Can anyone actually see or believe that Real will actually win anything just because they've bought the market?..
To be honest, I think they'll struggle as always.
To be honest, I think they'll struggle as always.
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Hard to say, but with real quality in almost every position, it would be silly to assume they won't be a threat.Comment
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In all honesty, the capture of Alonso gives them a much better chance than before. From a football point of view, they needed him as otherwise they have a set of attackers and a set of defenders. Kaka works, but other than him, their whole attack is not renowned for work rate and so their defenders are busy. I read somehwere that Casillas was the busiest keeper in Spain - for a team that came second! Alonso will, if allowed to, find the space for the others to work.
I am gutted he has gone, I was really pleased with out midfield triumvirate but not so sure now.Comment
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Haven't felt this bad about a player leaving since Fowler went the first time. Absolutely gutted.Comment
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At least we seem to have got good money for him. Am gutted as well though. I still don't think Real will win either La Liga or the CL. It'll be interesting to watch them at least.Comment
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IMO as big a loss to your lot as Ronaldo is to us but more drastic than that is another huge loss for the Premiership,and a huge gain for La Liga.Comment
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Aquilani signs
On the official LFC site:
Liverpool FC today confirmed they have agreed a deal with AS Roma for the transfer of Italian international Alberto Aquilani, subject to a medical. Liverpool concluded their discussions with Roma once the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid was finally agreed.
Aquilani, who recently celebrated his 25th birthday, is expected to feature heavily for Italy in next year?s World Cup finals.
Rafa Benitez said: "Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer. He will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical. Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League.
"He has long been recognised as a top class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under 19 and Under 21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side."Comment
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Hard to tell with him. Does seem to have a decent record at Roma but then, he's only really shone in ItalyComment
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Quality player, that's a fine signing that one!Comment
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To be honest, I don't know too much about him except that he was pretty good on FIFA09Originally posted by abigsmurf View Post
When we signed Torres I felt the same. I knew him and that he was quite decent, but wasn't such the prolific goal scoring machine he has become. I'll have to trust in Rafa and hope he moulds him into something special.
Could do with another quality signing next.Comment
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Only really shone in Italy? He is Italian, has been at the same club since he turned professional, where else would he shine? Especially considering he hasn't had a big run in the international set up?
Thats like saying Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard seem to have decent records but have only done it in England.....
Anyhow, he hasn't signed yet. He'll have a medical, a thorough too I imagine considering he is recovering from an ankle injury. Then we can begin celebrating his capture.Comment
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It's a huge blow, and I'm expecting a make-or-break season for us this year now. Without Alonso, I just can't see us being as consistent, defensively at least, I'm afraid
It's going to be interesting to see how Benitez changes the shape of the team next year, which he surely has to. I have to admit, I know nothing of this new Italian, but will he be playing him in Alonso's role or moving Stevie G back into a deeper midfield role again? Gerrard's the only one who has anything like Xabi's passing ability, but we'd be losing his attacking intent that was so good last season.
*sigh*Comment
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Rafa see's Gerrard as a striker, so I'm presuming he (Aquilani) is going to fill Alonso's role.
Anyways, its good to see our other strikers finding the net.
I thought perhaps a good backup striker who is also a worker for the team is Tuncay. Would be able to pick him up for ?5 million perhaps? Unless Rafa is happy with the other strikers, perhaps the remaining millions from Alonso's sale will go towards a decent winger.Comment
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As with most Italian players, Aquilani is good technically. He should be able to perform in the role of Alonso, only time will tell if he can do what Alonso managed though.
Im very much looking forward to seeing him play for Liverpool, Mascherano has gone a bit quiet so hopefully they've done a deal to let him go next year or something. If its true his family dont like England he wont be staying in the long term, thats for sure.Comment
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Video time!
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