I reckon Barca and Madrid would happily take Alonso back to Spain, but there is still no reason why he couldn't play alongside Mascherano with Gerrard just ahead of them. Benitez used this formation to great effect with Valencia, but the system relies on a top quality striker with pace, like Owen. Anybody know if Benitez really wanted to sign Owen? Safe to say bellamy just isn't remotely good enough, but I heard that Villa lad is highly thought of by the manager... As for Sissoko he really needs to work on his composure with the ball. His technique isn't great, but I reckon it's more of a case of a rush of blood to the head more often than not. He is the epitomy of the new young breed of footballers, who are athletes first and players a distant second. Do you really think Pennant is good enough? or remotely consistent enough? We definitely need a new right winger, but I doubt Pennant will ever be the answer. What's the story with the great young prospect Paul Anderson? Has he been injured, not doing well in the reserves, too old for the youths? I haven't seen much of him, but he looked like he has no shortage of talent, yet he has baely had a sniff this season.