Papasmurf

"IMO the above is a generalisation and as an argument sheds no light on Alonsos overall game." I didn't really think I needed to shed any light on his overall game to be honest. We all know what he's about. "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." Right, I don't think the fabregas point means much at all in the context of what I was saying. you're right in saying these are all very different players, but that was also the point I was trying to make. You could add Ronaldo, Rooney, Flamini, Lampard, Ballack, or Essien to that list, but the point is the same. Whilst they all do very different jobs, they are all able to do so because they can all operate in the tight confines and limited amount of time that the premiership presents. This, in my opinion, is imperative to achieve what we're trying to achieve. Throughout the Arsenal team they are able to craft small amounts of space for themselves when under pressure. It allows them to keep moves going and play fluid football. Man utd likewise. But we are not able to do that, and whilst it's certainly not a problem specific to Alonso, it is one which has been glaring to me this season. His form has, as you say, been below his usual standards. his passing has been erratic. But that simply compounds the problem, as oppose to actually being the problem. Mascherano has been reliable as anyone in the league this season. His performances have been fantastic on a consistent basis. You can afford the odd misplaced pass from him, because he is simply so effective for such a large part of the time. Just like you could afford Torres the missed chances. I mean, it'd take a harsh judge to highlight the missed opportunities when so much of what he's done has been simply world class. Whereas when kuyt misses a cance, there's less room for sympathy because he isn't weighing in with his much in the way of quality (although I'm not dead against kuyt, but that's another story). "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." Obviously I fully agree. I also think the operative word there is balance. I think Barry can offer us a major new option in terms of our ability to provide quality into the frontmen because of him being left footed. Infact, I think it's something that his detractors are badly overlooking. Just the prospect of having him and Gerrard either side of Mascherano allows you to get creative when thinking of what we could do next season, if you allow it. It actually could be quite exciting to think how it could open up our play. I also think he would fit very well with Dossena, who is very attack minded, more of a left midfielder than a left back. Tactically I think the door opens up to a far better balanced and more dynamic attack for next season.

Why, whenever a situation like this arises, do some people stick the blinkers on and start up all sorts of conspiracy theories? It's a bit of an ignorant stance if you ask me. Almost oblivious to the fact that maybe, just maybe, the manager is making a decision which they themselves would not. If Alonso was thinking of moving in a couple of years, why would Benitez sell him now? I mean, Barry is only really going to be here for around four years if he comes. By which time he will be 31, and probably in need of a longer term replacement himself. It's not exactly a long term strategy to sign a 27 year old is it? These comments are also oblivious to the fact that, like it or loathe it, Mr. Alonso been a liability in possession on far too many occasions this season. Too often things have just been too close for comfort with him when I've seen him this season. Even if he hasn't been robbed, he's been pretty close to. He does not offer the same sort of reliability in possession that Gerrard or Mascherano do. Even if his passing can be sublime. Alonso's inability to retain possession comfortably is a problem in the bigger games. This, allied to the fact that Having a left footer on the left side of midfield will open up so many new options, is where I believe Barry will be represent the step forward. When play is open and we are surpressing the other team, Alonso is in his element. He can be fantastic when on form. But when play is crowded and hectic, he is certainly not someone you want in possession. Like I said, gerrard and Mascherano are able to craft that tiny bit of space, Alonso isn't. Although his passing, when on form, can be spectacular, and his ability to use this to dictate the tempo and direction of the play can be an extremely effective weapon, unfortunately he just isn't afforded the time to do it. Like Sissoko's erratic passing was overlooked by many because he was a one man wrecking machine, Alonso's deficiencies are overlooked because of how magnificently he can pass the ball. Ultimately the ones who protested against the sale of Sissoko were won over by the fact that Mascherano was pretty much in a similar mould to Sissoko, although better all round. I suspect those who do not know much about Gareth Barry will go exactly the same way. And maybe then realise that maybe it was their knowledge that wasn't quite up to scratch.

You think so? It would have to be wouldn't it.....

It looks like Alonso is definitely on his way, which will be a bit of a heartbreaker for many of his admirers. He is a very nice person, and a quality player too. But I think many people romanticise about how good all round he actually was. He was not good enough in a few departments which are key to long term premiership survival at the very top. He wasn't good enough in possession of the ball, although his passing was sometimes fantastic. I think the end of his days came when the only aspect of his game that was truly world class became erratic. Maybe through loss of form, maybe through absence, but ultimately there were also areas where I personally didn't feel comfortable when xabi was in possession. 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. So many times when Alonso has played this season I've been worried he was going to be robbed of possession. So many times with so many people I've watched the game with, I've said the same thing, that 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. Why I've said this so many times this season is a question. Maybe it's his lack of form or confidence. Maybe opposing teams are onto this, and tell players to close him down quickly. Whatever it is, he's certainly been a player who, this season, I've been as critical as any of. For someone who I had only admiration previously, this is a bit strange. Maybe there are other reasons behind this transfer, but ultimately I am not in the same category as others who think Xabi is almost irreplaceable. He was good, excellent infact when he first joined. But in my honest opinion, he has not been in the same class as the top midfielders in the prem this season. and though some people won't really want to hear it, Gareth Barry has.