Xabi Alonso

[Reece]

It is, although I would repectfully disagree with that opinion.

We have lost many games this season primarily due to the midfield losing control of the game, leaving the defence exposed time and time again. Xabi would ensure we kept control so much better and his ability to dictate the play would have a massive impact on where BR is taking this team.

A must signing IMO and if there is even the slimmest chance of signing him we must go for it.

I'm undecided myself (in terms of priority - I'd obviously love him back!), and I can definitely see the argument you set forth.

[Neil Young]

Urm i dunno, what does it mean?

Has he signed yet?

[Pedenj]

On here possibly not - but there have been people on twitter asking if we really need him and what would he bring.

Although this is just more proof that twitter isn't exactly the best place for debating football.

[kev776]

On here possibly not - but there have been people on twitter asking if we really need him and what would he bring.

Although this is just more proof that twitter isn't exactly the best place for debating.

Edited for you

[spider-neil]

If it's a choice between Erikssen and Alonso then that's a really tough choice because in the short term I think Alonso is the better option but with Erikssen being only 21 he is the better long term option.

[Sarb]

I see the arguments for his lack of pace etc. But his real ability was his ability to move the ball in first time, long short etc. They always said why Gerrard and Torres scored so many was Alonso's ability to play the right pass very quickly. So many times teams used to try and hurry him or pressure him.

The guy just oozes class. He is calmness personified and would definitely fit into the side and style of play

At £8m, it's a no-brainer. World class midfielder

[kev776]

I see the arguments for his lack of pace etc. But his real ability was his ability to move the ball in first time, long short etc. They always said why Gerrard and Torres scored so many was Alonso's ability to play the right pass very quickly. So many times teams used to try and hurry him or pressure him.

The guy just oozes class. He is calmness personified and would definitely fit into the side and style of play

At £8m, it's a no-brainer. World class midfielder

This is the problem, at that price many more teams will be in for him, Spuds have already made a parking space available at their training ground.

[Pedenj]

Edited for you

[RedReet]

Alonso is world class and I'm genuinely surprised anyone wouldn't be happy with his return. His age (imho) isn't a big factor as he never had any pace to lose. Pretty much like Sami (despite his age) would walk straight into our first team and improve it.

What?

Hyypia would walk into our first team despite being 39 and retired?

[Gingawaria]

This is the problem, at that price many more teams will be in for him, Spuds have already made a parking space available at their training ground.

I don't think Xabi would play for any other team in England other than us. If he doesn't come to us, he'll probably go to Italy, he'd be incredible in Serie A with the amount of time they get on the ball.

[G]

Yeah Italy would be great for him. Only gave to look at how much influence Pirlo still has in games there.

[Corndog]

Eriksen plays further up the field than Alonso I don't think it would be an either or case, they are not similar players.

Tbh I think we need a Javier mascherano type player more than an Alonso ATM. Lucas is the one who needs competition, Stevie G is a great deep lying playmaker, and he isn't going to be dropped anytime soon so I fail to see how to fit Alonso into the lineup. IMO the team would benefit from ensuring that 2 out of the 3 central midfielders had some pace about them, otherwise 4-3-3 may not be the way to go.

A more agile defensive midfielder would allow our front 3 to have more freedom perhaps even enough to be able to start coutinho Sturridge and Suarez without worrying about the 2 wide forwards tracking back so much.

It would add flexibility/ depth to the squad. Centre backs are the overall priority though and as such that is where the bulk of the budget should be spent, we are currently very bad at defending aerially IMO.

[spider-neil]

What?

Hyypia would walk into our first team despite being 39 and retired?

Sami is better than all our CB put together in the air and none of our CB are giving us anything extra with regards to pace, power or defending high up the pitch.

[cream]

Aye, lets bring Barnes back as well, he's better than all our wingers. What about Fowler, the boy can finish, he'd be lethal partnered with Suarez.

Oh, and Kenny's biggest mistake last season was not picking himself. Could've rolled back the years...

[frank the tank]

Mike Marsh???