RedHarvest

I predict Villa will end up at Barcelona. If we have one big signing in the offing I think we should go for Benzema

This content is not viewable to guests.

Better in attitude and temprement if not pure ability. Definitely an improvement in the squad if we can get a straight swap.

What no one on this thread seems to acknowledge is that Barry for Alonso is not a like for like buy. Rafa is clearly sacrificing what Xabi brings to the table for Barrys more versatile and utilitarian qualities, and Rafa is now quite rightly making a hard and ruthless decision which he will live or die by next season. The Barry versus Alonso as players, stat assisted argument is useless and ludicrus with the two entrenched camps just flinging insults at eachother to no end. Fact is no one knows how Barry will fit in to the team and Xabis fans on this forum have a right to mourn his loss. in my opinion Xabi Alonso is a classy and cultured footballer and future manager material and Gareth Barry is a solid, honest, meat and potatoes premiership player who would be a good addition to the team.

Aces! ...now we need Chelsea to lose Essien and Drogba to Inter.

Call it what you like but I see peoples assessment of Xabis abilities over the last season to be revisionist. His reputation was forged over his first two seasons with us in which we won the Champions league. He's unique in our squad (and in our midfield) in that he can, on his game, dictate the pace and tempo of a game with his footballing intelligence, it's never been just about his raking 40 yarders or the goals from our half. Barry is not going to be a like for like buy and we are going to miss what Xabi brings to us when he's on song.

No one disputes Xabi has had a bad season by his own standards. "When you look at Arsenal or man utd for example, they can play the ball to anyone accross the park and, even if the space is tight, be comfortable with it. The players on both teams have the ability to work in tight spaces, and are able to create that tiny bit of freedom for themselves, and have awareness of what's around them." IMO the above is a generalisation and as an argument sheds no light on Alonsos overall game. "Alonso doesn't seem aware of what's going on directly around him. When you look at fabregas, hleb, mascherano, Gerrard, they can all take the ball, look left and right quickly, get their head up, and, if space is tight, run a few yards before releasing it. Alonso can only really look for the pass immediately, and it has restricted his play a large amount." Dunno where you're getting this from, they're all very different players. Mascherano surrendered posession as much as any player on our team this season. Fabregas' amazing season didn't help Arsenal in the end. I'm not getting into who is better between Barry and Alonso,,you could probably guess my position but the argument is moot, if Alonso leaves I hope and pray Barry brings enough to the balance of the team that we can challenge for the title.

Revisionism and generalisation posing as football knowledge

Yeah, I suspect something more complicated than Rafa preferring Barry as a player, he's looking at the long term no doubt and knows more about Xabis thinking than we do. On the upside if Xabi has a good Euro 2008 it will bump up his price.

deliberately haven't read the bulk of this thread, it's too sad - a cultured and class player like Xabi possibly leaving the club. But on the other hand there's no room for sentimentality, and Rafa will live or die by this, amongst other, transfer decisions. It's not about who is the better player betwen Xabi and Barry, it's all about balance through the team and , believe it or not, Rafa knows more than any of us on the subject.

Rest In Peace ynwa

This content is not viewable to guests.

This content is not viewable to guests.

"United, who spent (or rather committed to spend) something like £65m last summer, are actually in a healthier position this year, despite external debts of £666m." ...conclusive proof that the mancs are in league with Satan

I think there's been a marked difference in his attitude since Torres' arrival. He's been great this season despite all the boardroom s****, he's a worthy Liverpool captain.

He's not the brightest is Ronnie,, great player and a likable guy but he hasn't got a f***ing clue as a pundit.

It seems Gerrard has no fixed position despite his personal preference for CM. Rafa has and will continue to use him tactically in a number of positions according to the oppo. It's the result of Rafas tactical philosophy (possibilities,no) and the effectiveness of Gerrards all around game.

What a f***ed up season it's been! Reasons to believe for the future: 1. Torres - the most exciting and explosive striker in the world right now,,amazing first season! 2. We're Liverpool FC

Great news about Sammy, should definitely improve things.

This content is not viewable to guests.

This content is not viewable to guests.

I think thats likely. For around the 10mill mark it's excellent business for an experienced player, a team captain, adaptable; a real Rafa type player.

Rest In Peace - YNWA

Ditto. I fancy them today, the seige mentality and pride should be sufficient incentive. That and Vidic being out - everyone was raving about Pique but Roma were such spineless oppo they mede him look good.

Couldn't help thinking about Hugh McIlvannys piece in last sundays Times - there you go you old codger, your sage advice has been heeded by UEFA officials and they're finally cracking down on the modern scourge of "grappling" - starting with Toure