BG

I don't think they're actually that similar in many ways - Torres is much stronger, capable of playing up front alone, much more capable of regularly scoring goals out of nothing and a much better all round player IMO. I like Owen a lot and think he is under-rated by many Liverpool fans but I think Fernando is another level. I also think he's not getting the credit he deserves so far this season - if Cronaldo or Shrek had scored the goals Fernando has this season you wouldn't be able to pick up a paper without hearing about it every single day.

No January or Summer - it will take more than one window to move that lot anyway.

No. 3 is the big one there.

A poll in which there are only two options (Gerrard-Masch vs Gerrard-Alonso) would be more interesting.

Thing about an Alonso Masch pairing is you're basically accepting - in all probability - very, very few goals from central midfield. Given Gerrard's clear reluctance to play on the right, his status at the club and Rafa basically saying he was going to be in the centre more this season (despite presence of Masch and Xabi) I would say that the original poster's caveat about not basing it around Gerrard at right mid would not only make this more interesting as a thread but may also be closer to a choice which will need to be made more and more.

Assuming the money we make on fees could be used by the manager I'd be happy to sell the following in January or the Summer: Kuyt Crouch Voronin Momo Riise Carson

Torres - absolutely sensational goal.

Barnes was like the best bits of C Ronaldo, Giggs, Beckham and Yorke in one player.

Agreed.

You're challenging Kaizer for most arrogant tone - nice work. As for Mascherano doing his d"onkey work", I bet you were the kind of clown who thought that Real selling Makele was a really great idea. If you had actually read the post it would be clear that I'm not in any way trying to justify the sale of Alonso (an outcome I would regret). I'm merely saying that for me if it came to it I'd value Mascherano above him as I think he gives the side better balance.

Masch's defensive prowess and mobility (vs Alonso) gives Gerrard and the full backs more license to push on. Granted he's not in the same league as Xabi as a passer but Xabi in that position doesn't score much and, if memory serves, doesn't get many assists either.

Not even when you were doing the coaching course - surely you knew all that already?

Just my opinion. Anyway I recall Xabi not starting in the home leg of the Champions League semi-final last year when basically fit. IMO, and clearly this is debatable, I'd keep Mascherano over Xabi if I had to make that choice. Also I'd say Gerrard has always been his first choice midfielder - rightly too.

Read the post. Clearly that is not my desired outcome. I merely commenting that if push came to shove I'd rather have Masch than Alonso. I also think that no side in Europe (other than maybe Barca) have a midfielder as good as Xabi who is not basically first choice - and I'm not sure Xabi will be the way Mascherano is playing. If Xabi isn't first choice most of the time I would consider a large offer for him if it meant we could get a really good right winger or partner for Torres.

I woud hope so. Stevie, Masch, Alonso and Lucas is a pretty awesome mix. Having said that given the glaring holes in other places in the squad (someone to play off Torres, a really outstanding winger, a competent left back, another centre back) I might consider a large bid for Xabi anyway. If it was Xabi vs a top-class partner for Torres, I'd say that's a tough call. And I say that as a big fan of Alonso.

If it really came to the crunch (which it might given our financial situation) I'd sell any of our midfielders except Stevie to keep him. I really really dread losing him.

Granted Momo's form is hardly the best, but I suspect the market would place a value of at least 10x on Momo what it would palce on Spearing.

I thought there were now only five directors?? I doubt Bascombe's contacts with any of them now. I think the guy writing for the Times is being briefed but that's just me reading between the lines. I think Phil McNulty may also be being briefed, but again just reading between the lines.

I suspect Kaizer would see it more as exalted company for the lads.

Yes he's been consistent and I suspect he is also not miles away from the truth.

Slightly disconcerting article from Oliver Kay in tomorrow's Times. He seems to be being briefed. Rumours of a Board Meeting tonight apparently. Times

Praise weakens you.

If Crouch is a left winger then I am a nuclear fizzsist. Most frightening thing I've ever read on here.

Biggest load of rubbish I've ever read from you. He was awesome at Barca awway last season and in the cup final the yeat before. Find me one Savage performance even close to that level.

I would shed a tear, especially for JAR. But not of sadness.