Xabi Alonso

[MrMichael]

Have we? We've not been the same since he left.

Not sure its entirely fair / accurate to correlate our downturn in results / league positions in the last few years with the sale of Alonso specifically. H&G, Hodgson, Comolli & Dalglish, Aquilani, Poulson, Konchesky and Andy Carroll (etc etc etc) would all come at least as high on my list of culprits.

And fwiw, let us not forget either that apart from an excellent last season, Alonso's form in the previous couple of seasons had been variable enough to convince Rafa that switching him out for Gareth Barry was a good plan. Quality player who "got" LFC, no doubt of that, but he is not simply the messiah.

And personally I tend to agree that I'm not entirely sure where I could see him fitting in our midfield unless Lucas or Gerrard were to drop out of it, which is extremely unlikely. I don't buy this rumour really, especially not for £10m+ (and large wages).

[Fredo]

I think this rumour is a load of bollix, to quote Nicey.

[Arn]

Would be a very good signing and give Rodgers many options.

He could play instead of Lucas/Gerrard without any problem. Xabi isn't only a great passer he is also an excellent ball winner and tackler. IIRC he was the best tackler in the league when we sold him and he hasn't been any worse in Spain.

If he played together with Lucas then Gerrard could play as one of the three second strikers. We would then be much better in defensive midfield and it would help a defense that probably need all the help they can get because they most probably need to learn the new system and tactics.

Lucas and Xabi would be the best ball winning defensive midfield in the league IMO. Fits Rodgers tactic perfect.

[kev776]

Have we? We've not been the same since he left.

We didn't go downhill only because he left, he was a piece in the whole jigsaw that fell to pieces over that period. If BR think he can do a job for 2 or 3 years to get us back in the CL, fine, he gets my vote but I can't see Scabby wanting to come back. He wants CL football now.

[Norbs]

Goalie
GJ KT DA JE
LL XA
LS SG PC
DS

Love to see that side in action

[spider-neil]

We didn't go downhill only because he left, he was a piece in the whole jigsaw that fell to pieces over that period. If BR think he can do a job for 2 or 3 years to get us back in the CL, fine, he gets my vote but I can't see Scabby wanting to come back. He wants CL football now.

We went downhill because he left. When Xabi packed his bags we lost (and have never regained) the ability to slow the game down so when the **** hits the fan we either win or end up conceeding a couple in quick succession.

[Tee]

Stevie would love to have him back and I would not underestimate his influence on this matter. Could see this happening. Xabi

[Gray]

£10m seems somewhat excessive

[Vermilion]

We didn't go downhill only because he left, he was a piece in the whole jigsaw that fell to pieces over that period. If BR think he can do a job for 2 or 3 years to get us back in the CL, fine, he gets my vote but I can't see Scabby wanting to come back. He wants CL football now.

[SB]

I don't care either way TBH but if Brendan wants him then let's do it.

[Kenneth]

£10m seems somewhat excessive

In what way?

[SB]

In what way?

Wellllll....... It's not cheap I suppose he means?

[Gray]

Yep, great player but I think he only has a year left on his conetract and at 31 i think half that fee is more realistic

[SB]

City maybe?

[Tee]

Yep, great player but I think he only has a year left on his conetract and at 31 i think half that fee is more realistic

At 31 and given the way he plays he still has a good 4 years left in the tank at the top level. £10m for a key Spanish player with a year left on his contract is a bargain and if he is genuinely available and we pass up the opportunity because of the fee I will be gutted. My only concern is that we are close to the WC and he may want to be in the CL this season.