Alonso

[Joe King]

Fredo was wrong He won't admit it though, silly feline.

[Skillz]

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

Think we will aswell because I think Xabi will still go if one of the big clubs come in for him. I have always felt that the Xabi transfer was a two way thing and not just Rafa losing faith. The problem arose when

a) only Juve came in for him and

b) not enough money offered

Xabi could be playing out of skin in order to get the transfer he wants. Doubt we will ever find out the full truth behind it but I hope Rafa and Xabi can sort their differences and he stays for a long time. Just have my doubts

[Dhav]

He's too handsome to sell.

Alonso

[DannyMan2006]

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.

I don't think we can conclusively say that Xabis good form is down to him being nearly sold. It could alos be down to gaining huge confidence from the summer, as well as the addition of Riera on the left who looks for the ball more.

I think 70% of the team are having their best season yet in a Liverpool shirt, whilst the others are at their usual high levels. I put ths down to a more balanced team, better quality in the squad and increased confidence from the run of results and late goals they have managed.

And as we came top of our CL group and are top of the Premier League it would be hard to argue that Barry would have had a bigger impact on our team.

In the summer I wanted Barry signed, but even then I agreed that Alonso was a better player on his day than Barry. I just thought he had lost his form and was to often getting out in possession of the ball. Maybe that was down to an inbalanced team.

Guess we'll never know. All I can say is that I am glad Alonso stayed. Surely you can say that to?

[Sarb]

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

I'd disagree with that. There were more people saying he'd been found out and didn't have the game or the ability to make it in the Prem, was too slow and Barry was better suited to the Prem than Xabi

Alonso is a Rolls-Royce player.

[Sarb]

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.

Yeah I'm sure it was all a tactical ploy and there was no intention to sell him

I'm now waiting for Pennant to come back in similar fashion after Rafa has quite clearly indicated he is not wanted. I think this particular one is going on a little too long

[dww]

I don't think we can conclusively say that Xabis good form is down to him being nearly sold. It could alos be down to gaining huge confidence from the summer, as well as the addition of Riera on the left who looks for the ball more.

I think 70% of the team are having their best season yet in a Liverpool shirt, whilst the others are at their usual high levels. I put ths down to a more balanced team, better quality in the squad and increased confidence from the run of results and late goals they have managed.

And as we came top of our CL group and are top of the Premier League it would be hard to argue that Barry would have had a bigger impact on our team.

In the summer I wanted Barry signed, but even then I agreed that Alonso was a better player on his day than Barry. I just thought he had lost his form and was to often getting out in possession of the ball. Maybe that was down to an inbalanced team.

Guess we'll never know. All I can say is that I am glad Alonso stayed. Surely you can say that to?

I still think that we miss some of the dynamism Barry would have bought to the centre of midfield. In hindsight it is easy to say that keeping Alonso was the best choice, and it has certainly worked out well. However I do think that Xabi's form has been dependent on that of Riera so far this season to be effective and I feel that unless a left fullback really steps up that will continue to be the case.

I really think that we would have improved from last season as a team with Barry too, depending on the other signings that came with (I doubt it would have been Keane). I freely admit that I didn't think that Xabi was likely to get back to his best with us this season, but I was afraid that if he went to Arsenal that they would become a much bigger danger.

I'm glad that Alonso has stayed and that Riera and Kuyt and Arbeloa have kicked on to provide the movement and width I always felt he needed to thrive. However I still think that we need another goal threat and set pieces and or a player running from CM to the D would provide that and Xabi does both things well only intermittently. If he steps up with one or another of those then I think no one will be in any doubts as to the fact that Xabi was the man for us.

[Tee]

I still think that we miss some of the dynamism Barry would have bought to the centre of midfield. In hindsight it is easy to say that keeping Alonso was the best choice, and it has certainly worked out well. However I do think that Xabi's form has been dependent on that of Riera so far this season to be effective and I feel that unless a left fullback really steps up that will continue to be the case.

I really think that we would have improved from last season as a team with Barry too, depending on the other signings that came with (I doubt it would have been Keane). I freely admit that I didn't think that Xabi was likely to get back to his best with us this season, but I was afraid that if he went to Arsenal that they would become a much bigger danger.

I'm glad that Alonso has stayed and that Riera and Kuyt and Arbeloa have kicked on to provide the movement and width I always felt he needed to thrive. However I still think that we need another goal threat and set pieces and or a player running from CM to the D would provide that and Xabi does both things well only intermittently. If he steps up with one or another of those then I think no one will be in any doubts as to the fact that Xabi was the man for us.

I could not disagree more. Dynamism is the last thing Barry would give our midfield. Stability and security yes, but dynamism? No way!! His pace is pedestrian at best and whilst he is a very accomplished player I am so glad we stuck with Xabi.

Alonso gives us far far more in terms of being a dynamic player - his ability to switch the play with measured pacy long passes for example.

[dww]

I could not disagree more. Dynamism is the last thing Barry would give our midfield. Stability and security yes, but dynamism? No way!! His pace is pedestrian at best and whilst he is a very accomplished player I am so glad we stuck with Xabi.

Alonso gives us far far more in terms of being a dynamic player - his ability to switch the play with measured pacy long passes for example.

I think thats unfair. The thing about Barry if you watch Villa is that his runs past the attacking players are key to them. I agree he plays most of his football in a steady manner but he bursts into the box and down the left flank a lot when the opportunity arises. It's that sort of ability to rapidly cease an opportunity when there is space that I think we lack in central midfield. Gerrard has the ability but seemingly has to suppress it to maintain the discipline Rafa demands of a CM in general. I really think this is a role that Rafa wants Lucas to start filling.

I don't think that those passes do add the type of dynamism I mean. They are good and part of the best aspects of our play but those long balls often make the player receiving stop and as Veron found at United that sort of attack in the PL is not always hugely effective as players are closed down quickly. I think we lack an alternative to this against teams with two banks of four we need to make more use of give and go's and short passing to make holes - something I think Barry is good at. Alonso has the passing but without someone beside him making a lot of the running I don't think he encourages that sort of play. It's not intrinsically a flaw of Alonso but it is a limitation within our squad.

[Cormack74]

. The thing about Barry if you watch Villa is that his runs past the attacking players are key to them. I agree he plays most of his football in a steady manner but he bursts into the box and down the left flank a lot when the opportunity arises. It's that sort of ability to rapidly cease an opportunity when there is space that I think we lack in central midfield.

This is the crux for me. Alonso has definitely been playing his best footie for a couple of seasons, but dynamic he is not.

[Tee]

I think thats unfair. The thing about Barry if you watch Villa is that his runs past the attacking players are key to them. I agree he plays most of his football in a steady manner but he bursts into the box and down the left flank a lot when the opportunity arises. It's that sort of ability to rapidly cease an opportunity when there is space that I think we lack in central midfield. Gerrard has the ability but seemingly has to suppress it to maintain the discipline Rafa demands of a CM in general. I really think this is a role that Rafa wants Lucas to start filling.

I don't think that those passes do add the type of dynamism I mean. They are good and part of the best aspects of our play but those long balls often make the player receiving stop and as Veron found at United that sort of attack in the PL is not always hugely effective as players are closed down quickly. I think we lack an alternative to this against teams with two banks of four we need to make more use of give and go's and short passing to make holes - something I think Barry is good at. Alonso has the passing but without someone beside him making a lot of the running I don't think he encourages that sort of play. It's not intrinsically a flaw of Alonso but it is a limitation within our squad.

Totally disagree again about long balls making the receiving player stop - are you telling me that a pin point long ball switching play in an instant is going to slow the play? How about a long pass played ahead of the player, can be just as accuarte and does not require any stop starts.

I do agree about the give and go's and I am amazed you have not picked up on Xabi trying this much more this season. The amount of times he is about 10 or 15 yards from the box and he has played a quick sharp incisive pass to a player on the edge of the box.

Xabi's instinct is not to follow the run through and go beyond the forwards - something he should do because it would add an amazing dimension to his play. Perhaps Rafa does not want this from him though.

[dww]

Totally disagree again about long balls making the receiving player stop - are you telling me that a pin point long ball switching play in an instant is going to slow the play? How about a long pass played ahead of the player, can be just as accuarte and does not require any stop starts.

My point is that most switching balls go in the air to avoid the players in between and as a consequence require time or exceptional skill to to control. It is the reception that slows the play and/or allows the opposition the chance to get the ball back.

The other thing is though that the percentage of those balls that come off even for an exceptional player is low. Look how few of this type of balls the likes of Arsenal play and they have the swiftest attacks in the country (their team has other flaws but their strengths remain worth looking at).

The point was specifically about games against packed defenses where there is almost never space for players to run into on long balls. Which renders those balls irrelevant to my argument.

I do agree about the give and go's and I am amazed you have not picked up on Xabi trying this much more this season. The amount of times he is about 10 or 15 yards from the box and he has played a quick sharp incisive pass to a player on the edge of the box.

Xabi's instinct is not to follow the run through and go beyond the forwards - something he should do because it would add an amazing dimension to his play. Perhaps Rafa does not want this from him though.

That's the point tough he doesn't make the run. His quick passes count less as he doesn't make the run that creates space for the other player or leaves himself in space.

The movement of other players has improved and consequently he has been able to make more short quick balls but it isn't to the extent that it makes up for him not making those runs consistently IMO.

[Vermilion]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/04/07/liverpool-fc-fans-support-means-so-much-to-me-xabi-alonso-100252-23329655/

Liverpool FC fans support means so much to me - Xabi Alonso

Apr 7 2009 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

FANS’ SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH

THERE were times last summer when Xabi Alonso thought he had pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the final time.

As Rafa Benitez chased the £18million capture of Gareth Barry, the Spanish playmaker’s days at Anfield appeared numbered.

Juventus and Arsenal were linked with the midfielder but the refusal of owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sanction a deal for Barry meant Alonso stayed put.

If the 27-year-old was left feeling unwanted, the backing he received from Reds fans helped restore his spirits.

The saga made him vow to prove his manager wrong and Alonso has looked like a man on a mission this season.

Breaking up attacks and picking out the perfect pass, he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s push for glory at home and abroad.

Alonso is in the form of his life and relishing the prospect of playing his part in another famous European night at Anfield.

“When I was going through those moments of uncertainty a lot of fans supported me,” he said.

“They would say ‘we want you to stay, but at the end of the day, if you don’t, we wish you all the best and we are happy that you have been here’.

“I am very grateful for that. I am here now and very happy to be here. There is no other club like Liverpool.

“To feel Anfield on your back, the noise, it’s such a huge feeling, especially on the big nights.

“You’re automatically filled with that passionate energy and you always feel much better.

“It’s something Anfield provides more than any other stadium in the world.”

This is the fifth successive season Liverpool have met Chelsea in the Champions League.

Luis Garcia’s goal famously settled their semi-final tie in 2005 before the sides played out two goalless draws in the group stage of the 2005/6 campaign.

There was penalty joy for the Reds in 2007 as they booked their trip to Athens but Chelsea triumphed last season when they won the semi-final 4-3 on aggregate.

Remarkably, since Alonso arrived at Anfield from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2004, the clubs have met on 22 occasions.

“We know each other very well and because of that we don’t have many secrets,” Alonso admitted.

“It’s a bit strange that in five seasons we have played against each other five times (in Europe), and because of that it can add a little bit more motivation. It’s going to be an exciting tie.”

The Reds did the double over Chelsea in the league this season with Alonso netting the winner at Stamford Bridge in October.

However, since their last meeting at Anfield in February, Chelsea have enjoyed something of a revival under new boss Guus Hiddink.

Alonso said: “Hiddink is a new face and he has brought his new methods but I think overall the team is the same. It’s going to be as tough as it has been in the past. They are a very compact and very strong side.

“Now they have the strength of Michael Essien, it is a great addition for them. We know that playing with Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard, they have strong and powerful people in the middle of the park.

“But we are going to try and bring our qualities and we have a great balance with the three of us in the middle and hopefully we will win that battle.”

Liverpool have made a habit of winning battles recently with a run of five successive wins in all competitions.

Alonso admits the Reds took great belief from their stunning 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid at Anfield in the last round.

“In February the results weren’t as good as we hoped, but the Champions League tie against Real Madrid was a very big challenge for us,” he said.

“To go through as we did, to play as well as we did, it was a boost for our confidence.

“Since then the momentum of the team has been improving and now we are in a good run of form.”

[ningnangnong]

Class player, class bloke.

Amazes me that some people are still willing to see him sold.

[Kenneth]

I think thats unfair. The thing about Barry if you watch Villa is that his runs past the attacking players are key to them. I agree he plays most of his football in a steady manner but he bursts into the box and down the left flank a lot when the opportunity arises. It's that sort of ability to rapidly cease an opportunity when there is space that I think we lack in central midfield. Gerrard has the ability but seemingly has to suppress it to maintain the discipline Rafa demands of a CM in general. I really think this is a role that Rafa wants Lucas to start filling.

I don't think Rafa wants that role filling at all tbh. CM bursting forward may partly contribute to the fact that Villa have conceded twice as many goals as we have this season. Of course, the major reason is that they are generally worse than we are, but I don't think Rafa wants his CMs running out of position.