The rumours of Xabi Alonso’s imminent Anfield exit grow louder by the day and no self-respecting LFC supporter can ignore them anymore; they’re even drowning out talk of Javier Mascherano’s possible transfer to Barcelona. The prospect of Liverpool losing two key parts to the team’s “spine” isn’t one that brings a smile to a supporter’s face.
Yes, Xabi was instrumental in what was a cracking 08-09 season for the club, but he played like a man with a point to prove to the manager – there was a definite sense of “you were going to sell me to buy that?!”. I wonder how many fellow supporters felt that we were witnessing his last season in a red shirt – I certainly felt that way. Yes, he brought us precision passing and greater depth in midfield; but SG does that for us too. With his tirelessly aggressive, attacking style, Mascherano was the perfect foil to Xabi’s more “intellectual” form of play – and I have to say that Masch is my favourite of the two. No-one can deny that we most enjoyed the games in which our lads went for the opposition, attacking relentlessly and giving the other side no quarter, taking no prisoners.
But what we mustn’t forget is that every victory that we all relished – players and supporters alike (we’ll never forget Torres skinning Vidic in the 4-1 pasting we doled out to the Mancs) – was a team effort. Every player had a part to play in each and every match.
Nor must we forget Benítez’s tactical genius and his vision of how the team should work: like a machine, all parts of it working together towards a victorious outcome, silverware and titles. Take one part out, and you have another in reserve/on the bench that brings the same qualities (though not necessarily the same style of play) as the one that’s removed. The machine that is our team is flexible and adaptable because it has to be – not just game to game, but from season to season too.
Players come and go. We love them while they wear the red shirt, and we retain fond memories of their time with us when they leave. Sometimes they leave on bittersweet terms – Riise did; Owen did it; Alonso and/or Mascherano may well do too (my view is that we’ll lose Alonso to Real but Mascherano will stay).
Rafa has just about perfected the formula that will bring the Prem title to Anfield for the first time in 20 years (lord I hate saying that, but it’s a fact). That formula does not depend on any one player; no player is bigger than the team, and Rafa is the first person to embrace that idea.
And no-one needs reminding that there’s no club bigger than Liverpool. Whoever is signed to take a starting place in our midfield will be there because he wants to be, because he loves the club and loves his team – the love of the supporters will always follow.
YNWA
Rachael
I hate the way madrid are going public about alonso, I for one will prefare we sell to anothe club if anyone else can meet his valuation (even man city )
I am in complete agreement with this. I do believe that the likely scenario is that Alonso will go, and Mash shall stay. Although, I would like them BOTH to stay, but, things do happen. Its just confusing to why Alonso has not really stated his reasons for wishing to go, whilst Mash has.
Good views…personally, I think that Benitez has really made the team stronger ever since he took over, and with a little shrewd buying from Alonso’s sale if he chooses to go, we actually have what it takes to win the EPL
Thanks for the feedback, guys – I was a bit nervous, what with it being my very first post…
I’d love to see both Alonso and Mascherano stay put at Anfield and stick two fingers up at the likes of Barcelona and Real, but that’s not at all realistic. The truth is that we’re going to lose one of them, but not both; and unfortunately Alonso’s edging towards the door.
As for Real’s tactics, I’m not in the least bit surprised – it’s all part of their show. I almost admire their honesty in pursuing their targets, though I’m not impressed by how their frankly obscene sums of money (I mean come on, £80m for Ronaldo?!) are essentially shattering the market and encouraging players to make outrageous pay demands – not to mention other clubs slapping inflated price tags on their prize team members. The majority of clubs – including LFC – just cannot keep up.
Mascherano is not gonna move from Anfield! (my personal bet since 2001, and i’ll continue believing in his professionalism).
And if Alonso´s decision is to leave, im not upset, he misses Spain and Madrid is his way. Good luck Alonso!
Peace out!
I really hate the current situation here in Thailand. It affects my sales, my life and and and. When is it going to finish…