Stefano

The speed and physical demands of the modern game means technical players like Riera, and to a lesser extent Benayoun, will always be used as impact players under detailed coaches like Rafa, who put huge emphasis on fitness and statistical data.

It's unlikely we'll use the same formation all season and I think if Alonso goes Rafa will look to bring in a CM and striker for when he wants to shake things up and use a traditional system. The inevitable injuries we'll get at some stage will dicate that too, so it's important we have a players flexible enough to adapt to various sytems and tactics.

Haha, Money City.

Yeah, but we can still agree a fee and personal terms and have them all but signed before allowing the Alonso deal to go through, accepted offer from Madrid permitting, obviously. Defour is one I keep reading good things about. I remember him being one of the stand out performers when we played Liege.

He's just regurgitating what's been in Marca and AS for weeks. I think any deal hinges on Rafa sorting out a suitable replacment. If he can't I don't think he'd have any qualms about keeping Alonso.

Oooookay.

Fowler.

Spanish Waiter? Ya daft racist.

I love Didi, but no. Darren Fletcher is available.

'arry on Doss. Aint heard nothing about that. I like him, he's a great player, you know, and if he was available at the right price, you know, I'd be interested. But I don't talk about other clubs players, unless they're, you know, available at the right price.

Harry Redknapp is one slimy t***. If Rafa openly tapped up players like he does he'd get crucified from all corners.

At least his wife will be happy. It's not like he could enjoy the full benefits of his homeland when he retires at 35-ish.

Fully agree. While I'm glad we bring players of his quality to the club from abroad, it's not difficult to be cynical when their heads are being turned by big money from their homeland, with family and cultural difficulties being used to justify it.

Why is it daft exactly? I only care about Liverpool FC, not the whim of every multi millionaire player and his wife's cultural needs. It's not like they're holed up on a council estate is it.

Don't come here in the first place then. We're Liverpool FC, not a stepping stone for every foreign player until he's tired of our culture or in demand back in own country. These players live a life of luxury we'll never ever experience, so forgive me if I don't feel an ounce of sympathy. It wasn't that long ago that Alonso was spouting all sorts of platitudes about the City and how he was settled here, which only confirms that the vast majority of these players are full of s***.

Martinez is 20 years of age. I'd like to think we'd get someone in a bit more experienced. He'd be a luxury signing at this stage and someone we'd need to develop for a few years.

It's all a bit idealistic isn't it? It might work at a much lower level but it's not going to keep us competitive in the current climate. The barca model is often used as the main example but it's based on voting in a President who will plough in a load of his own money, bringing us back to square one. It depends what we want; if it's just a self sufficient club with no debt or risk, then fine. But I doubt we'll win anything until the game implodes, which doesn't seem likely, especially if we get the world cup.

I wouldn't say no to RVN as part of the Alonso package.

They've been arrested since.

That Sport website is awful. Ballague was slagging it off yesterday in his latest empty musings.

Sorry, I meant if he stayed.

Love the BBC's non sensationlist headline.

Barry didn't hand in an official request. Alonso has done his bit, so Madrid now need to make it worth our while. I'm sure Alonso would be able to handle the inevitable backlash and mistrust from the fans, albeit from a small minority.

The Real president Florentino Pérez described the 27-year-old Alonso as a crucial target yesterday, saying: "It is fundamental that we sign Xabi Alonso. He is a key player to our project." Pay up then, t***s.

Without doubt. I'm sure we wouldn't get anything near what we're being offered now. But then you have to make the choice between whether keeping our best players or the extra money is the best way forward for the team. It's a fine line.