Xabi Alonso

[Fosterbloke]

I personally think Rodgers is going to go for defenders that allow us to consistently hold a high line and compress the spaces in midfield which will in turn completely change the dynamic of the side from one that needs mobility and stamina to cover large distances to one that requires, positioning, vision and technical/passing ability.

Any thoughts on the defenders that can play that role?

[kalesh]

I personally think Rodgers is going to go for defenders that allow us to consistently hold a high line and compress the spaces in midfield which will in turn completely change the dynamic of the side from one that needs mobility and stamina to cover large distances to one that requires, positioning, vision and technical/passing ability.

I agree, however playing a high line doesn't negate the necessity for mobility and stamina - in fact these are even more important with a high line as it requires much more workrate. Players need to be able to push-up and be exceptional in one-on-one situations. Playing a high-line means you need all the 'usual' qualities of a CB - strength, power, heading ability, awareness etc - along with extras like pace, mobility, composure and technical ability. It's what separates good defenders from worldclass defenders.

[RedReet]

A blend of youth and experience, whilst providing strength-in-depth ...

Gerrard (32)
Alonso (31)
Lucas (26)
Allen (23)
Henderson (22)
Eriksen (21)
Shelvey (21)
Coutinho (20)

What category does Jay Francis Spearing (24) fall under?

[Assassin]

What category does Jay Francis Spearing (24) fall under?

Vertically challenged

[Marclfc]

The guy is a legend and I'd love him back, sadly I can't see it happening though..

[fah-q]

The guy is a legend and I'd love him back, sadly I can't see it happening though..

Spearo?

[Shaggy]

Speo

[Patricks_Berger]

Suspicious that Alonso quoted the high rate of tax here and the exchange rate about 3-6 months before leaving and now the tax loop holes in Spain for the top footballers has been closed.

I presume that's 80k a week before tax?
No chance Alonso will sign here for 4k a month after tax.

Tax rate here has gone down for top earners since then whilst tax for everyone has gone up in Spain cos there economy is even worse than ours.

Plus, what is Carragher on atm? That'll be £80/90k per week off the wage bill come the summer.... it's on!

[spider-neil]

Tax rate here has gone down for top earners since then whilst tax for everyone has gone up in Spain cos there economy is even worse than ours.

Plus, what is Carragher on atm? That'll be £80/90k per week off the wage bill come the summer.... it's on!

I think Carra's wage is already earmarked for the centre back we bring in.

[Imy]

I personally think Rodgers is going to go for defenders that allow us to consistently hold a high line and compress the spaces in midfield which will in turn completely change the dynamic of the side from one that needs mobility and stamina to cover large distances to one that requires, positioning, vision and technical/passing ability.

When (if) that happens then you change the likes of Lucas with Xabi because Xabi would be able to shield the defence and also has more ability with regards to hurting a team from a deep position (base of a midfield 3).

If Erickssen were to be purchased then he would take Henderson's place in the team because Erickssen isn't a holding/defensive player he is an attacking player therefore wouldn't be replacing Lucas.

Was what i was trying to say in the offside trap thread (not very well though )

For this to work we're going to need quick, powerful and clever centre backs - Ashley Williams

[Neil Young]

HHSY?




Who used to say that a lot? Imy, was it you?

[James P]

Pinkie Pie - (rimshot) - YouTube

I bet when you Googled 'Video of Pinkie Rimshot' it threw up a few slightly esoteric results.

[Shackanory]

The female LFC tv presenters might want to take that day off.

Should get Torres to give Claire Rourke that daft mask of his.

[Shackanory]

I'd love Alonso back, he could pick a pass out of his arsehole and still find Suarez onside one on one with the keeper, but as I said, I'm almost that certain it won't happen, I'll get "Xabi" tattooed on my arse if we get him back. FSG will use his age, salary and the amount of midfielders we already have as an excuse not to sign him.

[Neil Young]

Yes indeed, if we don't sign Alonso this summer there really can be no other explanation.

FSG out.