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Mascherano to sign a new contract this week?

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[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907329#msg907329 date=1247823954]
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907323#msg907323 date=1247823676]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907313#msg907313 date=1247823201]
He gets it, he passes it. Thats it, thats what he does. His passing most of the time is sublime, long or short.
[/quote]

There are not 'millions' who can pass like Xabi, Herr. As precise, as clinical.
That's why he is going to cost so much.
He is a supreme player, one of the finest in Europe in my eyes.

I'd also disagree with you about his tacking, ball winning ability.
I have seen and can recall him breaking up plenty of attacks.
[/quote]I really dont care mate. Im sick fucking talking about him. I think he's a dick for wanting to leave, and i dont think it will affect us that much.
Im done arguing about him. He wants to leave. Fine. See ya.
[/quote]

'stage 2 of grief' - anger
 
I agree, it is becoming tiresome. I wish he would come out with a statement stating his intentions.
But I don't agree with the notion that his silence means he wants to leave.
I still think it is possible, favourable even, that he will stay.
 
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=34708.msg907337#msg907337 date=1247824209]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907329#msg907329 date=1247823954]
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907323#msg907323 date=1247823676]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907313#msg907313 date=1247823201]
He gets it, he passes it. Thats it, thats what he does. His passing most of the time is sublime, long or short.
[/quote]

There are not 'millions' who can pass like Xabi, Herr. As precise, as clinical.
That's why he is going to cost so much.
He is a supreme player, one of the finest in Europe in my eyes.

I'd also disagree with you about his tacking, ball winning ability.
I have seen and can recall him breaking up plenty of attacks.
[/quote]I really dont care mate. Im sick fucking talking about him. I think he's a dick for wanting to leave, and i dont think it will affect us that much.
Im done arguing about him. He wants to leave. Fine. See ya.
[/quote]

'stage 2 of grief' - anger
[/quote]Behave. I couldnt care less. Im just sick of fucking hearing about it. Its like when Jade Goody died up in here.
 
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907341#msg907341 date=1247824347]
I agree, it is becoming tiresome. I wish he would come out with a statement stating his intentions.
But I don't agree with the notion that his silence means he wants to leave.
I still think it is possible, favourable even, that he will stay.
[/quote]Dont be silly big lad.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907345#msg907345 date=1247824443]
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907341#msg907341 date=1247824347]
I agree, it is becoming tiresome. I wish he would come out with a statement stating his intentions.
But I don't agree with the notion that his silence means he wants to leave.
I still think it is possible, favourable even, that he will stay.
[/quote]Dont be silly big lad.
[/quote]
Yeah, it may be silly, but until I hear it from Xabi I'll stay positive about the situation.
 
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907350#msg907350 date=1247824853]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907345#msg907345 date=1247824443]
[quote author=Stu link=topic=34708.msg907341#msg907341 date=1247824347]
I agree, it is becoming tiresome. I wish he would come out with a statement stating his intentions.
But I don't agree with the notion that his silence means he wants to leave.
I still think it is possible, favourable even, that he will stay.
[/quote]Dont be silly big lad.
[/quote]
Yeah, it may be silly, but until I hear it from Xabi I'll stay positive about the situation.
[/quote]

xabi is gone, it really is a case now of how much for.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907313#msg907313 date=1247823201]You mean the same club who signed Gabriel Heinz, Mohammed Diarra, Raul Bravo etc yeah, they never EVER sign players who are less than perfect ay?
So you tell me, what does Xabi do other than get it-pass it?
Score? nope
Create/assist? nope
Quality set pieces? nope
Win it back? nope
Great tackles? nope
so what? What am i missing? He gets it, he passes it. Thats it, thats what he does. His passing most of the time is sublime, long or short. But thats what he does. The aura of Xabi that exists on scm is a lot better than the actual Xabi. I mean its a wonder we've managed to lose ANY of the trophies available to us this past 4 years what with this all conquering hero god in the middle of the park tearing teams assunder with his astonishing range of skills.
I say again. He gets it. He passes it. End of fucking list.
[/quote]

I remember some posters were asking what it is that Xavi actually does for Barca earlier this year - what is it that makes him any good?

Well, he doesn't have an engine like Essien, he isn't usually spraying 60yard passes about the field, he doesn't often score 30yard screamers, he doesn't really do that much on the defensive side of things and he doesn't do dribbling. So what is it?

In the last couple seasons, he's been asked to try and get forward more (something that their 4-3-3 formation allows) and there has been a notable improvement in his stats, but what about before?

Could it be that that the lynchpin of the Barca (and Spanish national team) didn't really do much at all?
 
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907359#msg907359 date=1247825421]
Keni wins.
[/quote]Quite so. If you ignore the past 2 seasons in which Xavi has scored maybe 15 goals and created about 50 assists, and Barcelona have won their first ever treble yeah, theyre remarkably similar. I feel schooled.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907368#msg907368 date=1247826235]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907359#msg907359 date=1247825421]
Keni wins.
[/quote]Quite so. If you ignore the past 2 seasons in which Xavi has scored maybe 15 goals and created about 50 assists, and Barcelona have won their first ever treble yeah, theyre remarkably similar. I feel schooled.
[/quote]

In the last couple seasons, he's been asked to try and get forward more (something that their 4-3-3 formation allows) and there has been a notable improvement in his stats, but what about before?
Click to expand...

Xavi doesn't play as a holding midfielder. Alonso does.

In previous seasons, Xavi was player a bit more deeper and....
 
I'd just like to point out that Xavi and Alonso's goals per game ratio (club and Int) are nearly exactly the same.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907313#msg907313 date=1247823201]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=34708.msg907154#msg907154 date=1247795838]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg905693#msg905693 date=1247584595]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=34708.msg905692#msg905692 date=1247584232]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg905684#msg905684 date=1247583714]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=34708.msg905656#msg905656 date=1247578876]
[quote author=drizzt link=topic=34708.msg905643#msg905643 date=1247577301]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=34708.msg905640#msg905640 date=1247577084]
those facts are rubbish.
xabi's passes are short range, long range and penetrative, I'd argue the majority of masher's passes are simple bread and butter.
[/quote]

Have you got any rubbish facts to back that up. If they were so penetrative, like Xavi's, I'm sure he's got bucketloads of assists. Oh, 1 more than Lucas.

Anyways the point was Mascherano was being called at as inconsistent. He's clearly no more or less consistent than anyone else.
[/quote]

I don't think you need 'rubbish facts to back it up', Masher's made far less passes and you only have to watch him play to see that the majority of his play is based on just doing the simple things. Nowt wrong with that, but occasionally his play can be sloppy too and he's nowhere near as ambitious or able with his passing as Xabi is.

Alonso is by far a more clinical, specialist passer, you don't need stats to back that up. His passes are penetrative from a deeper role and position than Xavi's, that's why he doesn't get many direct assists, it's his role at the start of such moves that's of massive importance.

What's the point in comparing him to Xavi when his play is usually 10-20 yards deeper?

It doesn't take a genius to appreciate and recognise how important Xabi is to our attacking play, even if it doesn't have a direct impact in terms of assists.
[/quote]

To be fair. (and this isnt really directed at anyone in particular) I for one am sick of hearing about how 'were nothing without Xabi' and 'we wont win the league without Xabi' and 'Were half a team without him' and 'Its the end of the fucking world if he leaves and takes his long balls with him'

Here's our LAST 5 results without Xabi in the side
PORTSMOUTH 2 - 3 LIVERPOOL
CITY 1 - 1 LIVERPOOL
MANCHESTER UNITED 1 - 4 LIVERPOOL
WEST HAM 0 - 3 LIVERPOOL
WESTBROM 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL

Pts - 13

Soooooo.....Not fucking bad then eh?

I like Xabi, but the way people go on on here, he's more important than Gerrard and fucking Torres. He isnt, he's a good passer who spreads play without scoring or creating goals for his team mates. THATS IT.
He keeps possession superbly well, but then so does Riera (who also passes well).

I wish youd all shut up, your making me want him to leave just to show these One man team fuckers that we arent and even if we were it wouldnt be fucking Xabi Alonso.

We'll be fine when he leaves, he doesnt create or control our tempo!! Someone just said that once and now people regurgitate it willy nilly. He's great, he isnt the be all and end all, and all this gnashing of teeth and biting of fingernails is making me look on perplexed and ever so slightly amused.


[/quote]

I generally agree Oncy, I was just arguing the toss over the difference between Alonso and Masher and the pointlessness of taking stats at face value.

I wouldn't say we're THAT reliant on Xabi, but he does help keep the play moving in the middle of the park and is composed and controlled in his play, he helps dictate the tempo which is a difficult quality to replace.

It's not the end of the World if he goes though, we've lost and replaced better players.
[/quote]

Yeah, the way its spun on here though is that he is THE ONLY proffessional footballer who can actually pass a football. Im not sure about all this tempo bollocks either. He gets the ball and he looks for the best pass and he passes it. Thats it. Thats what a Xabi does. He doesnt hurt you, he doesnt win games, he doesnt even stop you losing games. He just passes well. Which is fine. But im sick of hearing how he's fucking unique and that we must all abandon hope if he leaves. NA fuck that, we'll just get another footballer who can pass the ball. THERES FUCKING MILLIONS OF THEM!
[/quote]

"He gets the ball and passes it. Thats it."

I can't believe the biggest club in World football are gonna fall for this! They're prepared to part with 30M odd for a one-trick pony!

Absolute fucking arse Oncy.
[/quote]You mean the same club who signed Gabriel Heinz, Mohammed Diarra, Raul Bravo etc yeah, they never EVER sign players who are less than perfect ay?
So you tell me, what does Xabi do other than get it-pass it?
Score? nope
Create/assist? nope
Quality set pieces? nope
Win it back? nope
Great tackles? nope
so what? What am i missing? He gets it, he passes it. Thats it, thats what he does. His passing most of the time is sublime, long or short. But thats what he does. The aura of Xabi that exists on scm is a lot better than the actual Xabi. I mean its a wonder we've managed to lose ANY of the trophies available to us this past 4 years what with this all conquering hero god in the middle of the park tearing teams assunder with his astonishing range of skills.
I say again. He gets it. He passes it. End of fucking list.
[/quote]

Oncey that is harsh. Alonso is our metronome, he keep's us ticking over. I still think you are undervaluing his role.

Isn't this a Masher thread anyway? haha.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907371#msg907371 date=1247826340]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907368#msg907368 date=1247826235]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907359#msg907359 date=1247825421]
Keni wins.
[/quote]Quite so. If you ignore the past 2 seasons in which Xavi has scored maybe 15 goals and created about 50 assists, and Barcelona have won their first ever treble yeah, theyre remarkably similar. I feel schooled.
[/quote]

In the last couple seasons, he's been asked to try and get forward more (something that their 4-3-3 formation allows) and there has been a notable improvement in his stats, but what about before?
Click to expand...

Xavi doesn't play as a holding midfielder. Alonso does.

In previous seasons, Xavi was player a bit more deeper and....
[/quote]I know what youre getting at Ken. Its just fairly irrelevant.
If youre point is that in 2 years time when Xabi has been asked to play further forward we will see results akin to Xavi's then fine, that may be the case. But that doesnt really change my thinking about the Xabi we have here and now.
Anyway, this is all just getting a bit daft. Im clearly in a minority of one thinking all the wailing and gnashing of teeth is disproportionate in regards to what we are actually losing. Thats fine, im not going to gurn about it, im happy with my view as im sure everyone else is with theirs.
 
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907379#msg907379 date=1247826693]
I'd just like to point out that Xavi and Alonso's goals per game ratio (club and Int) are nearly exactly the same.
[/quote]To whom? And why?
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907382#msg907382 date=1247827019]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907379#msg907379 date=1247826693]
I'd just like to point out that Xavi and Alonso's goals per game ratio (club and Int) are nearly exactly the same.
[/quote]To whom? And why?
[/quote]

Anyone and i feel like it.
 
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907383#msg907383 date=1247827112]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907382#msg907382 date=1247827019]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=34708.msg907379#msg907379 date=1247826693]
I'd just like to point out that Xavi and Alonso's goals per game ratio (club and Int) are nearly exactly the same.
[/quote]To whom? And why?
[/quote]

Anyone and i feel like it.

[/quote]Cants fuck widit.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907381#msg907381 date=1247826922]I know what youre getting at Ken. Its just fairly irrelevant.
If youre point is that in 2 years time when Xabi has been asked to play further forward we will see results akin to Xavi's then fine, that may be the case. But that doesnt really change my thinking about the Xabi we have here and now.
Anyway, this is all just getting a bit daft. Im clearly in a minority of one thinking all the wailing and gnashing of teeth is disproportionate in regards to what we are actually losing. Thats fine, im not going to gurn about it, im happy with my view as im sure everyone else is with theirs.
[/quote]

I don't see how it's irrelevant at all to be honest. It's this sort of attitude that is the plague of English football really. It doesn't matter if you have first class technique, an excellent footballing brain and wonderful passing ability - unless you're running about visibly doing something, people think you're not doing much of anything.

You often do go way over the top about things - it's your style - so I'm assuming you're doing the same thing here also. But it's been a boring summer and on this Friday, sadly rehashing this tired ass subject beats the alternatives.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907395#msg907395 date=1247827430]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907381#msg907381 date=1247826922]I know what youre getting at Ken. Its just fairly irrelevant.
If youre point is that in 2 years time when Xabi has been asked to play further forward we will see results akin to Xavi's then fine, that may be the case. But that doesnt really change my thinking about the Xabi we have here and now.
Anyway, this is all just getting a bit daft. Im clearly in a minority of one thinking all the wailing and gnashing of teeth is disproportionate in regards to what we are actually losing. Thats fine, im not going to gurn about it, im happy with my view as im sure everyone else is with theirs.
[/quote]

I don't see how it's irrelevant at all to be honest. It's this sort of attitude that is the plague of English football really. It doesn't matter if you have first class technique, an excellent footballing brain and wonderful passing ability - unless you're running about visibly doing something, people think you're not doing much of anything.

You often do go way over the top about things - it's your style - so I'm assuming you're doing the same thing here also. But it's been a boring summer and on this Friday, sadly rehashing this tired ass subject beats the alternatives.
[/quote]So ultimately you agree with me. What he does (and ive never said he doesnt) and does superbly is pass the ball and retain possession?
Its clear im being painted as a xabi hater, and that isnt the case. Im only expecting/hoping.....dreaming about a little perspective.
I have never claimed he isnt going to be missed, or that im not unhappy hes going. But we've lost MUCH better players than him in the past and will in the future. Its just the way it is.
 
Heh, but the way you post, you're coming across as saying Xabi is a nothing player, we don't really need him and his loss will be felt as much as Zenden's was. Like I said, I put it down to your style of posting (correct me if I'm wrong), which is cool - it's just that this time I read your posts and thought they went OTT to the point of being wrong.

As I keep saying, I'm a massive Xabi fan - always have been - and will be gutted when he leaves. But hey, I agree, there is no point crying about it and if and when it happens, I'll be excited to see who we get in as a replacement. That is... unless we get a bad case of Downing Syndrome.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907404#msg907404 date=1247828499]
Heh, but the way you post, you're coming across as saying Xabi is a nothing player, we don't really need him and his loss will be felt as much as Zenden's was. Like I said, I put it down to your style of posting (correct me if I'm wrong), which is cool - it's just that this time I read your posts and thought they went OTT to the point of being wrong.

As I keep saying, I'm a massive Xabi fan - always have been - and will be gutted when he leaves. But hey, I agree, there is no point crying about it and if and when it happens, I'll be excited to see who we get in as a replacement. That is... unless we get a bad case of Downing Syndrome.
[/quote]I dont know how its coming across Ken. And i dont believe im being ott in any way.
All ive said time and again is that we will be fine without Xabi. He will leave, and somehow (fists to heaven) against all the odds Liverpool Football Club will endure.
We wont be losing any goals or assists, or for my money anything defensively. What we will be losing is a central midfielder with a quick brain, slow legs and a great range of passing. The reaction of MANY on here is what i would expect and no doubt echo were Gerrard or Torres to leave.
I dont believe i have to be pro or anti Xabi to feel that the general wailing is fucking ludicrous.
 
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907409#msg907409 date=1247829168]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907404#msg907404 date=1247828499]
Heh, but the way you post, you're coming across as saying Xabi is a nothing player, we don't really need him and his loss will be felt as much as Zenden's was. Like I said, I put it down to your style of posting (correct me if I'm wrong), which is cool - it's just that this time I read your posts and thought they went OTT to the point of being wrong.

As I keep saying, I'm a massive Xabi fan - always have been - and will be gutted when he leaves. But hey, I agree, there is no point crying about it and if and when it happens, I'll be excited to see who we get in as a replacement. That is... unless we get a bad case of Downing Syndrome.
[/quote]I dont know how its coming across Ken. And i dont believe im being ott in any way.
All ive said time and again is that we will be fine without Xabi. He will leave, and somehow (fists to heaven) against all the odds Liverpool Football Club will endure.
We wont be losing any goals or assists, or for my money anything defensively. What we will be losing is a central midfielder with a quick brain, slow legs and a great range of passing. The reaction of MANY on here is what i would expect and no doubt echo were Gerrard or Torres to leave.
I dont believe i have to be pro or anti Xabi to feel that the general wailing is fucking ludicrous.
[/quote]

I understand the resentment of him going, but it all is ott. We're missing a "metronome"? Heaven forbid! There's other players who have been countlessly listed who can replace him. He's not a special individual talent like Gerrard or Torres, he does what he does well, but we can find better and younger. In my opinion
 
[quote author=Fabio Alrighty-o link=topic=34708.msg907411#msg907411 date=1247829449]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907409#msg907409 date=1247829168]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907404#msg907404 date=1247828499]
Heh, but the way you post, you're coming across as saying Xabi is a nothing player, we don't really need him and his loss will be felt as much as Zenden's was. Like I said, I put it down to your style of posting (correct me if I'm wrong), which is cool - it's just that this time I read your posts and thought they went OTT to the point of being wrong.

As I keep saying, I'm a massive Xabi fan - always have been - and will be gutted when he leaves. But hey, I agree, there is no point crying about it and if and when it happens, I'll be excited to see who we get in as a replacement. That is... unless we get a bad case of Downing Syndrome.
[/quote]I dont know how its coming across Ken. And i dont believe im being ott in any way.
All ive said time and again is that we will be fine without Xabi. He will leave, and somehow (fists to heaven) against all the odds Liverpool Football Club will endure.
We wont be losing any goals or assists, or for my money anything defensively. What we will be losing is a central midfielder with a quick brain, slow legs and a great range of passing. The reaction of MANY on here is what i would expect and no doubt echo were Gerrard or Torres to leave.
I dont believe i have to be pro or anti Xabi to feel that the general wailing is fucking ludicrous.
[/quote]

I understand the resentment of him going, but it all is ott. We're missing a "metronome"? Heaven forbid! There's other players who have been countlessly listed who can replace him. He's not a special individual talent like Gerrard or Torres, he does what he does well, but we can find better and younger. In my opinion
[/quote]HOLY SHIT! Im not alone! *hugs fabio*
 
[quote author=Fabio Alrighty-o link=topic=34708.msg907411#msg907411 date=1247829449]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907409#msg907409 date=1247829168]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907404#msg907404 date=1247828499]
Heh, but the way you post, you're coming across as saying Xabi is a nothing player, we don't really need him and his loss will be felt as much as Zenden's was. Like I said, I put it down to your style of posting (correct me if I'm wrong), which is cool - it's just that this time I read your posts and thought they went OTT to the point of being wrong.

As I keep saying, I'm a massive Xabi fan - always have been - and will be gutted when he leaves. But hey, I agree, there is no point crying about it and if and when it happens, I'll be excited to see who we get in as a replacement. That is... unless we get a bad case of Downing Syndrome.
[/quote]I dont know how its coming across Ken. And i dont believe im being ott in any way.
All ive said time and again is that we will be fine without Xabi. He will leave, and somehow (fists to heaven) against all the odds Liverpool Football Club will endure.
We wont be losing any goals or assists, or for my money anything defensively. What we will be losing is a central midfielder with a quick brain, slow legs and a great range of passing. The reaction of MANY on here is what i would expect and no doubt echo were Gerrard or Torres to leave.
I dont believe i have to be pro or anti Xabi to feel that the general wailing is fucking ludicrous.
[/quote]

I understand the resentment of him going, but it all is ott. We're missing a "metronome"? Heaven forbid! There's other players who have been countlessly listed who can replace him. He's not a special individual talent like Gerrard or Torres, he does what he does well, but we can find better and younger. In my opinion
[/quote]

It's very difficult to explain the role Xabi does for us but it should be evident from watching us play. Maybe the pro Xabi fans are being over sensitive but some are casting him off as if he's a nothing player who doesn't contribute bar the odd pass. Xabi was regarded as our player of the season last year along with Gerrard. Nice acolade for a player who does nothing but pass the ball.  We can find better and Younger? I think that would prove very difficult.

I used metronome as he has the ability to make us tick. He tries to set the tempo we play and I think he does a good job in controlling the midfield. Perhaps within the debates both sides of the argument are bordering on the extreme due to it going around in cirlces, I just wish a decision on his future was made so we don't have to discuss the merits of Alonso's game any more. haha.
 
You're certainly not alone Oncy, I think Alonso is an excellent player but not pivotal to our chances next season as long as he is replaced with quality (i.e. not Lucas).

2 of my biggest betting wins have been bets against Spain in which they played Alonso and Xavi as the centre midfield partnership. Both matches were against supposedly hugely inferior teams; Northern Ireland and USA and they lost both games.

IMO the reason they lost, and the reason I bet against them, was that in both cases they were up against very aggresive underdogs who knew that their only chance of an upset was to get stuck into the Spanish players physically and compete for every ball.

Alonso and Xavi are much better players than Sammy Clingan (Norwich City) and Steve Davis (Aston Villa reserve at the time) but because the NI duo harried Alonso and Xavi non-stop all over the pitch they nullified a lot of their threat. The USA midfield did a similar "hatchet" job recently and also prevailed.

Alonso's threat can be nullified by physical teams who defend deep and this is part of the reason we failed to beat the likes of; Stoke City, Hull City, Middlesbro etc.

Alonso is a superb player particularly against top opposition but if we were to replace him with a more dynamic and creative type of players then I don't see it as a problem.

Alonso for Sneijder & Silva = Yes please.
 
His main quality is that he keeps the ball moving quickly, not slowing it down in midfield. Didi used to perform a similar job, while also being a destroyer. Obviously Xabi has a greater passing range, but Didi was very effective, see Istanbul.
 
[quote author=Pesam link=topic=34708.msg907444#msg907444 date=1247831851]
You're certainly not alone Oncy, I think Alonso is an excellent player but not pivotal to our chances next season as long as he is replaced with quality (i.e. not Lucas).


Alonso for Sneijder & Silva = Yes please.
[/quote]

I agree, he isn't pivotal to our chances next season like Gerrard or Torres would, I'm just defending his role in our team.

Sneijder and Silva would be a lovely swap too. Best scenario possible out there.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34708.msg907355#msg907355 date=1247825308]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34708.msg907313#msg907313 date=1247823201]You mean the same club who signed Gabriel Heinz, Mohammed Diarra, Raul Bravo etc yeah, they never EVER sign players who are less than perfect ay?
So you tell me, what does Xabi do other than get it-pass it?
Score? nope
Create/assist? nope
Quality set pieces? nope
Win it back? nope
Great tackles? nope
so what? What am i missing? He gets it, he passes it. Thats it, thats what he does. His passing most of the time is sublime, long or short. But thats what he does. The aura of Xabi that exists on scm is a lot better than the actual Xabi. I mean its a wonder we've managed to lose ANY of the trophies available to us this past 4 years what with this all conquering hero god in the middle of the park tearing teams assunder with his astonishing range of skills.
I say again. He gets it. He passes it. End of fucking list.
[/quote]

I remember some posters were asking what it is that Xavi actually does for Barca earlier this year - what is it that makes him any good?

Well, he doesn't have an engine like Essien, he isn't usually spraying 60yard passes about the field, he doesn't often score 30yard screamers, he doesn't really do that much on the defensive side of things and he doesn't do dribbling. So what is it?

In the last couple seasons, he's been asked to try and get forward more (something that their 4-3-3 formation allows) and there has been a notable improvement in his stats, but what about before?

Could it be that that the lynchpin of the Barca (and Spanish national team) didn't really do much at all?
[/quote]

Mate he has 27 yes [size=10pt]TWENTY SEVEN[/size] assists. Xabi doesn't have that in his whole career.
 
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