Rapid Vienna v Liverpool

[Craig_H]

Some lovely quick passing and movement there, didnt lead to a clear chance, but it was well worked.

[Hustler]

Anybody else think that Plesis has come on in his game? He looks very composed and moves very freely

[dww]

Good play by Nemeth there.

[dww]

Anybody else think that Plesis has come on in his game? He looks very composed and moves very freely

Not sure. He's been composed on the ball and made good blocks and tackles but there is no shape to us in defense and as a combative midfielder he should be one of the ones providing that. Also Gerrard seems to be coming very deep to get the ball at times which I would take to be a slight issue with Plessis and the defenders getting the ball forward.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

good stop there from diego

[Mike]

We need to be better attacking, i know its pre-season but i dont want to watch us being pinned back.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Stevie smashed some1 with one boot on
HT

[JohnDoe]

I think Plessis' style of play is too laid back for us. On one hand, he doesn't have the finesse and passing ability to potentially partner a pure DM like Mascherano and on the other hand, he doesn't really have the energy and doggedness to be a sole defensive midfielder in any team.

I can see Spearing overtaking him in the pecking order next year. Can't see a future for him here sadly, unless he changes his style and starts to sink his teeth in the game. He has a lot potential, reminds me of Yaya Toure a bit.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

It's so obvious without alonso in the team we lost our tempo and rhythm.. I don't just mean today but when he was missing last season, HE MUST STAY!

[Mike]

Agree robbie, the tempo is dull.

[Lisburn Red]

It's so obvious without alonso in the team we lost our tempo and rhythm.. I don't just mean today but when he was missing last season, HE MUST STAY!

For flips sake chill pal its only a friendly and we just started back so a bit early to judge...... though I want him to stay myself

[JohnDoe]

We rarely look good without Xabi in the team, and when we do it's usually in games where we don't need to take the initiative (Inter, Mancs).

This is what scares me about him going.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

For flips sake chill pal its only a friendly and we just started back so a bit early to judge...... though I want him to stay myself

erm.. i said not just today, its just today's game has brought back memories when we have looked this way during the season without him

[RoadEnd]

Sack Parry

[dww]

We rarely look good without Xabi in the team, and when we do it's usually in games where we don't need to take the initiative (Inter, Mancs).

This is what scares me about him going.

I'm not so sure about that. The Man Utd and Newcastle games with Mascherano and Lucas went pretty well. I agree that Alonso is one of the players with the character to make us play in a way that controls the game but it is pretty clear that we are playing a fitter team than us and with us having players who are not used to playing together other than in training.

It would certainly be a blow to lose Alonso but it could be compensated for.