Liverpool FC Forum

by **Shanti** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:46 am

I'm still in the sky this morning having watched the Monaco match. I dare to rate the game as the one of the best Liverpool performances since the beginning of GH leads, and simply the best performance since Rafa taking over.

I watched the game on TV, but i have a bit difficulties in examining Alonso's performance since the camera didn't oftenly focus on him and he's physically not an eye-catching figure.

I made this topic as a new thread since i expect the replying posts to be only focus on discussion about him since i really interested in this player's progress. I would like to hearing from you about his general performance in Liverpool, particularly of recent match against Monaco.

Thanks heaps.

by **laza** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:56 am

Well im halfway watching the game now and while it can be deceptive from TV point of view i like the way Garcia and Cisse are beginning to gel. Harry Kewell looked better too in first half
Hadnt seen much of Alonso, will be interesting to hear from people at match what they made of Alonso performance as TV can give you a distorted view
Though my main worry is again Dudek in a game where he didnt have do anything looks to be way down on confidence especially when coming out

by **azriahmad** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 4:50 am

Dudek is rather hesitant when it comes to deciding if he needs to come off his line. He seem rather indecisive and it could have cost us a goal.

Alonso did not make many eye-catching or spectacular passes but he was more contented to sit bacl and let Gerrard do the forward running. This "understanding" is a very important but often overlooked aspect of a misfield partnership. That is why Didi Hamann does not figure very highly in many people's views, but I think that Hamman would have done better under the barrage of Monaco's possession in the second half. Overall, Alonso made a lot of completed passes, mostly short ones.

by **Matt D** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:03 am

I was at the match last night and i would truely say that alonso along with Garcia were outstanding and the best players on the pitch.
Alonso started off the match by hitting a few stray passes but as time went on he was awesome, started to pin point balls and made time by turning the opposition and instead of trying to hit killer balls he was spraying it out to the wings.
Dudek was dodgy and i think if Kirkland is fit (as he was warming up on the touchline last night) then he has to get the go-ahead above Jerzy.
Kewell was... well he was Kewell, moments of inspiration one minute and the next - well lets just say not very good.
Garcia was excellent too - he brings flair, skill and quick thinking to the team, he made runs all night and was unlucky not to get one himself, although he missed a complete sitter - but like Cisse, although not scoring every match, they are getting the chances and so long as somebody can stick the ball in the net, who cares.
i was pleased to see Baros get a goal - which he took very well but i wish he would see the doctor about that superglue on his chin - it keeps sticking to his chest

BRING ON THE SCUMMY REDS

by **anfieldadorer** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:07 am

Good info and welcome, Matt D.

by **jim_morrison_supported_liverpool** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:14 am

i thought alonso was absolutely top drawer to be honest.
what he did brilliantly was make the right pass every time, coming out of defence he was always looking to start moves. and every time stevie G went forward, he was always there minding his spec, he controlled the midfield in a very subtle way. i am very impressed. his passing is so clean.

by **Bruno Zidane!** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:26 am

I thought watchin Alonso was worth the entrance fee alone, his passin is just a joy to watch and someone described him as Molby without the pies! All round it was an excellent display and the players look like there startin to enjoy themselves under Rafa, after a slightly shaky start everythin is startin to fall into place lets just round off a good 10 days by thumpin the mancs

by **JBG** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:34 am

Alonso didn't produce many "Hollywood" moments last night but he did a superb job, and already he and Gerrard seem to have an understanding that surpasses anything Gerrard had with Hamman.

It looks like Alonso will sit in front of the defence allowing Gerrard to get into the opposition box more this season. Because Alonso is far more mobile (and more creative) than Hamman Gerrard will be allowed the luxury of staying further up the pitch.

This is one of the most significant developments of the Benitez era and Gerrard will probably play like a more polished and creative Frank Lampard this season, and he'll get more than 10 goals. He already has 4.

by **JBG** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:36 am

Shanti wrote:and he's physically not an eye-catching figure.

I doubt Zarababe and Cisse_gonna_get_ya would agree with you there!!!

by **woof woof !** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:47 am

I have often advocated that Gerrard should play as an attacking midfielder but the teams defensive frailties have prevented this option. With Alonso taking responsibility behind him now at last Stevie has the freedom to display his attacking instincts .
Four goals already ! If it carries on this way 10 goals will be a doddle . Honestly if he gets 15+ (in all competions) it won't surprise me.

by **RED BEERGOGGLES** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:57 am

Alonso fitted into the midfield like he had been there for years ,Didi's absence was not even noticed such was Alonso's display it was impressive and he even has his own song now ,he's there to stay and he will be an awesome addition to Liverpool's resurgence

by **Redrider** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:08 am

Alonso's game is all about the quick, incisive, forward pass. Mostly short but most of all positive.
What we are seeing here is the additional quality in a player who can not just break the opposition thread and retain possession, but who can also be the instant springboard for an incisive break, Kewell and Garcia werw revelling in the service last night. The strolling sideways balls and slow build-up of last season are being banished.

by **anfieldadorer** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:11 am

woof woof ! wrote:I have often advocated that Gerrard should play as an attacking midfielder but the teams defensive frailties have prevented this option. With Alonso taking responsibility behind him now at last Stevie has the freedom to display his attacking instincts .
Four goals already ! If it carries on this way 10 goals will be a doddle . Honestly if he gets 15+ (in all competions) it won't surprise me.

Hamann used to be given the role last evening burdened to Alonso. But Alonso did it better than Hamann common performances to allow Gerrard moving forward with more freedom. However, Gerrard 'freedom' also resulted from particularly the increasing fluidity of Garcia and the improving strength of the back-four.
Agreed with woof this should create chances to score more.

by **whylongball?** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 12:15 pm

Xabi was solid in the middle with his range of first touch passing. very fast and great vision.

by **taff** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 12:24 pm

Joy to watch him
Just got on with his game and looked to involve the whole team with his passing

With the burden taken off Gerrard he can go forward with more confidence and his play with Garcia was a joy to watch

For me Alonsos greates conribution is dragging the rest of the team into play inviting and demanding runs from others

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