We all know Xabi Alonso is a world-class player and playmaker. He is one of the many engines that power the Liverpool team; whether it's spreading passes about the field, scoring from distance or simply protecting the defence - he's capable of almost anything.
When we were playing Atlético away, the moment Xabi was taken off our play turned to pot - this is due to his amazing passing ability that, arguably, is more accurate and asks more questions about the opposition than Stevie's passes.
Xabi is naturally a deep-lying playmaker. He is a player that likes to sit deep and start off moves from there, but he also has the ability to take up the attacking midfielder role which makes him all the more deadly. Think about it, if Xabi is able to start off an attack in the final third, we're likely to come up with at least a shot on target due to the fact he rarely loses possession (which is also a quality he shares with Stevie).
He will never have that amazing passion for Liverpool FC though, and that in itself may prove to be a disadvantage. Picture us, 1-0 down on 89 minutes at home - can you imagine Xabi leaping into the box to retrieve what looks to be a lost cause? I can't. On the other hand, if we're 1-0 up on 89 minutes, I'm confident that Xabi would do everything in his power and play to get us that extra goal and secure the win.
To conclude, Xabi shares many of Stevie's qualities, but perhaps lacks the passion that Stevie has for the Club (and by no means am I saying that Xabi lacks any sort of passion for the Club). I would say he can fill Stevie's boots if we're on the front foot, but if we go behind ... well who knows?
Let me make it clear that this topic is for any time that Gerrard is unable to play - not just Fulham.
« Last Edit: Nov 21, 2008 05:23:49 pm by Reslivo »
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