An article on a network site, Live4Liverpool, recently claimed that the Reds had to re-sign Xabi Alonso ‘at any cost’.
Well, you can consider this article a counter-point.
First of, it’s the done thing to acknowledge everything Alonso has done for Liverpool football club. During his time at Anfield, he was a talismanic star, who delivered the goods with alarming consistency. His metronomic, deadly sharp passing, his technical ability and his intelligent build-up play kept Liverpool a competitive force.
Playing alongside Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso was part of one of the best midfields in world football. It’s been noticeable that since he left to join Real Madrid, the Reds have had difficulties in this department. His exit back in 2009 stripped Liverpool of their competitive edge and they’ve been sliding down the oh-so-slippery slope ever since.
It’s only natural, therefore that fans have suggested that re-signing Xabi Alonso is the solution. That he’ll provide the pulleys, levers, ropes and climbing gear necessary to help the Reds climb their way back up the slope.
This assertion is made all the more easier by Xabi’s impeccable relationship with Liverpool fans. The man has established himself as a Liverpool legend, not just through his footballing ability, but also through his love of the club. He claims to be a fan and we have no reason to doubt him.
But this shouldn’t affect any decision that Brendan Rodgers may make to re-sign him. This needs to be done on a purely footballing level. There’s no room for sentimentalism in the highly competitive arena of the transfer market.
And footbally speaking, there’s a lot that stands in Alonso’s favour. He has gone from strength to strength since joining Madrid, winning a La Liga trophy, the Copa del Rey, two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup. Not a bad return. Best of all, he can still ping the ball about with pinpoint accuracy.
But here’s the two key facts that dewy-eyed Liverpool fans need to consider. Xabi is 31-years-old. He’s well outside the bracket set by FSG’s transfer philosophy and his best years are surely behind him.
I’m not saying that he’s at the start of a rapid decline, just that he’s a player with no re-sale value. If he joined Liverpool, it would likely be his last footballing contract and he’d cost the club a fortune. Real Madrid wont let him go on the cheap. His salary wont be a pittance, despite his love of Liverpool.
So there we have it: age and cost both combining to provide an argument against signing Xabi Alonso.
I’m sure most Liverpool fans wont agree with me, but I’d like to see the Reds continue to look to the future, rather than the past. It’s time to build something that will last, not something that will fade away.
What’s your take? Would you like to see Xabi Alonso back at Liverpool?
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What a joke of an article. The two points you put up has been discussed in every Liverpool blog and forum.
Harry Cloke, you work for FSG ?
Alonso would be a great signing cause he could show joe allen how its done
I totally agree. I rate Alonso highly as the majority of Liverpool fans do but I do not think re-signing him at all cost is a prudent business decision. If, however, the cost is not prohibitive, then i would say, go for it.
I won’t call you a fool, but your not far from it. Look to the future, thats what we have been doing for the past 25years, we need a reality check. We have many, many promising young talent at the club but when has anyone won anything with kids (Arsnal being the prime example). When you sign Alonso your not just signing him you are giving the likes of Gerrad, Suarez, Stouridge, Stirling and now Couhtinio aminantion a life line which they have been crying for, it turns these good players into world beaters/superstars. Alonso’s game isn’t your 100mph game nor is it mad tackleing crazy game, his game is based on using his head, his footballing brain (and WOW what a brain it is) and therefore i can see him play quite easily until he is 37/38 and that is why he is still worth every penny.
I am sure you will see sence in what I am saying and hope I didn’t offend you with my starting line. But him and couple of world class defenders is all we need, he can make our young kids into great players, thats what he did for Gerrad, Torres and since he left they just haven’t been the same???
Spot on !!!
Fully agree wth rassell,
Also its amazing how FSG/BR have got the fans to accept a midfield/attack of lucas,the welsh xavi, borini, henderson,downing etc are the players to take us further through their crafty spins. Inherited frm previous owners/managers or not, they keep talking up these players who we all can see arent gonna cut it, neither gonna even get us to challengers status, SIMPLY BECAUSE for so long reina,carragher,skrtel, gerrard,kuyt, and recent times suarez have been carrying these players failings that affects play throughout the pitch. During attack or defend, what exactly have the mentioned players have done that changes games?
Bring back Alonso at all cost, we need to put in fear, cautiousness and respect in opponents minds when they play the Reds, we are Liverpool FC!!
Xavi?? Pirlo?? rest my case. class is perm. thats what we need and then start building around
Im totally agree with u rassell..that what we need a master passer in football right now..xabi eventually well known on their talent..some of our youngster could benefit with training and advice from him..
When xabi left lfc 4 R.mardrid back in 2009 we have gone from hero to zero so my point is that we bring him back to anfield .that wil be the best thing to do cause he is inlove with the kops.lfc 4 lyf ynwa.
This article is ridiculous sorry. Here’s my example then I rest my case. A few years ago AC Milan said a certain midfield pass master called pirlo legs had gone. He was let go on a free and juventus happily signed him. What happend then? Juventus won the title and he guided Italy to the finals of Euro 2012 with probably iniesta the only better player at the tournament. He’s got juve in the quarter finals of the champions league and they are going from strength to strength.
Signing Alonso is a must for Liverpool he’s still got so much to offer. My major concern however is it appears morinhio is going Chelsea and dnt be surprised if he try’s taking xabi too. He’s a history of working with players previously from club to club. So Liverpool do everything in yr power!!!
I agree with what you say but not with how you say it. “And footbally speaking” Yeuk!
we dont give a fuck he is one of us a true kopite and we want him back! come back home alonso ynwa!
It would be fantastic if he returned and fitted in well,but that does’n’t work out too often,so it would be risky! The age factor comes in to concideration also,however I imagine he has got at least three more years in him!
YOU NOTICE THAT I HAV”N”T USED ANY SWEARWORDS!THEY ARE CHILDISH ON BLOGSITES AND TOTALLY UNECESSARY !
come home alonso we need you alonso is legend best player ever YNWA
Age is a moot point.
Alonso’s game is not based on speed of movement but speed of thought.
Look at Arteta at Arsenal. He’s no spring chicken but he consistenly performs at the highest level and Wenger did well to get him as he was underrated.
If Alonso comes he will immediately fit into the first team and will be the pass master that will run the team and start our attacks.
Allen will learn a lot from him and can rotate with Alonso. This way he won’t be overplayed and Alonso can carry on playing well into his 30s like Gerrard who claims that his career has been lengthened.
I agree, anyway he’s not for sale. 8.5m would not be a justifiable price tag for a player who gave his all, but was betrayed of his feelings and made to be one whom could be sold to gamer funds for other players.
Get lost, hit the road Liverpool. You don’t deserve him anymore (and this comes from someone who supported Alonso during his Liverpool days, but was ultimately betrayed similar to Alonso)