.

Just because he is having a great season it doesnt mean he is 10 times better than Barry.

We discussed this 1 million times during the summer. Everyone always knew Xabi was top class but just off-form and needed a kick up the backside. Barry is involved in a lot more goals than Xabi. That was the argument. Not whether Xabi was top class or not

[Craig_H]

Well Barry's said today that if Villa dont get into the CL next season, he's still gonna be off. So we can pick him up in the summer for tuppence

[DannyMan2006]

Well Barry's said today that if Villa dont get into the CL next season, he's still gonna be off. So we can pick him up in the summer for tuppence

Aye. worst case scenario, Alonso leaves in the summer with his value and potential suitors well up from summer just gone. Then we go and buy Barry at a fraction of the price he was available for in the summer,

Of course if Xabi wants to stay then it's all good. He's been top class this year. Answered his critics (me) so far this year and is playing his best football yet. So good that Mascherano is not an automatic first choice