Liverpool FC Forum

by **66-1112520797** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:00 pm

I agree with a 5 man midfield Bamaga

What with Alonso in it. :;):

by **supersub** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:03 pm

gah50 wrote:Dont know what the problem is, if someone wants to sell there tickets and make something out of it then thats fair enough. the only problem i see is you are not a real fan. A real supporter would pay anything to go and see there team.

Mon United league champions again. Ac Milan 3 Liverpool 1.

Milan will walk all over you.

Obviously a manc who never goes the game.Any true supporter of any team would be as vehement in our condemnation of the parasites that infest football.Sadly you are just a glory hunting couch potato.no need to reply because you will be banned.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:06 pm

Bamaga man wrote:
I agree with a 5 man midfield Bamaga

What with Alonso in it.

Or maybe Sissoko :eyebrow

Alonso must regain debut season poiseMay 18 2007

by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO took just 60 seconds to score after coming on as a substitute at Anfield last Sunday.

It was a long overdue reminder of his talents, because for much of this campaign Liverpool’s extravagantly gifted midfielder has been missing in action.

Two years ago, during a devastatingly impressive introduction to English football, Alonso strode across the Anfield turf like a latter day Jan Molby.

His ability to dictate the tempo and direction of a match was one of the highlights of the season, switching play like a midfield metronome and firing rapier like passes into the tender underbelly of packed defences – like the wonderful pass from his own half at Roker Park, the piercing ball through to Luis Garcia against Bolton and the pass at The Hawthorns which sealed an impressive away win

They were among seven assists claimed by Alonso that season. This time round he has managed just one – in a Champions League qualifier on August 9 before the season proper had even kicked off.

The stats underline a diminishing influence Alonso has exerted on Liverpool’s fortunes – and that is reflected in the reaction to transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder.

Last summer suggestions that Real Madrid coveted Alonso’s services were met with outrage inside Anfield.

This summer, similar proposals might be greeted with a shrug.

Javier Mascherano’s sparkling form since his arrival from West Ham has salved the pain of Alonso’s disappearance, while the signing of Brazilian Lucas Leiva has intensified central midfield competition even more.

If Alonso is to survive, he needs to recapture the poise of his debut season at Anfield.

Two men enjoying their own debut seasons at Liverpool, meanwhile, have produced stats which suggest the productivity of their campaigns should be re-examined.

Jermaine Pennant has joined the always reliable Steven Gerrard at the top of Liverpool’s assists table, while Craig Bellamy has produced eight assists – and arguably the most important of the entire season in the Nou Camp.

Peter Crouch’s contribution cannot be under-estimated either, eight assists to go with his 18 goals, while Steve Finnan has yet again underlined his role as Anfield’s official unsung hero.

Xabi Alonso, however, has work to do . . .

Favourite assist of the season? Fabio Aurelio’s run and cross which allowed Crouch to show he can be a traditional centre- forward. A taste of what might have been . .

by **66-1112520797** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:29 pm

Two years ago, during a devastatingly impressive introduction to English football, Alonso strode across the Anfield turf like a latter day Jan Molby.

His ability to dictate the tempo and direction of a match was one of the highlights of the season, switching play like a midfield metronome and firing rapier like passes into the tender underbelly of packed defences – like the wonderful pass from his own half at Roker Park, the piercing ball through to Luis Garcia against Bolton and the pass at The Hawthorns which sealed an impressive away win

They were among seven assists claimed by Alonso that season. This time round he has managed just one – in a Champions League qualifier on August 9 before the season proper had even kicked off.

The stats underline a diminishing influence Alonso has exerted on Liverpool’s fortunes – and that is reflected in the reaction to transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder.

I reckon David Prentice is another one like me who cannot see the " unsung " things Xabi does.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:40 pm

Bamaga man wrote:
Two years ago, during a devastatingly impressive introduction to English football, Alonso strode across the Anfield turf like a latter day Jan Molby.

His ability to dictate the tempo and direction of a match was one of the highlights of the season, switching play like a midfield metronome and firing rapier like passes into the tender underbelly of packed defences – like the wonderful pass from his own half at Roker Park, the piercing ball through to Luis Garcia against Bolton and the pass at The Hawthorns which sealed an impressive away win

They were among seven assists claimed by Alonso that season. This time round he has managed just one – in a Champions League qualifier on August 9 before the season proper had even kicked off.

The stats underline a diminishing influence Alonso has exerted on Liverpool’s fortunes – and that is reflected in the reaction to transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder.

I reckon David Prentice is another one like me who cannot see the " unsung " things Xabi does.

Francis Urquhart: You might well think that. I couldn't possibly comment. :laugh:

by ***Juventino*** » Fri May 18, 2007 2:17 pm

REDTILLDEAD wrote:Those arrogant Italians are so far up their own [email]ars@s....that[/email] their are sticking outb of their mouths!....we will show those fagots next wednesday...the match fixing cheats should never been allowed in this years CL.

Us Italian we are not this way. If you have read my topic from the title "The secret of the Milan" you will surely have understood that it is the whole environment of the Milan that is this way: fans, society, trainer, players...

Don't take all of us for of the arrogant.

by **grayghost** » Fri May 18, 2007 2:23 pm

The nerves are starting now less than a week to go see you all in Aldos i will be the one who is :censored:

before the game and can't remeber if we won ur lost the next morning just like last time.

by **Ace Ventura** » Fri May 18, 2007 2:29 pm

Bamaga man wrote:I reckon David Prentice is another one like me who cannot see the " unsung " things Xabi does.

I thought Prentice was the writer for Everton in the Echo, and Bascombe for Liverpool

by **Sabre** » Fri May 18, 2007 2:45 pm

Bamaga man wrote:
Two years ago, during a devastatingly impressive introduction to English football, Alonso strode across the Anfield turf like a latter day Jan Molby.

His ability to dictate the tempo and direction of a match was one of the highlights of the season, switching play like a midfield metronome and firing rapier like passes into the tender underbelly of packed defences – like the wonderful pass from his own half at Roker Park, the piercing ball through to Luis Garcia against Bolton and the pass at The Hawthorns which sealed an impressive away win

They were among seven assists claimed by Alonso that season. This time round he has managed just one – in a Champions League qualifier on August 9 before the season proper had even kicked off.

The stats underline a diminishing influence Alonso has exerted on Liverpool’s fortunes – and that is reflected in the reaction to transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder.

I reckon David Prentice is another one like me who cannot see the " unsung " things Xabi does.

Indeed.

And if the local press spouts that kind of shíte, it's normal the readers also do it.

Don't get me wrong, in my town happens the same thing with the local press, and even worse. So does happen in Madrid, the local press said that Makelele wasn't the typical Real Madrid player, he lacked quality. They sold him. So don't take it as a criticism of Liverpool echo writer, but as a criticism to all journalists.

I'm ready to hear arguements against Alonso, but it must be serious. An assist requires 2 things, a final pass, and a goal. So it's interesting that less assist means diminishing what Alonso provides, especially when many people is saying that our strikers are not good enough.

It's also interesting that you evaluate the game of a holding midfielder deep-lying-playmaker with final pass stats. All that meanwhile many people admit Alonso is being played too deep by Rafa. No amount of tackles analysed, not good passes percentage analysed... ah well.

And of course, the defensive record of Liverpool F.C. has nothing to do with the holding midfielder deep-lying-playmaker, it's all up to the back four, and Reina.

Of one thing I'm certain. Xabi Alonso Olano was a worse player when he reached Liverpool Football Club. He was much more a naive player than he is now. His tackling was more weak and doubtful than it is now. Yet, the press and many fans think that younger Alonso was much a better player.

Which doesn't make much sense because his value in terms of pounds has doubled ever since he came. And big clubs are knocking the door of Liverpool Football Club. Somebody please explain me why's that.

Call me biased to the Basque player, but I'm having the same discussion in the local forums of Real Sociedad. In that forum I'm the defender of the Brazilians (Savio ex Madrid player is a superb player) and the Argentinians, not the local players. The local press there belittle the foreigners aswell once they're tired of their faces. It's just natural.

I hope LFC doesn't make the same mistake Real Madrid did with Makelele. If the ones taking decissions were hearing opinion's like Prentice's, then I can see why LFC hasn't been winning titles as much as I wished them to do so all this years.

It's a shame that David Prentice is paid money in a paper for writing that because to be honest I've read more serious criticism to Xabi Alonso in this very forum, for free.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:00 pm

I'm ready to hear arguements against Alonso, but it must be serious. An assist requires 2 things, a final pass, and a goal. So it's interesting that less assist means diminishing what Alonso provides, especially when many people is saying that our strikers are not good enough.

Blame the forwards, blame the goalkeeper, anybody but my "precious" :laugh:

We scored more League goals this season than either of the two previous seasons, even without Alonso's assists!

by **Sabre** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:03 pm

If you browse the threads, you'll see that I've defended Crouch and Pennant and many players.

I just meant that the stat presented by the journalists doesn't seem to be the more adecuate to assess Xabi's role in the team.

If anyone has other kind of stats or facts to criticise Alonso, I'd be happy to analyse and acknowledge it. And I'd like a serious comparison of the first and this season.

If you're so right, it won't be difficult to show why's that, right?

by **Judge** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:06 pm

touched a little nerve there s@int

by **dawson99** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:07 pm

alonso is a genius. great player. one of the best at what he does.

this season he hasnt been up to his normal standard.

a: his stadards are VERY high
b: maybe he wants to leave, doesnt wanna be secnod fiddle midfielder (whihc anyone would be alongside SG)

dunno what to make of him. if he really wants to stay there is no way we would ever sell. if his head is dropping and we get a big offer, take it quick.

as for wedensdays game. i could see a worse cm trio than JM SG and XA :pirate

by **account deleted by request** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:09 pm

touched a little nerve there s@int

Last season Alonso 6 goals this season 4 your turn

If your so interested in facts.......LOOK THEM UP YOURSELF!

by **Sabre** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:12 pm

dawson99 wrote:alonso is a genius. great player. one of the best at what he does.

this season he hasnt been up to his normal standard.

a: his stadards are VERY high
b: maybe he wants to leave, doesnt wanna be secnod fiddle midfielder (whihc anyone would be alongside SG)

dunno what to make of him. if he really wants to stay there is no way we would ever sell. if his head is dropping and we get a big offer, take it quick.

as for wedensdays game. i could see a worse cm trio than JM SG and XA

I could agree all that.

But, "greeting his offers with a shrug" isn't too much?

On Wednesday? I just want to win. And probably Rafa will use 14 men for that. And we might have 30 extra mins. It's not going to require only Alonso's best (either as a starter or as a sub) but all the team's best.

If someone me assures me we'll win, I wouldn't mind to see Zenden and Sissoko in the middle of the pitch. :nod

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